Holiday Homes & Baches in Provence

Located in the sunny south of France, Provence is a heady mix of rugged landscapes, cedar forests and glittering Mediterranean coastline. It starts in the Alps, where you'll find blissfully tranquil destinations such as the Mercantour National Park. Other rocky outcrops of note include the Luberon massif which stands at over 4000 feet and the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, depicted countless times by the painter Paul Cezanne. Dotted among hills, ideal for mountain biking and horse-riding are ancient stone towns and villages, among them the region's capital Aix-en-Provence, with its medieval cathedral and wealth of fountains, all the more refreshing in that year-round sun.

The Provence coast is just as beautiful, varying from sunny beaches to the Calanques' steep, rocky inlets and the lagoons and reed beds of the Camargue, where flocks of flamingos gather in the wide delta of the River Rhone. Or for a complete change of pace, wend your way to Marseille. One of the great cities of the Mediterranean, this cosmopolitan centre has a long list of museums, a vibrantly multicultural music and culinary scene, as well as the traditional charms of its Old Port and historic landmarks like La Vieille Charité, an eye-catching baroque chapel turned cultural centre.

Provence is best known for its rosé wines, and another popular drink is pastis, an evening liqueur flavoured with anise.

Don't be shy of trying your hand at a game of petanque. Taking place in village squares all over Provence, this type of boules is a great way of breaking the ice with the locals.

With its two tiers of arches, the magnificent Roman amphitheatre in Arles featured in the Robert de Niro thriller Ronin. And it's just one of the archaeological treasures from Roman times in the area, which also include an obelisk, baths and aqueduct.

That's the local nickname for the mighty Mont Ventoux. Rising to over 6000 feet, its steep pathways attract cyclists who like a challenge. The 16 mile route from Saule up to the barren peak is said to be the easiest option, but you still need plenty of calf power.

Near Merindol, the Gorges de Regalon offers a narrow natural walkway that makes a dramatic backdrop for keen hill walkers.