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Pampered Children Play on a Pirate Ship Poolside at The Four Seasons Provence

Where: 3100 Route de Bagnols-en-Forêt, Domaine de Terre Blanche, 83440 Tourrette, Var, France

Your little one may not be excited to be dragged along to Provence's medieval villages, but he will be pumped to play on a pirate boat at the Four Seasons Provence at Terre Blanche. The poolside pirate boat is only part of the French hotel's new free kiddie offerings this summer.

That pool also has a water slide, water-shooting dinosaurs, a wading splash pool and a kids-only snack bar. Aside from the water options, the hotel partnered with Lego to build a new Kids for All Seasons Centre with two playrooms, one for tykes between 2 and 5 and the other for children 6 to 12, which of course come with Wiis and PlayStations.

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Hotel Crillon Le Brave Is Not Only Volcano Proof, It Has Discounted Rooms Too

Where: Place de l'Eglise, Crillon le Brave, France, 84410

We’re not quite daring to believe the volcano shizzle is over at the moment (or that it won’t start again), so we’re on the look out for train-able breaks right now. And Crillon Le Brave in Provence has popped up with one just in time: 25 percent off rooms for the month of May – and, if you can make it out there right now, half price for the rest of April.

The South of France is gorgy in May – the pretty colors and the sun out, but the hordes of tourists not – so it’s pretty good timing. All rooms are 25 percent off for the entire month, although don’t expect any bargains – even with the discount, they start at €180 (£159/$242).

We’ve heard good things about Crillon le Brave – half an hour from Avignon (which is also gorgy), although TripAdvisor seems to be split between the superlative and the critical. But we reckon the location alone merits giving it a go. Especially as you can take the TGV from Paris to Avignon in a couple of hours. We’ve been scared off flying at the mo.

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Historical Pool Plus Culture at Le Vieux Castillon in Provence

Where: 10 rue Turion Sabatier, Castillon-du-Gard , Provence, France, 30210

A grateful shout out to Chris Gold who dropped this fantastic pool picture into the HotelChatter Flickr pool. It was taken at Le Vieux Castillon in the small village of Castillon-du-Gard in scenic Provence.

Apart from the pool with the gorgeous old historic wall touch, Le Vieux Castillon also has an impressive restaurant, although some might think it's a little pricey.

This place is (appropriately) into a bit of culture: they have a Traditional Musical Evening Package going which includes breakfast and dinner (plus wine), and cocktails followed by a concert--they don't give too much away about what kind of concert but politely say the "program is available on simple request". That'll set you back €501 ($650) for a double, proving that traditional French culture obviously isn't that cheap, but at least the setting looks great.

[Photo: ChrisGoldNY]

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"Contemporary Innkeeper" Alain Ducasse Loves His Petit Maisons

Where: Chemin de Quinson, Moustiers Sainte-Marie, France, 04360

In case you haven't been motorcycling through the backroads of Provence lately, we thought you'd like to know about superchef Alain Ducasse's pretty little hotel properties that dot the south of France like so many truffle shavings atop an entree. The collection of inns called Maisons d'Alain Ducasse, combine traditional French country living and dining with semi-affordable rates and inspiring views. With three quaint properties in Provence for his beloved concept of terroir, or a fusing of territory and tradition, and one showcasing his Mediterranean cuisine in Tuscany, Alain has risen well above doing hotel restaurants to doing the hotels themselves.

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The Hotel Jules Cesar:: Nuns Welcome...If They Can Afford It

Where: 9 Boulevard de Lices, Arles, France, 13200

Thanks to Tom Barnes who dropped this shot of the Hotel Jules Cesar in the HotelChatter Flickr Pool.

This hotel is Arles, France is now part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group but in its past life, it was a Carmelite Convent. And yes, your guestroom is the old nuns' bedrooms.

In the heart of the old town, the Hôtel Jules César is the perfect location to appreciate history, a 17th-century convent offering 21st-century luxuries and facilities. The nun's cells have been redesigned as large, indulgent bedrooms and the cloistered galleries house the Restaurant Lou Marques, which serves classic Provençal cooking. A heated swimming pool can be found in the lavender garden, where a monastic peace prevails ensuring total relaxation.

And despite its once-humble origins where nuns took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, the hotel now charges 158 € for a single room and between 158 € to 240 € for twins/double rooms. See the full rate list here.