La Charmeuse in Saint Chamas, Istres, Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur, France

St Chamas is an ancient fortified town and fishing village on the northern shores of the Etang de Berre.
The town is divided by a very high hill with troglodyte dwellings, with one side looking out towards a pine forests and hills and the other towards a marina.
The remains of its mediaeval walls can still be seen and the village is famous its Roman bridge across the River Touloubre.
Environment : Peaceful residential area, close to all amenities.

PLACES TO VISIT:
Les Baux de Provence. 35 km. Most beautiful Provencal hill top and fortified village, in the heart of the Alpilles with brilliant view of Arles, the Camargue and the Alpilles. Officially classified and labelled as "one of the most beautiful villages in France", it is one of the ?must sees? in Provence.
Aix en Provence. 40 km. Stunningly beautiful and vibrant city, distinctively Provencal, with sunny squares filled with cafes, broad avenues lined with gigantic plane trees and tempting restaurants, and a substantial historical centre with elegant shops and attractive houses.
Fontvieille. 40 km. Pleasant town famous for its windmill which inspired 19th century writer Alphonse Daudet, when he wrote 'Lettres de mon Moulin' (lettres from my windmill) - a sort of 19th century 'Year in Provence' look at the lives of everyday people in the region.
St Rémy de Provence. 40 km. As picturesque and Provencal as can be, with narrow winding streets, shady squares, fantastically old fountains, elegant shops, art galleries and plenty of bars and restaurants. The village and surrounding countryside has inspired many artists including Van Gogh who produced more than 150 paintings of the area. Also birthplace of Nostradamus.

THINGS TO DO:
Etang de Berre. Vast lake with waterports activities. Le Jaï beach is renowned for funboarding.
Accro Passion, Salon de Provence. 15 km. Tree top adventure park, climbing. An adventure in the trees on a magnificent site of 6 hectares.
Parc Zoologique La Barben, La Barben. 20 km. Animal park. A rare and unique setting, at the heart of a 33 hectare oak tree forest, dominating the Salon de Provence region. 600 exotic animals (rhinoceros, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles...) and 120 different species live together.
Golf de Servanes, Mouriès. 25 km. Golf course. 18 holes Par 72 - 6101m. One of the area's very finest 18 hole golf courses. An unforgettable setting at the foot of the Alpilles.

FURTHER AFIELD:
Arles. 45 km. Vibrant city of festivals, art and culture, with extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena (the very same that was the scene of the Roman games in the 1st century!), backed by an equally impressive variety of other stones and monuments, both Roman and medieval. Linked with Gaugain, Van Gogh and Picasso.
Carry le Rouet. 50 km. Charming seaside resort with lovely beaches, clear waters and picturesque little fishing port. At the foot of pine covered hills, in the heart of the "Côte Bleue". Also ideal for beautiful walks all along the seaside.
Marseille. 55 km. Second largest city in France, cosmopolitan and exuberant, renowned for its picturesque old port and Bouillabaisse (a tomato based soup with a multitude of different fish and shellfish).
Avignon. 70 km. City of history and city of theatre, the fortified city of Avignon marked by papal history will charm you with its ancient streets, spectacular monuments and museums and impressive number of cafes and restaurants. Its famous bridge still stands over the Rhone river.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Low cost flights from UK to Marseille (35mn), Avignon (1 hr).
Villa 150m² + Independent studio / Sleeps 7.
4 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms.
Air conditioning - Wifi internet.
Private pool.
Shops 500m.
Style : Charming villa in shaded enclosed grounds. On the northern shores of the Etang de Berre. 15 km south of Salon de Provence, 40 km west of Aix en Provence.
Household information :
Phone: No
Wifi internet access
Air conditioning: yes
Cot and highchair: yes
Small pets welcome
Parking for 3 vehicles within the property
Noise: road with little traffic.


General information :
Sea: 40 km
Shops: 500m
Doctor: 400m
Town centre: 400m
Hospital: 15 km
Tennis: 400m
Horse riding: 2 km
Golf: 5 km
Night club: 10 km.


To be paid on site :
Security deposit: 400? cash
Bed linen, bath towels and tea towels provided.
Evening meals can be arranged on request.