THE FACTS ABOUT LA MAISON SUR LA SORGUE

France

Seasoned travellers Frederic Dol and Marie-Claude Marseille opened this exquisite maison d'hôtes in 2005, next to their boutique, Retour du Voyage, where they sell choice items from Rajasthan and Vietnam. Some pieces have found their way into the 18th-century house, where the couple live with their three children. There are four chic guest rooms: the Attic duplex with its private terrace; the romantic Room-with-a-view with its four-poster bed and freestanding bath; the magical Shadow suite, where small holes in the shutters create a pinhole-camera effect; and the vast, red Loggia room overlooking the contemporary courtyard and swimming pool. L'Isle sur la Sorgue, a pretty antiques town east of Avignon, is a good base for exploring the hilltop villages of the Lubéron; alternatively, catch a exhibition at the lovely Musée René Char or wander around the food market with Marie-Claude and help her prepare something delicious for dinner. CONTACT La Maison Sur La Sorgue, 6 rue Rose Goudard, L'Isle sur La Sorgue (00 33 4 90 20 74 86; www.lamaisonsurlasorgue.com). Doubles from 160 euros B&B. HOW TO GET THERE Fly to Nîmes with Ryanair. Or go by train to Avignon