Estoublon was no doubt originally a staging post for stagecoaches (its name probably derives from Establo, meaning “little stable”).

From its past Estoublon has conserved a clock tower listed as a historical monument, which towers over the village with its wrought iron cross, and a 12th century church whose apse is listed.

Once you've parked in the fine car park in the shade, perhaps you'll fall in love with this village nestled against a mound.

It's still a farming village (barns full of hay and hens pecking away), although it's also been adopted by city-dwellers (in particular Swiss and German) who have begun restoring these magnificent old stone buildings.

It's understandable, because Estoublon is particularly enchanting, with its superb low houses built from the local yellow stone, its old wash houses with tiled roofs, its pebble-paved side streets, clean and quiet (cars are prohibited!) with the occasional hump-back! Estoublon is surprising as it is picturesque, exuding an agreeable feeling of intimacy, and will enchant you for sure.

Don't leave without buying something, if not an old barn to renovate, then at least some dried flowers or essence of lavander, the local specialities!