South France Villas

Grasse - the international capital of Perfume

2011-07-30T17:40:00.001+02:00

Travellers have long been attracted to the pleasures of Grasse. Queen Victoria herself returned for several winters to sojourn in a luxury vacation home in this medieval town. While there are many things to do and see in the area, it is the clean crisp air scented with flowers that seduces those who visit. The altitude and the looming hills behind the town create the freshness in the atmosphere - a contrast to the beach towns of Provence, which often swelter in the Summer.

Perfume

Grasse began making Perfume way back in the 16th century as almost an afterthought. Making perfume was simply a side-project to a solid industry in manufacturing gloves - when perfumed gloves were briefly in fashion, Grasse decided to manufacture their own perfume. Yet today the gloves have been all but discarded, with the Perfume industry having been gradually built up to become a dominating figure in the Perfume World. Today, Grasse produces around two-thirds of France's perfumes. Part of the reason that Grasse has been so successful is because the particular climate of the region is perfect for nurturing delicate flowers which struggle in other regions.

There are three historic perfume manufacturers in Grasse which provide free guided tours. You will learn about perfume and how it is made and later will have the opportunity (without obligation) to browse and buy their products.

Galimard 73 rte Cannes tel: 04 93 09 20 00
Fragonard 20 bd Fragonard tel:04 93 36 44 65 fax: 04 93 36 03 50
Molinard 60 bd Victor Hugo tel: 04 93 36 01 62

Interesting Perfume Facts:
- A perfume contains between 10 to more than 250 ingredients.
- A scent that smells good on one person will not necessarily smell good on another. This is because the interaction between the fragrance and the body may produce a different scent perception in different people due to their body hormonal balance.
- Diets, way of life and medication will affect or influence your sense of smell
- The sense of smell is sharper in the afternoons
- Fragrance lasts longer on oily skin than on dry skin
- Some researches have shown that people without a sense of smell lead a less happy life than people who can smell. There are different types of fragrances that trigger emotions and affect the mood of people who smell it.

Other Recommended Attractions

Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence - Located in an 18th-century mansion, this museum features archeology and ethnology as well as Provencal painting, pottery and history.

Notre Dame du Puy cathedral - Dating from the 11th Century, (rebuilt in the 17th c.) this cathedral boasts a huge 18th century clock tower and an art collection featuring Rubens.

Festivals - The Fête du Jasmin or La Jasminade has been celebrated every year at the beginning of August since 1946. These days, it is a big event; decorated floats drive through the town, with young women throwing flowers onto the crowds which line the streets -- everyone gets soaked by the natural perfume of the flowers. There are also fireworks, free parties, folk music groups and street performers. Also popular is the annual 5-day international exhibition of roses ("Expo Rose"), which occurs in May.

Olive Oil is also produced in Grasse:

Rossignol Oil Mill - Moulin à Huile du Rossignol
41 Chemin des Paroirs,Tel: 0493 701 674, or 0618 188 415

Royrie Domaine - Domaine de la Royrie Royrie88 Chemin des Haute Ribes,Tel: 0609 866 327

Sainte-Anne Oil Mill - Moulin à Huile Sainte Anne
138 Route de Draguignan,Tel: 0493 702 142

Caving
For those feeling adventurous, this is a fantastic area for caving. If you are a member of a 'spelunking' organisation, there are many caves available to explore. However even those who are inexperienced in caving can get involved. Cavers can descend into the Trou du Curé (60 metres underground) or explore the cave at the Saint Sauveur waterfall. For those who don't fancy journeying underground, there are also many hiking trails in the area.

As you can see, a holiday in a beautiful villa in the Grasse region allows you to experience a large variety of acitivites, a unique culture and history - all within a picturesque setting.

Nearby Villas
We have a selection of gorgeous luxury villas nearby to Grasse. We are expanding our villa rental program in this region all the time, always looking out with a sharp eye for the best quality villas in Cote d'Azur.

We have two luxurious holiday villas in this region which we recommend in particular:

Villa Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Villa Ferrage

Thanks for reading, and we hope that you have learnt something about this wonderful region in France - whether solely for interest or whether you are researching a holiday in the South of France. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Sète - The Venice of Southern France

2011-06-28T03:55:00.000+02:00

This romantic port town has been named the Venice of Southern France for its numerous canals and quaint streets. It is also admired for its beautiful beaches, scenic views and the rusty ochre tones in which the buildings are painted.

Although the area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, it was sparsely populated until the 1600's, when work on the creation of the port of Sète began. The construction of the port and city took 15 years, and the work included the building of dozens of dykes, basins, bridges and aquaducts. Today, Sète's pretty port is not only a drawcard for travellers, but still functionally important, acting as a major centre for fishing in France.

The town is divided into two parts - the Port and Mount St Clair.

The Port:

Sète is great for water sport enthusiasts: sailing, swimming, scuba diving, water jousting tournaments -- Sète has almost every water sport you could imagine! The closest beaches to the town are Lazaret Beach and Corniche Beach, which are lovely. You can also see some of the fastest sailboats in the world, as Sète is where the French do their training for the America's Cup.

Jousting tournament -- Every summer, the "Joutes Nautiques" is celebrated in Sète on the canals. It is similar to the traditional medieval jousting on horseback, except that the 'horses' are special canal boats, manned by ten oarsmen, and the knight gets a swim in the canal if he is 'de-horsed'! The winner of the tournament gets their name engraved on a shield, which can be seen on display in the Musee Valery.

Gastronomy - Sète has many good restaurants and a number of delicious local specialties:
Bourride - monkfish in garlic mayonnaise or "aioli"
Bouillabaisse - A hearty stew combining fish and shellfish
Le Tielle - A fish and tomato tort
La Rouille de Seiche - A mix of fish, tomato sauce and aioli.

Daily markets - The daily open-air market offers an array of fresh produce. On Sundays, there is a great flea market.

Canal du Midi - The historic Canal du Midi ends in Sète, 240km from where it begins in Toulouse. The Canal was originally constructed as a short-cut, saving a whole month of sailing, and avoiding hostile parts of Spain and Barbary pirates. The Canal du Midi was opened officially as the 'Canal Royal de Languedoc' on May 15, 1681. The Canal is quite complex, consisting of intricate locks, bridges, aqueducts, dams and a tunnel. It was still used commercially until 1989, but now the Canal has become more of a tourist attraction and place for leisure activities - such as rowing, canoeing, fishing and cruising on luxury hotel barges.

Mount Clair:
The climb up from the port to Mount St Clair is well worth the effort. There are great views of the village and port below, and also of the Pyrennees. The main cultural attractions are also to be found up here too.

Chapelle Notre Dame de la Salette - This church has been many things - first, it served as a fort for the Duke of Montmorency, but when it was dismantled in 1632, is became home to hermits. The hermits spent their time charitably, praying for the souls of fisherman and lighting fires to warn of approaching pirates. In 1897, the structure was converted into its present form - the church, decorated with scenes of life in Sète.

The Sailors Cemetary (Le Cimetiere Marin) - This cemetary was constructed in 1843 as a resting place for sailors. It was built using old rock that had been used in the building of the port itself. The cemetary was immortalised by the poet Paul Valéry, in his poem "Cemetery be the Sea". Valéry was born in Sète and is buried here.

Musée Valéry - Nearby to his resting place in the Cemetary is a museum dedicated to Valéry. Here you can find not only mementos and works of the poet, but also exhibits relating to the history of the town. There is also a room devoted to another famous inhabitant of Sète - the singer Georges Brassens.

Sète is also a good base for exploring the South of France - it is nearby to many other attractive towns and cities, such as Montpellier, Agde and Beziers.

Villas

We have two stunning modern villas in this area that we recommend in particular.

Villa Setoise
Villa St Clair

Chic, spacious, and overlooking the beach, a holiday in either of these beautiful holiday homes would make for an unforgettable experience.

Luxury greets you from arrival, with a champagne reception awaiting you. The lovely soft furnishings ensure that you'll immediately feel comfortable and at home. Both villas contain many conveniences, such as an espresso machine, home cinema, sauna, children's games room, board games, wifi and secure on-site car-parking - as well as much more.

There is even a 4 half days complimentary water sports package, organised and provided by our in-resort water-sports manager and instructor. Enjoy water skiing, a kayaking trip, and paddle boarding. There is also a good range of bicycles for adults and children and our in-resort staff can also arrange additional activities and excursions as part of the service.

But wait, there's more! Fresh bread, pastries and papers will be delivered on a daily basis, and the bathrooms are stocked with gorgeous l'Occitane products.

A holiday in one of these villas is truly a luxury experience!

For more information or to make a booking, please visit our website. If you have any questions, please contact us - we would be more than happy to respond to any queries you might have.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

The Camargue

2011-05-31T09:35:00.000+02:00

At first the Camargue doesn't sound so appealing. Originally a marshy wasteland, good for nothing except the extraction of salt - it is now a productive agricultural region, hosting an abundance of amazing wildlife and attracting one million travellers each year. Ever since the Knights Templar established themselves here, a subtle human influence upon this unruly land has allowed it to blossom into one of the loveliest natural settings in France. Yet despite the years of taming by the human hand, there is still the feeling that things are wild and uncontrolled here. From the mysterious shifting colours of some of its signature wildlife* to ancient legends and relics, the Camargue captivates those who venture here.

This French version of the Wild West is relatively young, despite that the cowboys and bullfighting seem to be such a concrete part of the local culture. Less than one hundred years ago, the region re-invented itself. Farmers transformed themselves into Camargue cowboys, reviving the local economy and creating a new cultural lifestyle for the region. The bulls themselves have roamed the area since the time of the Romans but have become especially popular since bullfighting was cultivated in the region. Those who wish to turn their passion for the bulls into a profession can study the art of bullfighting in the region. Arles is home to a bullfighting school where about thirty young students learn the basics of bullfighting each year.

One of the main attractions on the area is the protected wetland and marine area, called the 'Parc naturel régional de Carmague' (the Regional Nature Park of the Camargue). More than 400 species of birds make this area their home, including flamingos. About 10,000 flamingo pairs live in the lagoons of the delta. There is a pink pigment in the plankton which they eat - it is this delicious snack which gives the birds their striking pink colour.

Most of the park is closed to traffic, so the best ways to get around are by bicycles or horseback tours. We particularly recommend the horseback option - because you won't be riding just any horse! The Camargue is home to the Camargue horse - they are a species unique to the area and the the only known descendents of prehistoric horses that roamed Europe during the Palaeolithic period. Horses are available for the day from stables along highway D570 between Arles to les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Speaking of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - we definitely recommend that you pay this town a visit during your stay in the area. It's like Mediterranean seaside resorts were 70 years ago; quiet and gentle with unspoilt and uncrowded beaches. It will be interesting particularly those interested in History or Christianity. According to legend, this is the cradle of Christianity in Western Europe. It is said that three Marys - Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacobé, Mary Salomé - and Sarah, their servant, sailed to this town after the crucifixion of Jesus and settled here, bringing the story of Jesus with them. Relics of the Saints can be found in the church. The town has become a major destination for pilgrims and each year there is a big festival in celebration and memory of the women. For those who are of a secular inclination, it is still a charming town to visit. In the early twentieth century it became a literary and artistic centre, with visits from creative people such as the writer Ernest Hemingway and the painter Picasso. The film industry took advantage of its natural beauty, using it as the setting for various films.

Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer -- Van Gogh

The best times to visit are in Autumn and Spring, as you will avoid the worst of the tourists and mosquitoes. Autumn is an especially good time because the bird population swells as birds fly south to Africa for the impending winter.

You can experience the region's beautiful scenery via film - these movies were both set in The Camargue:
'Crin Blanc' ('White Mane') - a 1953 children's film which won the Cannes Film Festival's Grand Prize
'Friends' - Filmed in 1971, with a soundtrack featuring Elton John

* Shifting Colours? Some of the wildlife here changes colour! The Flamingoes lose their pink hue and fade to white if they don't eat enough plankton and the famous White Camargue horses are brown or black when born, gradually becoming white after a few years.

Where to stay?

We have several fantastic luxury holiday villas nearby. Please visit our website and browse our holiday villas in Provence. If you would like any assistance in choosing a charming villa for your holiday, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Exploring Corsica

2011-04-30T09:21:00.004+02:00

Corsica has been occupied by the Greeks, the Romans, the Vandals, the Visigoths, the Saracens, the Lombards and the Genoese. For a brief period it managed to declare itself an independent republic, and it created a constitution for itself (written in Italian). And since 1764, Corsica has (mostly) been a region of France, after the French purchased it from the Republic of Genoa.

Corsicans, however, are quite resilient - they have managed to maintain a local identity throughout all the upheavals. Despite that pretty much everyone knows French, which is the language of commerce and media, the majority of the population speak a language native to Corsica. The island also has some autonomy from the French government and is exempt from paying certain national taxes. So a trip to Corsica is an interesting experience - you’re still technically in France, but it is a very different holiday from a sejourn on the mainland. If you’ve already been the Southern France, then a holiday house in Corsica could be the perfect place for your next French holiday!

One thing which Corsica can laud over other parts of the Mediterranean is that it is relatively unspoilt, having had less development. Nature lovers (and also those who prefer to admire the scenery from afar!) will fall in love with the magnificent mountains, abundant wildlife and the one thousand metres of coastline.

What to do?

The most popular activities in Corsica are centred around the beaches - such as swimming, snorkeling, wind-surfing and scuba diving. Not to mention basking in the sun on the sand! However there’s more to Corsica than just intoxicating yourself with the sun and surf -- there are also some fantastic walks on the island. There are some stunning routes - both on the coast and in the mountains. There is something for everyone, from easy strolls through beautiful scenery to much more intense and challenging hikes. (The ‘GR20’, which winds its way from the southern part of the island, up to its north-western corner, takes most people about 2 weeks to complete!) Corsica values the land and environment and has set up National Parks to protect its natural treasures. The Natural Regional Park of Corsica was primarily created for the protection of rare animal habitats, but it also just plain stunning. The Scandola Nature Reserve is incredibly beautiful, and it is a bit of an adventure to get there, as the only route into the reserve is by boat -- the effort is generously rewarded by the sights which greet you.

The Island is also popular with those with a penchant for History, as Corsica was the birthplace of Napoleon. Napoleon's birthplace in Ajaccio, a large and simple residence, is now a museum devoted to the Bonaparte family in Corsica. The museum evokes the life on Corsica in the 18th century, and introduces the Bonaparte family through a number of exhibits through the rooms of the house. Corsica’s history is much richer than Napoleon, however. You can also visit the ruined battlements of Castello, and learn of medieval adultery, family feuds, revenge killings, betrayal and treachery. There are also a number of interesting museums, displaying artifacts and traditional Corsican tools, clothes and other items. The oldest human skeleton ever found on Corsica (called the ‘Dame de Bonifacio) is on display in a museum near Bonifacio - the skeleton is thought to be an ancient 8,500 years old!

When to visit?

Corsica is typically Mediterranean with its hot, dry summers and mild winters. Up in the mountains it can get a little cool - so keep this in mind if you plan to do a bit of hiking through the mountains. Also, unless you are spending most of your time at the beach,the heat of the summer days can be a little oppressive if you aren’t used to hot weather. The wet season comes around during the winter months. So probably the most pleasant times of year are the Spring and Autumn.

Where to stay?

We have several beautiful villas available in Corsica. One of these is the ‘Casa Marina di Fiori’, located in Porto-Vecchio with stunning views of the Porto-Vecchio gulf. Porto Vecchio is a very popular town in Corsica - and with good reason. The beaches here are among the best on the island and there are so many flawlessly beautiful beaches and coves in the vicinity that you could spend each day of your holiday exploring a different beach. The beaches are mostly child friendly, with their shallow, warm water -- although only the most popular beaches have lifeguards. A villa in Porto Vecchio also makes a great base to explore other parts of Corsica, such as the nearby mountains and prehistoric sites inland from the town including those at Tappa and Sotta.

The Villa itself is very comfortable, with fantastic views and filled with sunlight. With five bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen (plus two kitchenettes), living and dining room and a private pool, this spacious villa is perfect for a large family or two families vacationing together -- with plenty of space for everybody! There is also a two-car garage, which is very convenient -- hiring a car whilst in Corsica is a very good idea, as public transport can be patchy and taxis are quite expensive.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your Corsican holiday in more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We would be very happy to help.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

A day in Marseilles

2011-03-15T14:10:00.000+01:00

Marseilles is busy, crowded, dirty and rough around the edges. But Marseilles is also one of the most progressive and forward-thinking cities in the country. People tend to either love it or hate it. Maybe it’s not the ideal location to spend your entire holiday, but this historic, lively, colourful city deserves at least a day of exploration.

Marseilles was France’s first city. Beginning its life as a Greek port, it has continued to be an important trading place, which has resulted in a bubbling melting-pot of a city. People from Africa, Italy, Spain, the Middle east, Indo-china and many other places have ended up settling here. This is one of the things which makes Marseilles such an interesting, diverse and thrilling city. It has remained an important city in France since it was first settled - it is second largest city in the country, after Paris.

As a city which relies heavily on trade for it’s livelihood, the ports are a important part of the city. Today, the new port has taken over as the major commercial centre of the town. 100 million tonnes of freight pass through this port annually, making it the third largest port in Europe. However the old port still has an important place for the fishing industry. The old port (“Vieux-port”) puts on quite a show when the fisherman gather to auction of their catch. It is definitely a highlight and throws you back a couple of centuries.

Marseilles hosts many cultural events and festivals. In fact, it was recently designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2013, so there has never been a better time to see Marseille. Over the next few years, as it gears up for the responsiblity of culturally representing Europe, Marseille's artistic and cultural scene will only become stronger and more vibrant. Truly a city of contrasts: well-known not only for it's Opera houses, theatres and art galleries but also as a centre for French hip-hop and rap. Marseille was recently dubbed by a blogger as the 'San Francisco' of Europe - a thriving port city with a large immigrant community and a keen artistic edge.

One of the highlights of the city is the Noailles market. The streets in this area are lined with Arabic and Indo-chinese shops - you feel as if you have stepped into a hybrid arabic-asian bazaar. You can find this area near the Noailles subway stop.

For natural beauty, visit the Calanques. This is a stunning area featuring fjords and limestone cliffs to the south of Marseille. Also, 'La Corniche' makes for a great afternoon stroll with it’s spectacular views of the sea and the Chateau d’If (the prison where ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ was set.) However, if you are looking for beaches, Marseilles is far from the jackpot. They can often be polluted and dirty. Concentrate on the other things which the city has to offer, and go elsewhere for swimming and sunbathing!

The public transport system can be a little chaotic -- the locals are vocal in their disapproval of the irregular buses - however the subway and tramway are not too bad and are a quick option for crossing the city. They are certainly a better option than driving your car -- the fearlessness of the inhabitants can be intimidating, especially on the bewildering,narrow streets in the tangled heart of the city.

The best cuisine in Marseilles is predictably seafood based. The ‘moules-frites’ (mussels and fries) are simple and inexpensive, but definitely a highlight! For around 10 euros, you can pick up a feast from one of the outdoor stalls. Eat them sitting on the harbour, overlooking the French Mediterranean. Also not to be missed is the ‘Pastis’ - a popular alcoholic drink in the region, which is made from aniseed and spices.

Where to stay

For a holiday we would probably not recommend Marseilles as the most tranquil destination! Rather, we suggest it as a day-trip from a home base somewhere close by. For example, you could stay at Maison Kad, which is located in the hills of the Luberon, in a lovely town called Goult. It is about an hour and a half drive from Marseilles - but a whole world away in temperament!

Only 200m from the village of Goult, Maison Kad is a charming Provençal style house. With its own private garden and pool with Roman steps. It has been beautifully restored and tastefully decorated with a lovely blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. Features include a stone fire place and terracotta tiles, a Moroccan shower room, a south-east facing covered solarium, balcony and shady terrace.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

The French Catalan Capital

2011-02-15T13:08:00.000+01:00

Nestled right down in the bottom corner of the country, Perpignan is something a a hybrid. Though it is now officially part of France, this area has been bandied around between powers for centuries - sometimes finding itself a French city, and at other times part of Spanish domains. It also acted as a place of refuge for Spanish refugees fleeing the Civil War in the 1930's, which has strengthened the town's links with Spanish culture even further. It is not a surprise that when visiting this town today, both Spanish and French cultures are strongly represented.

Today, Catalonia is a region in north-eastern Spain which borders France, of which the capital is the vibrant city of Barcelona. It is an autonomous community within Spain, with its own government - a result of the independence of the Catalonian people. For 40 years during the mid 20th century, Catalan culture was suppressed. But it has enjoyed a gradual renaissance since the 1980's. This sense of pride in the Catalan culture can also be seen in Perpignan, where the street signs are written both in French and Catalan. And in 2008, Perpignan became the Capital of Catalan Culture in France.

Festivals

Perpignan is also known as the "City of Festivals". It is famous for its full calendar of events and festivals - with Summer being especially busy.

Le Festival d'Ete de Perpignan aka "Estivales" is held during July. It was created in 1987 to showcase Mediterranean culture and features an eclectic program of dance, music, street theatre and film.

Another popular festival is a free 3 day festival called Guitares au Palais which occurs every August. The festival has a broad main stream focus with pop related music as well as traditional acoustic guitar music and alternative music

Then for two weeks in late august / early September, the international festival of photo journalism festival "visa pour l'image" takes place. It features the greatest photo-journalistic work from around the world in exhibitions across the city, as well as film screenings, symposiums and conferences. It's a wonderful experience for those who have a passion for photography. For more details, see: http://www.visapourlimage.com/index.do

And during the summer, make sure you experience "Les Jeudis de Perpignan". Every Thursday the whole city centre is animated with free music in cafes and squares throughout the old town. It's great for all ages!

Food
Perpignan and the surrounding area is a great destination for food-lovers. (And who doesn't love food?!) Due to the rich alluvial soil, abundant sunshine and water, crops flourish in this area.

The city's main marketplace is on Place Cassanyes. This area was once home to the Jewish quarter, and now the population has shifted to Gypsy and North African families. It feels much more like Algiers than the streets of southern France. The Cassanyes market is open every day until about 1 pm. There isn't much you can't find here and it's especially good on the weekend. Specialties include local sausages, olives, spices, snails, cheese, bread and locally grown fruit and vegetables.

On the Rue Fabriques-Nadal, you can find a fantastic restaurant by the name of Cafe Sansa. Once the haunt of the artist Dali, it now drips in nostalgia with its bullfighting posters and maritime memorabilia. It's full of atmosphere and very popular with the locals.

Perpignan is a lovely city -- a meeting place of cultures different cultures with a vibrant atmosphere. The Catalan artist, Salvador Dali, one even went so far as to declare the city's railway station the centre of the universe, as he apparently got all his best ideas sitting there in the waiting room. This might be a bit of an exaggeration, but we certainly think it is a charming city!

Where to stay?
Villa Peyriac-du-Mer

This lovely stone 200 year old 'Bergerie' is perched up on the hillside above the small picturesque town of Peyriac-de-Mer and has stunning views over the salt water lagoons and the Mediterranean sea, vineyards and hills. It is set in approximately 2 hectares of land with a well kept garden area around the pool with fig trees, olive trees, a few palms and plumbago. It stands by itself and has no immediate neighbours.

The house is only 3kms from Peyriac-de-Mer so it is possible to walk or cycle to town and get to the small beach, which is just out of town. It is within minutes drive of the salt water lagoons, where live flocks of pink flamingos, or any of the other beaches around Narbonne. The house has been beautifully restored retaining many of the original features like beams, a winding 'Provencal' staircase and an 'old style' ceiling in the living room. There is an independent 'Studio' with a separate entrance looking out on to the pool.

The pool has a covered summer kitchen with a bar, nice garden furniture, a large built-in BBQ, a pergola and a tiled terrace around the pool.

At 62 kilometres from Perpignan, it is an easy drive to visit the city for a day.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Narbonne - c'est bon!

2011-01-16T10:18:00.000+01:00

Narbonne first bloomed when the Romans made it the Capital of their first colony outside of Italy. It remained a vital port throughout the Middle Ages until the harbour silted up in the 14th century. Narbonne then fell out of prosperity until the 19th century, when the wine industry helped get the city back on its feet.

One of the main attractions in Narbonne is the cathedral, which looms over the city with its gargantuan size. When the town was first drawing up the plans for the cathedral, it was actually planned to be even bigger! However if it had been built according to plan, it would have meant destroying parts of the city walls, so it's probably a good thing they decided on building a more modest version. There are sweeping views from the cathedral of the surrounding vineyards from the towers - although at 194 feet tall it is a little bit of effort to haul yourself to the top..!

Narbonne is famous for its fantastic markets. There are markets for food, second-hand clothing, crafts, organic produce and flowers. The food markets on Thursday and Sunday morning are particularly popular: you will find more than 300 shops settled alongside both sides of the Robine Canal, on the Promenade des Barques and the Cours Mirabeau. Nearby, you will find the Baltard Pavillion, which celebrated its centenary in 2000. It houses the 'Halles Centrales' which is one of the best food halls in France. Food lovers will be ecstatic with the choice of incredibly fresh gourmet food from more than 70 shops.

If you love a glass of wine, Narbonne is great base for exploring the nearby Minervois wine region. Vine were first introduced here by Roman legionaries. The wines in this region are mostly reds. They are a full-bodied wine and are good even when quite young.

Narbonne also has a good beach. It is a large, spacious beach and very lively. In summer, it's large enough that you can escape the crowds and have your own space. There's also quite a lot for kids - with trampolines and swings and merry-go-rounds.

Villas in Narbonne

La Maison du Canal

This beautiful villa is a modern renovation of an old wine cave, only 5 minutes from the centre of Narbonne, the cathedral and the Canal du Robine. It features a private swimming pool and modern open-plan living. It sleeps 6-7 people allowing plenty of room for a family or a group of friends.

The secure parking garage allows the traveller to hire a car, making this villa a great choice for those keen to explore the surrounding regions.

For more details about this fantastic holiday home, click here.

If you have any enquiries or would like to make a booking, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T09:28:00.002+01:00

New Years Eve in France is called Saint-Sylvestre. This name actually has nothing to do with the New Year - it is just the feast day named after a Pope from the 4th Century, which coincidentally is also on 31 December!

Traditionally, New Years Eve is celebrated with a feast around midnight - usually beginning late in the evening and continuing into the early hours of the morning. It is called Le réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre, which can be translated as ‘the awakening of Saint-Sylvestre’, or ‘the awakening of the New Year’. The feasts includes celebratory foods, such as Champange and foie gras, as well as brioche, pancakes, oysters, chicken, eggs, wine, chocolate, sweets and candied fruit.

Although New Year’s Eve is generally celebrated as a private affair at home, it is also popular to celebrate with balls and parties (“une soirée dansante”). Southwestern France also has its own particular tradition, where locals attend an evening Mass the evening of Saint-Sylvestre. They then march by a torchlight procession into the vineyards, where they celebrate with ‘vin chaud’ (mulled wine) to bring in the New Year.

New Year’s Eve is typically fairly formal in France, and even at family celebrations at home, everyone tends to dress up. So if you want to fit in, make sure you wear something classy!

New Year’s day in France is better known as Jour des Étrennes and it is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in France. New Year’s day in France is typically spent eating with family and friends, with a good deal of wine generally adding to the festive spirit! The French also give gifts on New Years day, and whilst it is seen as a pleasure, it is also taken somewhat seriously. Traditionally, it is considered good luck to give presents at the beginning of the year - much more so than at any other time of the year.

The New Year is not just celebrated on January 1, but actually continues for several days. The New Year holidays in France ends on January 6 with the ceremonial cutting of a special type of festive cake called la galette des rois. A small figurine, “la fève”, is hidden in the cake and the person who finds the trinket in their slice becomes king for the day. Originally, “la fève” was literally a broad bean (fève), but they were replaced from the 1870s by a variety of figurines. A paper crown is included with the cake to crown the "king" who finds the fève in their piece of cake. Traditionally, the cake was divided into as many pieces as there were people, plus one extra slice. This extra slice was called the "share of the poor" was intended to be given out of charity to a poor person. The French President is not allowed to “draw the kings” on Epiphany, as it is bad etiquette. Therefore, at the Elysée Palace, the traditional galette without figurine and crown is served to the President.

On the original calender, the New Year began on March 25. This explains the tradition on the “Poisson d’Avril” (April Fish). It is similar to ‘April Fools’, where people play tricks on each other on the 1st of April. In France, people sent fake gifts around the time of the New Year’s feast. When the reformed calender of 1582 was put into place, the ‘Poisson d’Avril’ tradition moved to January, along with the other New Year celebrations. Today, it is still popular to send fake gifts, chocolate fish and funny cards with pictures of fish.

Festival of the Harvest

2010-11-29T11:09:00.004+01:00

Ouveillan's 'Fetes des Vendanges' (Festival of the Harvest) is a festival of Wine and Craft. This old tradition continues every October and is one of the highlights of the Languedoc calendar, with its many parades, festivities and markets. These markets range from amateur car boot sales, to flea markets, to professional craftsmen and women offering their hand-crafted wares, folklore and music. The festival has a lovely atmosphere of the old and the new, with old traditions continuing strongly, whilst still welcoming new innovations and skills.

Locals dressing up for a parade

The festival's history is rooted in the traditional festivities of the end-of-harvest season. The end of the harvest was often a busy time, with field workers often working frantically and long hours to get the crop in for the year. Exhausted by their efforts, the workers would celebrate the close of the season, with festivities which evolved into the present-day Fetes des Venanges. The mood was not simply relief that a busy time had now passed, but also to thank each other for the hard work that had been put in, to celebrate the success of the crop and to farewell the end of the agricultural year. A large part of their festivities was to put on a big feast of cassoulet, poultry, mutton and plenty of wine. The atmosphere was boisterous and everyone sang loud drinking songs, accompanied by the rhythmic banging of tables and stamping of feet. Today, the festival has grown to encompass more than a big dinner - but the cheerful spirit is still very much a part of the Fetes des Vendanges.

Yum, Cassoulet!

Wine Barrel at the festival

Ouveillan is a short distance from Narbonne and Beziers. This charming town began as a 'retirement village' for romans looking to spend their final days pottering around the garden, tending grape vines and drinking good wine. The town may have become a little more lively since then, with people of all ages now inhabiting the town - however the focus on wine hasn't changed. In this town of one butcher, a couple of bakeries and food stores, two doctors and dentist - we also find several wineries. Keeping the villagers thirst at bay seems to be much more of a priority than looking after their teeth! Even if you miss the festival, Ouveillan is still worth a visit - it has markets several times a week, roman ruins and - as mentioned above - several wineries!

Where to stay?

We have lots of lovely villas nearby. One of these is the beautiful villa 'Cabernet'. Until recently is was an operational wine domaine, and has now been converted into a wonderful holiday residence. It has a generous private terrace, overlooking the garden and the large pool - perfect for lounging in the sun and relaxing. The hillside has been cut away so that a Greek-amphitheatre of large stone steps surrounds one end of the terrace. Between the pool and the houses is a sloping lawn, while beyond the pool area is a large olive grove of about a hectare, and open fields. All in all there are 5 hectares of grounds, so plenty of space for kids to roam on 'adventures', ride bikes and so on.

For more information and more villas in the area, please visit our website. And of course, please feel free to contact us to discuss your holiday plans with us - we'd be more than happy to recommend the perfect villa to suit your vacation.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Amiable Uzes

2010-10-30T11:35:00.008+02:00

Uzes has a history of being a tolerant and open community. In the Middle Ages, civilised Uzes was a stark contrast to Northern France, which was ruled by the Franks. In the Christian World during the Middle Ages, Jews generally lived outside the feudal system and their rights were very limited. Although the Languedoc wasn’t a Utopia, it was much more tolerant towards the Jewish population than other areas in Europe. For example, at Easter, there was a popular christian tradition called “Strike the Jew”, however this was outlawed in the Languedoc. Jews began to settle in Uzes from the 5th century and the bishop of Uzes invited them to dinners and became friends with many Jewish people. Although he did dedicate quite a bit of energy to convincing Jews in Uzes to convert to Christianity, it was not an aggressive pursuit. Unfortunately, his friendliness was noticed and reported to King Childebert I, who was not quite as tolerant. The Bishop was ordered to compel the Jews in his community to convert - and if they refused, they were to be expelled from the town altogether. After his death, many Jews that had been baptised decided to return to Judaism.

By the 13th century, Uzes became known for its community of wise Jewish scholars, and also housed a community of Cathars, a gnostic religious sect. It also was known for being one of the largest Protestant cities in France - a somewhat dangerous position in a strongly catholic country. During the religious wars of the Reformation in the 16th century, the city suffered for its religious stance, and all its churches were destroyed. So Uzes has had a history of open-mindedness, generally making its own decisions and not simply following popular trend.

Uzes also happens to be the first Duchy of France. That is, the Dukes of Uzes are the most important Dukes in the country, and rank after the the title of Prince. (In other words, the Duke of Uzès would theoretically be first in line for the French throne after the royal family itself. That is, if France was still a kingdom!) In the past, it was part of the job of the Duke of Uzès to defend the honour of the Queen Mother. Over the centuries, the dukes of Uzes have well and truly proved their loyalty, with twenty-one dukes having been wounded or killed in the name of their country.

When the French Revolution came, the Ducal family went into exile - being close to the Royal family, they weren’t too popular during this time. However, the family got some of their property back under the Restoration and the family still owns the colourful chateau in the middle of the town -- this chateau has remained the residence of the family for over a thousand years.

Uzes really came into its own in the 16th century, when it established itself as a major player in the textile industry. The town produced silk, stockings and woollen cloth with over 2,000 people being employed in textile factories in Uzes. The affluence of the town suffered with the introduction of the railway, however - suddenly the town had to compete with far away markets, which had a more competitive edge and sold their goods more cheaply. Uzes couldn’t compete against this new influx of goods, and so business began to decline. With money suddenly not being so abundant, fewer houses were built, so the effect is that Uzes is frozen in time, with more of the Medieval architecture having been preserved. When the town became more prosperous around the 19th century, building boomed again - so we have this architectural contrast in Uzes, between the older medieval styles and the newer, grandiose 19th century styles.

Uzes also hosts the biggest Truffle market in the Languedoc. (For more about Truffles, please see this previous blog entry.) It’s a good town for shopping and food, with some great markets and boutique stores.

Where to stay? - Villa Nadege

Villa Nadege is an exceptional and quite luxurious country house which has been finished and decorated to an extremely high standard with a large attractive garden, a huge summer kitchen, and a private heated pool measuring 12mx6m.

It is situated on a hill in a picturesque Mediterranean village, in an area of great natural beauty with great views; an intimate landscape of small hills with limestone scarps and hardy Garrigue woodland. Yet, the property is only 30 minutes from Uzes, so plenty of interesting historical sites to visit and excellent restaurants are close by!

For more information and other beautiful luxury viilas, please visit our website!

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Truffle hunting

2010-09-14T13:50:00.009+02:00

Truffles are expensive, exclusive, elusive and delicious -- and the French LOVE them for these reasons.

Going to a truffle market is not only an interesting glimpse into french culture, it also gives you the chance to buy truffles straight from the forest and take them home to cook up a gourmet meal in your holiday apartment or villa. It will bring everyone into the kitchen the moment you start slicing it, releasing its wonderful pungent odour. You don't need to be intimidated at the idea of cooking this delicacy - try a truffle omelette, mix slices through a fettucine dish, or simply eat raw, sliced thinly on buttered bread. Having a kitchen to come home to while on holidays is a fantastic way to travel. You really get into the culture so much more thoroughly if you take advantage of the local produce and recipes during your holiday.

Richerenches is the largest truffle market in the country. Most of the truffle selling doesn't go on in the main street, however - you will need to explore the streets of the town a little to stumble upon the major selling areas. There is something a little covert about truffles which the french delight in - it is a cash-only trade, and while it is not illegal, there can be an air of the illicit in these exchanges.

Known as the 'diamond of the kitchen', truffles are very expensive and considered a luxury item. They have a strong, pungent flavour and are usually used sparingly, in paper-thin slices. Older French books often use great quantities of truffles in recipes, as harvests were much larger in the past. In the 19th century, an annual harvest averaged at around 1000 tonnes, while today's production is around 40 tonnes. This is due to climate change and many truffle oaks being destroyed during the World Wars. Their rarity has lead to high prices, with this fungus now fetching a price of around 800 euros per kilo.

Growing truffles is a huge investment of time. In the wild, it takes an Oak tree 40 years to get to the point where it has the potential to grow truffles. However, with special techniques, it is now possible these days to manipulate young oak trees into truffle-maturity in only 10 years. The cultivation of this fungus is so precarious, however, that a slightly dry winter can wreak havoc on a crop. Few farmers are willing to put all their energy into truffle farming alone - it's too risky.

To add another complication to the mix, farmers also have to ward off thieves. Truffle poachers have become an enormous hazard for truffle farms. Poachers with specially trained dogs can steal thousands of euros worth of the fungus in a night. Farmers must go to great lengths to protect their orchards, with hired guards and dogs being the norm.

If you're not game to try cooking them yourself, truffles can be found on the menus of high class restaurants. One such restaurant is the 'Mas de Saint Antoine', which is located in Grasse. This restaurant not only uses truffles in its dishes, but also hosts an annual truffle market of its own.

Truffle season runs through winter, from November to March.
One of the main truffle regions in France is Provence, and the main market towns in Provence are Apt, Aups, Carpentras, Richerence, and Valréas. In the the Languedoc, Uzes hosts the principal truffle market.

Where to stay?

We're huge fans of a great little town called Carpentras - it is quite close to all the major Truffle markets so it is perfect as a home-base for truffle hunting excursions! We can recommend a beautiful villa called Parc de la Masque. This spacious villa is set within 3 acres of woodland, with Mediterranean pines, olive trees and oaks offering privacy and calm to be disturbed only by cicadas. There's plenty of fun to be had as it boasts great facilities - including a fenced swimming pool, private tennis court, library, piano, petanque/boules, board games, and more. It also features a fully-equipped kitchen which is essential for cooking those fresh truffles you'll score at the markets! The villa accommodations 10-11 people, with plenty of room for everyone.

For more information, click here! Or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us here.

Happy Truffle hunting!

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Literary Destinations

2010-08-16T15:34:00.004+02:00

Southern France has attracted creative people for centuries. They found themselves there for various reasons yet all were influenced by the beauty of this spectacular part of the world. Whether they were native to the region, the foreign wealthy elite attracted to the glamour of the Cote d’Azur, ailing artists advised to relocate to the Mediterranean for health reasons, those in search of a new landscape for inspiration or running from home to a new way of life in a new culture.

Travellers to Southern France can follow in the footsteps of celebrated writers, experiencing the same landscapes and towns that they wrote about, that inspired them, or where they lived while creating their famous works.

Here are a few of our favourites:

17th Century Classics Alexandre Dumas - the Count of Monte Cristo

The Chateau d’If, near Marseilles, was used as the backdrop for Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The Chateau was originally built as a fortress to defend Marseilles from attack. Later, it was turned into a prison due to its isolation and the dangerous waters which surround it - much like Alcatraz in the USA. It became known as one of the most notorious prisons in the country. When Dumas decided to use it as the setting for his book, it became internationally famous. It has been a popular tourist attraction since it was opened to the public in 1890.

In Dumas’ book, the main characters are imprisoned in the Chateau - one of whom manages to escape after 14 years. However, in real life no prisoner ever escaped from this fortress.

Victor Hugo - Les Miserables

Whether you appreciate the literary merits of this epic, or simply are an avid fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber, you can’t miss out on visiting the little town which acts as the backdrop for the first chapters of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Digne-les-Bains is a beautiful town surrounded by forested mountains between Provence and the Alps. It is well known for its hot thermal springs. It and a lavender festival. It also happens to be one of the principle lavender regions of France, and it hosts a great Lavender Festival each year.

Modern Classics F Scott Fitzgerald - Tender is the Night

This novel which celebrates the jazz age was itself written in a famous Jazz town, Juan-les-Pins. The annual summer jazz festival here is well known and has staged many famous Jazz musicians. Juan-les-pins is also a sister city to that giant of jazz towns: New Orleans.

Tender is the Night has a special beauty about it - perhaps partly influenced by the spectacular beauty of Juan-les-Pins.

The town is situated between Nice and Cannes, featuring a casino, nightclubs and beaches. It has become a major holiday destination popular with the international jet-set.

Ernest Hemingway - The Garden of Eden

Hemingway begins his novel with a honeymoon in the Camargue - a beautiful region teeming with wildlife. (See this past entry for more details!)

The book continues with the French Riviera and Cote d’Azur as its backdrop, as it explores the intricacies of intimacy, gender and identity. The novel is also an exploration of the artist, and Hemingway paints an interesting portrait.

Popular novels Patrick Suskind - Perfume

Suskind’s novel is a story of scent and murder. It explores identity, morality and the emotional meanings that can be attached to our sense of smell.

The novel is very aptly set in the town of Grasse which is famous for its perfume. The perfume industry began here almost as an accident - a side project to a prosperous textile industry - and now it is known as the perfume capital of the world.

Let yourself be seduced by the scents and smells in this pretty town - try the many different perfumes on offer and decide which best represents your own identity!

Peter Mayle - A Year in Provence

In the late 1980’s, a British author moved to the small town of Menerbes and decided to write a book about a year in his life in this picturesque town. His book became an international success and word of Menerbes beauty spread with the book's popularity. Today, it can be a little overcrowded in peak season, but it would take more than that to take away from the town - perched precariously on a hillside, it is both stunning from a distance and also from within the town itself. The view of the valleys, hills and vineyards is definitely worth the journey.

Where to stay?

We have beautiful luxury villas close to all these locations - please please see our website for a full selection of stunning holiday homes.

One in particular that we love is the Golfe Juan-Les-Pin s, located in Juan-les-pins, where 'Tender is the night' was written. This enormous villa can house up to 13 people in 7 ensuite bedrooms. It is positioned in an exclusive position with incredible sea views.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Our favourite beaches

2010-07-29T09:05:00.006+02:00

Some of the best beaches in the world can be found in Southern France - here are a few of our favourites!

Villefranche-sur-mer - just down the road from Cannes and Nice. This is a stunning beach yet it remains largely undiscovered by the masses. The quality of the sand is better than in Nice, plus it’s much less crowded. Yet it is close enough that it is easy to hop on a train and be in Nice in 5 minutes for shopping and sightseeing. The town itself though is interesting in its own right - it is a medieval town with some great architecture and interesting sights.

Eze-sur-Mer - The beach is so good here that Bono from U2 bought a house here right on the beachfront. The town above the beach, Eze, is a medieval town perched upon a cliff. It is famous for its Perfume industry, and is called the world’s fragrance capital. If you’d like to know more about Eze, you can read about it in a previous entry here.

Sete - this is a fishing village with a port, canals AND a beach: it’s got everything! This is a fantastic destination for watersport enthusiasts, as you can indulge in pretty much every watersport under the sun. You can read more about it here.

Argeles - this beach has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in the entire country. The north part is probably the best section. Like many beaches in this region, it is huge. It has fine sand and is bordered by a great park with an abundance of shady trees and beautiful flowers. The one thing that really makes it stand out, however, is the incredible view of the Pyrenees - what a backdrop!

Portiragnes and Serignan - these two neighbouring beaches have a wild and remote air to them, even though they are conveniently close to civilisation and tasty restaurants. The tall, grassy banks which border the beach create a feeling of seclusion from the outside world. At Serignan, you can entertain the kids with pony rides too.

Cape d’Agde - is a naturist mecca. This coastal town features a nudist resort with a three-mile beach. You can shop at the bakery, go to the doctor, eat at a fancy restaurant - all without a scrap of clothing. If you’re the type who prefers to be dressed, you can still visit this town without having to dis-robe. Only one part of the town is naturist, and within the naturist section, the only place you’re really obliged to throw off all your clothes is the nudist beach.

Valras-plage - really good for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

St Jean de Luz - this beach is in Basque country and is the last town before you hit Spain. It's cute and small, good for year-round surfing.

Where to stay?

As always, we have some suggestions for great holiday homes in the area. We can recommend the following luxury villas for your French beach holiday:

Thalassa - Cap D’agde This high-quality beachfront apartment is close to the marina, and perfect for a couple. Nearby to all the holiday facilities that you could possibly want: Aqualand with giant slides and other rides, superb 27 hole golf-course, boat, jet-ski and windsurf hire, restaurants and bars.

Portiragnes Plage - Portiragnes This villa is situated right on the sea front in a residential area separated from the beach only by a narrow road and some sand dunes. It is at the 'family' end of Portiragnes plage - bicycles, wind surf and sea pedalo hire (June to September only), and lots of little markets and stalls which set out their wares in the morning, including a colourful and lively fruit and vegetable market, at the restaurant and café end of Portiragnes.

Villa Fabienne - Valras Plage
This villa is situated in the family resort beach of Valras plage, but at the 'quiet end' away from the Marina and the restaurants which are within a 15 minute walk. These sea front properties with gates leading out on to the sandy beach were built in the 60's - low rise with small gardens (or in this unique case - a swimming pool) overlooking the sea.

Villa Eze - Eze Sur Mer
This charming villa is located in a quiet residential area below Eze Village, on the Cote d'Azur, one of the most scenic stretches of coast on the French Riviera, between Nice and Monte Carlo. The villa is situated in the hills above the sea, facing south with a 180º view of the Mediterranean and surrounding coastal cliffs, a superb infinity swimming pool, plus only a three-minute walk to the beach.

Villa Setoise - Sete This is a Stunning spacious state-of-the-art sea-front villa with private infinity pool and sea views. Only 5 minutes from colourful port of Sete.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Arty Arles

2010-06-29T14:56:00.006+02:00

Arles is a great destination for art-lovers. Vincent Van Gogh was famously a resident in Arles. He may have only spent about a year in the town, but it had a profound effect on him. During his time here, he produced over 300 paintings and drawings - and it was here that he established the distinct post-impressionist style for which he is known. What was it about Arles that attracted Van Gogh? He loved the local landscape and the people who lived there and the vibrant colours produced by the bright Provencal sunlight.

You can visit many sites around Arles which actually inspired Van Gogh. There are 10 easels placed at the same vantage point of his original works. You can get a map at the Tourist Information office showing you where each easel is located -- or you could turn it into a bit of a scavenger hunt and try to find all 12 on your own!

You can also visit the Cafe which he frequented. It may be slightly over-priced, but it's worth it to grab a coffee and bask in the atmosphere which drew Van Gogh to the establishment.

There's more to Art in Arles than just the legacy of Van Gogh, however! The city is also famous for a fantastic international Photography Festival which has run every summer since 1971. The Festival is opening this weekend (Saturday, July 3rd, 2010) and running until mid-September. You can find out more at this website (available in English - click the British Flag at the top of the main page). There are also several museums which are worth a visit. The Arles Folk Museum is particularly interesting, providing an insight into the tradiitons and culture of the region.

As well as being a cultural centre, Arles is also an important historical city. The Roman architecture is beautiful and many of them have now been World Heritage Listed. In many cases these remains have been well preserved. In fact, even after 2,000 years, the amphitheatre is still in use today! During the summer months it hosts bullfights, and it is open for tours all year. The bullfights are definitely a must-see. They often have Provençal-style bullfights at the arena -- those who are uneasy at the idea of a bullfight might prefer this style. In the Provençal-style, the bull isn't killed. Rather, a team of athletic men attempt to remove a tassle from the bull's horn without getting injured.

A nice day trip from Arles would be to visit the Camargue. You can read more about this enchanting region in one of our earlier blog posts.

Villas in Arles

We have several beautiful luxury villas for your holiday nearby to Arles.

Villa Nadege

Villa Nadege is an exceptional and quite luxurious country house which has been finished and decorated to an extremely high standard with a large attractive garden, a huge summer kitchen, and a private heated pool. It is situated on a hill in a picturesque Mediterranean village, in an area of great natural beauty with great views; an intimate landscape of small hills with limestone scarps and hardy Garrigue woodland. It can accomodate up to 12 people.

Artists House

This spacious country house has been converted and furnished with great panache and style - using steel and glass the owners have created wonderfully light and airy living spaces. The bedrooms are a mix of antique and modernist furniture. There is a very private garden with a lush lawn and a shady trees, where one can dine al fresco. The swimming pool has an extensive paved terrace around it with plenty of sun-loungers. This property can sleep up 10-12 people

Meynes Villa

This six-person villa is located in the middle of the countryside, but located nearby major cities and attractions. It is entirely independent with its own access but can be let together with a much larger house situated on the other side of a courtyard. The house is comfortably furnished and has a fenced swimming pool terraces and car parking.

Please visit our website or contact us if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to assist you in your search for the perfect holiday home for your vacation in Southern France!

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Nimes: The Old and the New

2010-06-14T07:06:00.010+02:00

Home to the greatest wealth of ancient buildings in France, travellers have long flocked to this historic city. Nimes was established as a Roman colony around 28 BC and became one of the most important towns in France, positioned on the route between Italy and Spain. Its prosperity during this period can be witnessed by the many remains of many Roman buildings which can still be visited today. One of the most impressive of the Roman buildings is the elliptical Roman amphitheatre, which looks just like the one in Rome. It was built sometime around the 1st century AD and it is the most well-preserved Roman arena in the country. Back in the days of the Romans, the amphitheatre seated 20,000 blood-thirsty spectators for gladiatorial combats. It is still in use today as an arena for bull fighting and concerts. The UNESCO World Heritage listed 'Pont du Gard' is also a highlight. The bridge has three levels with an aqueduct on the top level. Incredibly, the precise construction of the bridge eliminated the need for the use of mortar at all. The stones were cut to fit together perfectly, despite the fact that some of them weighed up to 6 tons! And you can't miss the Maison Carrée (AKA 'Square House'), which is the best-preserved Roman temple anywhere in the world.

Yet it's not all ruins and Romans. Whilst preserving its historic splendour, Nimes has become a vibrant and modern city. Friendly competition between nearby Montpellier has sparked a wealth of innovation in Nimes. It hopes to be recognised the most dynamic and energetic city in the Languedoc. By enlisting architects such as Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck, Nimes is well on its way to overtaking Montpellier!

If you get an overdose of visiting the monuments and ruins, wandering the streets of the old town in a pleasant pursuit in itself. Stop and have a leisurely coffee at one of the many cafes during your explorations. With 300 days of sunshine, take a seat outside the cafe to bask in the warm sun and people-watch as the pedestrians pass by. The Jardins de la Fontaine ('Gardens of the Fountain') is lovely, too. It is built around the Roman thermal ruins and features fountains, trees, grottoes and a lovely view from the Roman tower. Nimes also has many museums, which you could peruse in the unlikely event of rain!

Apart from the Roman ruins, Nimes also has another large claim to fame - it is the home of Denim! Get it - Denim... De Nimes? The fabric was originally named 'Serge de Nimes', and at some point the 'Serge' was dropped and the name became Anglicised into today's word, 'Denim'. During the 1849 Californian gold rush, Levi Strauss was engaged in the profitable business of manufacturing trousers for miners. In search of a sturdy fabric which would withstand the tough conditions in the mines, he stumbled upon 'Serge de Nimes'. He began to import it and it became incredibly popular - as I'm sure you're aware of!

Villas

Looking for a nice place to stay near to Nimes? Consider a beautiful villa for your holiday in Southern France!

Meynes Villa (G3)

Sleeps 6 people.

This fantastic villa is in the middle of the countryside but not far from both Nimes and Pont du Gard.
It is entirely independent with its own access but can be let together with a much larger holiday house ('Artists House' G2, which sleeps 12), situated on the other side of a courtyard. This holiday home is comfortably furnished and has a fenced swimming pool terraces and car parking.

''Artists House'' (G2)

Sleeps 12.

This spacious country house (300m2), has been converted and furnished with great panache and style. Using steel and glass the owners have created wonderfully light and airy living spaces. The bedrooms are a mix of antique and modernist furniture. There is a very private garden (2800m2) with a lush lawn and a shady copse of trees, where one dines al fresco. The swimming pool has an extensive paved terrace around it with plenty of sun-loungers.

Villa Nadege (G8)

Sleeps 12.

Villa Nadege is an exceptional and quite luxurious country house which has been finished and decorated to an extremely high standard with a large attractive garden, a huge summer kitchen, and a private heated pool measuring 12mx6m.

It is situated on a hill in a picturesque Mediterranean village, in an area of great natural beauty with great views; an intimate landscape of small hills with limestone scarps and hardy Garrigue woodland.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Castles in the Sky

2010-05-16T13:49:00.010+02:00

Ready yourself to delve into some history and hiking! This entry will explore the Cathar Castles, in particular a couple of lofty ruins which have been named the Languedoc's 'Castles in the Sky'.

History of the Cathars

The Cathars were ascetic types - they didn't eat meat, eschewed alcohol, and avoided material possessions. The idea was that by doing this they could escape the corruption of the world. Whether they were successful or not in their endeavour, the Catholic Church took exception to differences in their religious doctrine, and in 1208, they launched a Crusade on the Cathar Church. (The fact that the Cathar nobles in Languedoc also owned very valuable land may have also been part of the motivation..!)

The inner circle of Cathar leaders, (named 'Bonshommes', or 'good men') fled the Crusaders by a route now known as the 'Chemin des Bonshommes'. It was an arduous journey of 220 kilometres, from the Medieval town of Foix, over the Pyrenees and to the relative safety of Spain. On the way to Spain, they stopped at Cathar castles for shelter. These Cathar castles were soon set upon by the Crusaders. Whilst the fortifications and geographical advantages of the sites held strong against the invaders, supplies eventually ran out and they were forced to surrender.

The sieges and massacres that occurred during these Crusades were vicious and bloody -- many atrocities were committed. Today we see the destruction and devastation of this group of people through the crumbling, stark, lonely ruins which still stand in the Languedoc region.

Cathar Hiking Routes

The routes which the Cathars used to flee from the invading Crusaders are today a destination for travellers with a taste for re-tracing history and those who simply enjoy wandering through gorgeous wilderness.

The hiking routes mostly centre around the atmospheric ruins of Cathar castles - picturesque and haunting, these majestic ruins sit starkly on the summits of rocky mountains. Their position was chosen for strategic military reasons and today we can enjoy these vantage points for their incredible views of the surrounding land.

There are many sections of the Cathar route which you can explore: the entire 'Chemin des Bonshommes' route takes around twelve days to complete on foot! But if you're looking for something a little more relaxed than a 12 day hike, we suggest renting a villa in the area and exploring sections of the route at your leisure.

At South France Villas, we are fans in particular of the walks around Quéribus and Peyrepertuse.

Peyrepertuse (meaning 'Pierced Rock')is a ruined fortress, perched at a lofty 800m in the Pyrenees. Peyrepertuse clings to a narrow, rocky ridge 70 metres wide and 300 metres long. Its precarious position makes you wonder at how such an architectural feat was possible back in the Middle Ages. How did they manage to haul building materials and construct the Castle all the way up there? It's enough of a hike as a tourist carrying only a digital camera and a bottle of water! But the exertion to reach the summit is definitely well worth the effort. Not to mention that the scenery on the way to castle is delightful in itself -- it is a winding route with lovely trees, rocks and wild flowers greeting you around every twist and turn.

Nearby, you'll find the smaller castle at Queribus. It is a shorter walk than the climb to Peyrepertuse, but steeper. The views are less dramatic here, but it makes up for this with the interior of its castle which is the more interesting and well-maintained of the two.

You need good walking shoes for both these walks, but you don't need to be an Olympian to attempt them. In fact, if you take it slow and steady, you don't really need to be very fit at all!

For more walks in this region, there are several good books which provide extensive information. For example, this one from amazon.com.

Another must-see in the region is the city of Carcassone -- you can read all about it in an earlier blog entry here.

Villas in the area

We can recommend a set of three beautiful holiday villas owned by a couple in the village of Cascastel, with lovely rural views over the surrounding vineyards. They are separate accommodations and are generally rented individually, however large groups can rent two or even all three of these luxury villas.

The owners run an organic 12 hectare wine domaine from a wine 'cave' next door - so no need to travel far for a wine tasting! The villas are typically French, built in the early 20th century - although since then the owners have renovated them to include modern conveniences, such as ensuite bathrooms.

Maison Guilhem (A10) 10-14 people
Maison des Vendangeurs (A12) 10-12 people
L'Estiu (A14) 4 people

If you don't want to spend all your time hiking, there are plenty of other things to do in the region also. Nearby to Cascastel you can find beaches, canoe hire, bike hire, golf, horse riding, hang gliding, boules, vineyards, a African Safari park and more! Also there are some great historic towns to discover, such as Narbonne, Carcassone, Beziers and Montpellier.

We hope we've inspired you to discover this wonderful part of South France - if you have any enquiries please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be more than happy to help!

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Fairytale Village on the Cote D'Azur

2010-04-10T14:43:00.004+02:00

Eze is a town so picturesque you can barely believe it's real. Perched precariously 427 metres above sea level upon a hilltop which runs down to the seaside, this medieval jewel is a holiday destination to rave about. Coastal, tropical and historical - what's not to love about this place?

The beach is easily accessed from the village - it's about a half-hour walk down Chemin de la Mer, shaded by pine and olive trees. Once you reach the bottom, you will find typical Mediterranean beaches and plenty of things to do - water sports, swimming, sun-bathing, alfresco dining, picnics. If you are a U2 fan, you could even hunt for Bono's villa - the beach which it overlooks was the location for the filming of the video clip for U2's song 'Electrical Storm'.

Yet Eze is not simply a coastal town - it has even more to offer. Nearby is an enormous forest of over 600 hectares. If you enjoy hiking through natural splendour, you should be more than satisfied with what's on offer here. The vegetation in this region is lush and tropical - the warm climate fostering the growth of bananas, dates, oranges and pine trees.

The Village itself also offers many hours of exploration and enjoyment. Set upon on an imposing cliff overlooking the ocean, it isn't hard to lose yourself in the stunning panoramic views. Wander the narrow winding streets and browse the many boutiques. Some of these shops are in charming cave-like buildings, carved into rock. Squeeze inside these tiny boutiques to browse for some original gifts or art for those unlucky enough to be left back home, or even a special gift for yourself!

Eze also contains an exotic botanic garden with rare species of plants, with 360 degree panoramic view of the Cote D'Azur. The collection of Cactus from Africa and America is a refreshing contrast against the French countryside. Among the succulents are 400 species of exotic plants flourishing in the mild, warm climate of Eze. The gardens were created in 1950 on the ramparts and ruins of a 12th century castle.

If these descriptions aren't enough to convince you of the town's enchanting fairytale charm, take it from Walt Disney, who spent a great deal of time in Eze. According to the locals, the town also inspired Nietzsche in the writing of his famous work, 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra'.

This village is extremely popular and sometimes the charm of the town can be overwhelmed by the swarms of tourists - don't let this put you off though. Generally, the masses of tourists only stop in the town for a few hours, snapping up a few souvenirs before jumping back on to the bus and driving off to the next town. So while it may become swamped by tourists for a few hours around the middle of the day, the town remains relatively quiet during the early morning, late afternoon and the evenings. If you want to avoid the hub-bub, go for a picnic on the beach or in the forest during the middle of the day, and return to lazily stroll through the village as the sun begins to head for the horizon. If you really want the place to yourself, avoid summer and enjoy it in the spring or early autumn.

Another plus about this town is that it is only a few kilometres from Nice - one of the best cities in France. There's plenty to do and see in Nice and it is well worth taking the time to explore it. It is also very close to ritzy Monaco if you feel the need for some glitz and glamour.

Where to stay?

We have a beautiful French villa located in a quiet residential area below Eze Village, on one of the most scenic stretches of coast on the French Riviera. The villa is situated in the hills above the sea, facing south with a stunning 180º view of the Mediterranean and surrounding coastal cliffs, only a three-minute walk to the beach. This beautifully furnished luxury villa includes air conditioning, a heated swimming pool and a large garden. The villa can accommodate 6-7 people.

Extra services available include:
Private dinner with French Chef
Maid service
Linen change and housekeeping
Baby sitting
Massage, Haircut and Facials
Grocery Delivery

For full details on this high quality holiday home, please see our website.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Golfing in Languedoc

2010-03-23T10:00:00.005+01:00

A golfing holiday in the South of France is a great option, as the warm climate and gorgeous scenery can only add to the pleasure of the sport. Some of the world's best golf courses can be found in France - more than 25 of the top 100 courses in Europe are in France.

One of our favourite courses is in the Beziers region of the Languedoc - Golf Saint-Thomas. This 18-hole course is set in typically Mediterranean scenery. The still lakes and the quiet of the surrounding area makes the course perfect for a relaxing game of golf. The feeling of being surrounded by nature is enhanced by the abundance of wildlife wandering around - you will see ducks, partridges, hares and rabbits, confirming the impression of a place of natural interest.

Although the course is suitable for those without much experience, it also contains alot of variety and enough challenges to keep even the experienced entertained. The 15th, 16th and 17th holes in particular are quite tricky, with those calm, peaceful lakes ready to mischieviously swallow your golf balls given the slightest opportunity.

There is also a restaurant at the clubhouse, which features an inventive menu of simple but tasty fare. A selection of local wines are also available to accompany your meal.

Where to stay?

We have two beautiful villas on the Golf Course.

Domaine du Golf is a luxurious country house which is right on the Golf course - exceptionally convenient for avid golfing fans! It is two minutes walk fro the clubhouse and restaurant. It houses up to 14 people and has 7 bedrooms. This beautiful vacation home has recently been refitted and furnished up to a very high standard. It includes Air conditioned bedrooms, a fantastic large roof terrace, and a swimming pool, plus flat screen TVs in all bedrooms, a well equipped children's play area, and some services like baby sitting are available on demand.

Saint Andrews Golf is a stunning family villa which merges right into the golf course, located only 10 minutes walk from the clubhouse. Featuring an open-plan design, this villa is expansive and comfortable. The large sofas and a fireplace ensure that you feel perfectly cosy. It includes air-conditioning, a covered terrace, flat screen TV, broadband internet, a pool and even a built-in BBQ. This luxury villa houses up to 6 people.

For more details, please click on the above links to the villas. We also have many more lovely villas in the vicinity - please visit our website or contact us for personal recommendations.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

The Heart of Provence

2010-03-13T15:33:00.005+01:00

Peter Mayle's books about his life in the Luberon - a region in Provence - made the region famous amongst Anglophones. His lively anecdotes caused many a day-dreaming armchair traveller not only to visit the Luberon - but in fact it inspired many to uproot their lives and move into their own beautiful French villa in the picturesque Luberon.

Peter Mayle was not the first person to discover the Luberon, however. Long before the 1990's, Provence intoxicated people with its natural beauty. In the 19th and 20th centuries, famous painters and writers flocked to the area in search of inspiration. The painters in particular were drawn by the special quality of the light. The light in Provence has an exceptional clarity, caused mostly by the famous 'Mistral' wind, which removes dust from the atmosphere and increases visibility. Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, Monet and many others travelled to the area, fascinated by the effects of the light and the beauty of the landscape. This region of Southern France also enjoyed a particular vogue during the 20's and 30's with English writers.

And yet despite the ever-increasing interest in the Luberon, it has largely managed to remain the idyllic, wild and charming place which caused all this fuss in the first place. You will still see old men playing Petanque (Boules) on a lazy sunny afternoon, you will still find small isolated villages clinging precariously to wild rocky mountainside, and you will still feel the intoxicating energy which has inspired so many artists - whether you are artistically inclined or not.

The Luberon - places to go and things to see

The Luberon is arguably the true heart of Provence: a land of rugged limestone cliffs, wind-swept mountains, old stone huts and ruins, crumbling farmhouses, and beautifully-restored homes. And above all, sweeping views of the stunning landscapes. We would recommend that you make a top-quality vacation villa your home-base in the Luberon, and make day-trips to explore other areas in South France. That is, if you can pull yourself away.

One of our favourite spots is a little town called Gordes - officially one of the most beautiful towns in France. What makes it so special? The approach to the town is spectacular - white stone buildings grasping hold against the side of the sharp cliff of a mountain. Find yourself wandering its charming streets which form a labyrinth of winding cobblestone, perusing the weekly market, or throwing yourself into its vibrant art scene.

Hiking is very popular in the Luberon. It not only offers stunning landscapes, but there is also a surprising variety amongst these landscapes. There's little chance of becoming weary from repetitive views in this region of France. Not only is there scenic variety, but there are also trails which vary in their level of difficulty and length -- so regardless of your experience, there will be something to suit you. For more information in hiking in the Luberon, this page from Slow Travel France is very informative and useful.

When you think of Provence, one of the first images in your mind will probably be of fields of Lavender. In the Luberon, you can find an interesting museum on that very subject - the Lavender industry. The Lavender Museum collection includes photographs, artefacts, a video and a very good audio guide. There is also a gift shop where you can buy many quality Lavender products. The best time of year to visit the museum is from the first of July through tp the 25th of August (except on Saturdays!), when you can watch the harvesting and distillation of the Lavender in a copper still dating from around 1900. (During the rest of the year, there is a 10-minute video showing these processes.)

The Markets in the villages of the Luberon are a festive affair not to be missed. Some of the busier markets verge upon a carnival-like atmosphere, with many different things to see, sample and buy. The centre-piece of these markets is the fabulous fresh food. Pick up some fresh cheese, vegetables and fruit and head off into the countryside for a picnic. What could be better than that? You will also find clothing, jewellery, crafts, and many other things.

Finding a Villa

We have many beautiful villas in the Luberon to suit various holidays. Below is a selection of high quality villas from the Luberon region. Please don't hesitate to contact us for specific reccomendations to suit your needs - we would be more than happy to assist you.

Villa Wysteria - 14 people - Gordes
The Cypresses - 15 people - Gordes
Villa Romana - 8 people - Goult
Villa Chiara - 8 people - Goult
Maison Bijou - 8 people - Goult
Maison Sophie - 8 people - Goult
Maison Amandine - 8 people - Goult
Maison Fada - 8 people - Goult
Maison Florence - 8 people - Goult
Maison Cerise - 8 people - Goult
Parc de la Masque - 11 people - Carpentras (Discounts for groups of 6 people)

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Carcassone and Aragon

2010-02-08T11:42:00.006+01:00

This UNESCO world-heritage listed city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, drawing about 3 million tourists each year. As the largest citadel in Europe, it provides many winding cobble-stoned alleyways in which to lose yourself in the romance of this fairytale city. The town is divided into two parts - the star attraction is the the fortified city, which consists of a double ring of ramparts and 53 towers. Perhaps of lesser interest is the 'ville basse' (lower city) which lies in the shadow of the fortifications.

History

Carcassonne was settled perhaps as early 3500BC, but it wasn't until the arrival of the Romans that it began to grow into an important city. Recognising its strategic hill-top position, the Romans began to fortify the city around 100BC. You can still see the part of the fortification which the Romans built: the main part of the lower northern ramparts dates from Gallo-Roman times. It retained its importance throughout the Middle Ages, controlling a vast fiefdom. Throughout this time the city had close connections with Spain - although this was not always a friendly relationship. Carcassonne became a major defence point against Spain, as a border citadel between France and the kingdom of Aragon in Spain. Yet Carcassone's real moment of fame came when it played its part in the Crusades. A stronghold of Occitan Cathars, it held out against crusading armies until August 1209, when the city was forced to surrender. After the Treaty of the Pyrenees, the military importance of the city was made redundant. Instead, it made a new name as an economic centre, becoming heavily involved in the woollen textile industry. Under Napoleon, the city was struck from the list of official fortifications. It wasn't long before the fortified cité of Carcassonne fell into such disrepair that talk began of demolishing it altogether. It took an outraged group of French citizens to get a campaign up and running to preserve the city as an historical monument - and luckily, they succeeded. Despite a few minor inaccuracies, the restoration was deemed a work of genius and today still attracts many admiring travellers.

Things to see and do

The first thing on the list is a Tour of the Ramparts - check out the tour times as soon as you get there so that you don't miss out. Tours of the main residence, ramparts and towers are run from the Chateau Comtal, and are included in the entry price. These areas can only be accessed on one of the tours. The tour puts both the history and architecture of Carcassonne into perspective, and so allows you to fully soak in the beauty of the fortification and the stories behind it.

Visit one of the most impressive Cathar sites just a short drive from Carcassonne in the Montagne Noire (Black Mountain). There are four castles at Lastours - Cabaret, Tour Regine, Surdespine and Quertinheux.

The Basilique Saint-Nazare is a beautiful 5th-century cathedral featuring stunning stained glass windows. Part Romanesque and part Gothic, the cathedral is an interesting mix of architectural styles. Its cavernous interior and the stone tablets and gravestones which hang from the walls give the cathedral a sombre and an imposing atmosphere.

The Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century to link the Mediterrnean and the Atlantic. Today, you can take a 90 minute cruise along the canal from the port in Carcassone. Another lovely option is to take a cycle or a walk along the banks, under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal. Its historical importance was recognised in 1996 when it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are also a number of museums in Carcassone. In particular, we recommend: Museum of the Middle Ages, Museum of Chivalry, Arms and Archery and Museum of Fine Arts.

For more information, visit: http://www.carcassonne.org

Chateau Aragon

If you are interested in visiting Carcassone, we have the perfect villa from which you can thoroughly enjoy and explore Carcassone and the surrounding areas.

Chateau Aragon is itself an historical experience -- parts of this genuine French villa date as far back as the 12th century. Only a short drive from Carcassone, you will find Chateau Aragon perched resolutely at the top of a medieval village, from which it has surveyed the surrounding plains and mountains for around 800 years. The Chateau has recently been furnished and renovated, with a refreshing breath of modernism to strike a balance with the weight and depth of the building's history. All furniture was made to order in Bali, Indonesia – using the rarest, highest quality wood with simple designs to blend harmoniously with this quality villa's character and medieval history.

This spacious luxury villa can accommodate up to twelve people more than comfortably - an abundance of sofas ensures that nobody is left without a comfortable place to sink into at the end of a day of exploring and activities. In fact, you might get so comfortable that it could be difficult to drag yourself away - a summer-time sejourn may see you immersing yourself in good book by a sunny window, or reclined cozily by the 18th century wood-panelled fireplace in winter.

Yet the luxury of the interior rooms is actually almost overshadowed by what lies outside. On the expansive terrace you will find a large dining table, perfect for Alfresco dinners - what could be better than a fresh meal prepared from local produce, accompanied by views of hilly vineyards? On a clear day, one can even see the snow-capped Pyreenees. Set amongst the blooms of the Garden are 12th Century original Gargoyles. The real jewel in the crown however is surely the ruined historic wall, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the blue of the pool. The magnificent stone edifice was once part of the Chateau's interior structure - an insight into the evolution of a building which carries the echoes of the past.

Aragon’s Château, during the 800 years since the construction of its original elements, has been the theatre of numerous conflicts, battles and jealousies. Without the ownership or military domination of the Château, the population would not be subordinated and the economic and military domination of the surrounding lands would not be secured.

The Lord of Aragon offered a home to several Cathar priests at the end of the 12th Century to protect them from the terror of the Royal Army. In 1126, as recompense for his loyal services, the Viscount Trencavel honored the Lord of Aragon with the guardianship of a tower of the Cité of Carcassonne.

Today the Château is at last peaceful, a superb villa residence, in which traces of the past harmoniously blend with the interior design and modern comfort.

Nearby activities and attractions:
- Bike hire
- Horseriding
- Golf
- Lakes and Parks
- Superb Wineries
- Mediterranean Beaches
- Restaurants

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

Welcome to the new South France Villas Blog!

2010-01-22T13:34:00.010+01:00

Southern France is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. But I'm sure we don't need to tell you that! From television footage of the Cannes Film Festival on the News, to photographs of lavender fields, to the paintings of Van Gogh and Cezanne: even if you have yet to visit, chances are you've already glimpsed some of the beauties that are to be found here. Yet in order to really experience the South of France, there is no substitute for spending some time living here. Even if the commitment of moving permanently to another country is out of the question: you can still absorb much of what is on offer by taking up residence even for a short amount of time. The perfect way to do this is to rent your own South France Villa - more authentic than a room in a high-rise hotel, it enables you to live in a truly French manner, if only for a week or a month.

To kick off our new blog, we'd like to begin with one of our favourite cities in the South of France: Béziers.

Béziers is often neglected in the standard tourist itinerary, which is both an enourmous oversight but also a blessing -- compared to some other more famous cities in Southern France, Béziers remains much more authentic. If you are thirsting for a taste of the real Languedoc, then you may well have just found the place to satisfy your thirst. Indeed, if thirst is in fact something of a concern for you, then you're in luck - Béziers and the surrounding region is host to some of the best wines that can be found in France.

Wine
Béziers is often called Southern France's Capital of Wine. Now that's quite a claim - but Béziers has had such a long tradition of wine-making that it's no wonder that the wine has become so highly respected. The region began its romance with wine when it was a thriving Roman colony. The Romans exported white wine and olives from Béziers back to Rome. It was during the 19th century, however, that Béziers really began to make its name as a wine-making region. Better transport meant that the winemakers could begin to export their wine far and wide, and Béziers became something of a boom-town. The overproduction which caused the Winemaker's revolt around the turn of the 20th century briefly halted the progress of the wine industry in Béziers, however now the region is back with a vengence - its wine is better than it's ever been. The wine in Béziers is, quite logically, designed to match the local diet. Being so close to the sea, the cuisine is largely based on seafood, which is reflected by many of the wines produced here.

Bullfighting
Yet wine isn't the only big drawcard in Béziers - it is also host to arguably the best festival in Languedoc. Every year in August, Béziers' 'Feria' attracts over a million visitors. It features five days of fireworks, music, street entertainment, a soccer match, wine fair and parties. The main attraction of the Feria, however, is the bullfighting. The Iberian-influenced bullfights which you can find in Béziers are full of spectacle and flair. They are rich in tradition and ceremony, and include lots of showy choreography.

History
As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Béziers has a rich history. Even before the Romans arrived, Béziers was a Phoenican settlement. Its Roman heritage can still be seen today, in the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre. Béziers also had an important role during the crusades as a stronghold of Catharism. Perched at the top of a hill in the medieval quarter of the town, you can find a magnificent Gothic Cathedral, which was rebuilt after being destroyed during the crusades. The Canal du Midi is also an important site in Béziers. It is a UNESCO world heritage listed site, and contains many intricate locks, bridges, dams and tunnels. Also of interest is Béziers’ Old Bridge (Pont Vieux) built across the river Orb in the 12th century.

What else?
Yet Béziers still has so much more to offer. It is close to the beach where you can soak up the sun on the sand, or engage in many water activities such as jet skiing, windsurfing and sailing. Cycling, horse-riding, hiking and golfing are also popular leisure activities. For the more adventurous, there is caving, bungee jumping, 'acrobranching' (treetop adventure course), mountain biking and quad biking. It is also the perfect base from which to explore the wild, rugged Languedoc region.

Other Interesting Facts:
- Béziers now has 107,800 hectares of vineyards, making it the biggest wine producing area in the world.
- "Labyrinth", a novel by Kate Mosse, draws on the history of Béziers.
- On average, the Languedoc region has 300 days of sunshine a year.

To Rent a Villa in Béziers, please visit our website and browse through the many top quality villas which we offer.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne