The name Fayence means 'endroit agréable' and, although the countryside around Grasse' suffers from serious overbuilding, the old town still has a certain appeal. Before the tourists arrived, olives were the lifeblood of such communities and olive mills such as Camandoule, about a mile from the centre, were essential assets. Oil production stopped here after the big freeze of 1957 but the 17th century building, still with its pressing equipment intact, was later rescued from ruin and made into a small hotel.
The interior therefore has considerable rustic appeal and it is here in the Escourtin restaurant that young chef Philippe Choisy displays his culinary skills. On balmy summer evenings, guests decamp to the terrace for dinner - a tranquil setting overlooking the 10-acre parc. Languid lunches, on the other hand, are taken at the bar/grill beside the good-sized pool.
The grounds are crossed by the River Camandre - more of a stream actually but, thanks to the carefully preserved gallo-roman aqueduct, it was the source of water for the working mill.
There's a homely touch to the accommodation and each individually decorated bedroom is detailed with precision on the website. If prices are on the high side for this level of 3-star hotel, the location and hospitality are such that there are few grumbles when it's time to pay.