THE FACTS ABOUT VILLA MEKTOUB

France

West of St Tropez, on the edge of the tiny village of Cavalière, the garden walls of this seven-bedroom, terracotta-coloured villa border a long, tree-backed beach. It's a modern Provençal-style house, built 10 years ago, within a short walk of restaurants, bars and shops. Four double bedrooms on the first floor open onto a long balcony, two bunk-bed rooms at the back of the house are suitable for children, while a ground-floor en-suite double bedroom would be good for grandparents or a nanny. Come here to make the most of the beach and take daytrips from nearby Le Lavandou to the beautiful islands of Port Cros, Porquerolles and Levant. Aim to visit in May or June, or in early autumn when the weather is still balmy and the crowds have left. SLEEPS 16 COST £2,120-£4,450 per week, including ferry crossing CONTACT Meon Villas (01730 268411; www.meonvillas.co.uk)