New villa on the Cote!

It is not like us to make a thing about a new villa coming on the books of course, but then again, its Friday and we are feeling celebratory! The new villa is this little gem, located near Cagnes Sur Mer on the French Riviera : http://www.qualityvillas.com/cote-dazur/cagnes-sur-mer/vue-sur-cagnes Sleeping 12 persons, with a private infinity pool (salt water for those that like to know these things), air conditioning...but also the most amazing sea views. Places like Biot, Antibes and Cannes are all on the doorstep - plus of course the rest of the Riviera. Its even possible to get to the Italian border and try another country for a day! Area Manager Muriels review of the house is as follows "I love the situation of this house where everyone can have fun. The old village of Cagnes sur Mer is beautiful and especially the Grimaldi Castle has an interesting history. Art lovers will take pleasure in visiting the house where Auguste Renoir, master of Impressionism, lived the last few years of his life leaving a precious collection of paintings. If you like sports here you can try a lot of different water sports or just relax on the beach. " Why not have a look?

Cannes...Cannes...Cannes

Cannes…once a small fishing village is now a luxurious bustling city along the water front that attracts millions of visitors throughout the year. A city that has something for everyone: whether you are looking for a quiet scenic day discovering the historic beauty of the streets of Le Suquet; exploring the long stretch of extravagant shops and boutiques along La Croisette ; or even if you would simply like to relax on the shoreline. Cannes does have something for everyone, and on every budget and is a must visit when staying in the South of France. Cannes is most famously known for hosting the world’s most prestigious and glamorous event, ‘The Cannes Film Festival’. The celebrated film festival, founded in 1947, attracts celebrities, actors and directors from across the globe and is an event that will not go amiss in the year. The festival has become increasingly popular, creating more of an awareness of the emerging talent and honouring the less well known films that contribute to the world of cinema on an international level. The selections of films that ‘Cannes Film Festival’ chooses highlight a passion for cinema and a diversity of film. The film festival has also become an important event commending European films and documentaries. ‘Cannes Film Festival’ may be one of the world’s best films festivals, although finding tickets to the events proves very difficult when one is not known in the industry. However, do not let this put you off visiting the beautiful city during the festival. Cannes does have much more to offer than just the annual Film Festival and a glamorous shopping destination. It is home to many cultural attractions and interesting museums. The Musee de la Castre being one of them, in the heart of the old streets of le Suquet, this charming castle poses a change to the usual hustle and bustle in Cannes city. The museum holds a unique collection from around the world, collected over the past view 100 years and the views from the tower are simply magnificent. If you are looking to escape the happening and opulent Cannes and are looking for a quiet a day, take a stroll along the quiet streets of Le Suquet. One thing of course that is difficult to miss when visting Cannes are the beaches; a great way to complete your vacation with a spell of sunbathing we think! For more information on the local area, why not visit this link for information on the Cote d'Azur

Introducing an old partner.

For 2013, we are proud to say we have signed up for another year with Dream Villa Rentals. DVR feature 200 of our properties across France, Italy and Morocco and for a number of years have offered a great site offering guests around the world the chance to find a villa holiday...usually with us of course! If you are browsing online looking for a villa, of course there is our site too, but always worth looking at the link below. Luxury villa holidays by Dream Villa Rentals

Boiled Octopus or Chocolate factory? Well it’s that time of year again. The traditional end of August panic as Mum’s realize that their youngest hasn’t got the right sized ruler for their new school, tinged with disappointment as we cover up our barbecue’s, well in the knowledge that our weather this summer hasn’t quite lived up to expectations for the eighth year in a row. But fear not! We’ve already been treated this summer to excitement and joy from team GB in the most unlikely of events (who had ever heard of team dressage?) And Quality Villas is on hand with more wacky yet really enjoyable activities. Our ‘things to do’ guide has two more entries with the beautiful Island of Elba and of course Umbria. And alongside the natural beauty and fascinating monuments that all our Villa’s are in close proximity to, there are a few less known treats too. I was as surprised as anyone to find that Perugia, Umbria’s capital, has a chocolate factory (if I knew I would have already visited it) White, milk, dark, truffles, melting, not melting … the list is endless. In fact, knowing Italy (as opposed to the UK), it probably is melting; you better get down there quick. But in all seriousness, we have a fantastic range of Villa’s in Umbria, a great place to end your summer. I hope I haven’t made you too hungry, if so then let me mention the boiled octopus on the island of Elba. This island’s seafood is legendary, and the Villa’s aren’t bad either, a very good choice of destination at this time of year. But there’s obviously more to a holiday and a region than food, so please read our full ‘things to do’ guide for both these regions and others in Italy where we have Villas available here at http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/.

Marrakech heat

This time of year in Marrakech is a great time to go. Its still very warm but not as hot as a month or two ago, but for sun starved Europeans (ok we mean British) its a great way to top up any tan or just simply to get some colour before our obligatory artic winter (the tabloids start predicting armageddon on the weather front about mid August usually!) In order to assist clients browsing the Quality Villas websites and looking at the villas on offer, we have now added some additional touristic material - basically some hand written travel guides by staff who have actually been there and done it, whether on holiday or work, they have listed out some of their experiences and things to do. The last phrase is key, we literally entitled the pages 'things to do'! Here are links to the Morocco ones: Morocco Marrakesh Agadir and Tiznit Essaouira Oualidia We like to think these pages will help travellers to these destinations, however we also are always willing to talk about the places - simply a phone call or email and we will do our best! We also have a number of great places on offer in Marrakesh, excellent staffed villas with pools that have prime locations, just a short distance from the famous red city. Marrakesh is a short flight from the UK - worth a read on what to do and a short city break methinks! If you have been considering something in France, the weather has also been balmy this year, try this luxury villa near beach France sleeping 6, it is only one mile from the beach, in St Tropez area.

Our villa of the week... Villa Du Bosquet, Roquefort les Pins, on the Cote d'Azur. This is a small 3 bedroom property, sleeping 6, that immediately sets the taste buds off by knowing its only a mile to local shops and a restaurant from the property. This of course means fresh croissants, french sticks, pain au chocolat and if you don't quite fancy setting your own meal up that day, the local eaterie presumably offers some suitable fare! The villa itself has a classic style, with light, airy rooms, whilst the private pool and elegant gardens finish this one off perfectly. The nearest beach is at Cagnes sur Mer, whilst Cannes, Nice, Antibes old town and more aren't far away. Prices start from £2360 per week in low season periods, reaching £3640 in high season. Peak months are of course July and August. Back to the pool, there is a Roman stepped entrance, whilst the measurements for those that need to know, are 11m by 5m...more than enough space to practise some strokes. Finally, a bbq and pizza oven mean dining al fresco is merely a step or two away! For more about this villa, please follow this link : http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/cote-dazur/roquefort-les-pins/villa-du-bosquet If you would like to know more about activities and things to do on the French Riviera and Cote d'Azur, click here.

The hills are alive with muscles and lycra…. 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. This years Tour de France is the 98th and part of the route is near Souillac in the Lot Department. This lovely area is popular with holidaymakers and we at Quality Villas have some beautiful properties still with some late availability. We have such properties both with a religious theme – one was a former Presbytere and the other a former Convent. Both of these properties can be found by clicking on these links. http://www.qualityvillas.com/dordogne/nadaillac-de-rouge/la-retraite http://www.qualityvillas.com/dordogne/saint-sozy/le-pelerin The race can be watched anywhere along the route: near the start of the day's leg, riders tend to be very bunched and the actual race passes in about a minute. Towards the end of a leg, riders are more spaced out, so the thrill of the race lasts longer. However most of the spectacle comes not from the riders themselves, but from the "caravan", an hour-long procession of cars, floats and motorcycles from the Tour's sponsors and the teams. It's all very commercial, with freebies being thrown out to the spectators; baseball caps, little packs of sweets, mini-pretzels, key rings and other gimmicks. It's interesting to watch, and the children love it. Many of the families who book a Quality Villas holiday ask about hiring bikes with some even bringing their own either to amble along country lanes or to tackle steep hills and mountainous terrain. Cycling is big in my region due to the terrain and open countryside and after an energetic cycle what better that to have a swim at your French country villa and a long cool beer. Contact us now to discuss your French villa holiday on 01442 870055 or visit our website http://www.qualityvillas.com Gill Manager France & Morocco

Bargain Hunting! If there is one thing that I enjoy more than anything and that is shopping! Not food shopping I might add but bargain hunting for almost anything. On one of recent flying visits to UK I had a whole day to shop for a wedding outfit but before long I was shopping for much more as the bargains to be had were amazing. Thank goodness I had decided to book a bag with my flight but this only made me buy more to fill it up and get my money’s worth! Unpacking my goodies when I got back to France was sheer pleasure until I added up my receipts but “Hey Ho” you only live once and there are no pockets in a shroud which is my mantra when I hit the shops! Bargain hunting is not just confined to clothes, shoes or whatever takes your fancy but to holidays as well. Most of us now wait and see what bargains there are to be had and they are not disappointed. Whether its 50% off or 2 weeks for the price of one, a bargain is uplifting and a personal sense of achievement by striking a good deal. There are many of our villas in France that are offering fantastic deals on last minute bookings. Even the “die hard” holidaymaker will wait until the 11th hour to snap up a bargain. There has never been a good time to book a European holiday with the Pound strong against the Euro, bargain villas and sunny weather which we are experiencing at the moment in South West France. Check out our Special Offers page on our website – it’s the most visited page on our site! If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about our extensive range of luxury villas in France please contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website http://www.qualityvillas.com

My Villa of the Month! Les Trois Couronnes has to be my favourite property on the Basque coast and when I visited it recently the first thing I said to myself when I walked in the door was “I want to stay here!” This exceptional Basque family villa rental sits proudly on the surf-washed shores of the French Atlantic coast with inspiring panoramic views of the Ocean and inland to La Rhune, the highest peak in the Pyrenees-Atlantique mountain range. Floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors are predominant throughout the house making the most of the light and the glorious views from all rooms. A large lawn slopes gently down to the pool, the nearest sandy beach is only 200 metres and the nearest restaurant even closer still, making this an ideal base for families who want to ditch the car and enjoy the great outdoors! Liven up the pace with one of the many exhilarating water sports available along this coastline; the Atlantic surf in this area is renowned the world over, and international surfing competitions are held here. Long, wide sandy beaches make kiting, beach-karting and kite surfing popular. For those who prefer less adrenaline, there are some spectacular golf courses here, plus relaxing Thalassotherapy spas, or you may just prefer to wander round the smart town of Biarritz and try your luck at the Casino’s roulette tables, or venture south through the charming town of St Jean de Luz and across the border into Spain. The Pyrenees offer endless opportunities for hiking, or you can take the highest train ride in Europe up to the summit of La Rhune where the panorama spans from the Atlantic across the Pyrenees and Northern Spain – breathtaking. The charming Basque villages dotted in the foothills are a must, especially the village of Espelette, where the colourful local peppers – the cornerstone of Basque cuisine – can be seen hanging out to dry in the sunshine. So much is possible from this exceptional Basque family villa so click on this link now and see for yourself! http://www.qualityvillas.com/biarritz/st-jean-de-luz/les-trois-couronnes If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about our extensive range of luxury villas in France please contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website http://www.qualityvillas.com Gill Area Manager France & Morocco

After the down pours of rain in the past few weeks, much of the country resembled a giant lake! However I am thankful to say that the rain has temporarily moved on and we now have glorious sunshine again. It made me think of the Italian lakes this morning, presumably there is little to tell the difference right now between our own azure countryside, shimmering waters and presumably a few ducks paddling where once was civilisation (ok we have not become Atlantis just yet) and the charming Italian Alps - looking down across Lakes Como and Garda. This beautiful lakes have fascinated for centuries - even Winston Churchill has a suite named after him at one of the lake side hotels as he used to visit frequently. The Lakes are great for general recreation, but water sports in particular at Riva on Lake Garda are renowned. Quality Villas have offered villas in Lake Garda and villas in lake Como for several years - part of their extensive Italian villa programme. If you might be interested in staying in this stunning region, taking a little Alpine air and possibly even a dip in the lake (yes it has its own 'beaches'!) then a visit is muchy recommended. Why not add on a few nights of Opera in Verona for good measure? The city is under an hour away and frequently used for its airport as an entry to the region.

When summer feels like winter, you know you are probably in the UK and its 'balmy' June! As I write this latest missive, the clouds look grey, almost the same as we saw back in December before it snowed! The temperature is a fresh 13 degrees, ok, we accept this isn't artic conditions, but when the breeze comes up, we feel cold! Why not keep a check on the weather system for yourself? The last week or so there have been numerous flood warnings across the country, whilst parts of the west country and Wales have been hit hardest. This has included river banks breaking and a few flooded caravan parks, at one stage even the would be rescuers had to be rescued (airlifted!) The Queens Jublilee celebrations will sadly be remembered for the rain. Desperate crowds alongside the Thames watching the flotilla through the mist and drizzle were treated to a spectacle of soaked dignataries, singers and the like. So what has happened to summer this year in the UK...and were those few days of heat about 4 weeks ago the actual summer? Its fair to say the premature rush of barbecues and sausages onto the supermarket shelves were off the mark, as has been the English Tourist boards promotion to encourage the people of UK to holiday at home this year. The Jubilee weekend sparked a rush to holiday companies for clients wishing to escape to warmer shores, presumably those who attempted a street party of two and found themselves awash c/o natures own shower system. Still, the country looks enviably green and can possibly be spotted from outer space as a green oasis! Here at Quality Villas, we are continuing to book clients looking for a late escape to France or Italy (or even Morocco) - a summer holiday in the sun where the Euro is looking decidely reasonable and the weather slightly more assured. If the wash out summer continues, we can see the bleakest of Wimbledons (tennis), a sad cricket season and a few strained summer holidays for disappointed school children couped up indoors. Come on the sun! If you are thinking of a summer escape, do consider contacting us here at Quality Villas for a villa suggestion or two.

New villa online... We are proud to release our latest villa online, known as La Bruyere. This is an exclusive property with hillside views, located in the south of France near St Tropez. The closest large town is La Garde Freinet. St Tropez is a mere 15 miles, with beaches at Pampelonne about 14 miles (of course the joys of Club 55). The property benefits from a private pool, measuring 9m x 4m, 2 hours per week maid service, wifi internet and pool towels. Most of the villas we feature dont include pool towels, however they are a welcome addition where owners think to include them (they bring down the expected luggage allowance weight for flights!) The property is tastefully decorated in a classic French style, beamed ceilings and a large fireplace lend atmosphere to a light and airy room. The spacious bedrooms all have good views, some leading straight to the garden and terraced areas. The actual closest beach is to be found in Cogolin, a charming village surrounded by vineyards with a lively market every week and various music festivals through the summer. Finally - this is a property where families with children should take care - the terraced nature of the grounds dont lend themselves well for small children. Click here for more information about this villa.

This weeks blogtastic 'villa of the week' is Villa Les Rochers, located in the south of France on the sunny Cote d'Azur, in Villefranche to be exact. We rank the villa highly, in the top 10 anyway for stunning views and top location. The centre of Nice is a mere 5 miles, whilst this particular part of France also carries an Italian as well as Gallic influence. A visit to casinos in Monte Carlo is also a must-do whilst the lovely villages and medieval towns in the area are on the must-see list. Top cuisine as would be expected where Italian and French meet is on offer! The villa itself sports a gym, also a pool and is partially with air con.There is weekly maid service to keep the property in top shape, whilst internet access means connectivity to the outside world is possible...or you can just choose to tell the office you are on holiday and to leave you alone! The villa has a private elevator in addition, something necessary to save the legs when coming back from the shops of course, arms laden with goodies! The weather at this time of year is pretty good (take a look ) To see the villa spec in full detail, follow this link. Hope you enjoyed the villa of the week, this one sums up the Cote d'Azur perfectly - perfect views.

The Pound Strikes Back !! As sterling strikes back against the euro and prices fall, it’s the best time in years to be planning a holiday in a euro zone country and what better than France or Italy. The pound is the strongest it has been against the euro since August 2010, which means you should get more spending money for your sterling. Looking at the depressing wet weather that UK has had over the past few weeks it little wonder than none of us started to turn amphibian, it’s been that bad! Then, a glimmer of light finally broke through the whole sorry, sodden mess, the pound finally regained some ground against the euro, reaching its strongest position for three and a half years. This means if you’re spending £500 on a trip to the euro zone, you’re effectively getting £50 more for your money - welcome news in this age of austerity. So, if the rain hadn’t already persuaded you, this extra spending money should – just think of the extra wine you can drink or have that special meal out instead of a frugal one. We still have availability on many of our villas in France and Italy so why not splash out (pardon the pun) and take advantage of the strong pound. If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about our extensive range of luxury villas in France please contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website http://www.qualityvillas.com

THE HAIRY BIKERS IN MY PART OF FRANCE! I love all types of cooking programmes and have my own personal favourites and the Hairy Bikers top my list! I love watching Dave and Si cook but it’s their superb humour and friendliness that I really like. For the past 5 weeks they have been travelling around Europe going from the northern countries of Europe to the eastern countries and now they have hit my country - France! Many people regard France as the home of gastronomy and the first stop for the bikers was Lyon the culinary capital of France. Dave and Si explore the 'bouchon' - a restaurant traditionally run by a female chef or 'mere Lyonnaise' where the food was not only good but the portions enormous! Wanting to get into the swing of cooking in France they start with a tarte aux pralines and create a saucisson-stuffed brioche. From Lyon they travel to Montelimar to learn the secrets of teeth-pulling nougat, followed by truffle-hunting for the famous white summer truffle. This famous truffle is used to make truffle-infused butter and brie. From here they ride along the Canal du Midi and onto Carcassonne (Languedoc) and one of the regions that I work in. With the backdrop of the medieval cite behind them (an awesome sight) they bake a perfect Flan de Saint Jean de Minervois; it like a crème caramel but made with lavender honey and dessert wine. Onwards to Castelnaudary to the home of Cassoulet where they are inducted into the Ancient Order of the Cassoulet (after eating it of course!) when they reach their journey's end. This beautiful part of the Languedoc with its Cathar history, Corbiere Valley and the Mediterranean coast is perfect for a wonderful family holiday. Flights to Carcassonne are regular and inexpensive and for me it’s definitely an area I love visiting time and time again. Gill Manager France & Morocco

A different Mediterranean with a Venice appeal

Mention Mediterranean France and everyone think’s of the Cote d’Azur and Provence. Beautiful areas to visit but why not venture further west and sample the delights of quaint fishing villages, lively cities and at affordable prices.

Every month I select my Villa of the Month and this month I have chosen a superb property on the beach yet right next door to the wonderful seaside town of Sete. Here you can sample the best oysters and seafood caught the same day – you can’t get fresher than that!

Once a small fishing village on the island of Mont St Clair it’s become the definitive Languedoc fishing port for France on the Mediterranean. This warm and colourful town is known as the Venice of Languedoc with its canals and small bridges. The charm of Sete is in the canals, the sea, the streets and the restaurants. You can walk and discover fishing boats, busy with their catch, or find a restaurant to eat and watch the fishing boats go out to sea. Walk down the Saint Louis Pier and look for yachts vie for space or sunbathe on the miles of sandy beaches that stretch from Sete to Cap d’Agde. There is so much to do in and around Sete from sailing trips, water sports, micro light flights, tennis, golf, horse riding, museums, theatres and a casino if you fancy a try at the tables!!

Of course you must have a comfortable and stylish villa to stay in for your holiday and Quality Villas is proud to have a superb Art Deco style villa facing the sea as part of its portfolio. Villa Mont St Clair is situated in Setes La Corniche’s district yet a 5 minute stroll brings you to the fishing towhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifn of Sete. Villa Mont St Clair is directly facing the sea and this well appointed house stands out amongst the others around it with a particularly unusual green tiled tower which houses part of the principal bathroom. The property has been lovingly restored with marble floors, Italian style ceiling, and grand staircase with Art Deco cast iron and cherry wood finish and stained glass windows. The doors on the first floor have been restored to their former glory depicting the Art Deco style of the period. The furnishing and fittings are all of a particularly high standard yet oozes comfort in this spacious house. This popular villa is classy, spacious and comfortable. http://www.qualityvillas.com/languedoc/sete/villa-mont-st-clair

This popular villa still has summer availability so hurry and book this little piece of luxury at affordable prices. I thoroughly recommend it !!

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

VILLA OF THE MONTH – Maison St Gervais

Each month I am going to nominate a Villa of the Month in various regions of France. This not only gives the particular villa a little bit of publicity but it may also help the reader of this blog to know about the regions in France, where I live.

This month it’s Maison St Gervais which is a former Presbytery built of Quercy Blanc stone and was once the home of the local parish priest. Since the priest left the Presbytery it has been renovated over the years and now provides a comfortable holiday home.
The house sleeps eight comfortably, has a large garden, a sparkling pool and situated in a particularly lovely part of the Tarn et Garonne with rural views yet close to a small village. Among the many places local to the property are markets, night markets, a leisure lake, a tennis court, horse riding centre, golf courses and a parachute school.
Click here for this Moissac farmhouse with pool
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The Quercy Blanc takes its name from the white limestone which colours the soil. Many villages are built of Quercy Blanc, the beautiful local white stone.

This green and fertile corner of France is well known for its hilltop medieval bastides and fortified villages. There are incredibly beautiful and unspoilt places with tumbling flowers, painted shutters and carved stonework dotted across the rolling landscape, intermingling with stone built farms, gaggles of foie gras producing geese, the occasional chateau, vineyards, sunflowers and fruit orchards.

Famous for its sunflowers, peaches, kiwi, asparagus, cherries, nectarines, melons, vines and prunes, the local countryside changes weekly from the lush greens and delicate blossoms of early spring through to the fields of ripening wheat and barley edged with poppies, to the vivid yellow of the summer sunflowers.

Can you not think of anything more lovely to have your France villa holiday in Maison St Gervais?

If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about your holiday in France contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove
Area Manager

France & Morocco