Maison Felisa

An easy-going spirit infuses this old stone house, with restful contemporary interiors and a pretty pool in its walled garden

Everything here is a treat. The 12th century village has narrow lanes, mellow stone soaks up the sun, the odd dog barks. There’s a bar and boules in the tiny square, a couple of good bistros you can shuffle off to, and you’re close to all the things you’d want to be close to: Uzès, Avignon, the Cèze valley and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.

All of which you risk missing if you check into the ever-so-pretty Felisa. This is an easy-going, young-at-heart, super-comfy place that encourages you to chill, with a 12-metre pool in the shady walled garden, a wood-burner in the airy open-plan sitting/dining room and essential oils burning on the staircase. Contemporary-style rooms are great value for money; splash out on the big rooms for huge balconies that overlook the garden, and help yourself to drinks from the fridge (very reasonably priced). It's an exceptional little place that gives more than most for less than most.

Highs

• The two balcony/garden rooms - worth the money
• The walled garden and shimmering pool
• Excellent massages and facials
• An unspoilt corner of Provence yet a great base for exploring its highlights
• Avignon TGV station is close by; from London in summer it’s quicker to take the train than to fly
• Good value all round

Lows

• The cool interiors and Zen-like ambiance may be too contemporary for some
• Few mod cons in the bedrooms (no TV or phone) - a bonus for some
• There are a couple of local restaurants in the village, but you'll have to drive further afield for gourmet fare