You'll find this gorgeous family-size cottage, surrounded by unspoilt countryside, at the foot of the typical Provençal village of Ventabren, is just about as sweet as it gets. Slip into your private pool for a morning swim beneath the cypress trees, before preparing a French breakfast out on the furnished terrace. Under a pergola of vines, with a view of the fountain, we can think of nothing better than drinks and dinner alfresco out here with friends and family.

Inside, it’s warm and welcoming, with pastel pink tones and rustic terracotta tiles. The chic, art-deco-inspired living room and dining area tempts cosy evenings spent snuggled up besides the crackling fire playing light-hearted games and drinking wine.

But when it's time to head out, take a fifteen-minute drive to the beautiful city of Aix-en-Provence, boasting stone streets and cobbled squares overlooked by the Sainte-Victoire mountain. Locally, there's a hub of activity all within walking distance with a historic centre and breathtaking views of the Berre pond. You can also reach Marseille and it's sandy beaches in just thirty minutes by car.

Home truths:
*The garden is shared with your hosts who live in the adjoining house
*We recommend hiring a car to make the most of the area
*There's free parking on the premises
*While there's no desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Child-friendly amenities such as a baby cot, highchair, baby bath and more are supplied by your host upon request
*It's a fifteen-minute drive from the Aix TGV train station and the Marignane airport