Tourtour:
The villa is a 15 min walk from Tourtour, one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. The village square is lively in summer with plenty of restaurants, two bars, and a number of art galleries & boutiques. In winter there are at least three restaurants and both bars open. There is a small mini market and boulangerie both open all year. The medieval part of the village has lovely little courtyards and narrow passageways, as well as a fossil museum and olive mill which operates during January & February. In summer the mill is used by local artists for exhibitions.
Shopping:
The two nearest hypermarkets are at Draguignan & Trans en Provence. There are markets at Aups (Wed & Sat), Lorgues (Tues) & Salernes (Sun). There is a very large Sunday Provencal market at Le Muy by the autoroute (A8). All the major coastal resorts and Aix en Provence have excellent shops selling designer labels as well as traditional merchandise from the area
The Countryside:
To the North is the amazing Gorge de Verdon, 700m deep in parts. You can drive round the gorge via the Route des Cretes (if you have a head for heights!). There are walks by the river through the gorge; canoes & kayaks can be hired. Lac St. Croix is good for sailing & windsurfing. Between Tourtour & the coast are many vineyards to visit and of course wine to taste. The plain of Valensole to the North West is one of the main lavender growing areas of Provence
Other Activities:
Visiting vineyards & wine tasting, Art Galleries