La Palme D'Or in Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

La Palme D'Or Self-Catering

Set on the grounds of a thirteenth-century chateau, this home offers the chance to stay on one of the oldest estates on the Côte d’Azur. It’s a part of France famous for its artistic heritage. Picasso, Matisse and Cézanne all painted in the area, and the Picasso museum, Matisse chapel and the Colombe D'or - where artists would pay for food with paintings - keep this rich history alive. Just a 3km walk to the sea, and 15km and 23km from Nice and Cannes respectively, you're perfectly positioned to explore the region. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the tranquility of the salt-filtered pool, 8.5 hectares of private parkland and shaded outdoor terrace.

Home truths:
* Children are only permitted in the ground floor bedrooms
* The gardener and his dogs live on the grounds, but he speaks English and the dogs are friendly
* A weekly tour of the chateau is offered to tourists, though they'll steer clear of the villa and the pool
* There is only air conditioning in the four first floor bedrooms
* WiFi is only available in the ground floor living area
* The inside dining area can only seat six