Surrounded by woodland and vineyards beyond, Château Élégance offers guests an authentic French experience in a beautifully restored château close to Provençal villages and market towns yet also within reach of the French Riviera and its glorious coastline.

This home may be filled with art, antiques and a refined sense of style yet its true beauty lies in the simplicity of its elegance. Dating back to the mid-1700s, the château has been wonderfully renovated to respect its heritage and reflects the lifestyle of a bygone era. Yet, alongside its marble entrance, wood panelled library and piano room, you will also find a light-filled lounge with high-end furnishings and the most graceful kitchen leading through to a shady terrace, outdoor kitchen and contemporary barbecue.

Across the first and second floor, the ten sophisticated bedrooms are just as impressive, most with king-size doubles including the romantic master bedroom with its freestanding bath and shower in the château’s tower. High-quality linen alongside ornate detailing in many of the bathrooms add to the sense of understated luxury that guests can expect here.

As you wander around the French gardens you will find ample spots to relax with a glass of Côtes de Provence Rosé, perhaps from the neighbouring vineyards that border the estate’s woodland. Listen to the trickle of the fountain as you gaze at the château’s elegant façade. Lie back by the 13m long swimming pool, also home to a luxurious pool house and fitness room. Enjoy a game of boules before gathering together to dine al-fresco beneath the shady oaks and pines in this truly idyllic setting.

It's a 5km drive to nearby Lorgues, a charming village that comes alive on a Tuesday morning when it hosts the Var’s largest market selling all sorts of regional delicacies. Other hilltop gems scattered across the Provençal landscapes include Flayosc, Ampus and Callas whilst the nearby town of Draguignan is also wonderful on market day.

Explore the natural beauty of this part of southern France whether hiking by the waterfalls at Cascade de Sillans or canoeing within the incredible Verdon Natural Regional Park. Head south to the chestnut and oak forests of the Massif des Maures, coming across characterful villages such as La Garde-Freinet.

Those seeking the sea should drive to the stunning Côte d'Azur – from Saint-Tropez to Cannes, there is a great choice of sandy shores and French Riviera towns to discover, the closest being the superb seaside resorts of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël only a 40-minute drive away.

Château Élégance is at the end of a tree-lined driveway in the beautiful Dracénie region, part of the Var department and only a 5km drive from the Provençal village of Lorgues.

Lorgues is a delightful place with charming lanes, historic homes and characterful fountains. On a Tuesday morning the village comes alive as it hosts one of the Var’s largest Provençal markets selling wonderful regional produce alongside fabrics, clothes, crafts, bags, plants and so much more. The village has a handful of restaurants and café-bars or drive just south of Lorgues to Chez Bruno, a Michelin starred restaurant specialising in truffles.

Wine-connoisseurs should visit the famous winery at Château de Berne, around a 15-minute drive away, or tour other highly regarded vineyards including a neighbouring wine-château which produces high-end wines and offers picturesque walks through the vines.

There are so many other historic market towns and characterful villages across this part of southern France. Soak up the bustling ambience in Draguignan, around 8km by car, home to a medieval quarter, grand boulevards, a twice-weekly market and other shopping opportunities. Then drive further into the Provençal landscapes of woodland, olive trees and vineyards coming across pretty villages such as Flayosc, Ampus, Callas and Montferrat.

Yet more natural beauty can be found at the waterfalls at Cascade de Sillans, especially wonderful for hikers. Meanwhile, the most adventurous can drive north towards Aups (30km) and onwards to the incredible Verdon Natural Regional Park where there’s canoeing, kayaking, rock-climbing and some of France’s most outstanding natural scenery.

Heading further south, discover idyllic villages of the Massif des Maures such as La Garde-Freinet (35km) and Le Plan-de-la-Tour (41km), reached via winding mountain roads passing chestnut trees and oak forests.

The Côte d'Azur is another fine day out – the elegant French Riviera resorts of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël are around a 40-minute drive away, home to beautiful stretches of coastline. There are some stunning coastal walking trails beyond Saint-Raphaël towards Plage d’Agay, backed by the magnificent Massif de l'Esterel. Even further along the coast, the glamour of Cannes and the historic charm of Antibes are both just over an hour away by car.

Sainte-Maxime (40km) is another charming seaside resort with sandy shores, watersports and other family attractions whilst upmarket Saint-Tropez is around an hours drive away (or combine the two and hop on a ferry from Sainte-Maxime to the much-loved former fishing village).

Accommodation