Mas Saint Martin

The house (originally built in the 17th-century as a wine cellar) sits on a spur overlooking wooded hillsides and the organic vineyards of Terrebrune; views soar in all directions. There’s a light, airy feel with climbing plants inside and Anduze pot planters outside, a very comfortable veranda connected to the terrace by floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a super kitchen with plenty of space.

Seek shade under two large trees on the terrace, slide into the lavender-edged swimming pool on the lower terrace, find plenty of loungers and a bottle of local rosé, settle in for a dose of slothfulness. Teenagers will haunt the study/TV room with its big screen and internet games console and younger children can tear about the garden climbing trees. Four bedrooms are up a steep circular staircase and all have views.

Stroll down the road to Terrebrune for serious wine tasting and a delicious lunch, stock up on local produce in Ollioules.