Holiday rentals and lettings in Provence

Whether you want to be by the sea or in the hills, in the quiet or close to the bustle of Mediterranean town life, there are holiday rentals in Provence to cater to your every wish. Properties in the peaceful towns and villages of Malaucene, Merindol, Bedoin, Le Barroux and Mazan let you escape into a sun-baked landscape scented with lavender. Alternatively, base yourself near the bustling ports of Marseille and Toulon to have beaches and blue seas at your doorstep.

For a comfortable home away from home, book yourself a stay in a traditional stone farmhouse, restored and decorated in a sympathetic rustic French style. Picture tiled roofs and floors, balconies and terraces draped in vines, rambling mature gardens overlooked by misty blue hills. Averaged sized families will have room to spare in one of these holiday rentals catering from 4 to 6 people, but there are larger properties that can house up to 12 if you're looking to invite a more extended mix of friends and relations. Determined to bring a furry friend along too? There are also holiday lettings that accept pets!

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.

It's hard to think of a part of the world that has inspired a greater number of artists. Paul Cezanne was a local boy who obsessively painted the landscape around Aix-en-Provence. Vincent van Gogh spent a very productive few years in the region of Arles, Matisse's life-affirming work was inspired by St Tropez, and Picasso lived for many years at Vallauris, founding a pottery as well as churning out masterpieces.

The coastal cities of Provence are responsible for two of France's most universally famous dishes (even if many people are aware of the names without knowing exactly what they are). Bouillabaisse is a hearty seafood stew native to Marseille, made with eel, sea urchins and other tasty morsels infused with thyme and bay leaves. Then there's ratatouille, a dish of stewed courgettes, aubergines, onions and peppers, delicious served with crusty bread. Speaking of bread, try fougasse, a sweet loaf stuffed with fruit and nuts. And when you're in Provence, don't forget to pick up a pot of aioli, a thick sauce made with olive oil and garlic, the perfect complement to freshly grilled fish.

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.