La Garde Freinet, a village in Provence ...

The ancient village of La Garde Freinet lies high in Le Massif des Maures in the Var region of Provence where, on a clear day, it's possible to see both the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Southern Alps. The village, established as a stronghold by the Saracens, is surrounded by a landscape of forests of cork oak and chestnut, vineyards and olive groves. It's easy to enjoy the diversity of ‘glitzy’ St.Tropez and yet, within 20 kilometres be immersed in the tranquillity of a typical French village.

The characterful houses with traditional pantiles and colourful shutters and are clustered around squares with fountains and winding cobble-stoned streets. A wide selection of restaurants give one the opportunity to sit out under the trees on warm summer evenings with a glass of locally produced rosé wine and watch the world go by.

The countryside is especially appealing to hikers and has many walking trails where one can wander, picnic and take in the delicious aroma of herbes de Provence. Cycling is a very popular pastime in this area and groups of lycra-clad cyclists are a common sight.

La Garde Freinet is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Cities steeped in history such as Avignon with its Papal palace, Arles famous for bull fighting and Aix en Provence, home to the painter Cézanne whose favourite subject was Mont St Victoire. The stunning Gorges du Verdon with limestone walls that attract intrepid climbers whilst the vivid turquoise green river runs through the canyon far below into the impossibly blue Lac St Croix. By contrast, the beaches along the Cote d’Azur will satisfy the holiday maker who simply wants to relax in the sun and enjoy the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

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