Correns

The village of Correns is in the Var region of Provence in the south of France – an hour by car from the coast, an hour from Aix-en-Provence and an hour and a half from Nice. It's part of Provence Verte – Green Provence – characterised by forests, rivers and vineyards.

Although Correns is small, it has everything you need: a boulangerie, a pâtisserie, a grocery store, a tobacconist, a take-away pizzeria, an open-air restaurant by the river and a café/bar at its centre. Thirty years ago, it became the first village in France to convert to organic agriculture and wine production. Surrounded by vineyards, it's known for its white wine.

The village has a thriving music scene, with concerts all year round in its old cooperative building, and a string of little fêtes, with food served in the bar and dancing in the square. 

There's lots to do in the area. In autumn and spring there are lots of wonderful walks, and in summer you can rent kayaks to paddle down the Argens river. There's great rock climbing and swimming in nearby Vallon Sourn; and weekly Provençal markets in Cotignac, Carces and Barjols. The spectacular Verdon Gorge and the Lac du Sainte-Croix are great for swimming and boating. A little further away is St Paul de Vence, where you can visit the famous modern art gallery Fondation Maeght; and in Mougins, where Picasso lived for the last 12 years of his life, the newly founded FAMM, dedicated to art by women. Aix-en-Provence is filled with beautiful squares, bustling markets, a museum dedicated to Cezanne, and his house: the Jas du Bouffan. For a taste of Côte d’Azur glamour, St Tropez, St Raphael and Cassis are just an hour's drive away.