My wife and I spent a wonderful week in this delightful cottage in the Brie area. Michele and Alain are a lovely couple and were most welcoming. The property itself is a converted farm building dating way back. Alain has completely rebuilt the interior using many of the original oak timbers. Quality materials have been used throughout, resulting in a home which is both bright and cosy.

The property is set in a small hamlet of ten houses. To the rear of the cottage is an extensive garden planted with roses and lavender. Beyond is a small lake bordered by poplars which is pure idyllic rural France. It's worth taking a gentle stroll round it.

The cottage is just 20 minutes or so drive from Provins. This is a beautiful town whose old quarter is stunning and whose buildings date back to medieval times. There are some excellent highlights which are a must do. For us, the most interesting was the Tithe Barn. It was packed with information which gave a real insight into life in medieval times. A close second was a guided tour of the underground passages beneath some of the main buildings. Also worth a visit is Caesar's tower, perched atop the highest point of the old town.

You are only a short distance from the Champage area and a drive along the Champagne Trail is well worth doing. The small towns and villages in the surrounding countryside each have their own character and we also enjoyed a very pleasant drive along the Seine.

Finally, if you're into photography, I suggest you take a very large memory card!