Cantalauze La Maison Rouge

The house is packed with warmth and colour, from the ochre walls and the terracotta tiles to the polished old wooden floorboards. There’s plenty of space in the living room for everyone to sit with ease, there are books and games for wet weather days, videos and a sound system. A large wooden table in the homely, well-equipped kitchen will make indoor meals a joy.

Mostly you’ll be out in the lovely garden, chasing the sun, swimming in the pool (there’s a smaller one for children) or seeking shade with a book under one of the mature pine or plane trees. There’s a barbecue out here, a covered patio for al fresco meals, ping-pong, pétanque and a bowling space. Long summer evenings will be lovely.

Upstairs are calming bedrooms with views – a double on the first floor with an en suite and a twin with a shower, then on the second floor two doubles and a twin. Sleep soundly listening to the wind in the trees and the chattering of cicadas.