Var Holiday Apartment in Aups, Provence, France Reviews

If you're looking for a rustic apartment where a fig-fringed patio sits above a rushing waterfall, then come here.

If you want to read a book in a window bay overlooking Provencal peaks, hills and villages before wandering to a host of character-filled restaurants (£13 three courses), then come here.

If you want to make a day of touring the Cote D'Azur but enjoy the charm of the hills in the evening, then come here.

If you want to leave London at breakfast and fly for lunch, enjoying the fact that towels, linen and loo rolls are already stocked, then come here.

If you want to marvel at Europe's Grand Canyon, enjoy an entrancing azur lake and 30 minutes later be on the terrace enjoying a sundowner, then come here.

La Cascade's description is completely accurate in terms of what is provided both on a functional and aesthetic level. Unlike many holiday lets describing a 'five minute walk' which takes half an hour, it really does take five minutes to stroll into a village which has a very real character. There's an ironing board, a cot, French and English television, games, books, wifi, etc. The sound of the waterfall may take a day to get used to but is instrumental in allowing visitors to forget work stress and to appreciate this building's former role as a mill.

Michael was in Aups when we visited (couple in our 30s, car hired from Marseille airport 100 minutes away) and was a very generous and knowledgeable host. He has left a comprehensive set of instructions to allow visitors to make the most of the flat and the area.

It is true that the apartment adjoins another (being re-furbished but not constantly and not noisily) but there is more than enough room for four adults in La Cascade, more than enough window space from which to admire the countryside and in the patio a unique private space meaning you will not feel overlooked or stifled.

Since returning we have been waxing lyrical about the tranquility and typical French atmosphere La Cascade provides, which is ideal for working couples seeking a break, for friends on a re-union or for a small family. The only item which was mentioned in the guest book was the softness of the main bedroom mattress, but Michael has installed (removeable) boarding which resolved this.

The highlights are the lake (20 mins), the boats/canoes into the gorge (30 mins), a high waterfall and series of clear pools (10 mins), hilltop villages (1hr up to full day trip) and the Cote D'Azur is 70 minutes away.