Azur & Altitude

Tucked into the hills above Les Issambres, this villa revolves around a walled pool garden framed by cypress trees – the kind of outdoor setting you won't want to leave. Stone terraces wrap around the home, where a pergola-shaded dining area and cosy lounge corners sit among the oleander and jasmine plants. There's also a pool house for lunch and lounges in the sun. Inside, eclectic interiors mix antique and contemporary pieces with original artwork. The French Riviera coastline is just a five-minute drive, and Port Grimaud's canals and colourful quaysides are ten minutes away.

Home truths:
* Air conditioning is only available in the bedrooms.
* If you're travelling with a baby, a cot and high chair are available – worth requesting these before you arrive.
* You'll need a car to make the most of your stay here. The village centre and beach are a five-minute drive, and wider day trips to Saint-Tropez, Nice, and Cannes all require wheels – or a ferry in summer. There is on-site parking within the villa's own grounds.
* The kitchen is equipped with a combination microwave, oven, and grill rather than a full-sized conventional oven.
* As is common in France, the toilet is separate from two of the bathrooms – including the main en-suite. However, there's a separate WC here.