he rugged countryside and the wonderfully ancient and charming villages and towns make this part of France quite enchanting. The warm climate, the simple but sunny Mediterranean flavours of the cuisine seems to disconnect you from the pressures of life and sooth you with peace and calm. Unless, of course, you hit the buzzing Cote d’Azur; but we will not, except to see a few gardens.

The area around Nice has a veritable wealth of grand and more natural gardens , often edged by the azure blue Mediterranean Sea. If one is so inclined we could arrange to stay on a Yacht, exploring the coastline, otherwise retreat to the rolling hills staying in a beautiful old Chateau hotel.

One cannot resist visiting some of the lovely old medieval villages, with their narrow winding streets, olive groves almost entering the high streets, the occasional vineyard where we can sample the lovely

refreshing Rose’s so well known in the region and compare the various Reds. They are less well known but, but with careful selection are often exciting to discover.

One of the other delights of the area just to the west of this region and only about an hours drive is a wonderful area of wine growing. One can discover some real gems of fine wines that are not well known.

On a recent trip my client and I sampled some gorgeous wines in a little village [Montpeyroux] and discovered an excellent grower in the neighbouring village of Jonquieres.

There is also a little pottery nearby that make wonderful large Provence pots-[I imported 6 back to England ] and the most stunning gorge not a mile away. I could go on but I would prefer to have you come along and enjoy the fun of finding these marvellous places.