Shangaï, space for three

Open the door of the Shangaï and your eyes go up first: old beams run beneath a pale sloping ceiling, a reminder that this house has been standing a long time. Thirty square metres, pale stone underfoot, lime-washed walls and a dark wooden four-poster bed that sets the tone, that meeting of Provence and Asia found throughout O Mamma Mia.

Morning light comes through the window, softened by a sheer curtain. The rest of the time, quiet takes over: the quiet of an estate set back from everything, bordered by the Aigues Brun river and its old trees, a few minutes on foot from the centre of Lourmarin. You hear very little here, which is rather the point.

The 160 cm double bed sits at the heart of the room. Tucked into an alcove, a 90 cm single bed keeps its own corner, far enough away for everyone to sleep properly. The private bathroom opens onto a level walk-in shower, a carved stone basin and a skylight that keeps the space bright all day. The toilet is separate, which changes everything when there are three of you. Individual air conditioning, HD television, courtesy tray with kettle, free Wi-Fi: the rest follows quietly. Parking is free, and the room is non-smoking.

This is a room for a family holidaying in the Luberon, or for three friends travelling together who would rather not live on top of one another.

The Renaissance castle and the cemetery where Albert Camus is buried fit into the same walk, a few minutes from here. Our guide covers both and suggests where to begin. If you are still weighing up addresses in the village, where to stay in Lourmarin lays out the options.

What stands out

• 30 m² for three, with room to breathe
• 160 cm double bed and a single bed set apart
• Toilet separate from the bathroom
• Walk-in shower and carved stone basin
• Lourmarin village within walking distance