This three bedroom stone house is tucked away on a small hillside in the hamlet of La Colle in the heart of Provence. There are only three properties in La Colle, so guests can relax in a tranquil natural environment, filled with birdsong and the buzz of bees. La Colle sits in its own 30 hectare country estate and is surrounded in all directions by prairie, forest, lavender fields, olive plantations and scented shrubs. The 10x4.5 meter pool overlooks a panoramic mountain vista from its dominant vantage point.

La Colle was built a few hundred years ago, and is an excellent example of a traditional Provençal farmhouse. The same owner also runs the neighbouring gîte, Galileo, which has received the coveted Five Globes Award from World One Call, a private holiday referral service.

The spacious accommodation is well equipped for a family holiday. The entrance leads into the fully fitted country kitchen with exposed oak beams. Opening off the kitchen is the main living and dining area, a large and comfortable room with a voute, or vaulted ceiling. It was originally a stable at the turn of the century, but has since been developed into a comfortable space for family activities, and includes a flat screen TV, satellite and DVD with a library of movies. Also featured is a NAD hi-fi system. The property also has on demand wi-fi internet access. The large fireplace at the end of the archway, more often used in winter, is the focal point of the room, which is filled with different seating and relaxation areas. A large bathroom also lies on the ground floor.

Upstairs are the three large bedrooms. One has a spacious queen bed, another has a pair of single beds, which can be converted to a large double bed, and the third has a large single brass bed.

La Colle also offers painting holidays with renowned artists, and photographic safaris with industry professionals. Email for further details.

Please also note: As the property is accessed by a narrow country lane, it is not recommended that guests bring sports cars or caravans.

Special features:	• Pool on the property • Pets welcomed • Bilingual assistance available on site
Swimming pool:	(10m x 4.5m)

Forcalquier is the principal town serving the area. There are two supermarkets, and a host of small shops and businesses to tempt your tastebuds.

The local produce is excellent, especially the lamb, which is raised organically on the prairies and pastures, the tomatoes, and of course, the vast selection of high quality cheeses and wines.

The main open market in Forcalquier is on Mondays. This is an event that should not be missed; visitors can explore the multitude of edible products on display, or just sit and relax in one of the three main cafés located on the market square.

Throughout the summer, almost every town has a festival, show, concert, special event or fête. In addition, there are many interesting architectural sites to see within a thirty minute radius - including churches, monasteries, and the beautiful village of Lurs -a fully restored hilltop village full of artists. The beautiful countryside features some spectacular natural landmarks such as the Canyon of the Verdon river.

Further afield in the region, there are hundreds of little villages and small towns waiting to be discovered. Here is a small selection of some of the sights worth a visit:

• Heading east, an hour will take you to the lakes of St.Croix and Esparon, the town of Sisteron, and the Plateau de Valensole with its spectacular lavender fields. Drive a little further to visit the canyon of the Verdon river.
• Looking westwards, an hour's drive will take you to the towns of Gordes and Roussillon with its red sand buildings known as "Colorado Provençal".

Avignon, La Fontaine de Vaucluse, and les Baux de Provence perched on its eagle's nest, are a ninety minute drive away.

To the South, it's just forty minutes to Manosque, an hour to the historic town of Aix en Provence, ninety minutes to Marseille, Carry le Rouet, and Sausset with its beaches and seaside, and two hours to La Camargue, with its seaside, pink flamingos, and authentic Gypsy lifestyle.

The house and garden	The kitchen
Local produce in the kitchen	The twin bedroom, shown with the beds optionally converted to a large double bed
The double bedroom with a queen-size bed	The bathroom
Lake of St Croix, Gorge de Verdon	Forcalquier market: Anyone for an olive?

What a wonderfully equipped gîte. Thanks for your charming hospitality; it was much appreciated. We will miss La Colle.
Adrian, Fay, Jessica and Liewella O.. - Banbury, United Kingdom

This is the second three-week stay for us at beautiful La Colle in two years. We all enjoyed this holiday as much if not more than last time. We are very sad to leave.
Adrian T. - Little Stanghton, Great Britain

What an adventure in the wilds of Provence. The country is beautiful, the little restaurants, markets and the friendly people. Each night when we returned it was like coming home. You were both most helpful & welcoming. I’m sure we will think about the sunrises & sunsets & starry nights at La Colle. Thanks for many fond memories.
Bob N. - Portland, Oregon, USA

We wondered what we were coming to as we drove down the track, but on arrival, we saw the sky at night – magic! Then the sunrise – spectacular! The views – breathtaking! Even though we visited places of interest, we were just as happy to stay at La Colle. Thank you very much for a memorable holiday.
Brian R. - United Kingdom

So many memories all very positive. The children will remember this holiday with as much happiness as will we. Thanks Rod for all your hard work and good company. I just didn’t want the holiday to end.
Rob and Sue L. - Headcorn, Kent, United Kingdom

We had a beautiful time, a warm and relaxed week. Rod is an admirable host – both attentive and discrete, and we happily took in the great view.
Tomer B. - Israel

Our stay here at La Colle is over. Had a wonderful week here and enjoyed our various trips; Aix, Lac St Croix, St Tropez, Forcalquier. Thanks Rod for your hospitality
Robert W. - Oakville, Ontario, Canada

We had a wonderful holiday. A welcomed two weeks of hot weather with a swimming pool to refresh ourselves, was a real delight. In addition to all the other things to do we found a beautiful waterfall/river with some amazing rock pools to swim in, which the locals use a lot.
Mr & Mrs S. - Sittingborne, Kent, United Kingdom