The story of Les Oliviers could fill at least one book – it is a story of excitement, disappointment and, eventually, great pleasure and happiness and is better (or worse depending on how you look at it!) than any tale of Peter Mayle’s!

Although our home was initially intended as a holiday home or 'maison secondaire' we soon found that we couldn't get enough of this beautiful area. So, in July 2003 we moved here permanently.

Have we regretted our decision? Not once! We spend our time looking after our free range hens and tending our olive trees, creating a garden around our home and enjoying our wonderful Provençal lifestyle. Our hens lay wonderful eggs and our own olive oil is delicious. Gardening, Provençal style, has proven to be something of a challenge – but we feel that we’re succeeding in climbing the steep learning curve at last. We have integrated well into our local community – Keith plays trombone in various local orchestras and bands and Judith teaches English in our local towns of Draguignan, Le Cannet des Maures and Lorgues. And, of course, we created our self catering apartment (now available with a second independent suite) so that others can enjoy the Thompson lifestyle too.

As expert 'gîters' we tried to think of everything that we hoped for from a gîte holiday when we created our apartment - comfort (including English pillows!), privacy yet with friendly owners with whom we could pass the time of day, and of course peace and quiet! Each year we have added something new for the comfort of our guests – additions have included air conditioning, wi-fi internet access with laptop computer, bicycles, picnic table and chairs for those essential excursions – and the list goes on and on.

We love our life here and if our guests enjoy Les Oliviers and its surroundings half as much as we do then we guarantee that they'll have a superb holiday.