Muscles, Lycra and madness

They say there is a fine line between sanity and madness and the Tour de France is no exception and literally the biggest bike race in the world.

Traditionally, the race starts in the North, whereby this year it will start in the south from the principality of Monaco. Starting on Saturday July 4th to Sunday July 26th 2009, the 96th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometres.


Many of the families who book a Quality Villas holiday ask about hiring bikes with some even bring their own either to amble along country lanes or to tackle steep hills and mountainous terrain. All of them may want to be a “Bernard Hinault” who has won most of the races and nicknamed the 'Badger' but what better than to enjoy this sport decked out in bright lycra to match the army of cyclists that are encountered each week in France. Cycling is particularly big in the south west due to the terrain and open countryside. During the summer there are many cycling events that lead up to the grand race itself.

The route this year will take us past two of the villas in our programme – one on the coast near Sete and the other near St Gaudens south of the Pyrenees. Both properties have availability during the Tour de France so why not book them now for a ringside seat! If you prefer a villa near the sea in France then Villa Mont St Clair is ideal. Situated a short stroll from the pretty resort of Sete, this villa is just a couple of minutes from the sea. For those who prefer the rugged countryside of the Haute Garonne then Le Vieux Grenier is for you, another charming French villa . This converted granary nestles in the small village alongside the river Louge yet only one hour from Toulouse and easy reach to the Pyrenees.