13 km from Antibes, 11 km from Cannes and 26 km from Nice airport, lies Valbonne; a rather charming, pretty and sought-after Provençal village. The commune covers an area of 1897 hectares and is surrounded by woodlands made up of pines, holm oaks and olive trees. To date it has a population of over 11,200 inhabitants.

I must admit to having a soft spot for Valbonne and find any excuse to visit it no matter what time of year. The fact that we live in Chateauneuf-de-Grasse helps as we're really only a "hop & skip" away.

In summer it’s alive with the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists alike in search of culinary delights, local produce and regional specialities. Many also come just for the busy and really well stocked market that's held every Friday morning (read more about the market by clicking here) while events such as brocantes, agricultural markets, art and pottery conventions, St. Roch Festival, concerts and antique shows make Valbonne a very lively village.

Colour is everywhere; the wonderful Sardinian red, dark orchre or pale yellow façades of the villages houses serve as a wonderful canvas to Bougainvillea, Plumbago and Jasmine plants that scramble over old brick walls and arches adding a distinct fragrance to an already pleasing village.

At Christmas the old village takes on a magical feel as the picturesque 16th century narrow streets and main square come alive with festive lights, delightful Christmas market stalls and animations. A bright red carpet snakes its way through the village adding further festive cheer as it leads you on to the many stalls and shops brimming with gorgeous and quite irresistable Christmas goodies.

Valbonne is considered “up market” so you might find prices here (along with house prices too) a little high. The old village has a number of designer boutiques, pretty handicraft shops, restaurants (34), an imposing number of estate agents (22), an insurance broker, pottery and artisan shops, as well as The English Book Centre on rue Alexis Julien, ably run by Jill Shepperd (read more about the bookshop by clicking here).  There are also a number of banks (BNP Parisbas, Caisse d’Epargne, Crédit Agricole and Société Générale) dotted about the village with ATM's too.

Although you find a small Spar supermarket located on the main square, if you're looking for bigger supermarkets you'll need to go to either SuperU located on the D4 Route de Valbonne road in Mouans-Sartoux or Champion located on the Chemin de Darbousson between Valbonne and Biot (up some rather twisty roads).

To the west of the village is a smaller but more modern shopping area with its own parking lot. You’ll find Dumanois Primeur green grocer selling over 500 top quality fruit, vegetables and salads. In hot weather a continual fine mist keeps the salads fresh and crisp. Just passing this green grocer will set your senses reeling - and at Christmas time it turns into an Aladdin's cave with its extraordinary produce.

Next door an Italian foodshop sells a tempting selection of ham, cheese and other fine foods and wines while on the opposite side you'll find a super butcher selling a range of excellent cuts of meat and delectable hot roasted chickens.

There is also a newsagent that sells a good selection of daily English newspapers (he receives them after 3 pm), a baker, chemist and estate agent make up a few of the other shops. Close by, a much larger parking lot “La Vignasse” can be found just off the Route de Grasse; this is where the main post office (with ATM), Music School, Cinema and Salle de Fêtes are situated.

Valbonne also has a number of lovely antique shops where you can spend time browsing at your ease. Meandering around the village take time to dream a little at some of the elite estate agent's windows (I always do) you'll quickly get to know them; their windows are adorned with rather expensive-looking picture frames containing magnificent photos of mouth-watering properties.

Every year for a few days in the middle of August, Valbonne becomes the focal point of an enormous Big Top and the Arlette Gruss Circus. The whole parking lot at "La Vignasse" becomes the stage of this incredible family-run circus and is considered the event of the year.

Away from Valbonne village but located at the well-known Forum Roundabout you'll find Brittain's Home Stores. Open in July 2004, this little food store is well worth a visit. You'll find it crammed with imported English food, sausages, ready-made meals, cards, paperbacks and CD's. Open from Monday to Saturday 09h00 through to 18h300 it's got ample parking and Caroline always gives you a warm welcome.

This is certainly a special village, with its architecture and 16th century buildings and blend of contemporary styles too. You'll find much to discover and enjoy here and, possibly like us, will want to return time and again.