Villa holidays in France and Italy

2011-08-23T02:40:00.000-07:00

France – voted 2nd most popular holiday destination in 2011

Second to Spain, France was the second most popular destination this year for holidays. Hopefully, next year it will be voted No. 1 and judging by the enquiries we are receiving for villas in France then 2012 might be top of the list! 2011 has been an excellent year for Quality Villas and coupled with our 25th anniversary in the luxury villa holiday market we are really pleased!

I have lived in France for 17 years and while food has almost doubled in price, eating out is still very cheap and public transport is efficient and cheap too!! Not only this but it is a relaxed and beautiful country whereby the French have a philosophy – you work to live and not live to work. The sheer fact of the lifestyle, beauty and most of all an unhurried way of life is exactly why it’s the number one place for those who have moved here permanently.

The choice is diverse and a place and villa for everyone. Choose to stay in one of our family villas or farmhouses in France from Brittany to the Cote d’ Azur.

The classic image of Brittany's coastline is that of massive Atlantic breakers bursting over defiant granite rocks, Brittany's coastline actually offers a wide range of seashores, from small sandy or pebbly coves to sand dunes and broad sandy beaches; it also offers a wealth of inlets and harbours, making this region the most popular in France with sailing enthusiasts. The south-facing coast of the Morbihan benefits from a particularly mild climate.

The Dordogne with its 101 chateaux steeped in history to the lush green countryside and famous Dordogne River. Hire a kayak and pack a picnic for a glorious day out before having dinner in one of many fine restaurants or Auberges that are plentiful in this area. We have many superb villas in this area plus new villas that will surely please. View our family farmhouses in the Dordogne and South West to sample other delights in this region.

Provence is a region of contrasts and colours. This delightful region of the French Midi (the South) is associated with warm breezes, a mild climate, and rolling hillsides covered in the gray washes of olive trees and lavender. The lavender fields are truly amazing to see with not only their beauty but the heady perfume that is in the air. View our villa rentals in Provence for your next holiday.

People in the hundreds of thousands flock to the Côte d'Azur or French Riviera for its sun and dazzling blue waters. This coastline is a constant hub of activity and excitement. The Riviera attracts an international group and jet-setters here to see and to be seen. If you want glamour and maybe spot a famous face or two then this is the place to be. So, to be one of the “in set” visit our website www.qualityvillas.com for your Cote d’Azur family villa rental now.

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

Gill Woolsgrove
Area Manager
France & Morocco

The giant holiday rush to France has begun!!

2011-08-04T01:59:00.000-07:00

Last weekend saw the biggest exodus from UK to France – the start of the UK summer holidays!! As parents pack the suitcases and children are getting their swim suits out of storage we at Quality Villas are getting ready for a busy time! Our luxury villas in France all have private pools so you can be assured not only of a super house but a sparkling blue pool all to yourself!!

Before you leave its always worthwhile having a couple of essentials packed with your holiday documents and those are guide books and a simple translation booklet. Whilst we know that all you want to do is lay by the pool in your family villa in France there are some amazing sights to be seen in France and are worth a look so take your guide book and language book and explore!!

Guide Book
Do your self a favour and purchase at least two and pay attention to buy the most current editions. Rough Guides or Lonely Planet Guides are well known for their independent view and they are a great choice. These are in-depth guides printed in small letters on a thin paper to pack as much information as possible and still keep the volume small enough to fit into your luggage. Do study your guides before you leave, so that you can better plan your trip. You will know exactly where to go and what can be seen there during your French villa holiday.
Language

You may have heard of the French being proud of their language and although they learn English at school, they hesitate to use it. However, you would be surprised by the change in their attitude if you just try a few words or simple phrases. You are a guest in their country so it makes more sense to make the first step. You’ll be amazed to see how far a little French will go. It will literally open doors to their culture. If they see that you try with some help of mimics and hand signs you will get your message across, that’s for sure. Try simple words and then go onto small phrases. A good idea is to learn restaurant menus and foods – most important if you think you are ordering beef and you get horse instead!!

For the past few weeks at Quality Villas our phones have not stopped ringing as we have some amazing last minute reductions for your holiday villa in France. There is something for everyone from a family farmhouse in South West France to a coastal villa in Cote d’Azur.

If you are still interested in a late escape to the sun, our staff are on hand to discuss with you any requirements you may have.

New arrival for Quality Villas!

2011-06-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

Our latest addition in Provence is the aptly named 'La Petite Amelie'. Sleeping 5, this is a cute cottage near Caromb, with a private plunge pool, village location, wifi connection and lovely walled garden. Terracotta and stone floors, beamed ceilings and pale neutral colours add to a charming Provencal ambience.
Outdoor eating facilities and a bbq mean long summer evenings soaking up classic Provencal atmosphere in abundance!
To see more, visit this page for more details of this cottage in Provence.

Quality Villas - 2011 is our 25th year of business, still independent, still family owned. Call us to discuss your villa requirements: 0044 (0) 1442 870055.

New villa in Italy

2011-05-20T07:48:00.001-07:00

Quality Villas continues to acquire new villas!

Latest addition is in Italy - please take a look at: http://www.qualityvillas.com/tuscany/molin-nuovo/villa-anfora

Villa Anfora sleeps 12 near Arezzo.

Prices range from £3405 per week in low season to £4245 per week in high season. There is a private pool, beautiful countryside views and maid service included.

A Jewel in Oualidia – the St Tropez of Morocco

2011-05-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Villa Yasmina is a delightful small house covered in flowers and exotic climbing plants and perfect for 4 people plus superb value! Built in typical Moroccan style and painted with bright colours and furnishings according to the traditional Berber taste. The large covered terrace facing the charming walled courtyard is a perfect spot for your evening aperitif or lazy breakfast. Stunning views of the sea and the lagoon both during the day and at sunset are truly memorable.
This villa is part of a domain comprising other similar properties, 3 large swimming pools, a poolside bar and a restaurant. Unlike other houses on the same development, Villa Yasmina lies at the bottom of a hill at very short walking distance from the sandy beach of Oualidia, renowned for its fabulous seafood and lively Monday market. This is an old Atlantic fishing village which has retained its original charm and benefits from a mild temperate climate all year round.
http://www.qualityvillas.com/oualidia/oualidia/villa-yasmina

Travel Guides with Quality Villas

2011-04-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

We are frequently asked for additional information on the regions and countries of the villas that we feature. Obviously on each villa page, a certain amount of text can be included before it becomes unreadable, or unmanageable at least!
For this reason, we have created some specific regional information pages, currently in their infancy, but which will be added to over time. On it we will include links to sites of interest, attractions, arrival airports and the like.
If you would like to know more, please click through here : regional France information. Of course we welcome feedback, if you would like to make any comments, please email us or leave feedback on the blog, to this post.

Thank you for reading!

Client feedback...

2011-04-21T08:53:00.001-07:00

We recently had one of our favourite return clients drop us a note as they made their latest villa request. Its always good to hear positive feedback, even better to welcome back clients each year - surely we must be doing something right!

"...it seems hard to believe that this will be our 8th year of summer holidays in France with Quality Villas....We've loved every villa we have stayed in and yet we have never returned to one we've already been to! This summer will be our 20th and 21st villas!" CM, 29.3.11

The lovely CM (quoted above) will be enjoying more Quality Villa luxury this summer, 20 and 21 coming up...

Magic sounds fill up the Valleys near Lucca!

2011-04-08T08:02:00.001-07:00

If during your Tuscan summer holiday you happen to drive through the Garfagnana region, north of Lucca, and decide to take a stroll in Barga, you might find yourself caught up in the middle of a multitude of colourful musicians joyfully flooding the narrow streets of this peaceful hilltop town with their jazz and soul sound. In fact, it is during the Jazz festival week that Barga comes alive: its many piazzas and surrounding valleys fill up with the notes of internationally acclaimed artists who come here from all over the world to compete against each other. An entire week of entertainment free of charge: what a treat!
Quality Villas offer a wide range of holiday villas with pool in the province of Lucca, so why not visit our website for ideas: www.qualityvillas.com or call: 0044 1442 87 00 55.

Take a dive in the Tuscan crystal clear sea!

2011-04-05T03:03:00.000-07:00

Quality Villas is proud to announce the recent addition of Torre del Principe to their rich portfolio of villas in Tuscany. Here the discerning traveller will have the pleasure to discover a different Tuscany: as well as a vast unspoilt landscape of rolling hills cloaked in aromatic Mediterranean shrubs, populated by a rich wildlife, and hot water therapeutic springs, this southernmost part of Tuscany, known as Maremma, offers a spectacular coastline. Dotted with palm trees and marine pines, old fishing villages and protected areas of outstanding natural beauty, miles of sandy beaches, cliffs and rocky coves stretch from Punta Ala to Castiglione della Pescaia, down to Talamone and Mount Argentario, a peninsula thrust in a crystal clear sea just opposite the Isola del Giglio and the small privately owned Giannutri island. A paradise for scuba divers and wealthy yacht owners, Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano offer a wide choice of fish restaurants, fashion shops and nightlife entertainments.

Well, if you have never thought of Tuscany as a seaside holiday destination………..now you will! Click to find out more about this unique property in Maremma.

Contact Quality Villas for your next holiday: tel 01442 870055 or email us: info@qualityvillas.com

New addition in Villefranche

2011-03-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

Quality Villas have a new addition in the much coveted area of Villefranche on the Cote d'Azur, Villa Coral - click here for this Cote d'Azur villa rental

Sleeping 10, this property boasts a private heated pool, sea views, is partially air conditioned and is just 300 metres from shops and places to eat.

Built in a classical style, the property also has lovely gardens spread over some 2800 metres square.

Prices are from £8180-£8680 per week for the complete property.

The Sarkozy challenge

2011-03-15T02:32:00.000-07:00

Today we are famous in the Tarn et Garonne, especially the commune where I live.

President Sarkozy is visiting! You might well ask “why does he want to come to this sleepy rural backwater”. Well, he is here at the invitation from one of my local farmers and you can image the buzz of excitement, gendarmes and security guards everywhere – we will be the talk of the commune for years to come! We haven’t had this much excitement since my village put the Christmas decorations up!!
Talking of excitement we have a wonderful new chateau near to my commune which is rather special, if I say so myself. This 18th century holiday chateau sits in an elevated position with wonderful views of the rolling Quercy Blanc countryside. The chateau is built of traditional local white stone and retains all the original features superbly combined with the warmth and homely comfort of the interior, a rare quality for this type of properties.
The beautiful grounds have lavender walks, forest trails, climbing roses, mature trees, topiary and surrounded by magnificent 360 degrees views. Swim in the large salt water pool or visit the stables where the resident horse lives, play boules or dine al fresco on the open terrace enjoying the peaceful and relaxing surrounding countryside.
To enhance the quality of your holiday you can reserve the chateau staff to provide you with all meals and residential services at a very reasonable cost.
Such a shame President Sarkozy cannot book a French villa holiday here....
Gill Woolsgrove
Area Manager
SW France & Morocco

A new arrival on the Cote D'Azur

2011-03-11T01:39:00.000-08:00

Quality Villas can unveil our latest addition on the Cote d'Azur, villa Les Palmes du Cap. With stunning sea views, why not click and see this villa on the French Riviera

The property sleeps 10, is a ten minute walk from the beach at Plage de la Garoupe, has air conditioned bedrooms and a heated infinity swimming pool. 100 square metres of lush Mediterranean gardens surround this elegant property, which we are sure will prove popular with our clients. If you would like to speak to someone who has visited the villa or make an enquiry for availability, please do call us on 0044 (0) 1442 870055.

Why France & Italy is a good bet this year!

2011-03-09T04:36:00.001-08:00

The latest news from Spain, whilst the middle east continues to simmer away...

"There is heightened media coverage in regard to proposed strike action at Spanish airports as a result a part privatisation plan of state airport operator AENA. Unions have called for 22 days of strike action, which if confirmed are likely to take place between the months of April and August – Easter included."

It isn't that cheap to fly long haul these days either (oil costs)!

It looks like France holds most of the cards this year...

If you would like to speak to one of our team about our French villas please call on 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or visit us online.

Another new villa up and running!

2011-03-08T01:54:00.000-08:00

Here at QV, as the season continues, so do we! Our overseas area managers are still busy finding new villas and we in turn in the UK are busy getting them online.

The latest villa to come on line (today in fact) is La Colombine, sleeping 7.

Click here for this villa in the Var

Here is a short extract from the introduction for this villa:
"La Colombine is a traditional stone house full of character and charm, dating back to Napoleon’s times. Exposed wooden beams, open fireplaces and antique style furniture are some of the indoor features of this villa, which give this property a unique charm of bygone days, yet combined with all the modern comforts..."

We hope you find the property of interest. Our staff are ready for any enquiries you may have about this property or any others in our villa programme.

Tel 0044 (0) 1442 870055

A new addition in the Languedoc

2011-03-02T03:42:00.000-08:00

Quality Villas are currently expanding their range in the ever popular Languedoc. The latest arrival is La Maison Occitane, sleeping 4, with a plunge pool and enviable views over the marina. The property is part of a new development at Aigues Mortes, a gorgeous walled town to explore. The beach is just 3 miles away also.

Prices start from £835 to £1415 per week. A great spot for watching yachts pass by!

Click to see this cottage in the Languedoc

A nice offer from Provence!

2011-02-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

This year has been very busy, in fact so much so, that there have been fewer owners reducing their villa rates (than the last two seasons anyway). As economies around the world are starting to find their feet again, so the holiday makers within are ready to take their luxury holiday villas again...and who can blame them!

We do have one very good offer however, offering clients an opportunity to save over £500 per week in high season. The villa in question, sleeping 10, is the Grand Luberon in Provence.
Click here to see this Provence villa.

We have further special offers also, click here for France and here for Italy.

We look forward to assisting you.

Sometimes you dont get what you pay for...

2011-02-18T01:10:00.001-08:00

Here at Quality Villas, we take pride in knowing the houses we represent. Seeing them personally, ensuring their quality and checking them - that they actually exist (!) - is something we would consider a prerequisite of any villa rental company. There are however companies that never see the houses they market but more worryingly, some people deliberately market houses that do NOT even exist.
In the past 24 hrs alone, the following two articles have come online. Its really not a good way to have a villa holiday...

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Saffron-Walden/Four-accused-of-scam.htm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357684/Villa-Conman-fleeced-holiday-makers-left-stranded-abroad-gets-4-years-jail.html

Safety first - book with a reputable agency that has bonding...better to get what you pay for!

Quality Villas - Luxury villas in France - 0044 (0) 1442 870055

Morocco - an attractive destination for 2011

2011-02-15T04:39:00.000-08:00

If you've recently been considering a family holiday in North Africa, your plans have probably been completely scuppered by the recent news from Egypt and Tunisia. However, we think it's worth reminding our potential clients that the Kingdom of Morocco, on the north-eastern tip of the continent, is enjoying "business as usual" and could provide an attractive alternative for people who still want to enjoy all the advantages of a North African break.
The political situation in Morocco is very different to that of other countries in the region. Separated from Tunisia by the vast land of Algeria (the distance between Tunis and Marrakesh is over 1,000 miles as the crow flies), Morocco has a stable constitutional monarchy and loyalty to HM King Mohamed VI is very strong. Serious commentators note that this, along with political and social reforms already implemented and others underway, make it extremely unlikely that Morocco will experience unrest.

With this in mind, and reinforced by our first-hand knowledge of the country, Quality Villas is very happy to offer its hand-picked luxury holiday villas in exciting, beautiful Marrakesh and beachside Aglou Plage, just south of Agadir. Our villas all have pools and are ideal for families. The seaside villa pictured above is Dar Kamar.

If you would like to know more about renting our villas in Morocco (or in France and Italy), please browse our website at www.qualityvillas.com or call us on +44 (0)1442 870055 and speak to one of our friendly staff.

St Tropez breaks the records!

2011-02-11T01:40:00.000-08:00

Here at QV headquarters, we are having a fine time with many new clients but also a lot of repeat clients, meaning those that holidayed at one of the villas we feature before coming back for a bit more sun and relaxation!
The regions that are performing best for us are Tuscany, Loire and St Tropez. St Tropez is certainly in vogue from what we can see, with three times more bookings that this time last year. We also are seeing a lot of interest in the Languedoc, with some of our recently added villas taking early rentals.
We are responding to this demand by adding new properties, currently 2-3 new villas are going on per week!

If you are looking for a villa for the summer in either France or Italy, please do drop us a line, or call one of our friendly team!

Please click to view our French villa selection or click for our Tuscany villas.

Latest enews is out!

2011-01-28T04:42:00.000-08:00

Our latest enewsletter is now out, did you receive yours?
Its easy to sign up; just visit our homepage and then along the top, select 'newsletter' and receive the latest news, views and villa offers direct from Quality Villas.
Follow this link for the newsletter sign up and our French villas.

January has been a brisk month for us, the south of France as usual being most popular, though we also have some clients sampling our new villas in Morocco (in particular the coastal areas near Agadir).

If you are still planning your villa holiday for 2011 and would like to speak to one our friendly and specialist staff, please call or email!
0044 (0) 1442 870055 or info@qualityvillas.com

Win a case of wine!

2011-01-12T02:40:00.001-08:00

Quality Villas, in conjunction with our friends at The Travel Editor (a website which offers hand picked travel reviews from experts in the field) are pleased to be offering a competition to wine a case of wine!

In order to enter the competition to win a case of wine, simply follow this link.
You will be taken to another page and be required to sign up with the Travel Editor to enter.

The Travel Editor can offer the information you need, for example this piece on the Art Trail on the Cote d'Azur which covers the Picasso Museum amongst others.

Quality Villas however can of course offer the finest accommodation you may require to enjoy either France or Italy; our specialist villa consultants are ready for your call.
Tel 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or email info@qualityvillas.com

Playing it safe!

2011-01-05T08:50:00.001-08:00

Firstly, a happy and prosperous new year to friends of Quality Villas old and new!

As 2011 begins, we anxiously wait to see what this year throws up. Last year there was the famous Icelandic volcano, election, world cup and more... On a travel front, there were several instances of notable travel companies going to the wall, some without bonding in place. For clients that book with unbonded travel companies there is always the concern your money (which you are asked to pay up front) is at risk.

Booking directly with owners is similarly an issue - see this latest news feed

Of course we at Quality Villas, now in our 25th year of business, believe reputation speaks for itself. However if you choose a villa this year, whether direct with an owner or a company, do take care how and where you send your money. Holidays are eagerly anticipated each year and you want to be sure you will get yours, especially after you have paid for it!

X Factor villas...

2010-12-12T11:45:00.001-08:00

Whilst the UK seems to drag to a halt for what is probably far too many people than is healthy (watching X Factor finals and Strictly and all the rest), so the national grid powers up for all those TV sets and commercial break cups of tea whilst everyone bemoans/celebrates the various winners and losers.

So the idea came to me, why not blog about the QV 'X' Factor villas for 2011?

By this, I don't mean trawling through the 350 villas on our books but some of the newcomers that have gone onto our site in the past few months. There have been some great ones, coastal property in Morocco, stunning villas in St Tropez and various family villas across rural France.

My top 5 then (you will need to click each link to see the detail):

5: Villa St Hilaire (a coastal property in the Vendee)

4: Beaute Marine (check out the seaviews from this St Tropez villa !)

3: Les Pierres Tuffeau (very nice Loire farmhouse restoration )

2: L'Ancienne Abbaye (country house near Poitiers)

...But the winner for me (cue drum roll...) and please remember this is based entirely on my own tastes, so apologies to all the other new villas that made it onto our books of recent:

Villa Natalya
I won't even give any clues as to what this one is about, if you decide to have a look, I hope you will see the appeal! I can't remember if it was the champagne reception, the sauna, the cinema room, the beachfront location or the speedboat that is thrown in with the rental for 2 days that does it for me... Click here.

In the grip of ice, warm hope is on offer...

2010-12-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

As the UK wrestles with ice, cold, snow and general issues getting anything done, so questions will be asked about why this happens every time the weather turns a little chilly. However as a villa company, we don't have the answers. Possibly some more grit outside our office would be nice and then we might start feeling a little better though.

In any event, one thing we can propose is to browse our villas. Its possibly a little unfair, given the conditions at the moment, to start suggesting that sun and warmth aren't that far away, but really they aren't! November has been a very busy month for us with villas being snapped up, however with 350+ villas online, we still will have plenty to offer. Make your booking now, then sit back with that warm feeling inside that summer is already taken care of, which surely will see off some of the winter blues.

For French villas - please visit us on line or call +44 (0) 1442 870055. Click for villas in Italy.

Our latest arrival...

2010-11-17T02:25:00.000-08:00

As the season of 2010 is now comfortably wrapped up, so we are preparing for 2011 and a summer of thrills and spills...and of course a revamp of our villa selection. In the past week, 7 new villas have been added, the pick of the bunch is our latest addition in the St Tropez region, ' Les Deux Lions '. Located just a mile from Gassin, sleeping 8, the property boasts air conditioned bedrooms, heated saltwater pool, wifi internet, fantastic views and stunning grounds.
Available from £6300 per week.
For a closer look at this St Tropez Var villa to rent please follow the link.

Other additions include 3 new ones in Morocco.
Click for our Morocco villas.

Telephone Quality Villas on 0044 (0) 1442 870055.

New villas in Lake Garda

2010-11-11T08:40:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to announce the arrival of two new properties in Lake Garda that have significantly improved our portfolio in the region.
Alex our area manager for the Lakes was able to pull the rabbit(s) out of the hat with some very nice connections of his, so we are proud to now market:
Villa Alexena (click here for this Lake Garda villa ) and click here for Villa Gardese, a villa located on Garda Lake.
Prices start from £2550 per week at Gardese.

The image shown above is from Villa Gardese.

If you would like to reserve one of these villas, find out more, or speak to Alex about the properties, this is easily arranged.
Tel 0044 (0) 1442 870055

Coming soon!

2010-11-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

Many of our regular clients will have received our preview brochure some days ago, however just in the final stages of development is our full 2011 brochure. This should be ready at the end of November.
The 2011 brochure focuses on France of course, but Italy and Morocco are also present - Morocco in fact is growing and will grow more in the coming months as we are slowly but surely sourcing new properties in the region of Agadir and further round the coast. Please have a look at our Morocco villas .

2011 is also a special year for us, being 25 years in the villa business! We hope you will consider reserving your villa holiday with us in our celebration year!

For villas in France - please view online.

We look forward to being of service.
The Quality Villas Team
01442 870055 or info@qualityvillas.com

Christmas in France, New Year in Italy?

2010-10-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

We're currently enjoying a spell of crisp, sunny weather here in the Chiltern hills,
which is turning our thoughts towards Christmas... and some of our clients are now reserving villas for the end of December. What could be more memorable for your family and friends than Christmas in France, or New Year in Italy, experiencing local customs and enjoying your own in a novel setting? One luxury Tuscany villa is Sorrettole: with its large fireplace, formal dining room and cosy lounges, and its proximity to a wintertime Florence, it would make a fantastic venue for a large group. Alternatively, a Provence villa like Mas des Murets near Gordes (pictured above) would be another great choice.

If you can't wait until Christmas for some warm weather, you might like to consider warming up at one of our Morocco villas, where the temperature in November is usually in the seventies! One of our most attractive Marrakech villas is Villa Sultan, which is very convenient for this wonderful and exciting city.

Back in the office, we are all very pleased to welcome Federica to our expanding team!

If you would like more information about renting one of our luxury villas, please browse our website at www.qualityvillas.com or call us on +44 (0) 1442 870055. We will be very happy to discuss your requirements with you.

New look, new design, lets go!

2010-10-11T04:38:00.001-07:00

To clients old and new, hopefully you will recognise our new style and new look website. The design was to bring us up to speed with a modern world that is becoming more and more dependent on the internet.

On browsing the site, you will notice several things have changed, we price villas in both Sterling, Euros and Dollars for one. Further, images of each villa are larger...check the detail! To further enhance the pleasure of selecting one of our villas, why not see if any customer reviews are present...or a review by our area managers.
In short, we are proud of our new site. We hope you like it!

For those that prefer to speak to someone, remember our French and Italian staff who know our villas are just a phone call away. We also have a printed brochure for more relaxed browsing!

For French villa holidays - please call us on 01442 870055.

This green and pleasant land…..

2010-10-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

A long time ago when I was wealthy and famous (!) I owned a typical Normandy farmhouse with beamed ceilings and beamed frontage. Situated in a tiny commune near Pont L’Eveque where the famous cheese comes from. To me, Normandy spelled out lush landscapes, forests and excellent beaches and still just a few hours from the UK. Perfect for a long weekend!!

Our portfolios of luxury Normandy villas are all accessible to the French ports and each farmhouse or Country manor house is perfect all year round. The summer sees long warm days and the winter toasting yourself in a different kind of heat in front of a blazing fire.

There is so much to see and do in this lovely region from bike rides, walking, horse riding and sightseeing. Honfleur with its pretty boats and quay side houses, Trouville for excellent fish and restaurants and if you fancy something a little more up market then Deauville and its horse racing is a great day out.

Take a poignant, memorable day trip to visit the Normandy battlefields and landing beaches of World War II. You can visit famous wartime sites and the American cemetery, spend time on the historic beaches and gain invaluable insights into the wartime experience of the Allied soldiers and the French citizens they liberated.

Why not consider your Normandy holiday accommodation or elegant Normandy chateau contact us now and speak to one of our experienced staff.

Gill Woolsgrove (area manager)

A new vision!

2010-09-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

In order to keep up with the times, we will shortly be launching a new website. This all singing, all dancing site will show a variety of new features, enhancing the user experience for visitors to the site and hopefully being far more informative.

The site will feature area manager reviews, customer feedback (previous clients), higher resolution images (than the current site) and opportunity to search according to more exacting criteria.

The look is far more modern, we hope you will like it!

Coming soon...

In the meanwhile, if you would like to speak to one of our staff about a holiday villa in France for 2011, please call us on 0044 (0) 1442 870055.

Dangerous times for villa renters!

2010-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Now where is that villa?!

Once more, we at Quality Villas shook our heads in disbelief at the audacity of the latest con men to damage the villa industry as well as feel extremely sorry for the latest set of families undone.

Click here for the article from the Daily Mail

There are many owner direct websites in existence - all showing authority and a safe way to book. However are the villas genuine that are on the site? Are the owners con men? Well there is no way to find out until you send that huge sum of money and then arrive in resort and find well...the villa is there...or maybe it isnt!

The only sure and tested way is to book with a genuine villa agency, one with bonding and preferably membership of ABTA (e.g. like us!)
We visit all our villas personally and respect our clients, we have integrity as well as 25 years of experience as a villa rental expert. Its something the new boys on the internet cannot match.
If you are thinking of booking a villa without the safety of an agency behind it but direct with an owner, remember the risks.

For late french villa deals ; please call 01442 870055 or visit us online.

Autumn Agadir Adventures

2010-08-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

Sunshine throughout the year in our finest selection of villas near Agadir!

Quality Villas expanded into Agadir early last year which is one of Morocco’s most visited Southern cities. Agadir is not your typical city of traditional Morocco, but it is a modern, busy and dynamic town with well maintained beaches and palm-lined boulevards. There is a very western feel about the place with its beachfront bars, promenades and long sandy beaches. We have luxury beachside villas in Aglou Plage and we will soon be adding more villas from a neighbouring domain once our Queen of Morocco (Gill – our Morocco Manager) has visited in September.

With a moderate climate with Mediterranean-like weather throughout the year with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, late summer and autumn are the best time to visit, and an ideal time to take advantage of the miles of wonderful beaches and extensive tourist facilities. However, as Agadir boasts over 300 days of sunshine each year then it’s an ideal holiday destination at whatever time of the year for your luxury beach villa holiday.

Spring temperatures see highs of around 17C-19C, with Agadir receiving only a maximum of around 40mm of rain during April and May. Rainfall during the summer months is practically non-existent, and during these dry summer months the sun shines for an average of 10 hours a day, with an abundance of cloudless blue skies. The region sees average temperatures of between 20C and 23C's between June and August, and occasional highs reaching 28C. Southwest trade winds blow along the coastline, serving to keep the temperatures down a little, and together with an average water temperature of 18C, help to create excellent surfing conditions for enthusiasts. Autumn sees temperatures slightly higher than those in the spring, averaging around 19C-21C. The winters tend to be mild, with Agadir still experiencing a minimum of 7 hours of sunshine each month. Perfect for your Agadir beach villa holiday. With weekly prices from £330 per person in a luxury, fully serviced villa on the beach where better to take that Autumn holiday. For more details visit our website www.qualityvillas.com

Villa partner Dream Villa Rentals

2010-08-05T01:37:00.000-07:00

Other villa websites in the industry, in theory at least, are competitors for us. However a partnership with website Dream Villa Rentals, means that villas featured on the French and Italian websites of Quality Villas are also featured on their site.

Clients can choose to view villas in either format, although to speak about a Quality Villa, we recommend speaking to one of the Quality Villas team on 01442 870055.

Dream Villa Rentals : Large site offering luxury villa holidays across the globe

An escape to Northern France

2010-08-02T02:44:00.000-07:00

August typically is the middle of our travel season, there are more clients in villas featured by us now, than at any other time. For bookings, well, amazingly, they are still coming in for the latest travel we have ever known...
For anyone looking to snap up a last minute offering, a property that is usually fully rented but for some reason this year is still showing some good availability is the Breton Manor House. Sleeping 12, this 15th century manor has been renovated to a high standard and enjoys spacious grounds. It is currently on offer for £5320 per week in August. Click here for this Brittany rental .

We have numerous offers across France and Italy, however here is a selection of some remaining:

Villa near St Tropez (La Galline) was £6380, now £5050 per week, with good August availability.

Villa Prelude - spacious south of France villa - from £8350 per week.

Last week left at Les Lauriers, family villa with pool near Nice , was £4150, now £3075.

For further offers in France, please view our special offers page directly here or call one of our team, alternatively make sure you are signed up to our enewsletters to catch the best offers...Sign up here.

Wherever you choose this year for your summer holidays, we hope it is a good one!

The last gasp...

2010-07-22T04:51:00.000-07:00

As we enter the tail end of July, so we reach what is effectively a peak in travel to France and Italy for luxury villas...in short, its very busy here at HQ and we are still taking bookings!
The last minute dash has never been more in show than today. July looks to be the busiest July (ever) in Quality Villas history for bookings as our clients wait until the last moment to reserve their villa. The only slight issue is that many properties are already let, in fact they were booked some months ago, often by our less hesitant European based clientele. The early bird gets the worm, though the bargains can sometimes be at the last minute, but would you really gamble on your family holiday that way and end up somewhere less desirable, just for the sake for a hundred pounds or so?
Although we have some super bargains remaining, if you missed your preferred property in 2010, what not have a think about putting a deposit down on a property for 2011? With the Euro-Sterling rate expected to return to the favour of the Sterling (as it has steadily been of late) a European holiday in 2011 may well be in vogue this time next year...and you could have your spot in the sun guaranteed now!

Our sales team, who know the properties we feature personally, are available to discuss your needs as and when you require.
Tel 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or visit our French villas here.

If you would like to view our Italian villas - please also follow the link.

Shutting the Shutters

2010-07-09T01:35:00.000-07:00

Many travellers to continental Europe don't realise that shutters aren't just a quaint way to keep the daylight out of rooms or make the house look pretty, they were invented long before air conditioning to keep the rooms cool. If you stay in a villa in France or Italy with shutters, close them while you are out during the day. You will be surprised how cool the room is while outside it has been in the 30's even in the shade. Many of our luxury villas in France and Italy have air conditioning as standard. Closing the shutters means that you don't have the expenditure of keeping the air conditioning on while you are out.

All our luxury villas have private pools to keep you cool in the heat of the day, but if you sun bathe around the pool please remember to use and re-apply the appropriate level of sun screen for your skin. Don't fall a sleep in the midday sun, it could spoil the rest of your summer.

As the song says "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun," avoid the temptation to visit the tourist sites in the heat of the day and maybe do what the locals do - take a siesta.

We still have some luxury villas with private pools, shutters and air conditioning available in France and Italy. Why not take a look at our website and make an online enquiry or call us to discuss your requirements with one of our reservation staff on 01442 870055.

Holiday Spending Money

2010-06-29T03:21:00.000-07:00

You can save a lot of money by doing a little research before you travel and plan what you are going to use for purchases while you are abroad.

Cash is the simplest, but most insecure way of carrying and using money, but it is always worth having some foreign currency and sterling with you. Check your insurance policy to see how much the insurance company will cover in the event of loss. For foreign currency shop around on line and don't leave everything till the last minute. There are some great deals for advance purchase and currency delivery to your home. Never rely on cash as your only option.

Credit and Debit Cards are the simple and convenient way to have a reserve of funds, but they are generally expensive to use drawing cash from an ATM, although they are relatively inexpensive when making purchases. Check the fees charged by your card company before you go. Please also note that most 24 hour petrol automated pumps in France do not accept UK issued credit or debit cards.

Travellers Cheques are one of the most secure options, but they are expensive to purchase and changing sterling cheques usually incurs extra commission or poorer exchange rates. Moreover, especially in Italy there are less and less places that accept them or even banks willing to change them, including some of the most famous names in travellers cheques. One of our customers recently who had changed all their holiday money into sterling travellers cheques, were told once they got to Italy was that these could be changed only in Rome ! Our villa owner very kindly lent them some Euros until they could organise a transfer of funds to a local bank.

Pre-paid Cards are the new travellers cheques Many cards are now offered with free cash withdrawal facilities , no charge for usage and can be delivered to your home or picked up at your departure point. This should always be considered as it does not advertise to potential burglars the fact that you are going to be away from home. You have a personal pin and can top up your card on-line or by phone. Shop around for the best deals.

The Euro is at €1.20 to the £ today and looks like staying there for a while. We still have a number of luxury villas in France and Italy available for selected weeks in July and August. Many of our villa rentals are on special offer so take advantage of the exchange rate and call us on 01442 870055 to speak to one of our reservations team or visit our website to browse our collection of handpicked villa rentals

Who invented Football ?

2010-06-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

Well the Brits didn't invent the version called soccer, but through William Webb Ellis we can claim rugby football as a native game - at which currently we would appear to be better ! No it was the Italians who developed a Roman game "harpastum" into the medieval "Calcio Fiorentino" or "Calcio" the name by which soccer is still called in Italy today.

Piazza Santa Croce in Florence (Firenze) is called the cradle of football and Count Giovanni di Bardi drew up the rules in 1580 for a game with 27 on each side. That's probably where another present day Italian called Capello learned his skills.

We we still have a number of luxury villas in Italy to rent this Summer. All our villas have pools and many of our Italian villas are within easy each of the home of football and many other great locations. During World Cup intervals why not cheer yourself up by browsing our site of luxury villas in France and Italy or call us on 01442 870055.

Taking the car

2010-06-11T03:54:00.000-07:00

Recent experiences with the delays in air travel caused by the ash cloud from the volcano called ....cool remind me how uncool air travel can be especially on some budget airlines and how convenient and pleasant it can be to take your car to the continent. The weaker Euro make petrol and moreso diesel significantly cheaper than in UK. If you haven't planned your summer holiday yet, why not think about taking the car. Set out on Friday and you can even be on the Cote d'Azur by Saturday evening. Enjoy the famous resorts of Villefranche, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins or Cannes which offer the France for so long sought after by discerning Brits. These gems are complemented by their historic inland neighbours such as Valbonne, Grasse, Vence or Mougins. If you have more time take a week on the way there or back in the Dordogne or Loire Valley. We still have rentals available on the Cote d'Azur, in Provence, the Loire and Dordogne.
The motorway system on the continent makes destinations in Italy comfortably accessible by car with an overnight stop recommended. Our website can show you rentals in Italy still available.
Safe and happy motoring!

The Euro!

2010-06-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

The cost of France and Italy grows cheaper by the day...or so it seems. The last time the Euro was worth this amount against the pound was way back in December 2008.

So its official...now you really are getting something for your money when you travel to the Euro zone. The reasons are a multitude, but mainly down to the weakness of Greece and several others with debt, rather than an apparent strength of the pound. With the UK also heavily saddled with debt, the good times might not always last, so nows a good time to take advantage if you are looking to purchase your holiday Euros. At the time of writing, the rate is 1.21... now if only we had have known that a few months ago!

If you are still thinking of a holiday villa for summer 2010, we have late villa deals in France and late villa deals in Italy. A further way to save is to click through and see whats on offer, however availability is of course limited.

Our trained and knowledgable reservation staff are on hand to guide you through the late deals we have: Tel +44 (0) 1442 870055.

St Tropez : focus for 2010

2010-05-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

The bedrock of the Riviera in France, the region where the highlife and the high living flock to, to be seen and to be seen in, is of course St Tropez. From tasteful villages like St Maxime, Grimaud, to fun places such as Pampelonne beach, Beauvallon, Club 55 and more, its a vibrant, exciting and joyous destination for a holiday.

In high season, the place literally buzzes with activity, laughter and frivolity. Further along the coast, or indeed inland, one can of course see other exciting places: Cannes, Nice, Montecarlo, or even to Menton and to cross the border into Italy!

So how do you get your piece of the action? We at Quality Villas have one of the most select portfolios of St Tropez villas available in the market. The good news is, we still have some availability for summer 2010, so if you havent yet booked your summer villa vacation, we recommend giving us a call. If St Tropez is a little too lively for you, we can of course offer property from other regions in France, for example the rural south west; a much more placid offering in a green, welcoming location.

The featured villa is Villa Prelude (image above), sleeping 8, it has a private heated pool, air conditioned bedrooms and views across the gulf to St Tropez. Further, it is within walking distance of the beach, golf and tennis. A week in high season summer: was £9280, now £8350. Click here for this French villa near beach .

If you wish to speak to one of our experienced villa consultants to discuss your requirements, please call us on 01442 870055 or email info@qualityvillas.com

Exciting, Mystical and Diverse

2010-05-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

...I am talking about Morocco, a country that one of our area managers is in love with. Our very own Queen of Morocco (Gill) has been visiting Agadir to develop our villa programme in Aglou Plage (a beach side resort, south of Agadir).
This fascinating country where the old customs and way of life still exist in rural areas to the newly built up and westernised areas of Agadir offers so much to any traveller who is looking for sun, fascinating cities and long sandy beaches.

There is a very western feel about the place with its beachfront bars, long boulevards and the mild winter climate (January average temperature 20 centrigrade/68 farenheit) which has made it a popular winter sun destination for northern Europeans.

We have three luxury villas at the moment, right on the beach and all in a residential domain that offer quality accommodation with comfort in mind. Our newest recruit is Dar Soumaya, a lovely brightly painted villa and sparkling blue infinity pool right next to the beach!

Contact us now to discuss your autumn and winter sun holiday on 01442 870055 or visit our website of luxury villas in Morocco .

A great Italian offer!

2010-05-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

A new villa to our programme for 2010, but one which has been quickly seen as an enticing prospect by many of our clients is Casa dei Pellegrini.

Located near Orvieto, at the crossroads between Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio in Italy, this charming property sleeps 8, has a 12m x 8m swimming pool and enjoys wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. There are cotto floors and chestnut beams - lovingly restored by the owners (the property was derelict until a few years ago!)
There is also a games room at the property, something to keep the family active, or simply why not relax by the pool!

Click here to visit this villa in Italy - or please call to speak to one of our staff about our villa portfolio.

The best news, the last remaining weeks for 2010 have been reduced as follows:

12-19 June 2010 was £2600, now £1865
7-14 August 2010 was £4100, now £2950
18-25 September 2010 was £2660, now £1865

If you would prefer a French holiday villa - please click also to visit the website.

Lets keep in touch!

2010-04-29T02:25:00.000-07:00

The blog, our website, or even just calling us are all great ways to stay in touch. As we have mentioned so often, the real plus of dealing with Quality Villas for your villa holiday is the fact that we visit and know our villas. Remember also our staff are mostly French or Italian and know the regions and countries personally. In addition, we have no complicated call centres and if you ring us, you will never be kept waiting to speak to someone: get straight through and talk to a villa expert.

In addition, we also have an enewsletter that goes out monthly. In this publication one can see latest offers, news about our company including new destinations we feature and why booking with Quality Villas can be so different for you than choosing someone else. Remember we are ABTA members and every villa booking is financially bonded - always worth checking before booking.

If you might like to sign up to our enewsletter, please click here and enter your email address (thats all!)
Please visit us on line for French villas or for Italian villas . Call us on 0044 (0) 1442 870055.

Our latest addition!

2010-04-22T09:10:00.001-07:00

Although Quality Villas are predominantly known for luxury villas with pool in the South of France (Cote d'Azur, St Tropez and so on), we also have strong offerings in the south west, central and north of France.
In paticular, of recent weeks, we have been making a number of visits to Brittany in order to take on more villas to supplement our programme.
Our latest additions are Ferme de Trez and Villa de la Torche.
Please click the links to visit the properties directly.

Villa de la Torche for example enjoys a heated pool and is just under a mile to the beach. There are still weeks available in July and August. This simple farmhouse has been restored to a high standard and will surely be in high demand.

If you are interested in this Brittany villa and would like to speak to someone that has visited it, we would be happy to help!

01442 870055
Visit us online for our French villa selection.

More special offers...

2010-04-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

As Spring sunshine abounds across the UK, so do promises of a warm summer! However as we all know from the past three years, summers and summer sun in the UK generally don't appear in the same sentence!

Fortunately France and Italy benefit slightly more from our sporadic climate, such that relaxing by the poolside under blue skies is usually a certainty.

We at Quality Villas have our fingers on the pulse for what our clients desire : we still have a number of excellent properties available, some at specially reduced rates, across the south of France (picture yourself relaxing with sea view, glass in hand, poolside) to our sublime Tuscan villas (much of the same as in France) but slightly better views, but I am biased!

In any event, our staff who visit the villas personally would be very happy to discuss villa arrangements with you, or alternatively why not browse online :
click here for French villas and here for Italian villas

Late deals...

2010-03-19T04:14:00.000-07:00

As we edge towards the end of the month, so we edge closer to the summer and the main rental period for our many villas owners.

Several owners with unsold villa weeks have decided to reduce the rates they usually ask, so over the coming days, these offers will be posted onto our special villa offers page.

We hope you will see something you like if you are looking for a late deal, however we also have a number of competitively priced villas (that are not reduced) - we only ask that you call us with an idea of budget and your preferred travelling period. Our staff will then find a selection of villas for you.

Of special note, villa Le Mazet - a very popular rental property in Provence has returned to our programme. With good availability, due to its late arrival on our programme, its sure to rent out quickly. Please call us if you could be interest in this small holiday villa Provence .

2010-03-15T03:07:00.000-07:00

A slight deviation from our usual fare, we have recently been speaking with our friends at Trip Advisor. Writer Mike Riga was keen to express his view of Argentina, we hope you find his words of interest:

One of South America’s best kept secrets, Argentina is a beautiful country with a lot to offer to an intrepid tourist. Mixing vibrant, cultural cities with pastoral countryside and a long, scenic coastline, South America’s second-largest country is a spectacular place to spend an extended sojourn. A great area for a family with divergent interests, Argentina is worth every penny. One day you could find yourself gazing upon the majestic Andes and the unique natural ecosystem within its shadow and another could find you amongst the spectacular architecture and bustling streets of Argentina’s cultural center and capital, Buenos Aires. While its takes an extended stay to truly bear witness to all that Argentina has to offer, a discerning traveler will find himself in luck, as TripAdvisor has much to offer by way of Buenos Aires Vacation Rentals as well as all the necessary travel information needed to navigate this truly unique part of the world. With over 150 rental options of all shapes, sizes, locations, and prices, TripAdvisor is the number one place to begin your South American journey today.

Jasmine Festival in Grasse

2010-03-15T02:46:00.000-07:00

Quality Villas has many properties around the town of Grasse - this region is ever popular with our clients each year.

One event taking place in August is the Jasmine Festival in Grasse. The festival marks the start of the jasmine harvest. To further enlighten ones olfactory senses, there are also various perfume factories one can visit (Fragonard, Galimard, Molinard...) and indeed even the International Musuem of Perfume! This 3500m square building was re-opened in October 2008 and is open June-September.

If scents aren't your thing, Grasse has a host of other activities available, including the tourist train (daily Apr-Oct) a fine way to explore the old town in style and cathedral. There are also olive mills, museums, gardens and golf nearby.

If you think you might be interested in a visit to Grasse or villas in France - we would ask you to visit us online or to call one of our friendly sales team.

For a villa near Grasse , please see Villa Mozart (ref PR436 on our website.)

Holidays at the ready!

2010-03-09T04:55:00.000-08:00

March has been a busy month for us thus far, placing clients far and wide across the beautiful lands of France and Italy for their summer holidays!

Our posting for this week however is a little look at Normandy, a region closest to us geographically but one we know less about than the much travelled French Riviera for example.

We have a number of french cottages along the Normandy coast, for example Ferme de la Haye - sleeping 10, not far from Honfleur. This particular cottage is featured above (image) and can be rented from £1635 per week for the complete property.

On the 20th June this year, the 'Grand Picnic' takes place in Normandy - part of the impressionist festival - everyone is invited! The idea is to recreate the famous impressionist paintings such as Renoirs 'Dejeuner des Canotiers' or Manets 'Dejeuner sur l'Herbe. Special check tablecloths will be available!

If you would like to know more about our properties in France and in particular Normandy, please call one of our staff on 01442 870055 or email us : info@qualityvillas.com

We do have other cottages in France , but those along the Norman coast have a certain characteristic in style and architecture quite unique to the region.

Special offers...

2010-03-01T02:40:00.001-08:00

Featured left: Maison St Gervais - a lovely property in SW France - the rates just having been reduced by almost 15%. Click here to visit this South of France villa

As the season ticks by, so more and more owners approach us with unsold weeks left. Of course the best way to get the holiday you want on the date you want is to book early. Given that once a villa week is sold, it is 'gone' and that each villa is so unique to each persons requirements, we always advocate this approach and to book before the chance goes.

However for someone looking for the last minute deal - and this does happen from time to time, even with luxury villas, we do get them and will post them either here or online on our special offer villas page.

Its always an idea to get the best offers straight to your inbox - so why not sign up for our e-newsletter?

Alternatively if you have a restricted budget, but an idea of where you want to go and for how long, our trained sales consultants can usually suggest something. Please give us a try : info@qualityvillas.com

Mini brochure

2010-02-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

Just released in the last few days and due to hit the doorsteps of our former clients over the coming week, is the mini brochure from Quality Villas.

This is an experimental print run from us, in addition to our usual brochure we release each autumn. We intend to run a second mini brochure later in the season with any more offers or villas that we have added since the first brochure.

The intention of the mini brochure is keep our clients advised of new villas as they come onto our books (after all, we add villas on all year round...), further as owners reduce their rates which can happen from time to time, we endeavour to make our clients aware so they might benefit.

If you did not receive a mini brochure and would like one, please do call us (01442 870055) or email us (info@qualityvillas.com) of course our website of French vacation villas is also available any time for browsing! For Italy villas please click. We hope to hear from you soon.

The Quality Villas Team.

Last weeks left at the ever popular Villa Osanna!

2010-02-12T01:47:00.000-08:00

As family friendly villas go, the Tuscan holiday Villa Osanna possibly offers the most options of any of our Italian villas.

Large flat lawns, enclosed grounds, solar heated pool (in fact a very large pool at 18m x 6m)with roman stepped access : all are perfect for children.

In addition, the thoughtful owners have left a ping pong table, boules pitch to play on plus six mountain bikes. They will also organise tennis (locally), archery (in the villa grounds) or fishing at a lake less than 100 metres away (outside the villa grounds). The nearest restaurant and shops are 700 metres away, whilst the rest of Tuscany awaits to be explored (Arezzo 25 miles, Lake Trasimeno just over an hours drive as examples).

As can be imagined, this villa rents fast each year: returning clients know they are onto a good thing and rebook usually on their return home the year before!

However of the weeks left, the owners have kindly arranged reasonable reductions for Quality Villas guests, the details of which are below:

31 Jul-7 Aug 2010
Was £4500 now £3995 SAVE £505

21 Aug - 4 Sep 2010
Was £4500 now £3990 SAVE £510

4-18 Sep 2010
Was £4000 now £3400 SAVE £600

Prices shown are per week for the complete property.

We hope this might be of interest to our clients and look forward to hearing from you. Our Italian villas for rent are online here, or call 0044 1442 870055.

An Easter special!

2010-02-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

If you are considering an Easter escape this year, we would like to propose Villa Le Patronnage in the Carcassonne area, south west France.

Located 200 metres from shops and restaurants, the property sleeps 8 and enjoys an indoor heated pool, meaning a relaxing break is in store : an ideal way to spend Easter. This is a very attractive property and offers an ideal way to enjoy a holiday in France.

The property itself dates from the 18th century, with period pieces in place and is a fine restoration. The original barn now houses the indoor pool, whilst a secluded garden offers a private refuge. Places to visit include Toulouse, Perpignan or Carcassonne, whilst there are numerous villages and smaller towns to visit.

The property has been reduced in price for the 2010 season, however on special offer is the period:
27 Mar - 09 April 2010.
Price was £3960, now £2970.

If you think you might be interested in this property (or requesting other available dates also on offer) or even to see further villas like this within our programme, we would be delighted to assist you.
info@qualityvillas.com or 0044 (0) 1442 870055. Click for our website of French villas.

Holiday suggestions with Quality Villas.

2010-01-25T02:58:00.000-08:00

Grey skies, damp days and summer seemingly a long way off. January can have that effect on people! Thankfully, we at Quality Villas have the perfect antidote, as always, by offering the opportunity to reserve a villa holiday for this summer, thus meaning a chance to sit poolside with warm sun, sizzling bbq and possibly a glass or two in hand later this year!

Our French holiday villa selection and Italian holiday villa selections online are fully updated with availability, prices, images and more. As always our staff here who know the properties personally are ready to answer any questions you may have about our villas to ensure you choose the right one for your holiday.

We have some special offers coming through from our owners, so for clients interested in this, we suggest visiting our special villa offers page.

We look forward to hearing from you. Tel 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or email at info@qualityvillas.com

New arrival in Umbria!

2010-01-14T02:21:00.001-08:00

A recent addition to our Italy villa programme is Villa Il Merlano in Umbria. We are quite excited about this house: its extremely good value, plus it has a host of added benefits that are rarely all found together in one villa, save for the most expensive ones, so is really unique and likely to be snapped up quickly this year!

Such highlights include: classic Italian countryside setting (sunflower fields, olive groves), Wifi internet access, Solar heated pool, outdoor jacuzzi bath, Finnish sauna, gym area, covered eating area with bbq and more. The villa sleeps 8 and the high season rate is £2800 for a week.

To see more of this Umbria villa please visit our site, or call one of our staff for more information.

We also offer French villas - we look forward to hearing from you.

Tuscan sun in 2010!

2010-01-05T02:35:00.000-08:00

As the snow continues to fall in the UK this January, what better cure than to start planning your holidays for 2010? You really need look no further than Italy, where sunshine, stunning scenery, beautiful hilltop towns, World Heritage sites, wonderful food and, of course, the relaxed Italian lifestyle, guarantee a truly memorable experience for everyone!

Renting a villa with private pool in Tuscany offers you the freedom to plan your holiday as you please. One such villa is the delightful Rosario, a beautifully restored farmhouse located on a private estate just outside the charming walled town of Lucca, yet within easy reach of Pisa, Viareggio and beaches on the coast. Travelling inland, Florence, Siena and San Gimignano would all make excellent day trips. This comfortable villa has been tastefully modernised but original features such as the oak-beamed ceilings and terracotta floors ensure that it remains full of character.

The 2010 rental rate for Rosario, which sleeps 12, is from £3,675 to £5,650 per week.
Please click to view this Italian holiday villa on-line.

If you are feeling inspired and would now like to start arranging your holiday, why not call one of our sales team on 01442 870055 or email us at info@qualityvillas.com

We have a wide selection of high quality villas in Italy and, as we have personally visited all of our villas, we will be happy to help you find the ideal destination for your party. We also specialise in luxury French holiday villas.

Snow...

2009-12-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

Here at Quality Villas, staff are currently skiing, sledging or generally slipping and sliding their way into the office at the moment!
As the country is gripped in a frozen spell and travel chaos abounds, we still continue to offer luxury villas with pools to our clients, images of serene countryside, azure skies, elegant pools and bright, warm sunshine seem somehow alien even to us at the moment!

We are happy to report however that Morocco remains a short distance away for some winter sun (Morocco villas) and Mauritius also is a fine, longer haul stop off. Try this link for luxury Mauritius villas .

If however you are looking for some long term therapy and a warm feeling inside (something we could all use at this moment) then booking your preferred villa in France or villa in Italy might be just the tonic! Our staff who brave the elements are here to pick up the phone and give you the advise you need in finding your perfect summer escape, warm horizons beckon...

Our St Tropez tip for 2010

2009-12-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

The last month has seen a steady increase in enquiries from our clients looking to reserve their villa for 2010.
We are expecting January to be the launchpad for a busy period of sales and our staff are looking forward to offering a high level of service and knowledge to those contacting us, as always.
This week, our area manager for the St Tropez region, Alex Mapelli (as pictured) is offering his personal choice of villa for a family of 4-5, with a budget of around £2000 per week.

"My recommendation would be Bastide du Charme, a lovely property located near Lorgues and just under an hours drive from St Tropez. Its true its not on the coast and misses the razzmatazz of St Tropez close up, however it is close enough and enjoys its own particularly beautiful location. With Gorge du Verdon (outdoor activities) and places like TourTour to sightsee, it really is a popular place to rent with our clients".
Bastide du Charme, from £1370-£2225 per week.
Please click here for pictures of this villa in south of France

If you would like to speak to Alex, or any of our area managers to discuss a villa that is featured in their region in more detail, we are of course always happy to arrange this. Our area managers visit all the properties during the course of the season and are thus fully conversant with them and can advise on any local detail.

2010 and ready to go!

2009-12-04T06:14:00.001-08:00

2010, a new year for QV and which also marks the return of Margaret Rees to Quality Villas!

Margaret began Quality Villas back in 1986 and as the company enters its 24th year of business has decided to step back in on a part time basis, given her son-in-law, John, has decided to travel the world and take some time out.

Margaret has various projects lined up for 2010, including a special members club for previous clients of our company; a mailing will follow in the new year with details of this and how you can be a part of it and enjoy certain special benefits.

Quality Villas remains a private, independent company with the same ownership throughout its history and since its inception. We offer a hand picked portfolio of villas with pools in France , villas in Italy , villas in Morocco and villas in Mauritius . Please call us on 01442 870055 or visit us online for more information.

All talk here at Quality Villas

2009-11-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Monday 23 November marked our Annual General Meeting here at Quality Villas. It is really our end of season meeting and we discuss how we can improve what we offer to our clients for the following year. Our staff come from far flung parts of the world (well France and Italy anyway) and together, we make our future plans!

Many items were discussed and should come into force in the coming months to enhance our offering, including exciting new villa additions.

One key point we would like to make is that our overseas staff live near the villas we offer and visit them often: our local knowledge is unparalleled. Our managers are happy to talk with clients interested in a little 'deeper' knowledge about a potential chosen villa, region, town or even activities to do nearby. If you would like to take advantage of this, or to discuss your villa plans for 2010 with one of our UK based staff (who also visit the regions often and the villas we feature) we would be delighted to hear from you.

Our French vacation villas and Italian vacation villas are available to view online at any time. Or please call 01442 870055.

New villas for 2010

2009-11-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

As autumn is traditionally a time in the office to settle up the season just past, to promote the next year coming and to generally tidy the office (ok, we mean really the Christmas tree will arrive and we will be getting festive!) but we also take on new villas and many more will be hitting our websites in the coming weeks.

A new villa is always an exciting event for us. We love bringing new areas to our programme for our customers to try (for example Puglia last month) but also in tried and trusted areas, new villas offer new opportunity and something different.

One such example is Villa Arco (shown above). Sleeping 5, located just outside the village of Palaia in Tuscany, this property is elegant, well furnished and has modern conveniences such as air conditioning. With only a couple of weeks so far rented in 2010, this property is sure to rent fast. High season prices £2280 per week.

If you would like to find out more about this house, or to be kept advised of other new villas coming on line, we would of course be happy to add you to our mailing list.
We look forward to offering you a Tuscan holiday villa or French villa rental soon.

Escape the chills!

2009-11-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

If you are currently turning up the central heating as autumn cold sets in, you may like to consider that just a short flight away, Morocco is still an accessible and warm destination.

We have pricing and availability now for 2010, however in order to celebrate the new season of 'winter' rentals with our clients, we would like to propose Villa Amanjena, a luxury villa just 25 minutes outside Marrakech with spectacular scenery all round.

Included in the rates are maid service 6 days a week and a housekeeper who will prepare breakfast and either lunch or dinner for you. Click here to see our villa in Morocco

Currently available:
3 Nov-19 Dec 09 at £4450 per week
19 Dec-2 Jan 10 at £5900 per week
Price for the complete property, all utilities, sleeping 8 + 2 children.

If you have not received your 2010 brochure of French and Italian villas, please call us on 01442 870055 or click to visit our Italian properties to rent online or our French villas .

Puglia - southern Italy as our new venture

2009-10-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

This week marked our first venture into Southern Italy with a staff visit to Puglia. This up and coming region is in the heel of Italys 'boot' and is famous for its Trulli houses (with conical roof) and white stone. Served by both Ryanair and British Airways, entry airports are Brindisi and Bari. It is also possible to make the journey from Naples.

We have selected a number of high grade properties that will be appearing on our website very soon, click here for our Italian villas . If you would like to discuss booking a villa in Puglia with one of us who knows the region, or Italy in general, we would of course be delighted to hear from you.

New pricing, new brochure and more...

2009-10-09T08:53:00.001-07:00

Inching ever closer, after what feels like months of hard endeavour, is the Quality Villas brochure and pricelist for 2010!

Our usual clients will of course receive a copy automatically, however if you have not previously dealt with us and might be interested in a brochure, please click for a french brochure (a request form will open).

The other slight snag is the forthcoming postal strikes that seem about to be forced upon us. Given that all of the brochured properties are also featured online (click here for villa France or here for a villa in Italy ) we would naturally invite anyone thinking of a villa holiday for next year that wants to find a way to beat Royal Mail to contact us online, or to call us at 01442 870055.

We look forward to hearing from you whichever way you decide!

Italian preview

2009-10-01T02:08:00.000-07:00

With the new brochure due out any day now, 80 pages of luxurious properties will shortly be in print. The website however contains a wealth of information and many more villas.

Castagnaccio is one such villa that is featured on the website only. Sleeping 9, this attractive propery is located in the Garfagnana area of Italy (bluntly speaking to the north of Lucca/Pisa). Located on a 25 acre estate, this is a very homely Italian property, ideal for families (large flat lawns...) and stunning views. An additional annex has just been created, meaning in high season the property sleeps 9, but can accept rentals for 7 at other times of year.

The rental rate per week is from £2100-£3280 (based on 9 persons) but in low season is from £1560 per week for parties of 7.

Please click to view this Italian holiday villa online.

Or click for our French villa range.

Booking ahead and looking ahead

2009-09-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

Although the UK is enjoying some glorious September sun (as I write anyway), thoughts will inevitably start to turn towards annual festivities as Halloween, Bonfire Night and of course Christmas!

This year, many of our regular clients decided to book late, in light of the unexpected economic issues. Regretfully, many villas were booked up by other nationalities who were less hesitant, meaning regulars returning to us later in the year were often unable to secure their first choice properties.

Contracting is almost finished here at Quality Villas, meaning we have full pricing available in most cases as well as fairly open availability schedules in our villa programme.

If you would like to reserve your villa early for 2010, placing a deposit (thus enabling you to sit back, knowing your summer holiday is already nicely arranged ahead of time) we would of course we very happy to discuss any options with you.

We look forward to hearing from you.
Tel 01442 870055 or info@qualityvillas.com

Click for French villas or Italian villas

Keeping warm this winter with Quality Villas!

2009-09-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

There has been an obvious transition from summer to autumn in the past few weeks...whilst the trees still have their leaves, the presence of scarves and pullovers is an indication that sun bathing opportunities in the UK at least will be limited for this year anyway!

Fortunately, Quality Villas now has a rather special winter programme in place, offering villas in Morocco and Mauritius. For either of these sites, we recommend visiting us online : Morocco villas here and Mauritius villas here.

In the meanwhile, as a thought provoking suggestion, we would like to mention villa Dar L'Oussia. This is a lovely property right next to the beach, south of Agadir, with a charming private pool, sleeping 8. At £2340 per week and with Easyjet flights starting this autumn from Gatwick (4 November onwards on Wednesdays and Saturdays), this villa offers an ideal chance for winter warmth. Morocco is of course just a short flight from the UK.

If this villa or one of our other 'winter' destinations has appeal, please do call us 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or email at info@qualityvillas.com

Almost ready...

2009-09-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

For anyone currently looking ahead to booking their villa for 2010, naturally we are able to take forward bookings at any time.

Furthermore, our new look brochure should become available in mid October - if you have previously booked with us, you will receive a copy automatically, however if you would like to add your name to our mailing list in order to ensure you receive a copy as soon as they are 'off the press', please email your address and details to : info@qualityvillas.com or call us on 0044 1442 870055.

Our website is of course year round! Please click if you wish to visit our selection of French villas or Italian villas.

A good time to enjoy Provence

2009-08-26T05:12:00.000-07:00

Autumn is of course a break from the main holiday period of the summer, also known as a shoulder season or mid period. Aside from the technicalities of how to describe it(!) this means effectively prices are significantly reduced compared to the main July-August time but one can still enjoy the same villa and the same surrounding towns and villages, but less crowded!
The weather is still generally very good - often the season for enjoying the great outdoors and the pool can run into early October, so in many ways a September stay is a great way to holiday.
A suggestion from us is the villa 'Les Fontaines' sleeping 8, near Carpentras in Provence. This delightful house is located near the village of Pernes-les-Fontaines with shops, bars and restaurants in proximity.
The villa is currently offered for £3215 per week (was £3530) in September.
If this villa is of interest to you, or you would like to speak to one of our friendly sales team to discuss holiday options, we invite you to call us on 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or email on info@qualityvillas.com - we look forward to being of service to you. http://www.qualityvillas.com

France in September

2009-08-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

September has long been one of my favourite months so it is no surprise that I think it is one of the very best times to visit France. Not only will you get to enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm weather, but the tourist season is beginning to wind down which means cheaper travel, fewer crowds and villas offering great value for money.

September marks the beginning of grape harvest season in France and in the medieval and picturesque town of Saint Emilion the wines of Saint-Emilion have been well recognized and respected for centuries. A celebration honouring the harvest of these very special grapes takes place in the middle of the month with open air festivities.

This month is a great time to check out the many vineyards around the country and go wine tasting or join in the local Vendange. The Vendange is great fun even though a bit strenuous the superb open air lunch and lively chatter dispels all that plus its fascinating to see how the grapes get to your bottle of wine.

We still have some availability at our villas in the wine regions of France. Why not call us now to discuss your French villa holiday in September. If you would like to speak to a specialist regarding our villas or where best to visit, do visit us online to view our French villas with pools.

Gill Woolsgrove, Area Manager South West France

A last gasp to Umbria?

2009-08-04T02:24:00.001-07:00

Amongst one of several late availability/special priced villas in our programme for 2009, is Villa La Colomba, a luxury villa in Umbria.

Sleeping 12 persons, located just outside Todi with stunning views across beautiful Umbrian countryside this villa is ideally poised for the latest of late getaways. Available from 8-15 August at £3000 for the week (was £5600). The property is a restored cottage, divided between a main villa and an additional small cottage in the grounds. There is a grocers, bakery and bar within a mile, whilst Todi and Orvieto as well as a host of magical Umbrian towns are within easy day trip range.

Our staff are ready to book you into this villa if you want to make that late escape!
The forecast in Umbria for next Saturday is 32 degrees, warm sunshine!
Tel 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or email at info@qualityvillas.com

The rain returns...

2009-07-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

As I post the latest missive to the blog, the rain continues to come down and flashbacks to the last two wash out summers are a sobering reflection of bbqs that remain in the shed, unused garden furniture and bored children!

Fortunately Quality Villas still have a number of unsold villa weeks, not many however, but we are still placing clients at this moment, including some very short notice departures. France and Italy naturally benefit from better weather here than in the UK, Tuscany for example at the time of writing (23 July at 2.30 pm) was bathing in 34 degree heat, the south of France at 32 degrees! The outlook for the following 7 days are also similar...

If you are still interested in a late escape to the sun, our staff are on hand to discuss with you any requirements you may have.
We have a wide range of family friendly villas across both programmes and in many cases reduced rates. We look forward to hearing from you!
Tel 01442 870055 or email on info@qualityvillas.com

Our latest special offer...

2009-07-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Luxury in Italy...

Tenuta D'Oro, a magnificent property sitting midway between Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio hosts 10 persons on a large private wine estate. The owners have just revealed a very special offer for the remaining unsold weeks of 2009.

The usual rental for the villa during July and August would be £13,660 with daily breakfast included.
However from 18 July - 29 September 2009, the house is offered for £11,900 per week with chef services included for lunch and dinner also.
Grocery items to be prepared and cooked for lunch and dinner are at additional cost, the chef services however are included.

The house itself is set against a verdant green background of olive groves and vines, near Orvieto in Umbria. For more details on this luxury Italian villa , please click here.

Changes in your meal bill!

2009-07-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

As of 1 July 2009, VAT on all restaurants and cafes will be cut from 19.6% to 5.5%, in real terms this means a saving of about 10% on an average meal price.

The French government introduced the measure to encourage consumer spending during the summer, something which comes as welcome news and helps further, given the recovering Sterling against the Euro of recent weeks.

Quality Villas continues to offer luxury villas in France and luxury villas in Italy - including late availability and special offers.
Please call to speak to one of our staff or visit us online and browse our portfolio.

Latest addition to our Italian programme...

2009-06-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Our Italy villa portfolio has just increased its number by 1, with the addition of 'Il Gallinaio' near Viareggio on the Tuscany coast!

Sporting an indoor pool, enclosed grounds and palatial accommodation, this is a luxurious retreat on the doorstep of the Tuscan beaches, with Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio close by.
The rest of Tuscany, Carrara and the Cinque Terre are also close. Florence in one hours drive.

The property benefits also from a billiard room and sauna.

Good availability for the remainder of 2009, please visit our Tuscan villa near beach for more information.

If you are looking for a late escape for 2009, we still have availability and good offers to suggest.
Please visit us online : France villas or Italian villas or call us on 01442 870055.

Are you getting yours?

2009-06-22T08:41:00.001-07:00

Every few weeks, we release a newsletter to our clients and other 'passers by' who have spoken to us in the past and given permission for us to contact them... our newsletter is a run down on any changes in the villa market from us, plus any special offers we may have. We also add in occasional details from partners of ours, for example France magazine, GoLearnTo.com or Travel Time World (an Advantage travel agency). Of course this blog, our website or just calling us are also great ways to stay in touch!

If you would like to hear more about us and haven't added your email address yet to our database, please do so, we would be delighted to keep you informed about our news! Click here

If on the other hand, additional emails in your in-box are not to your liking, we fully understand! There is an unsubscribe button at the bottom of every email we send, so if you decide you prefer not to get such mailings, it is easily fixed.

If you are yet to book your summer holiday to France or choose a villa to Italy , please do call us or visit us online, we would be very happy to assist you.

Learn and enjoy on your holidays!

2009-06-16T04:55:00.000-07:00

Fancy learning to cook in Tuscany, surf the big ones in Biarritz, play the Flamenco guitar or learn to salsa dance in Spain? How about organic perfume making courses in France?

www.GoLearnTo.com are learning holiday specialists with over 1000 inspirational holiday courses in 30 countries worldwide to suit all timescale and budgets.
Your holiday is the perfect time to indulge in a new interest or hobby so give yourself a holiday to remember and treat yourself to a holiday course in an activity you’ve always aspired to do.

Holiday courses are ideal for singles holidays or travelling with friends and our exhilarating learning holidays are a little bit different from the rest.

If you are looking to get more from your holiday and are in need of some inspiration, then take a look at this excellent website and you could be taking home a new skill that will stay with you long after the holiday is over.

Be inspired – see what you can learn on your next holiday....

Recently in Italy...

2009-06-11T04:56:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks, our Managing Director John Gerry and his family enjoyed a holiday in Italy at two of our flagship Tuscan villas.
In the first week, John stayed at Il Pescatore, a large villa near Siena, which in Johns words, is 'ideal for a family re-union'. During his stay, John had some chefs come to the property who cooked for his party (and showed him how to cook and prepare Italian food during the time) as well as a pizza evening, making use of the built in pizza oven.
On the second week, with many of his family and friends having headed in different directions after an enjoyable time together at Pescatore, Johns holiday continued at La Riserva. This charming restored farmhouse near Greve, just south of Florence ensured another pleasurable week. Wine tastings, meals out in nearby Greve and a chance encounter with one of the estates resident roedeer completed a fine stay!
Our villas in Tuscany are currently all visible online, whilst many owners have been reducing their rates as the season encroaches, there are several good deals to be had. If you would like to find out more about either Il Pescatore or La Riserva, please follow the links or call us to speak to one of us who has seen the villas, or John himself if you prefer!
Click for:
Italian villas or for French villas

Outstanding special offers for Italy

2009-06-03T02:54:00.000-07:00

Villa Domus Romana
With the season marching on, we have been receiving some exceptionally good deals here at Quality Villas via our forward thinking owners.

The green heart of Italy, Umbria, is an area of outstanding beauty, tradition and culture. Wonderful towns and cities like Assisi, Perugia, Todi and Orvieto await whilst Tuscany is just a hop, skip and a jump across the border.

We have two special offers, one at the Domus Romana, sleeping 12, with large infinity pool, panoramic views and all mod-cons including Wi-Fi, the other is Villa la Colomba, also sleeping 12, similarly well appointed.

Domus Romana was £5665 in the summer, La Colomba £5600...however both villas are now on offer for any remaining weeks at just £3000 per week. A saving of £2665 and £2600 respectively.
Both are luxurious properties of the highest standards.

If you might be interested in renting either of these villas, please do email us (info@qualityvillas.com) or call on 0044 (0) 1442 870055 and speak to one of our staff who has seen the properties and can answer any questions you may have.

Villa La Colomba

The Loire valley and its elegant chateaux

2009-06-02T03:49:00.000-07:00

Think of the Loire Valley and one conjures up images of breathtaking chateaux – there are more than three hundred in fact in this famous region! Built around the 17th – 18th century in the heyday of French royalty most of these chateaux have magnificent ornamental gardens which can be as interesting as the chateaux themselves.

Chateau des Perdrix, one of the featured Loire chateau in our programme, sits within a 240 hectare estate and dates back to the 15th century with lovely original features. This superb property has traditional furnishings, tapestries, original fireplaces and wonderful beamed ceilings.

Another in our portfolio is Manoir du Lac. This impressive property sits on the banks of its own private lake surrounded by well tended gardens and mature trees. This house oozes charm with original tiled and wooden floors, panelled walls and ceilings, and marble fireplaces.

Coupled with superb scenery and great wines such as Anjou and Saumur the Loire is a breathtaking region to visit. Our full selection of rental accommodation in the Loire is visible on our website, by following the highlighted link, or please call on 01442 870055 for details.

Quality Villas adds a little Polish...

2009-05-28T04:25:00.000-07:00

Technically speaking, the title in fact means we have expanded our distribution slightly and now also have a small selection of our villas appearing on a new Polish website!

Quality Villas has a network of travel agents around the world: it means owners of villas in our programme could receive clients from the USA, New Zealand, South Africa, Malta, pretty much anywhere, in addition to clients from the UK! With our new Polish connection, we hope to welcome new clients from this country also.

Normandy and Brittany

2009-05-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

Normandy is of course famed for its sights of historical interest such as the D-Day landing beaches and the Bayeaux Tapestry. However, holiday makers also come for the great mix of lush countryside and miles of unspoilt coastline. In addition, the region offers fantastic local produce including Calvados and of course great cheeses. Day excursions range from Mont St Michel, the Normandy D day landing beaches, to Honfleur with its picturesque port and long history. To the west, Trouville and Deauville with their renowned sandy beaches, casinos, luxury shops and delightful local markets await, whilst if golf is your thing then there are many good courses around the area to try.

Think of Brittany and one imagines rugged beaches, rocky bays and sandy coves. Quaint fishing villages and sea side ports groaning with the days catch also beckon. Brittany’s south coast, the Gulf of Morbihan is a popular choice. This area groans with things to do and see from Carnac, Quimper, Pont-Aven and Concraneau. Seafood is in abundance along this coastline as well as the famous crepes which are delicious!
Quality villas have holiday villas in Brittany and villas in Normandy. Please follow the links for details or call on 01442 870055 and speak to one of our friendly staff.

A very special offer...

2009-05-19T02:16:00.000-07:00

One of our most popular properties, the 'Ferme de Campagne' located in the Loire, has unexpectedly not been booked anything like as heavily in previous seasons. Musing over the availability of today, in July and August, there is only one week rented! In previous years the property was nearly completely booked by this time of the season, so what changed?

Well of course the global economical situation is a concern, but at the prices being asked for this property, it actually looks to be excellent value: sleeping 8 and July prices from £1570 per week (meaning effectively £196 per person, per week). There are spacious grounds and a private swimming pool, whilst the location (driveable from the UK incidentally) is in the Brenne regional park, an area abaundant in wildlife and nature. There have been many happy clients from previous years that have enjoyed the house, we only hope that 2009 can offer the same happy memories to some more! The owner has offered 20% discounts off the second week of two week bookings, an added incentive to make your summer holiday complete...
Please click to view this Loire farmhouse .

2009-05-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

Long sandy beaches and warm Mediterranean waters: the fabulous Languedoc region.

Think of the Languedoc and one imagines the medieval city of Carcassonne with jousting and troubadours; the fabulous Corbiere Valley with endless vineyards; the Ariege with its breathtaking backdrop of the Pyrenees to the pretty coastal towns of Port Vendres and Collieure famed for their fabulous seafood. For the wine buffs there are no less than 4 main domains in the area offering heady reds to sample and to buy! The beaches are long and sandy and perfect for children to play and/or for Mum & Dad to sunbathe on. Water sports are also an option should you feel energetic!

All along this region we have family villas to rent still with availability. Why not book a luxury family villa near Carcassonne in the Languedoc region. Prieure de Lagrasse was originally a 12th century priory to the Abbey of Lagrasse and converted into a vineyard domain in the early 18th century. This imposing property is now an elegant family home and perfect for family gatherings. Large rooms elegantly furnished and a garden filled with flowering shrubs, lavender, mature trees and a swimming pool with a magnificent pergola to enjoy your poolside lunches or night time barbecue. Our portfolio of French villas continues to grow by the day, whilst special offers are also being added - visit us online for more.

2009-05-08T02:13:00.000-07:00

Fireworks and fun for “le quatorze juilliet”

Bastille Day will be here before you know it and “le quatorze juillet” is a great day of national celebrations throughout France. It is a national holiday where joyous cries of “Viva la France” can be heard at the fabulous firework displays littered right across the country with some even singing the national anthem “La Marseillaise”.
Gill Woolsgrove our Area Manager for South West France says: "What an excuse to break out the champagne and enjoy an evening picnic which is what I have been doing for the past 15 years! Every year a large group of friends take tables and chairs, delicious food, champagne and disembark at Castelsarrasin in the South West France. We have our meal by the river where the fireworks are lit and then have a birds eye view. Each year the fireworks have got bigger and better and last year they were lit to music which was fantastic. Hundreds of people bring their chairs or rugs to sit on the grass and everyone has a great time. Castelsarrasin is a market town near Moissac and we still have availability with some of our family villas near Moissac."
Why not book one of our French villas and go to Castelsarrasin for the fireworks and celebrations. I might even see you there……

Muscles, Lycra and madness

2009-04-30T01:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Golf in the Midi – Pyrenees

2009-04-24T01:03:00.000-07:00

It is surprising to many people who visit that there are so many golf courses in the Midi-Pyrénées. This is in fact one of France's largest regions. Surrounded by the Pyrenees mountains at the South, the area is ideal for golf players searching quiet but spectacular environments to play their favourite sport. With 36 golf courses across its eight départements, Midi-Pyrénées offers really diverse landscapes for fans of that little white ball. There are numerous courses ranging from 9 holes to 18 holes. Our area manager, Gill Woolsgrove comments as follows: "The first course I played on was a pretty 9 hole course near Cahors which was uphill most of the way and a challenge. I ventured onto other courses and upped my “holes” to 18 – I was confident! This time the course had so many water hazards and bunkers I soon went back to my 9 hole course and retired gracefully to the 19th hole !"
Golf in this region offers beautiful greens and most with stunning views. All have a good clubhouse with a well stocked bar and many offer a 3 course lunch for less that 12€. So, for those of you who want a couple of rounds of golf while the family are sunbathing by the pool, perhaps at one of our villas then give us a call to discuss our villa selections that are near or on golf courses. An example French villa near golf - please click link.

Villa Mont St Clair - a French villa near golf courses

Umbrian Luxury...

2009-04-23T02:46:00.001-07:00

Tenuta Fossatello, located midway between Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio is one of the most exclusive villas in the Quality Villas collection.

Our area manager, Elisa Marinangeli makes her comments: " Tenuta Fossatello is one of our most unique villas and is my favourite property - a dream to experience! Surrounded by green Umbrian hills, located between Orvieto and Todi, this is a perfect place to relax. One can settle down with a drink (perhaps one of the estates own wines), swim in the azure pool, or just stroll around the estate, enjoying the beauty and peace all around. The owner of the villa is also a producer of premium Umbrian wines and is happy to arrange tastings.

For an Umbria villa holiday - please speak to one of our friendly sales team (0044 1442 870055) or if you wish to speak with Elisa herself for a local angle on the villas, this can also be arranged.

Summer villa rentals with Quality Villas

2009-04-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

As the Spring moves upon us, with a little sun and the flowers coming into bloom, so we can start to dream about summer.
A dream of course is always helped when there is some reality to the story, for example if you dream of lazing by a glistening blue pool, warmed by a hot sun and with cooling drink in hand, it certainly helps if you have somewhere to go to experience this!

Our French villa of the week is Bourg Barn, click here to see this villa in France . Located near Moissac in the rural south west, this is an excellent value property, from £1160 per week in high season.

Our most demanded Tuscany villa rental is La Riserva, a stunning restored farmhouse, dating from the 16th century. Currently there are some remaining weeks left in July, starting from £2680 per week. To see the complete portfolio of all our villas in Italy please click for more details.

Our Tuscany holiday villas have good late availability, though we are expecting bookings to run right up until the date of departure!

If you do not see the villas you are seeking in the above selection, please call us on 0044 (0)1442 870055 and one of our friendly sales team will be happy to offer more suggestions. Our staff visit the properties often and can advise on the smallest details.

When travelling with the family...

2009-04-14T04:52:00.000-07:00

Being specialists in the family market, we are aware that a large percentage of our clients that travel with us each year often do so with children of a variety of ages, indeed some bookings have several generations of family that travel, meaning grandparents are as likely to be soaking up the rays and beautiful views from one of our featured villas as are excitable toddlers!

For this reason, we have invited a professional in the family travel market (Anne Coates) who is founder of the website http://www.parentingwithouttears.com/ to offer her top 5 tips for a successful holiday with children this year:

Always pack a first aid kit including plasters, antiseptic wipes, anti-histamine cream for bites and stings, oral rehydration therapy to replace essential body salts in cases of diarrhoea, and insect repellent.

Take plenty of sun protection – creams should be at least factor 15 but remember sun hats/caps and loose clothing with long sleeves to protect children’s delicate skin.

For journeys/days out – a day pack for each child containing their favourite toy, wrap up a new activity/book/toy as a surprise, mp3 player for older children. Include a notebook and pencils for school-age children so they can write about or sketch anything that interests them.

Baby monitor – these are great when you are away from home for children and toddlers as well as babies. If they get up after going to bed they may be disorientated in their holiday accommodation.

Take old towels for the beach/pool – at the end of the holiday you can use them on the last day (if your departure is after you have to leave your accommodation) then leave them for anyone else to use. That way you’ll have extra space in your luggage for any souvenirs!

Anne Coates is the founder/host of http://www.parentingwithouttears.com/

Quality Villas offer family friendly villas in France and family friendly villas in Italy for all tastes and budgets.
Please contact us to discuss your booking requirements on 01442 870055 or info@qualityvillas.com

Always adding new villas...

2009-04-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

As the summer gets ever closer, many of the most popular villas in France and Italy start to get booked up. We are very aware of this at Quality Villas, so beavering away quietly behind the scenes are our overseas area managers and Sally (who writes up the end product in the UK), all of whom continue to work together to add new villas to our portfolio.

In this way, with new houses constantly coming online, we are able to offer new availability to interested clients as well as a constantly changing variety of villas. If the exact villa type (location, size...) doesn't appear on our website, its always worth contacting us. We can usually offer something that is a close match, or there may be something waiting to go online, in which case the complete availability of the house is yours!

Sally (pictured) offers her latest selection of 'new' villas to go online below:

Villa Panoramique - sleeps 8, villa St Tropez, France

Les Martinets - sleeps 8, villa near La Garde Freinet, France

Villa Gracieuse - sleeps 10, villa near Villefranche Sur Mer, France

Les Calanques - sleeps 8, villa near Bandol, France

Casa Villaggio - sleeps 8, villa north of Florence, Italy

The view from the Cote d'Azur

2009-03-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

This weeks focus is the Cote d'Azur and our area manager Muriel Haveron, who welcomes our clients each season and keeps a careful eye on the properties we feature. Our premiere offering of Cote d'Azur villas is visible on our website, with new properties being regularly added.

Muriel had the following comments to make on her region:

What there is to do:

"Personally, I love swimming especially out of season when its quieter (May, June and September time). I also really enjoy going for a walk and discovering new places to visit, going to a nice restaurant and in winter going skiing. It is wonderful to live in the Côte d'Azur because we are very close to the sea and the mountains, so very quickly you can do different activities and in a short distance be close to the countryside, and to be near larger towns like Nice, Antibes or Cannes."

Muriels favourite food:

"If I had to select one dish I would take a speciality from Nice "Les petits farcies." It is a selection of vegetables : zucchini, tomatoes, onions, pepper and eggplant which is stuffed with meat and herbs; it is delicious."

Muriels favourite villa on the Cote d'Azur :
"...they are all wonderful,but if I have to choose I would have to give you two villas. I would say L'Aube Bleue because of the situation, the garden, the furniture inside the sea view, but because I love old houses, which have soul, I will say as well Villa le Vieux Moulin.

Clients interested in renting a villa on the Cote d'Azur that wish to speak to Muriel directly for an insider knowledge of the local area as well as the villas and what they offer, can do so via our UK office.

Car Hire, Ferry travel and overnight hotels

2009-03-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

For some time, we have been pleased to suggest Classic Breakaway, a locally based company for any client requests for car hire, overnight hotels and ferry crossings.

Ray Goodwin, the Managing Director of Classic Breakaway is always ready to offer personal and preferential treatment to Quality Villas clients that contact him for these services.

If you are looking for car hire, overnight hotels in Europe or ferry crossings at good rates, we suggest to clients to visit Rays website, http://www.classicbreakaway.com/ or to call him on 0870 220 3535 for a personal consultation on what is the best way to travel for you.

2009 is a year of enjoying necessities such as a holiday but still watching the pennies - Classic Breakaway are frequently able to offer low industry rates, particularly on car hire.

A view from our area manager Gill Woolsgrove in South West France

2009-03-12T03:10:00.000-07:00

Early summer in the Tarn et Garonne

Spring has arrived in the Tarn et Garonne with daffodils, sunshine and warmer days. This agricultural region with lush countryside and rolling hills is so delightful, that’s why I live here! The quieter way of life, old farming communities and medieval fortified villages is always a delight to those who come here. New to this region are fabulous night markets with music and food stalls. Sample local duck washed down with a hearty bottle of local wine! We still have quite a bit availability for our houses in this region especially in June which is a beautiful month whereby its still fairly quiet before the hurly burly of July & August. Why not book Maison Touffailles a beautiful French country house with comfortable furnishings, lovely terrace for outside dining and all set in spacious and secluded grounds. This area is really my idea of heaven!

Gill Woolsgrove manages our luxury villa programme in the South West of France, including Biarritz and the Dordogne. With a wealth of experience in the rental market as well as a bubbly, friendly personality, ensures our guests a warm welcome year after year.

The Italian way

2009-03-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

This week has been one of our busiest yet; given the economic conditions that are still being fed to us daily by a doomhungry media, is also surely going against the grain!

Our villas in Italy however have not been renting so fast. Strangely and in sharp contrast to recent years, there is more availability than usual.
The situation has to be put down on the whole to less visitors from the USA to villas in Tuscany - certainly this is the consensus emerging from our Italian owners.

There is then of course opportunity for our regular UK clients to enjoy the pick of what remains available...often at a good rate. Many owners are now starting to discount their properties and prices are frequently lower than last years.

If you are looking for a holiday in Umbria this year, our featured villa 'Vigna Sagrantino' is certainly worth a look. Near the wine producing town of Montefalco and with unique covered pool (shielding swimmers from the suns rays), is also excellent value. Click for more details.

Bordeaux for a glass or so...

2009-02-27T06:11:00.000-08:00

One of the great pleasures of holidaying in France is enjoying the wonderful cuisine and wine on offer, all that differs from region to region.
From heady reds to light whites, wine is something that is generally treated as an art form in French viticultural circles, there is usually a different blend for every palate and any one particular dish is normally deserving of one particular type of wine to so enhance it.

For those of our clients heading to villas in Bordeaux area this year, especially between 26-29 June, they are in for a treat at the annual 'Bordeaux Wine Festival'. Some 350,000 culture vultures are expected to descend on the city to enjoy parades, wine tastings, vineyard tours, wine barrel races and plenty of good food and drink. There are opportunities to learn about wine tasting before the event comes to an end with a huge riverside firework display.

Quality Villas have luxury villas in the region, including La Vielle Ferme, from £2335 per week, sleeping 6 with private infinity pool. For more details of this charming French villa click here.

February news...

2009-02-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

With the arrival of snow, wind and general coldness, there has followed thankfully a flurry of bookings that have sustained us through the weather (and literally battling through it each day to get to the office!) that mean 2009 is set to be an excellent season, despite a 'blip' at the end of 2008 when we were all shell shocked at the daily news!

Picture: Island of Elba

Of particular note are our selection of villas in the south west of France - these have really dominated business, more so than any other region. This green region that includes the Dordogne, the area around Toulouse and Biarritz has shown through of late: excellent value properties, spacious flat lawns, private pools and typical French culture, cuisine and countryside on display. Our south of France villas - meaning the Cote d'Azur and St Tropez of course remain our main fare.

Owners continue to discount rates, our special offers page for France is here - our special offers for Italy villas are here. Click for general information on France and Italy

Special offers from Quality Villas

2009-01-15T04:02:00.001-08:00

Things have been moving very fast here at Quality Villas in the last week or two - with the publication of our special offers via our newsletters (if you would like to sign up for your copy, please do so by clicking here for Quality villas offers).

In any event - we are happily placing our clients in their favourite villas, therefore guaranteeing their place in the sun later this year!

We have noticed however, from speaking to a few of our clients, they are waiting a bit to see what happens (referring to the current economic climate). Something to bear in mind is that the issues facing the UK are not the same in other countries around the world; this means there is as much a rush on as ever to get the best weeks reserved in the best villas before someone else does!

We are adding more special offers week by week as our owners speak to us, meaning prices are keen. If you would like to see the updated special offers, please click here for France villa offers and here for Italy villa offers - we look forward to hearing from you.