Village House in Entrecasteaux, Cotignac Area - Var, Provence Reviews

This house was exactly as described on the Owners Direct website - except that it surpassed the description! It is a beautifully restored, light, spacious and characterful village house. It was immaculately clean on our arrival and had everything we could possibly need. The sunny terrace overlooking the gorge and small river at the back was ideal for al fresco meals - and our son enjoyed using his own private terrace at the top of the house. The only reservation (which did not apply to us) was that, being on four floors, the house requires a lot of going up and down stairs, so would not be suitable for infirm or disabled visitors.

Like the previous visitors, we enjoyed being able to nip out to the boulangerie (a minute's walk away) for bread, croissants and other treats. The house is right near the centre of this picturesque village, but benefits from being in a (narrow) pedestrian street so is not spoiled by the noise of passing traffic. Although we spotted a fair number of English visitors, the village feels very much like a living French community, with friendly locals happy to chat. (We also made the acquaintance of the charming trio of elderly ladies who always sat in the same spot on the corner!)

I was a bit concerned that our teenage son would find the place too quiet or dull, but he quickly and happily settled into the calmer pace of life here. The highlight for us was definitely the Lac Ste Croix, which made for idyllic swimming, but we also enjoyed exploring the spectacular Gorge du Verdon. We did make a couple of trips to the sea, but it seemed crowded and overdeveloped in contrast to the peaceful interior.

I would love to come back!

Sarah Surrey