This guest house is located in a quiet corner of Provence, close to the tiny traditional village of Aups and within day-trip distance of the coast. Nestled in an olive grove, it's a cluster of traditional buildings that have been given a contemporary makeover by their artist/writer owners.
The property consists of five large suites: three deluxe, one junior and one prestige, each with its own color scheme and art by the owner, comfy beds, walk-in showers, robes, iPod docks and wifi. Each houses 2-4 guests, and the owners can furnish baby cots and bed if needed.
The hotel doesn't have its own restaurant, but the suites all have a small kitchen island that is perfect for preparing breakfasts and small meals. There is also a guest salon with hot plate and microwave, and a grocery store and a restaurant are within easy walking distance.
Most of the suites have their own private terrace, and the grounds of the property are furnished with a lovely outdoor pool, a boules pitch, a hammock and several lounge corners, as well as an honesty bar.
You can even leave with a bottle of their home-produced olive oil.
THE CROSSROADS IN AUPS
The hotel is only 400 steps from the village of Aups, which is located in the south of France, roughly equidistant between Cannes and Marseille. Aups is famous for its local produce like olive oil, truffles, and honey, and has a renowned weekly truffle market.
The village is at a crossroads. The wine route, the truffle route and Les Gorges du Verdon (Verdon Canyon) route all pass through Aups, and it's a central point in the Parc Naturel du Haut Var, a protected natural park. Other nearby sights include Lake Sainte Croix and villages like Tourtour, Moustiers Sainte Marie, Cotignac and Villecroze.
Farther afield (but accessible for a day trip) are Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and the Riviera, with hot-spots Saint-Tropez, Antibes, Nice, and Cannes.
LOCATION
Aups, Provence, France. Nearest airport: Cannes-Mandelieu (CEQ, 54 miles), Nice, Marseille & Toulon Internaitonal Airports (80 mins)
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Late spring and summer. The hotel is open from April to mid-October.