Chateau de La Barben B&B, Salon de Provence

The castle sits on top of a rock formation and was originally built during the 11th century, then rebuilt in the 17th century and given certain Renaissance features.

The interior consists of around 60 rooms, of which just over a dozen are open to the public. The rooms are lavishly decorated with tapestries, painted ceilings, sculptures and murals.

Five palatial suites are available to stay in on a B&B basis, with breakfast served in the medieval kitchen or on the terrace. They are decorated in period style with genuine 18th century furniture - one even has a massive four poster bed. The gardens consist of orangeries, greenhouses, ponds and terraces.

Guests are welcome to dine at the chateau of an evening, either in the grand dining room or the old medieval kitchen, when the weather is fine you can eat out on the terrace. Meals are a friendly affair and the chateau owners will often join you for some typical Provencal cuisine, freshly prepared by the chef.