Property
Beautifully situated in the Luberon Valley, just outside the wonderful hilltown of Gordes, this holiday structure is ideal for families and well-priced (weekly rentals only, during the summer season). Five traditional provençal “mas” stone houses are sub-divided into simple apartments of various sizes, each with its own complete kitchen, fully equipped, and patios for outdoor dining.

Location
The holiday complex is 3 km outside the hilltop town of Gordes. Located in the valley below, there are views up to the city. It is a short drive from the nearby town of Goult, which is small but has an active and popular outdoor market.

Sleeps
Apartments range in size from studios for two people to three-bedroom apartments housing up to eight.

Highlights
The property is very beautiful. Although the apartments themselves are simple (and functional), the grounds are well maintained. There are three swimming pools and some recreational facilities (pétanque, volleyball courts, a small playground). There is an herb garden available to guests and lovely views up the hill to the beautiful town of Gordes.

Good to know
Very popular with repeat visitors – book early! Linens are included in the price, but towels are not. Bring your own or buy them during your stay. A car is necessary, both for reaching the property and for traveling around the region. This area of Provence is lovely and perfect for a family vacation; Gordes is an ideal base for exploring the region. Lavender season is in the early summer (June). In the summer, outdoor markets are held daily in different towns in the region. Gordes itself is a charming town and the views over the city as you are driving up are beautiful. The town itself becomes quite crowded in July and August, when many Parisians visit their second homes there. Easy day trips to: Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Lacoste, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, les Dentelles, la Camargue; Gorges du Verdon is slightly farther afield, but still a worthy daytrip.

Contact
http://www.oree-du-bois.fr/

Written by Kimberly Sullivan

Property
Ahhh, Nice! This beautiful hotel is right in the thick of this cosmopolitan Mediterranean city. But have no fear — it still manages to be kid-friendly with large rooms, a great breakfast buffet and a rooftop pool that is open year round.

Location
The hotel is right on the water. Shops and cafes line the promenade along the beach and the old part of town is only a 10 minute walk. There is also a park a block away from the hotel that has a carousel. You will not be able to walk past unscathed.

Sleeps
2-4 per room. Adjacent rooms are available for bigger families.

Highlights
The roof pool was a huge hit with Chet. Even more so with us since it was adjacent to the bar. Can you say family-friendly?

Good to know
Prepare to pay for beach access. At least if you want a chair (which you will since it’s a stone beach). The tariff is a few Euro per person and, in my opinion, totally worth it unless you don’t mind stone-shaped bruises all over your butt.

Contact
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1918

Written by Kayt Sukel