Opposite the dramatic gorges of Pennafort, in wooded country near Draguignan, this former relais de poste is now aluxurious hotel/restaurant managed by chef Philippe Da Silva and his wife, Martine. Its dining terrace is above the road which, say visitors, 'can be busy during the day, but traffic drops to a trickle in the evening. Our suite, well away from the road, was completely quiet. It opened on to a shared balcony with recliners and tables.' Across the road is a garden with a 'large, attractive' swimming pool surrounded by trees, and hard tennis courts. M. Da Silva has a Michelin star for eg, raviolis de foie gras; perdreau aux champignons. 'We ordered the menu dégustation; somehow ten courses came, every one exquisite in taste and presentation. We asked Madame why we had been honoured with the extra dishes: she smiled and said her husband was sometimes coquin.' Many wine estates in the area.