Bargemon

Bargemon really is a lovely part of the world, with its shady narrow streets and 12th-century town walls. The village's spectacular position nestling in the hills among olive groves and woodland means that there are spectacular views to enjoy. There are supermarkets half an hour away in the French military garrison town of Draguignan, but the village has a well-stocked general store, a grocer, two bakeries and a butcher.

There are two bars in Place Philippe-Chauvier, the village square named after a Provençal poet, where three of the village's seven restaurants are also located. The most conspicuous is Chez Pierrot, where the white linen tablecloths and white shirted waiters give an air of The Best Restaurant in Town. It serves good Provençal food - think of the constituent elements of ratatouille combined with various fish and meats - and specializes in huge bowls of garlic fromage frais served before dessert. Most holidaymakers seem to go to Chez Pierrot for their first big meal of the holiday, and most opt for the specialty.