LA VIE EN ROSÉ

THE ROSÉ WINES OF SOUTHERN FRANCE ARE SOME OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD - NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK THAT HOLIDAY AND COME TRY THEM FOR YOURSELF.

The recent rain followed by glorious sunshine means conditions have been ideal for the vineyards to get a favourable start to the growth spurt, the countryside is gloriously green with flourishing vines as far as the eye can see - the life blood of the Languedoc and Provence begins anew.

To savour that delicious pink nectar, two lovely stone built properties in the portfolio of South France Villas, offer you the perfect base to sample the delights of regional Rosé wines.  

In the Languedoc, close to Beziers, HE086A Bastide Pinede - a fabulous traditional stone built Bastide, with a contemporary interior, private pool and large garden, sleeping 8 in 4 en suite bedrooms, is perfect for that family holiday.  In this area the Wine Domaines of  Le Rosé de Bessan, Domaine La Baume and Les Crus Faugeres are all easily accessible for tastings.

HE086A Bastide Pinede

If you want to discover more why not let the experts take the strain and contact Languedoc Wine Tours  to book your place on one of their various programmes.

In Provence, VR014A Bastide des Vignes, a lovingly restored barn, renovated by the Owners with passion, offers 5 bedrooms, amazing interiors with stirking bespoke art, pool and extensive gardens - an oasis of tranquility.

This Bastide nestles amongst vines, which are part of Domaine de Rimauresq.  Rimauresq is a 'Cru classé, which produces Cinsault, Mourvedre and Tibouren for their rosés - it is one of the most prestigious vineyards in Provence and their 'R' logo is appreciated worldwide.  The vinery is a mere 15 minutes away from this stunning property.  From here access to the Routes des Vins is easy where you can taste the delights of Cote de Provence, Bandol, Coteaux Varios and Coteaux d'Aix en Provence.

VR014A Bastide des Vignes

Provence rosés are amongst the best in the world, Their pale rose petal colour, delicate aromas and explosion of sun filled fruit on the palate make them a perfect accompaniment to all dishes or ideal for that aperitif! 

Rosé is possibly one of the oldest known types of wine in the world and there are three major ways to produce rosé wine - skin contact, saignée and blending. 

Skin contact - black skinned grapes are crushed and the skins allowed to remain in contact with the juice for a short period, normally 1-3 days, the longer they are left, the more intense the colour of the final wine. 

Saignée (the French word for bleeding) - when the winemaker desires to impart more tannin and colour to a red wine, some of the pink juice from the must can be removed at an early stage in what is known as the Saignée and this can be fermented separately to produce rosé.

Blending - the simple mixing of red wine to a white wine to impart colour. This method is discouraged in most wine growing regions, especially in France, where it is forbidden by law, except for Champagne, but most producers use the Saignée method.

So, enough of the lecture, time for some practical, simply contact South France Villas who will be delighted to book you a property so you can enjoy your personal "voyage a vin".

WITH EASTER JUST AROUND THE CORNER PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP AND BOOK THAT HOLIDAY IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE!!!

 

HEAD OFF TO THE LANGUEDOC, PROVENCE OR THE COTE D'AZUR FOR THAT PERFECT GET AWAY.  WHY NOT COMBINE YOUR HOBBY WITH YOUR HOLIDAY AND HAVE THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS?  

If you are into cycling the amazing Tour de France will be passing close to many properties that are on offer from South France Villas - the buzz of the "Caravanne" going through before the leaders and the Peloton is a sight to see and sets you up for the awesome blur of riders speeding to the next destination.

For those who like to pursue their creativity and improve their culinary skills why not join a Cooking Course on offer from "Cooking in Provence" - to accommodate you the Owner has two properties VU011A Mas St Sylvestre and VU012A Mas St Ambroise on the doorstep.

Mas St Sylvestre and Mas St Ambroise

In the Languedoc a fabulous opportunity awaits you - a Gastronomic Experience with the Chef and Owner of Restaurant O Bontemps in Magalas not far from Beziers, who offers Cookery Days - create and eat what a great combination! You can stay at South France Villas property HE084A Villa Kharbashi and walk home!

Olivier Bontemps

HE084A Villa Kharbashi

To entice you further the sights and smells of shopping in traditional French Markets - will whet your appetite - starting in the Spring with delicious Green Asparagus, followed by an array of soft fruits - mouthwatering Cherries, juicy Strawberries, flavoursome Apricots - for the inevitable jam making - and sweet tasting Melons, not forgetting the aromatic garlic and sweet onions.

If all this is too much like hard work a tour of a local vineyard for that wine tasting session  or a day out at the Jousting Tournament in Sete would fit the bill on the leisure front!

Fun in the sun is what holidays are all about - why wait, 

book yours today with South France Villas.

EXTRA... EXTRA... READ ALL ABOUT IT....

The Sunday Times Travel Section on 3rd February 2013 focused on 25 Top Holidays in France for 2013 and once again two properties in the South France Villas portfolio made the selection.

HE063A Villa Setoise and sister property close by HE065A Villa Frankie are on the coast at the bustling port of Sete in the Languedoc Roussillon, stunning in contemporary design and close to the beach - the perfect combination for that Mediterranean holiday with family or friends- what more could you want!

Want to know more or make a booking - do not hesitate to get in touch with South France Villas who will be pleased to help with your reservation.  Additional local information available from the Sete Tourist Office

STOP PRESS ........ STOP PRESS ........ READ ALL ABOUT IT! ................

The Times Travel section on Saturday 12th January 2013 featured "Europe's 50 Best beach villas" and two properties from the South France Villas portfolio were included.  The stunning PY001A Villa La Voile in the beautiful village of Collioure, on the coast near Perpignan came in at number 29 and in at number 31 the stunning CR004A Villa Palombaggia in Corsica, near the stylish, sophisticated, cosmopolitan town of Porto-Vecchio. 
                                                     

To find out more about these two amazing properties and check availability do not hesitate to get in touch with South France Villas who will be happy to help you.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION!  ...... EXPLORE THE LANGUEDOC REGION OF THE SOUTH OF FRANCE - FANTASTIC BEACHES, HERITAGE AND WINE!  GREAT VALUE TOO.

Narbonne is a particularly good example of all the above and offers an all year round welcome for that great holiday - sandy Mediterranean beaches, the UNESCO site of the Canal du Robine, the remains of the Roman Road - the Via Domitia and of course, excellent wines from La Clape - one amongst many.  For history buffs the Cathedral in the town centre is one of the tallest in France!

Narbonne Cathedral and Square with Via Domitia

Set in the foothills of the Corbières and less than 1 hour from Carcassonne and the Spanish border and close Beziers, the natural landscape is a joy to behold and it is a great base from which to foray into the surrounding area - the local tourist offices abound with information on where to go and what to - Narbonne Tourist Office

AU001A Arboussier

To enjoy the region at your leisure why not stay in one of South France Villas rental properties such as AU001A Arboussier which sleeps 6 - great value and ideal for families - beaches are close and you can even enjoy an African Adventure at the nearby Sigean African Reserve Park.

If Carcassonne beckons AU026A Domaine de Marseillens is in the perfect location for access to La Cité - a visit to the Dungeons is a must - more information from Carcassonne Tourist Office and being close to Lac du Cavayere which has a beach area, water sports and plenty of acres for walking and those all important picnics - you get the best of all worlds!

                                                         

AU026A Courtyard with pool

AU026A Contemporary styling

         The Languedoc is waiting for you so why not make that booking today and come see for yourself!

Numerous other options available on the website at South France Villas