Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before booking your stay at Les Maisons de la Cigale, in Les Arcs-sur-Argens, Provence. Can’t find your answer here? Drop us a line — we reply within 24 hours in French, English, Dutch or German.
The estate and the houses
What is Les Maisons de la Cigale?
A private estate of 5 independent holiday homes in Les Arcs-sur-Argens, in the Var region of Provence, with a shared heated pool, an olive grove and an on-site bar.
How many people can each house sleep?
Each house sleeps up to 5 guests: 2 bedrooms (1 double bed and 2 single beds) plus a sofa bed in the living room.
How big are the houses?
Each house is 60 m² (about 650 sq ft), with a living room, fully equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a shower room, plus a private outdoor terrace.
Are the houses identical?
Yes, all 5 houses offer the same comfort and the same layout. Four overlook the pool, one overlooks the garden.
Do the houses have air conditioning?
Yes, every house has air conditioning for the summer and heating for the cooler seasons.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, fibre-optic Wi-Fi is available free of charge across the whole estate.
Is the kitchen fully equipped?
Yes, each house has a fully equipped kitchen so you can cook for yourselves throughout your stay: hob, fridge, crockery and utensils.
Is there parking?
Yes, parking on the estate is free, with space for one vehicle per house.
Can we have a barbecue?
Yes, a barbecue is available as an optional extra at €7 per stay.
Pool and outdoor areas
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool is heated and open from May to October. It is shared between the 5 houses on the estate.
When is the pool open?
The pool is open from May to October, and heated to stretch the swimming season into spring and autumn.
Is the pool safe for children?
The pool complies with French safety regulations for pools at tourist accommodation. Children must remain under their parents’ supervision.
Are there sun loungers around the pool?
Yes, the pool area is set up with sun loungers so you can soak up the Provençal sunshine.
What is the summer kitchen?
A shared outdoor space set up for cooking and enjoying meals outside, right next to the pool and the bar.
Is the estate quiet?
Yes, the estate sits in a peaceful spot in the countryside of Les Arcs-sur-Argens, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. In summer, the only noise comes from the cicadas.
On-site services
Is there a bar on site?
Yes, Bar La Cigale is right on the estate. Cold drinks and good times by the pool, with a tab you settle at the end of your stay.
Can we order breakfast?
Yes, a breakfast service is available: order the evening before, by 10pm, and it is delivered to your doorstep between 8am and 8:30am.
Are bed linen and towels provided?
Bed linen is available as an optional extra at €5 per person. You are also welcome to bring your own.
Is cleaning included?
End-of-stay cleaning is taken care of by us; we simply ask that you leave the house tidy. Full details are provided when you book.
Do you speak languages other than French?
Yes, we welcome our guests in French, English, Dutch and German.
Is there a reception desk?
No, there is no formal reception: we are a family-run place. We greet you in person and remain easy to reach throughout your stay.
Booking and payment
How do I book?
Directly on this website: choose your house and your dates, fill in the form and register your card. We confirm within 24 hours.
Will my card be charged straight away?
No. Your card is only pre-authorised when you submit your request. It is charged only after we confirm your booking, within 24 hours.
Why isn’t confirmation instant?
We approve every booking personally, checking the calendar across all platforms. You receive a reply from a real human within 24 hours.
Is the payment secure?
Yes, payments are processed by Stripe, a certified payment provider used by millions of websites. We never see your card number.
Is it better to book here or on Booking/Airbnb?
Booking directly on our website guarantees you the best rate, with no platform commission, and direct contact with us.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the cancellation terms are shown when you book and in your confirmation email. If your plans change, please contact us as early as possible.
Is a security deposit required?
Any security deposit arrangements are detailed at the time of booking.
Can we book several houses for a group?
Yes, the entire estate (5 houses, up to 25 guests) can be booked for family reunions or get-togethers with friends. Contact us directly.
Rates and extras
How much does it cost per night?
From €70 per night for a whole house (up to 4 guests), depending on the season. Add €10 per night for a 5th guest.
What does the rate include?
The entire 60 m² house: 2 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, terrace, air conditioning, fibre Wi-Fi, parking and access to the heated pool (May–October).
What are the optional extras?
Bed linen €5 per person, barbecue €7 per stay, pets €15 per stay, breakfast and bar drinks as per the menu.
Is there a tourist tax?
Yes, as everywhere in France, the local tourist tax applies on top of the rate. The exact amount is shown when you book.
Is there a minimum stay?
In the peak summer season, stays are generally weekly. Outside high season, shorter stays are possible depending on the calendar.
When is the best time to find lower rates?
May, June, September and October: the pool is heated, the region is quiet and rates are gentler than in midsummer.
Arrival, departure and your stay
What time can we check in and check out?
Check-in is in the late afternoon and check-out in the morning. Exact times are confirmed with your booking, and we stay flexible whenever the schedule allows.
How does key handover work?
We welcome you in person on arrival to hand over the keys and show you around the estate.
Can we come without a car?
It is possible: the Les Arcs–Draguignan TGV station is about 5 minutes from the estate. That said, a car is recommended for exploring the region.
Are there shops nearby?
Yes, the village of Les Arcs-sur-Argens (bakery, supermarkets, pharmacy, restaurants) is just a few minutes away by car.
Can we work remotely from the estate?
Yes, the fibre Wi-Fi and the peace and quiet are perfect for it — with the pool waiting for your lunch break.
Is the estate suitable for longer stays?
Yes, the houses are fully equipped for self-catering living over several weeks. Contact us for a long-stay rate.
Families and pets
Can we come with children?
Of course — the estate is designed with families in mind: heated pool, large garden, independent houses and a region full of activities for kids.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are welcome for a supplement of €15 per stay. Please let us know when you book.
Is baby equipment available?
Let us know what you need (travel cot, high chair) when you book, and we will do our best to have it ready for you.
Is the estate a good fit for a holiday with friends?
Yes, the 5 houses side by side around the pool are ideal for a group holiday where everyone still has their own space.
What is there for children to do in the area?
Gently sloping sandy beaches (~30 min), Lake Sainte-Croix with pedalos (~1 hr 15 min), treetop adventure parks, hilltop villages and Provençal markets.
Location and surroundings
Where exactly is Les Maisons de la Cigale?
At 1619 chemin des contes, 83460 Les Arcs-sur-Argens, in the Var region of Provence, between Draguignan and the A8 motorway.
How far is the sea?
The nearest beaches (Fréjus, Saint-Aygulf, Saint-Raphaël) are around 30 minutes away by car. Sainte-Maxime is around 40 minutes away.
How far is Saint-Tropez?
Saint-Tropez is around a 1-hour drive away — perfect for a day trip while avoiding peninsula prices for your accommodation.
How far is the Verdon Gorge?
The Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix are around 1 hour 15 minutes away by car — perfect for a day trip.
What is there to see in Les Arcs-sur-Argens itself?
The medieval quarter of Le Parage with its narrow lanes and tower, Château Sainte-Roseline (vineyard and listed chapel) and the village market.
Is the area a good fit for wine lovers?
Absolutely: the estate sits in the heart of the Côtes de Provence wine region. Château Sainte-Roseline is in the village itself, with the wineries of Taradeau, Vidauban and La Motte just minutes away.
Which villages are worth visiting nearby?
Lorgues and its Tuesday market, Le Thoronet and its Cistercian abbey, Flayosc, Tourtour, Les Arcs of course, and Cotignac a little further afield.
Which airport should we fly into?
Nice-Côte d’Azur (~1 hr 15 min) and Toulon-Hyères (~50 min) are the closest. Marseille-Provence is around 1 hr 45 min away.
When is the best time to visit Provence?
May–June for the flowers and the calm, July–August for the full beach season, September–October for the grape harvest and the mild weather. The pool is heated throughout this whole period.
How far in advance should we book?
For July–August, book several months ahead. Outside high season, a few weeks’ notice is usually enough.
Another question?
Contact usIn short
Les Maisons de la Cigale is an estate of 5 independent 60 m² (650 sq ft) holiday homes with a heated pool, located in Les Arcs-sur-Argens in the Var, Provence. Each house sleeps up to 5 guests from €70 per night. The estate features an on-site bar, breakfast delivered to order, an outdoor summer kitchen, free parking, and welcomes pets. It is around 30 minutes from the beaches of the French Riviera and 1 hour 15 minutes from the Verdon Gorge.