Chateau de Massillan

Life is sweet here, in this peaceful 16th-century chateau, immersed in a 10-hectare park with majestic trees and a lake. Once owned by Henri II’s lover, Diane de Poitiers, it’s now an eco-friendly hotel.

Most rooms are in two outer buildings: contemporary and calm in design, with an eye on sustainable materials and fabrics. There’s an outdoor pool and organic spa, as well as a gourmet restaurant specialising in organic produce from the château’s own gardens.

It’s a lovely place for relaxing – almost too much so, so leave time for both touring the surroundings and relaxing by the pool. Bikes are available to borrow if you want to explore the surrounding Cote du Rhone vineyards.

Bear in mind, it’s 20 minutes north of the town of Orange, in the north of Provence – some distance from the southern hubs or Aix and Arles.

It’s a gorgeous countryside retreat for soaking up the rural Provence ambience and culture, but not your base for sightseeing.