La Petite Maison is a quirky house on a number of levels and was incredibly well-suited for our extended and 'blended' family. Plenty of space for everyone, and everything you could need in terms of facilities.
Outside, there's a lovely little private patio overlooking the pool area, and then down the steps you enter the shared garden with loads of seating - a huge table under the vine-laden pergola is perfect for those long slow lunches or just for unwinding and chilling after the day's activities. Then there's the pool which is saline-based, not chlorine, so no irritated eyes or skin.
The nearest wine cooperative (with drinkable rosé at about 7 euros for FIVE litres!) is about half a mile away, but there are better wines to be had, still at incredible prices, all over the place.
The nearby town of Uzes has plenty going on, and through the summer there's rarely an evening when there isn't something happening either in Uzes itself or in one of the surrounding villages. Whilst we were there we saw live music in Uzes, a festival in a nearby village with the running of the bulls and more live music, and a night market in St Maximin itself - starting literally just outside the door of the accommodation, where local producers were selling their produce - and giving out samples too of course...
Plenty of outdoor activities locally - our favourite is the kayaking on the Gardon, taking in the 2000-year-old aqueduct at Pont du Gard - a relaxing 8km stretch of canoeing where you can stop and swim or have your packed lunch at any of hundreds of natural little beaches on the way.
You're probably trying to decide between a few properties that you're looking at - make sure you book this one if you possibly can - it really is fantastic and is thoroughly recommended.
Thank you to Amanda and Judy, the charming hostesses who were always ready with suggestions and help during our stay - we will be back!