Just outside the archetypal Provençal village of St-Rémy, this beautifully restored farmhouse is full of character and charm. With superb gardens full of hidden corners, shady trees and colourful plants, this is the perfect place for family and friends to gather together for a memorable holiday in this captivating part of southern France. Inside there’s a relaxed atmosphere in the cosy and comfy living room with a grand fire-place and a sweet, traditional dining room. This is contrasted by the bright and ultra-modern kitchen, equipped with everything you need and with doors opening out to the garden and terrace. There are four pretty bedrooms in the main house whilst the nearby annexe offers an impressive contemporary double with it’s own spa bath and a simple but spacious quad room with cool tiled floors. With many original features throughout the house, guests will appreciate the Provençal charm of this traditional home. Outside offers further space over the hectare of glorious grounds. With a great variety of flowers and plants, offering beautiful colour throughout the summer, it’s easy to find your own secret corner under the shade of one of the magnificent trees. The large swimming pool is fenced off and offers the perfect place for a dip whilst children play ping-pong or boules nearby. As the evening approaches, relax by one of the lovely terraces and listen out for the sound of the cicadas as the evening barbecue is prepared by the pool house. It’s just a five minute drive to nearby St-Rémy, well-known for being popular with artists including Vincent Van Gogh. In the summer months, on selected Sundays, the ‘Route des Artistes’ fills with local artists showing off their work creating a wonderful and bustling atmosphere. The village is also famous for its many restaurants, from down to earth bistros found on pretty narrow streets to Michelin starred establishments. Food lovers, don’t miss the market on a Wednesday morning! You are of course in the heart of this formidable area of vineyards, idyllic villages, world-renowned towns and summer landscapes of sunflowers and lavender both in Les Alpilles and beyond. Eygalières, Les Baux-de-Provence and Avignon are all within easy reach as well as Van Gogh’s beloved Arles and the mesmerising Luberon and Camargue, which can easily be visited in a day. Whether exploring the local markets, cycling through lavender fields or pony trekking through the magnificent countryside, this region is sure to offer memorable activities for all ages. Features: Interior of House (300m2) Ground Floor - Living room with fire-place - TV room - Dining room - Kitchen opening on to garden terrace. Well-equipped including electric oven, microwave, fridge-freezer, gas hobs, Nespresso machine, dishwasher - Cellar access - Access to laundry room - WC First Floor - Double bedroom (140cm bed) with dressing room and own bathroom and WC - Double bedroom (140cm bed) with own bathroom and WC - Twin bedroom (each 90x190cm bed) interconnecting with double bedroom (140cm bed) with dressing room and own bathroom (shared between twin and double bedroom) and separate WC Annexe - Double bedroom (180cm bed) with spa in the bedroom. Open-plan shower room and WC - Quad room with double bed (140cm) and two single beds (each 90x190cm beds) Outside Grounds (1 hectare) - Swimming pool (15mx6m, depth 0.8m-1.9m), fenced - Pool house with BBQ, shower and WC - Al-fresco terrace - Gardens - Boules pitch - Covered parking and automatic gate NB guardian lives on site in an apartment behind the house, near the car parking Facilities - Air-conditioning (bedrooms only) - Wi-Fi - Cable TV - DVD player and video recorder - Hi-Fi - Table tennis - Table football - Boules - Washing machine - Iron and ironing board Location: Maison des Cigales is located just outside St-Rémy (4km), an idyllic Provençal village in the heart of Les Alpilles National Park. The village is well known for being popular with artists, many live in the area and display or sell their works of art in the village’s art galleries. The most famous artist of all has to be Vincent Van Gogh who checked himself into the asylum St Paul de Mausole, which can be visited today, and created 150 paintings including ‘Starry Night’. In the summer months, on selected Sundays, the ‘Route des Artistes’ fills with local artists showing off their work creating a wonderful and bustling atmosphere. The town is also famous for its many restaurants, from down to earth bistros found on pretty narrow streets to Michelin starred establishments. The surrounding countryside is rich with olive groves and vineyards with private tours and tastings easily arranged. Food lovers, don’t miss the market on a Wednesday morning! You are of course in the heart of this formidable area of vineyards, idyllic villages, world-renowned towns, and summer landscapes of sunflowers both in Les Alpilles National Park and beyond. Baux-de-Provence, one of France’s acclaimed ‘plus beaux villages’ and Van Gogh’s precious Arles, are both within easy reach. Gordes is yet another one of the beautiful villages worth visiting with stunning architecture, set in the outstanding Luberon region, surrounded by lavender fields in the summer months. Don’t miss the lively city of Avignon during your stay. Explore the winding medieval streets, experience further excellent dining opportunities and visit two UNESCO world heritage sites, the Pope’s Palace and Saint Benezet Bridge. The covered market offers all sorts of delights or head to the weekend farmers, flower and flea markets for wonderful local produce and a bargain or two. Those looking for activity have so much on their doorstep. There is both horse-riding and golf within a short drive and both the immediate and wider area are a walkers and cyclists paradise with stunning countryside and landscapes. Older children will love kayaking in the Sorgue and there are plenty of other family friendly activities throughout the region from model railways, open castles to trekking across the tree tops and visiting a zoo. Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? €2000 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 5.00 p.m. Late arrivals after 9.00 p.m. may be charged a late arrival fee of €120. Departure time? 10.00 a.m. Energy costs included? Yes. Heating costs included? Yes. Linen & towels included? Yes, including pool towels. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Pets welcome? On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Changeover day? Saturday. Minimum stay? 7 nights. Other Ts and Cs? A/C is only available in the bedrooms. Tax? French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €2-€4 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).