This is the view from our bedroom, overlooking the rolling hills of the Var Department in the Provence-Alps-Côte D’Azur Region. This will be our home for the next three weeks.

The train trip to Cannes was pretty spectacular – the tracks travelled along the beautiful coastline and the Mediterranean Sea was on our left the whole way.

We were met by our host who then drove us into the hills outside Seillans. His home is about 4Km from there, nestled on the slopes along with a small group of houses. The family home is a fully restored farmhouse with loads of space, light and fresh air.

The main reason we’re here of course is to care for the family’s much-loved pets.

Three very different dogs, each with his or her little quirks, five chickens, one duck and this ….

We were told we can win the goose over with a piece of baguette. Fingers crossed as this bird has a nasty hiss.

Late in the afternoon we went in to collect the small hire car our hostess had arranged for us through a local supermarket (Super U) in the next village of Fayence. It was less than half the price of any car I could find through my normal websites. The only rule is we must go less than 500km/week. That will be easy as we plan on exploring the local villages and local roads only.

The little Fiat is perfect as it comes pre-scratched and dented.

So the pressure is off!

The first drive is usually the hardest. Trying to get the hang of the gears and the clutch, while keeping your eye on the road and the signs, and of course, staying on the “wrong” side of the road.

It all went extremely well.

Last night we enjoyed a wonderful family BBQ and a glass of French wine, after we’d learnt the routines of feeding the dogs and the poultry.

Still getting used to eating quite late, but we headed to bed feeling very happy about our new assignment.