Bastide des Martelieres

The sweet floral scent of lavender drifted across the extensive garden as we chilled after the two-hour flight Edinburgh to Marseilles. There was not a cloud in the clear blue sky and very little wind. Indeed, the French flag flown from a flagpole in the neighbouring garden hardly moved. We took in the sun and rejoiced in the experience. However, the temperature was rising steadily and, when it crossed the 30c thresh hold, it was time for a cooling dip in the 10m x 4m pool. Our body temperature had shut up so there was a wee jolt to the system as the water crossed the shoulder line, but seconds later that was gone and we luxuriated in the moment. It's a hard life following Scotland's women's hockey team around Europe, but somebody has to do it and we had luckily found an ideal spot in which to base ourselves near Marseilles. Bastide des Martelieres is tucked away within 2km and easy walking distance of the centre of Salon-de-Provence, around 52km north-west ffrom the bustling seaport of Marseilles. It may be the home of a key French air and space force air base with a population of around 45,000, but the only air traffic we heard in our home-from-home hideaway was the occasional helicopter. Initially, Salon was well positioned on the salt trade routes between the Adriatic, Atlantic and Meditteranean seas, and it was under Phocaean influence in the sixth century BC. It's principal claim to fame currently, according to Wikipedia, is as the place where French astrologer, and reputed seer, Michel de Nostradamus, spent his last years and he is buried here. Of course, some recall the name for the prediction of future events. We strolled into the city, a superb mix of old a new, and with a historic centre lying within the walls of the imposing and well-preserved castle. It hosts musical and theatrical events and, indeed, they were setting up for one when we walked around. It was tres chaud as they say, with record temperatures peaking at 43c in one June month and this year they were in the high 30c bracket, covering you in sweat in an instant and far too hot for physical activity as we as, sadly, Scotland's women hockey team found out despite bravely battling the heatwave. Thankfully, the taxi upped the air con in the car from the pitch to the accommodation and were back home in minutes for another welcome dip in the pool. So, to The Bastide des Martelieres which is superbly run by charming couple, Sandrime anmd Cedric Bonnouvrier. Nothing is too much trouble and they go above and beyond. We've travelled extensively and this, without question, is the most at home I have ever felt. It was, to use a French word, magnifique. The setting for the four room (nine-bed) hideaway is an 18th-century farm dwelling. It has been tastefully converted to ensure that none of the period feel has been lost. Rooms have en-suite and several boast air conditioning, a must with the thermometer remaining high. There is a restaurant/breakfast area complete with e