Rental House, In the Woods, South of France [Pictures]
Our first night upon arrival here in Var Provence we went for dinner in Callas, the nearest little village, three miles away, across dormant vineyards and then up winding streets to the Centre Ville. It seems almost all restaurants in Provence specialize in—or at least have on the menu—“Pizza”. I had the Pizza Paysanne, which was nothing like anything in the States, other than being built atop what we would call a “thin crust” base. It had mushrooms, four different types of French cheese, a little bacon, onions, and crème frais, and it was sublime. A Dame Blanche (melted chocolate and Chantilly—whipped cream—over vanilla ice-cream) and a café grande to finish, and welcome to France; life is good.
Here are pictures of our rented house:

The house sits on a densely wooded mountainside overlooking a wide valley. This is the view from down below, by the pool, looking up the mountain

There are several driveways, all performing different functions. The main driveway from the road runs several hundred yards through the woods and then winds around the house to the other side, and this is the view towards our downstairs bedroom from that far side.

Looking down the path towards the pool area below. Those are fragrant rosemary bushes, and, if you dry your sheets on them, they acquire a delightful natural perfume.

Looking up the first flight of stairs from the pool. There are three flights to get to the main level.

Another view of the petanque court. There is a large woodpile of logs for the fireplace nearby, which has been coming in handy

Looking down towards the valley on a beautiful autumn afternoonA long journey, but we're here; the Monsters, too

Another view of the living room. Marion has exquisite taste and the entire place is warm and delightful

Across the dining table towards the kitchen and the door leading to the Monsters' favorite Poopville

This is the river the street was named aftr, Les Calles Basses. It is usually a dry bed, but after four days of heavy rain, this is the result. The next day it was dry again.

The road to Callas, about 3km away. Believe it or not, this is a two lane highway with a speed limit of 45kpm
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N E X T : Saint-Tropez