* Which is the best period to stay in Vieil Aiglun? : Thanks to a relatively dry and usually very sunny climate, le Vieil Aiglun is an ideal destination all year round. The lavender fields are blosoming from mid-June to mid-July; the swimming pool is open from mid-May to early October; it is cold but very sunny between January and mid-March; the autumn colours are magnificent from mid-October to mid-December; the low-season (May, October & November) is an ideal time for hiking; "sun-lovers" will find what they are looking for between mid-June and early September.

* Is Vieil Aiglun isolated? : The calm and panoramic view towards the mountains give an impression of isolation. However, the gîtes are located 4 km from the national road, 8 km from a hypermarket and 21 km from the motorway linking Gap to Aix-en-Provence. Many natural sites & villages are easy to access. Many shops are located within a 10-minute drive.

* Do you need a car? : Yes, it is essential to enjoy the beauty of what surrounds us and to do your shopping. For those who come by plane or TGV, it is easy and relatively economical to rent a car at the airport or TGV train station. It is also possible to rent a car in Digne-les-Bains (HERTZ agency 8 km from the gîtes).

* What are the closest airports & train stations? : Marseille airport is 1h30 away by car, Aix-en-Provence TGV station 1h15 away. Nice airport is a possible alternative, but you will spend 2h30 on a scenic mountain road.

* Do you have to go far to do your shopping, are the shops open on Sundays? : A CARREFOUR hypermarket (open on Sunday mornings), several bakeries and many shops are only a 12-minute drive away.

* What are the main Provençal markets? : Forcalquier (the largest) on Monday morning, Aiglun (small organic market & local products) on Tuesday afternoon and Digne-les-Bains on Wednesday & Saturday morning.

* Are meals and breakfasts served in the gîtes? : No, we do not serve any meals. Each house has a fully equipped kitchen allowing you to cook and enjoy local products. It is also possible to call on a home caterer who provides meals that can be reheated in the microwave. Most restaurants are located within a 15-minutes drive from the gîtes.

* What kind of coffee machine? : Our houses are all equipped with an electric coffee maker with paper filters (provided) and a KRUPS Dolce Gusto espresso machine (cartridges not provided).

* Do you need to bring your own sheets & towels? : No, they are provided and included in our rates and the beds are made up.

* What are the extras to add to the rates? : Local tax (€1.65 or €2.64 per night per adult) and cleaning service if you do not wish to do it yourself. Electricity, heating & water are included in our rates.

* Are pets allowed? : We love dogs & cats but have nevertheless chosen not to accept them in the houses.

* When and to whom is the swimming pool accessible? : The swimming pool is "in service" from mid-May to early October. It is accessible to residents of the 3 houses (and to ourselves). The swimming pool is secured by a fence, it is accessed by a gate with a security lock.

* Are children welcome? : Yes, certainly. We only ask that peace and quiet are respected, especially around the swimming pool. The gîtes are neither a monastery nor a playground ... A baby bed & a high chair are available in each house.

* Is it possible to get advice & recommendations when preparing your stay? : Yes, certainly. We can advise you before or during your stay on activities, places not to be missed, restaurants, hikes, ... During your stay, we can lend you hiking maps.

* Is there air conditioning in the gîtes? : No. The thickness of the walls allows the houses to remain cool, even during the summer. However, fans are at your disposal.

* At what time can we arrive and at what time should we leave on the day of departure? : Without notice from you, we expect you between 5pm and 7pm. If you wish to arrive earlier or later, please contact us a few days in advance. For check-out, we ask you to kindly leave the house by 10am so that we can prepare it for the next tenants.

Practical information