January 2010 was -1 inside the house and it got down to -6 outside. We had snow and blasts of cold wind which was great fun. It did mean you could hunker down by a nice fire and roast chestnuts all afternoon! Now the distant rays of a very shy sun are shining again.

Just to add to our excitement in the village, 1000's of pumpkins are arriving in cart loads this weekend for the autumn Pumpkin Festival 10-11 October 2009 in Rians. I instantly think of Cinderella galloping away from the castle after midnight and her carriage turned into a pumpkin and the horses into mice.

A little hot dog at the top of Mt. Ste. Victoire.
Views down towards St. Maximin de Ste. Baume, and vineyards.

Our village is 10 minutes away from the awesome Mt. Ste. Victoire. Cezanne and Picasso lived and painted this bold statue of rock. Hikers thrive on the 2h.30 walk up to the cross at the summit where your picnic and gorgeous views make it all worth while.

I have included photos of my bathrooms which will please Kit (http://chicprovence.blogspot.com/ ), who was very keen to see them. Waterworks have always interested me, and one is very conscience of the Roman influence in our area driving under aqua-ducts and thru tunnels from the River Verdon carrying water down to Aix-en-Provence which was also a hot bath spa in King Sextus' time. My waterworks are very modest but they do the job and I have used natural Italian stone in one suite, and in another I chose handmade tiles from Morocco.

This is just one of the rooms for rent. It is at least 20ft. long (6m) and has beams and windows overlooking the square. En suite bathroom with shower . Off this room is a small den with a fire place and TV, internet etc. Washing/dryer and breakfast area downstairs.

An amazing place to stay

France has evolved over hundreds, actually thousands, of years. It is steeped in history, many towns and villages have stood up to the battles of time, thus a walk through a maze of crooked streets, weathered dwellings that were partially built by Romans, has a quality beyond comprehension. Lost in the Var, situated in the South of France, is Rians. Here visitors can come and spend a night or two in one of these extraordinary old houses where we have set up a bed and breakfast.

Sur la Place

A home from home in an unspoiled rural village in the Var. Your experience will be a unique opportunity to stay in our 1730 year old house, to step out onto the square and walk around the medieval village.

Only 40 minutes from Aix en Provence, driving past the Mt. St. Victoire.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms. TV, internet connections, comfort and privacy.

Contact: 4placestlaurent(at)gmail.com

(please add @ sign)

Price for a room 2 people 45Euros with French breakfast

Children 10Euros