On arrival at Domaine de la Brillane you are met with breathtaking views of Mont Sainte-Victoire - painted by Paul Cezanne – bursting yellow sunflower fields and the evocative scent of lavender, cementing the fact that you have arrived in Provence. Now in its eighth year, this family-run organic vineyard and b&b encourages guests to get involved with the vendange (grape harvest) and offers an introduction to the art and science of wine tasting. Bicycles are available to hire for exploring the surrounding villages, or you can just unwind in the Provençale countryside. Just 7km north of Aix-en-Provence, La Brillane epitomises rural France and boasts a wine cellar stocked for eternity. C'est magnifique!

Tel: +33 4 4254 2144
www.labrillane.com
Doubles from €130 including breakfast

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Clean, cheap and basic accommodation within the town centre just next to the Cours St-Louis. Perfect for those on a budget just wanting a base and roof over their head in the evening. Double room was €40 a night with a breakfast of coffee, croisants, bread and jams, included.

0442 381177 Centre Historique
69 boulevard Carnot, 13100 AIX en Provence, France
+33 4 42 38 11 77

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A 16th-century chateau set in beautiful grounds with a wonderful restaurant.

In the summer you eat on the terrace beneath linden trees.

Elegant without being pompous.

Set behind the shopping/commercial estate of les Milles just outside Aix off the Marseilles road. You go through the grand gates and into another century.

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This is a relaxed and inexpensive alternative to a hotel in the centre of town. One bedroom flats with kitchen and bathroom with access to a small garden. The owners are very helpful and knowledgeable and they speak English, French and German. The only drawbacks are the seven nights minimum stay and at the moment it is only open in the summer, but at €250-300 a week they are a bargain.

16 rue Vendome
13100 Aix-en-Provence;
0208 968 6293 (UK);
Nearest Airport: Marseille

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