Gordes, France

Not far from Ménerbes, on the north side of the D22, lies Gordes, an incredibly picturesque Provençal village much favoured by Parisian media personalities, film directors, artists and the like. This might prompt you to give it a miss but there are good reasons for its popularity with the rich and famous: the cluster of magnificent, honey-coloured buildings clinging on to a sheer rockface is a spectacular sight. At the top of the village, a church and houses surround a mighty twelfth- to sixteenth-century château, housing the contemporary paintings of the Flemish artist Pol Mara (daily 10am– noon & 2–6pm; € 4). Market day is Tuesday.

For somewhere to stay, the most reasonably priced hotel within the village is the decent Le Provençal (Tel:04.90.72.10.01, Web: www.le-provencal.fr ; Price: € 51-65) while a more luxurious option is the La Bastide de Gordes in the old village (Tel:04.90.72.12.12, Web: www.bastide-de-gordes.com ; Price: € 201 and over), built into the old ramparts; some of the rooms have vaulted ceilings and the terrace boasts impressive views. Opposite the hotel is the cute and unpretentious AMon Mari était Patissier (Tel:06.37.38.25.34; closed Mon), which serves fabulous food on a tiny terrace with a cool jazz soundtrack; menus are around € 29 and feature dishes like aubergine gâteau with tomato compôte and strawberry crumble to finish. Alternatively, Les Cuisines du Château on place du Château (Tel:04.90.72.01.31; closed Mon & Jan– Feb) serves à la carte dishes from € 22.