We stayed at the Maison de l'Ara from the end of August to 13th September. We always go away for our main summer break around this time of year, and we always get a self-catering apartment, and this was one of the best, if not the best, we've ever stayed in. It is roomy enough to feel like home, and is furnished like a home, with classic tasteful old furniture, and not crowded or cluttered. The living room and bedroom were really comfortable, and the kitchen and bathroom the most well-equipped we've ever rented, so cooking was easy. There was even a dishwasher, which is a first :)

The poolside area was great, with comfortable loungers. The pool is small, but fine, exactly what was needed in the heat.

Bent and Iwona are very welcoming and helpful, and gave the place a personal touch.

The view across the valley makes it into a real beauty spot. The walk into the town centre of Vence takes ten minutes or so. Vence has some great bars and restuarants, weekly markets and a relaxed athmosphere, and the people were very friendly. There is a forest walk to St Paul Vence - a town full of modern art - which takes 1 hour (apparently - we got lost and it took longer :) The towns along the Cote d'Azur are within a 20-minute to 40-minute drive, depending on the traffic. We were in very easy reach of Cap Ferrat, Villefranche, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and, of course, Nice, all of which we visited. Walks over the local hills, the 'baous', also had starting-points within a 15-minute drive, and in between hill walking we stopped in the towns of St Jeannet and Gattieres. So all in all, the Maison de l'Ara is perfectly situated for us, and for the kind of holiday we like to have, and I hope we can stay there again.