With its secluded, heated pool, this elegant apartment housed in a 16th-century building in Uzès is the perfect French retreat. This charming restored home is full of character, from the remarkable circular stone staircase and wooden ceiling beams to the old stone floors. We love the gracious living room with its views over the fig and bamboo trees, the pool and the town's rooftops. There's a wood-burning stove, too, for cosy nights when the weather turns chilly and a desk for catching up on work as well. This place is ideal for a couple or family with two children. The icing on the cake here is the incredible hospitality from your lovely hosts. They can arrange all sorts of activities for you to do, including walking tours and cookery classes. When you're ready to explore the area, take a stroll around the town and admire the wonderful architecture or head to its renowned weekly market, then take a seat at one of its traditional restaurants. Further afield, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pont du Gard, under a twenty-minute drive away, or discover historic Nîmes, around thirty minutes in the car. Home truths: *The main stairwell is shared and goes past two floors and the owner's apartment, so this home may not be suitable for people with limited mobility or those with heavy suitcases *You have to go out of the front door and head to the back entrance to get to the pool which is shared with the owners *The second bedroom is up a ladder staircase on a mezzanine, so it probably is best suited to children *Child-friendly amenities such as a cot, high chair, window guards and children's books are available *The washing machine is in the attic *The library area is shared *Although the town's attractions are within walking distance, we'd recommend a car to see all that the area offers – there's secure underground parking a short stroll away