Les Cigales

Nestled in the vines of one of the most prestigious vineyards in Provence, Les Cigales is a converted grape harvest barn in a spectacular setting. This is a wonderful location for visiting Provence and the glistening Cote d'Azur with some of the most beautiful beaches of the Var within easy reach and jet-setting destinations such as Saint-Tropez ideal for a superb day out.

Live amongst the vines the Provencal way as you relax at Les Cigales. On one side of the villa is a light-filled and spacious open-plan living and dining area attractively furnished with hand-crafted walnut pieces, large comfortable sofas and fireplace. The generous-sized table can seat up to 16 guests for fine dining throughout the year. This space leads out to the magnificent swimming pool and garden.

On the other side of the villa is the fully-equipped modern kitchen boasting a professional gas range and electric oven, American fridge-freezer, two dishwashers, coffee machines and other kitchen gadgets – cooking here is an absolute pleasure. There is also an outdoor summer kitchen with plancha, gas cooker and ice-maker.

Reached via the kitchen, the enchanting walled garden is shaded from the sun by a large pergola where you can dine al-fresco accompanied by the sound of trickling water from a natural source, ideal for lazy breakfasts, lingering lunches and barbecues on balmy summer evenings.

After a day's activity, fall asleep to the sound of the cicadas in one of Les Cigales' five stylish bedrooms. Three of the double rooms (all with king or super-king beds) are en suite whilst the two twin/double rooms (each with an extra sliding bed) share a family shower room. The ground floor bedroom is self-contained, perhaps good for grandparents seeking a little privacy, and we especially love the master bedroom with its south-west facing balcony, a romantic spot to watch the sunset with a glass of local rose.

The 12m long swimming pool is surrounded by sun-drenched terraces infused with sensuous Mediterranean scents of rosemary, lavender, thyme and pine alongside the lazy drone of cicadas. Complete with an aperitif pool and a ledge for small children, this is an idyllic place to while away a lazy afternoon on the many sunbeds or beneath the two shaded areas for a siesta out of the midday sun.

Amongst the large and beautifully landscaped garden, guests can enjoy the boules pitch and ping pong table or the hammock for quieter moments. There is also a children's play area and even a chicken coop at the end of the garden where you can often collect fresh eggs.

For guests wishing to keep active, there is a gym room with a Pilates reformer – imagine an early morning yoga session or circuit followed by a swim in the pool as a great start to the day! For those of you who wish to truly unwind, relax in the jacuzzi under the stars on the raised terrace overlooking the vines – a truly tranquil and magical setting.

Experience a spot of pampering by making the most of the hammam (at an extra cost). The owners can also organise massages, wine-tastings, a private chef and other fantastic services with advance notice.

Lazing on the brilliant beaches of the Cote d'Azur, discovering the magical region of Provence, browsing the local markets, visiting vineyards and sampling the finest Cotes de Provence wines, hiking or just idling your days away by the pool, Les Cigales offers the perfect base to enjoy the beauty of the South of France. Ideal for family reunions, weekends away with friends or special occasions all year round.

Features

Villa Interiors (300m2)

Ground Floor

• Entrance hall
• Open-plan living-dining room with sofas, chairs, fireplace, dining table (seating 16 guests). Doors out to swimming pool and garden
• Modern kitchen, fully-equipped including two dishwashers, professional range with 5 x gas hobs and double electric oven, microwave, American fridge-freezer, small drinks fridge, juicer, coffee machines, kettle, toaster, food processor, blender. Doors leading to walled garden and al-fresco dining terrace
• Bedroom (self-contained) with en suite bathroom with shower, double sink and WC

Upper Floors

• Master double bedroom with dressing room, office and en suite bathroom with large bath, shower and WC. South-west facing balcony
• Bedroom (east facing) with double bed, garden/vine views and en suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
• Bedroom (south facing) with twin/double beds plus a pull-out bed and hand basin
• Bedroom (south facing) with twin/double beds plus a pull-out bed and a balcony
• Family bathroom with shower and WC
  Double beds are all king or super king-size
  Separate Wellness room
• Gym, hammam (available at an extra cost) and double sofa-bed

Outside Grounds (3100m2)

• Heated swimming pool (12x5m, depth: 1.4m) plus aperitif pool with ledge. Safety fence and solid cover. Open approximately April to end-October
• Several al-fresco dining and shaded sitting areas
• Outdoor kitchen with ice-maker, professional gas cooker and plancha
• Al-fresco dining table for up to 22 guests
• Poolside pergola
• Landscaped gardens
• Herb and vegetable gardens
• Animal pen with chickens and Angora rabbits
• Boules pitch with sitting area
• Ping pong table
• Children's play area
• Car parking (three spaces by villa and more at end of garden)
  Facilities
• Wi-Fi
• Heating
• Air-conditioning
• 2 x TVs with satellite channels (including BBC/ITV)
• French TV
• DVD player
• Gym room with bike, weights, waff, yoga mats and pilates reformer machine
• Hot tub
• Hammam with steam room and massage table (available at an extra cost)
• Table tennis
• Boules pitch
• Board games
• Toys
• Hairdryer in each bathroom
• Washing machine and iron

Location

Les Cigales is set in a pretty hamlet in the vines of a prestigious vineyard, a five-minute drive from an old Provencal village in the Var department of southern France.

The local village, just under 4km away, is full of charm with its winding lanes and historic buildings, pretty fountains and panoramic views from the top where you can admire many of the vineyards that make up the surrounding landscape. As well as restaurants, cafes and shops, you'll find the wonderful Farmer's market on a Friday morning. There is also a supermarket complex just a couple of kilometres from the villa, en route to the village.

Other great Farmer's markets to discover include Pierrefeu-du-Var (8km) on a Saturday, the coastal town of Le Lavandou (40km) on a Thursday morning and Hyeres (24km) on a Sunday morning (when there is also an atmospheric flea market/brocante). A little closer to home, Puget-Ville (5km) also has a brocante on a Sunday morning.

Wine-tasting is a given in this region which produces some of the greatest Cotes de Provence wines as well as other well-known appellations. Wine-tasting and vineyard tours can be arranged by the owners and you can buy wine from the vineyard next door.

The Var region offers so much across all the seasons. There are many hiking trails through the hills, cycling and mountain biking are popular in the area and horse-riding stables can be found within a few minutes by car. There are also tennis courts within 5km and various golf courses including Golf de Valcros, near La Londe, around half an hour away.

Despite this rural location, the beaches of the French Riviera can be easily reached. The nearest beach is in La Londe-les-Maures, around half an hour away or head to the lovely seaside town of Le Lavandou (40km) with its sandy beaches, including Plage de Saint-Clair which has been voted as one of France's most beautiful beaches. La Presqu'ile de Giens (30km), just south of Hyeres is also superb or head further east to the incredible La Croix Valmer coastline, especially wonderful for walkers who can follow the coastal path and come across unique beaches such as Plage de Gigaro (70km).

Hyeres (24km) is a beautiful city to explore, as is Toulon (25km) with its great harbour. The well-known fishing village of Saint-Tropez (70km) is just over an hour away; make sure you visit the world-famous Pampelonne Beach with its exclusive beach clubs such as Le Club-55, often frequented by celebrities. Perhaps combine the day out with a visit to one of the many idyllic villages such as Gassin, Ramatuelle, La Mole or Bormes-les-Mimosas.

Take a boat from one of the harbours to some lovely islands just off the coast, including Porquerolles with its magnificent beaches. The island can be explored by foot or bicycle; take a picnic for a great trip out with all the family.

For another spectacular day out, head inland to the famous Verdon Gorge (120km), one of France's most amazing natural wonders and a great place to hire boats, kayaks and canoes.