Villa holidays in France and Italy

France is all about the wine

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:33:00 +0000

France is all about the wine (plus other things of course) but wine dominates it all. Many visitors to France like to see a vineyard or visit the occasional wine chateaux for a little sampling of the local produce, while many wine enthusiasts make an entire visit planned around visiting the vineyards of their selected region. It’s a wonderful sightseeing row upon row of vines as you really do feel that you are in France when you see them.

Many wine chateaux offer wine tasting and most will have a tour of the vineyard and possible a small museum explaining the grape and its progress to the bottle. Wine can be bought by the bottle or by the cubi container which is a plastic container holding 5 litres of wine.

There are around 10 main wine growing regions in France but the in the South West and Languedoc the regions that are most well known are listed below.

Bordeaux

The Bordeaux region which is in the Aquitaine is one of the three most famous wine producing regions and dates back to the 12^th century when it became the main supplier for wine for England. This historic wine exporting tradition helped Bordeaux to develop strong commercial links on the international market and in some cases Bordeaux wine is still referred to as claret.

Bordeaux is surrounded by 1000 square kilometres of carefully tended vineyards with over 5000 wine châteaux scattered throughout the precious landscape. Enjoy the full bodied St. Emillion, lighter Médoc reds, dry-white Entredux-mers, sweet Sauternes and make an appointment for tastings at prestigious Pauillac châteaux including Lafitte Rothchild, Mouton Rothchild and Margaux. The best estates in these areas have the right to sell wines designated as grand cru. Below the grand crus come other high quality wines designated as cru bourgeois..

Other areas of South West France

Inland from the Bordeaux / Saint Emilion regions, there are a number of smaller less well-known wine growing areas, producing some quite good wines at very reasonable prices. These Appellation Contrôlée wines include Bergerac, Cahors, Gaillac and Marcillac amongst others. The areas below are the most well known and all equally good.

Cahors - Which only produces red wine and mainly from the Malbec grape, a Bordeaux variety. Malbec accounts for approximately 70% of an AC Cahors wine and traditionally this wine is known as ‘black wine’ because it is so dark and tannic, needing many years to soften. Today, thanks in part to Malbec’s ever-growing popularity most producers make more modern, lighter wines.

Madiran - Further south than Cahors, Madiran also makes fairly full-bodied, wines predominantly from the Tannat grape (Basque origin) which is dark but has a bramble fruit flavour and aroma. AC Madiran wines must comprise at least 40-80% Tannat, with Cabernet and in practice, the top wines are generally made exclusively from Tannat.

Bergerac and Côtes de Bergerac – Located not so far from Bordeaux, Bergerac wines, rightly or wrongly are often called ’Bordeaux-look-likes’ as they are made from the classic Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Not as age-worthy or pricey as Bordeaux, this region is ideal for some excellent everyday wines.

Languedoc

The Languedoc region, covering the Mediterranean coastal plain west of the Rhone, produces a lot of fairly ordinary red wine, much of it marketed as VDQS or Vin de Pays. Languedoc is the largest French wine producing area in terms of volume. There are seven Appellations Controlées in the area, the best-known of which is Corbières, and possibly the best average quality of which is Fitou. AOC wines account for some 10% of the region's production. Thanks to the long hours of summer sun, grapes ripen well and quickly in this region, which means that Languedoc wines are rich and full bodied, and often have high alcohol content. The wines of Roussillon are very similar, this area being particularly noted for its fortified wines such as Banyuls and a perfect wine as an aperitif.

Le Fete du Citron

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:32:00 +0000

Le Fete du Citron
Le Fete du Citron (The Lemon Festival) usually takes place between mid-February until March, in Menton on the Côte d'Azur. This year it is the 81st edition and runs from February 15th until March 5th. The theme for this year’s festival is “20,000 leagues under the sea”. The festival started in the 1930s with a handful of carts loaded with orange and lemon trees and has turned into one of the largest festivals in the South of France and almost rivalling the Carnival of Nice.
This event attracts up to a quarter of a million people as well as using up to 150 tonnes of oranges and lemons. These massive fruity floats are up to 10 metres high with incredible decorations and for 3 weeks the Jardins Biovès and the streets are given over to these citrus giants.
As this event is held over a few weeks then it is divided up into various sessions, each one different but just as entertaining. Listed below are just a few of what can be seen and enjoyed.

The Parade of Golden Fruit
The "Promenade du Soleil" parades are held on Sunday’s, when lots of cars and people parade towards the sea. It’s a delight for children as there are costumes, fanfares, drums and lots of confetti sprinkling.

Moonlit Parade
The French say that the fruits of the sun have a date with the moon and as its held around Valentine’s Day then whose to argue! As the night falls the preparation for the incandescent party follows. Fireworks and celebrations galore, this is a celebration of the sun, with everyone "dancing in the moonlight". This is held on Thursdays.

The citrus "World Tour"
You can travel virtually all corners of the world in citrus flavour, at the Jardins Biovès with famous statues and building constructed of lemons and limes.

Gardens of Light
Held here every Tuesday and Friday evening are spectacular sound and light shows.

To attend any of the parade or the other attractions you need an entrance ticket. They range from 9€ - 23€ depending on the attraction. Tickets just to view the parades are cheaper and range from 9€ - 17€ depending whether you sit or stand to watch the floats. Ticket prices are less if visitors are in a group of 20 or more. Whilst some people see the tickets as expensive there is a lot for your money with a great carnival atmosphere and spectacular parades.

New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 10:09:00 +0000

New Year is one of the oldest and most observed celebrations in countries all over the world and France is no exception! New Year's Eve is a great opportunity for families and friends to dine together once again at Le Réveillon or Fête de Saint-Sylvestre. At midnight streets fill with everyone moving outside to continue the celebration. In the Midi Pyrenees, where I live, the local tradition is to attend evening mass and then follow a procession to the vineyards and pick grapes at midnight. It’s a fond A pleasant farewell to the old year and a grand welcome to the New Year with a hope of success, prosperity, happiness, and peace in the coming year.

New Year celebrations go on till the 6th January of the New Year which is Twelfth Night and it’s celebrated with King's cake (la galette des rois) which consists of a puff pastry case filled with frangipane. Frangipane is made with eggs, sugar, butter and ground almonds. The cakes are sold with a paper crown on top. A dried bean, small coin or ceramic figure is hidden in the filling. The person who finds the bean, coin or figure in their portion is 'king' for the day and wears the paper crown.

Below is a simple recipe to make your own Galette des Roi which makes about 12 slices:-

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

Almond cream filling:

1/2 cup ground almond meal

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

3 tablespoons butter, softened

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Cake:

1 17-ounce package puff pastry, thawed

1 batch homemade frangipane

1 egg, beaten

1 dried fava bean (optional)

2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Preparation:

How to make almond cream filling:

Using a food processor, combine the first six ingredients until a smooth, creamy paste is formed.

How to make galette des rois:

Preheat the oven to 425F.

Roll out the sheets of puff pastry and cut out two 11-inch circles. Place one of the circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the frangipane on the puff pastry and spread it to within 1 1/2 inches of the edge of the circle.

If desired, hide the bean in the almond cream filling. Place the second pastry circle on top of the almond filling, crimping or pressing the edges of the pastry to seal the cake. Using a sharp knife, score a decorative pattern on the top layer of the pastry, without cutting through to the almond filling. Brush the galette des rois with the beaten egg and bake it for 15 minutes. Dust the cake with the powdered sugar and bake it for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, until it turns golden brown.

Allow the cake to cool for 20 minutes on the baking sheet. If desired, top the cake before serving with a round of gold paper to be used as the "crown" for the diner who finds le feve, or the bean.

Make sure to warn your fellow diners to eat carefully if you are taking part in le feve tradition or they may break a tooth! Cut the galette des rois into even slices, and crown the one who finds the fava bean as the "king" or "queen" with the gold paper round atop the cake.

In search of black diamonds

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 10:08:00 +0000

I was driving from Rodez to Cahors last week after looking at a new property and took the route through Lalbenque which is famous for its truffle market which started last week.
Starting on the first Tuesday of December until mid-March in this is the place to go for black truffles or black diamond’s as they are known. This market is busiest in the month of January, when the black truffles have their highest perfume and in December last year black truffles were sold for about €1,000 per kilo in some of the farmer's markets. It takes place in the main street, called "La rue du Marché aux Truffes” and is well worth a visit. The market opens on the dot of two o’clock and generally lasts just a few minutes with everyone hiding their “black diamond” treasure under red checked napkins, in paper bags or small wicker baskets. If you are to make a day of it then arrive before midday and have a truffle omelette in one of the restaurants that line the main street.

Truffles are strange looking fungi found just below the ground in open woodland, usually under oak or hazel trees, and their pungent aroma attracts many animals, particularly female pigs. The sow is said to be crazy about truffles because the truffle has the same musky smell as the sexual odour of the wild boar. Unlike mushrooms, truffle spores are not spread by the wind so they need animals to disperse them. Pigs need no encouragement to look for truffles. In fact, it requires constant vigilance and firmness on the part of the truffle hunter to prevent them from swallowing the lot. Nowadays, dogs are replacing pigs; they have no natural interest in truffles and can be trained to indicate with a paw the place where they have smelt them. They are also smaller, more manageable, don't tire as easily, and they don't go into a sexual frenzy when approaching a truffle.

All this is just part of the wonderful, rural South West of France.

Mine pies and a special recipe from France...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 16:52:00 +0000

As Christmas starts to approach we forget the hot summer and start to focus on the festivities. Whereas UK has one long holiday that stretches from Christmas Eve to New Year in France it is quite different!! When I first moved here 20 years ago there was nothing – no Christmas trees, no decorations, no Christmas lights in the towns or villages and no turkeys! Now, it is quite different with all these things available but France still retains its own traditions.

Most French homes decorate their homes at Christmas time with a Nativity scene or crèche with little clay figures called 'santons' or 'little saints' that are still made from moulds that have passed down since the 17th century. Christmas markets have now begun and this year marks the third of these in my area of South West France. Generally, the Christmas markets, with their little wooden huts selling gifts were traditionally in the North of France around the Alsace region but are now in the cities and small towns.

Food in France at Christmas time is quite different from UK. However, there is a traditional Yule log-shaped cake called the Buche de Noel, meaning 'Christmas Log.' The main Christmas feast is quite grand and is known as 'Le Reveillon', served as a very late supper held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Different regions have different traditional menus and in the South West it is oysters, turkey and foie gras. French families also bake a Three Kings Cake with a bean hidden in it on the Twelfth Day after Christmas. The lucky person to find the bean in their slice is crowned the King or Queen, for the day.

Despite living in France I still make mince pies and a tried and trusted recipe that works every time is this:-

Makes 18 mince pies

225g of equal parts of lard and cold butter, diced

350g plain flour

100g golden caster sugar

280g mincemeat

1 small egg

Icing sugar, to dust

To make the pastry, rub the cold, diced butter and lard into the flour, then mix in the golden caster sugar and a pinch of salt. Combine the pastry into a ball – don’t add liquid – and knead it briefly. The dough will be fairly firm, like shortbread dough. You can use the dough immediately, or chill for later.

Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/fan 180C. Line 18 holes of two 12-hole patty tins, by pressing small walnut-sized balls of pastry into each hole. Spoon the mincemeat into the pies.

Take slightly smaller balls of pastry than before and pat them out between your hands to make round lids, big enough to cover the pies. Top the pies with their lids, pressing the edges gently together to seal – you don’t need to seal them with milk or egg as they will stick on their own.

Beat 1 small egg and brush the tops of the pies. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Leave them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes then remove them to a wire rack. To serve, lightly dust with icing sugar. They will keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.

Bargain Hunting!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 12:06:00 +0000

If there is one thing that I enjoy more than anything and that is shopping! Not food shopping I might add but bargain hunting for almost anything. There is something about the thrill of the chase watching the bargains tumble in price and France have some superb sales. I’m even addicted to sale buying on the internet where you can bargain hunt in the comfort of your own home – how good is that!

Bargain hunting is not just confined to clothes, shoes or whatever takes your fancy but to holidays as well. Most of us now wait and see what bargains there are to be had and they are not disappointed. Whether its 50% off or 2 weeks for the price of one, a bargain is uplifting and a personal sense of achievement by striking a good deal.

Even at this time of the year when people are thinking of Christmas, the holiday adverts are on the TV already to catch the early booker or bargain hunter.

We at Quality Villas have some villas on special offers already for 2014 and as the weeks go on there will be more and more added. Why not check out our Special Offers page on our website to give you an idea of what is currently on offer http://www.qualityvillas.com/special-offers-france

If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about our extensive range of luxury villas in France please contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website http://www.qualityvillas.com

Halloween and Toussaint in France

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 09:03:00 +0000

Visiting my local horticultures’ this morning to order my winter pansies and cyclamen I was met with a feast of colour in the shape of chrysanthemums. Whilst we English see these pot plants as a splash of colour in our homes or conservatories in France they are associated with death and at this time of the year. Every year on the 1st November the Catholic festival of La Toussaint (All Saints Day) is celebrated in churches and graveyards across France. Officially it is the day when all the saints recognised by the Catholic Church are honoured. The following day is Le Jour des Morts (All Soul’s Day) when people pray for the souls of the departed. La Toussaint is frequently marked in cemeteries by the lighting of candles and the decorating of graves with chrysanthemums to remember loved ones who have died. There are religious services throughout France and churches are also especially decorated around November 1^st, as many people pay an extra visit to church services at this time

Public life in France is generally very quiet on All Saints’ Day. Post offices, banks, stores and other businesses are closed. Outside of tourist areas, restaurants and cafes may also be closed for one or more days. Public transport service schedules vary depending on where one lives and intends to travel. Churches may be closed for visitors who do not wish to take part in the services and guided tours may not be available.

Just before Toussaint is Halloween (31^st October) and also known as All Hallows. Originating in America came Halloween which has become hugely popular in France and is usually celebrated by people of all ages going to parties at friends' homes, restaurants, bars, or clubs. The costumes themselves tend to be traditionally "scary" - mummies, ghosts, goblins, witches, and vampires. At the moment there are costumes, pumpkins, hairy spiders and all sorts of weird and scary items in the shops for people to buy for their Halloween parties.

Trick or treating is commonplace now in France with children knocking at your door in their costumes asking if you will trick or treat. It’s wise to say treat and have some sweets ready to hand over. Children see this as huge fun and should you not be able to give them a “treat” they will happily go to the next house, whereas in England I have heard that should you say “no” you risk your door being kicked or verbal abuse!!

In the boulangeries you will find small cakes iced in orange and decorated with spider’s webs and mini pumpkins. The theme of cakes comes from medieval times when people use to bake soul cakes and deliver them from door to door.

To me Halloween and Toussaint means the clocks going back one hour and that winter is truly upon us!

Following the black diamonds....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 12:44:00 +0000

In South West France there are many markets which vary from Night markets in the summer to Farmers Markets or just plain Bric & Brac markets so it’s a perfect area for your South West villa holiday whether in summer or off season.

The most famous truffle market starting on the first Tuesday of December until mid-March is in Lalbenque which is close to Cahors in South West France. This market is busiest in the month of January, when the black truffles have their highest perfume and in December last year black truffles were sold for about €1,000 per kilo in some farmer's markets. It takes place in the main street, called "La rue du Marché aux Truffes” and is well worth a visit. The market opens on the dot of two o’clock and generally lasts just a few minutes with everyone hiding their “black diamond” treasure under red checked napkins, in paper bags or small wicker baskets. If you are to make a day of it then arrive before midday and have a truffle omelette in one of the restaurants that line the main street.

All this is just part of the wonderful, rural South West of France.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 10:51:00 +0000

The Tour de France - and some suspect imitations...

As I 'pen' the latest missive for this blog on all things French, my thoughts turn to the Tour de France...the famous bike race that we all know and love!

At this moment, proceedings are underway on the island of Corsica, from Ajaccio to Calvi. It wasn't that long ago when we offered villa accommodation on the island, but eventually stopped the programme when it was clear it was unviable. Getting to Corsica is a feat in itself, flight times and arrival days never seemed to coincide with villa dates, thus making it a difficult thing to promote. It seems perhaps then that the best and fastest way to get around the island could well be on two wheels rather than four. So cue-ed up nicely then are some images sent to me from our colleagues in France, also following the action who have found some other forms of transport, possibly not seen by someone wearing a yellow jersey!

Enjoy...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:01:00 +0000

Podere Valentina is a small, charming holiday villa near the historic Italian city of Lucca. It actually is a personal favourite of mine - the views from the garden and pool area are just stunning (a great vista of the valley below) and the house itself is one of those that anyone who visits, just seems to warm to.

There is a shaded dining area (cue the covered pergola), charming interior areas and a nice terrace appended to the back of the main bedroom. The garden and pool area is the main delight however, with ancient olive boughs offering shade in abundance and enough covered spots, that even the hottest august day would be within your control (as to whether to cook in it or relax in shade!)

Nearby towns include of course the Tuscan coast, historic Pisa (leaning tower fans the world over get prepared for your passion), plus easy access to Pistoia, the spa town of Montecatini, historic and world famous Florence (renaissance art as you stroll the city...) and the rest of Tuscany itself - meaning medieval towns and villages, beautiful countryside and more.

Quality Villas have featured the property for several years and more is available at http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/tuscany/lucca/podere-valentina

There are also a number of other regions featured on the site, ranging from the Italian Lakes, down to Puglia in Italys heel.

“BOLDLY GOING” IN BIARRITZ!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

As the new Star Trek movie hits the big screens so that this ultra modern villa near Biarritz. This is so ultra modern it’s almost “space age” hence my reference to Star Trek. Beam me up Scotty!

Situated in a small village yet close to the beaches and stylish Biarritz this exceptional villa with its predominately monochrome colour scheme but with splashes of colour is reminiscent of a very smart gallery yet it still retains an atmosphere of comfort as well as unashamed luxury.

This fully air conditioned villa totally a massive 650 sq. metres is perfect for those who want space, privacy as well as the top quality amenities that this villa offers. Boasting seven bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and all are equipped with top quality linens and towels that you would expect from a luxury villa such as this. The master bedroom suite has been designed to incorporate the bedroom area overlooking the grounds and Basque countryside with its own private deck that is almost the same size of the bedroom. There is a very large bathroom and shower room with Italian style fittings, a walk-in dressing room and to complete the suite is a separate office.

There is a formal lounge and dining room with views over the grounds and swimming pool. Large enough to accommodate all guests and furnished with leather settees and ultra modern furniture. The open design kitchen has all the top quality equipment you would expect in a villa of this standard but there is also an additional kitchen and preparation area that is perfect for your own personal chef, which can be arranged, which boasts three ovens, two professional-size refrigerators, and everything else you need to throw a first-class dinner party.

The villa also has a games room, home cinema, and a separate TV lounge that is separate from the formal living room.

Outside, you’ll find two terraces, a Pelota court, and an expansive lawn with views of the surrounding countryside. A built in sound system with external speakers ensures that dining or sun bathing is not only a pleasure but musical too! The massive two-tiered pool with a waterfall is flanked by two wooden decks with plenty of places to sunbathe, eat al fresco and to enjoy the panoramic views of the Pyrenees.

At one side of the villa is the guardian’s apartments (they have their own driveway and entrance) that are on hand to assist with any requests or help required.

Stylish Biarritz and cosmopolitan St Jean de Luz are but a short drive as well as the long sandy beaches that this region is famous for.

A Florentine Escape...enjoy the Renaissance!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:22:00 +0000

Having spent many a happy time in Florence, I think I can safely say it is my favourite place in the world. This is a city you can explore on foot, with all the major landmarks easily accessible from either a city based hotel or even the train station, if you were located further afield (e.g. Pistoia or Pisa) you still arent far away. Parking can be an issue but isnt the end of the world, whereas in somewhere like Rome, I would say don't even try it!

However the Florentine countryside that surrounds Florence is also well worth a visit - to the north amongst the hills, this is known as the Mugello. However my favourite is below Florence where there are a multitude of Tuscan villages to explore, many are medieval in origin and each have their own story from well known ones like 'Vinci' to Greve-in-Chianti, where delicatessans and wine shops sit side by side for many a welcome afternoons exploring!

A good way to experience Italy (in particular Tuscany is well known for it) is in a villa. These palatial residences have been hosting its guests in styles for centuries, you merely have to go online these days and a multitude of options are available. Near Lucca in the hills - such places were typical in times gone by, but elsewhere in Italy such properties tend to be restored or refurbished farmhouses or hamlets. In essence, owners of such estates have seen that it is easier to rent and make a living than farming used to be, or to use the wine estate accommodation during the summer months when it might otherwise lay empty.

Here at Quality Villas, we have a number of villas in Italy with a strong showing in Tuscany. On offer this month is villa Il Giardino http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/tuscany/reggello/il-giardino which sleeps 8 and the offer is : June offer: was £2255, now just £1750 per week. The villa is located to the south east of Florence, within easy day trip range.

More Italian Villas here.
More from the Florence tourist office

Happy Easter or Bonne Pacques!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:15:00 +0000

Easter is celebrated in France with religious ceremonies commemorating the rebirth of Jesus, and cultural customs with rabbits, chocolates and eggs. Spring flowers, lambs, birds' eggs and Easter eggs are symbols of Easter Sunday in France. They are symbolic of nature's rebirth or resurrection after the dark and cold winter period. Why not take a holiday there some time and see it for yourself?

Everyone gets an automatic three-day weekend holiday which they usually use to spend time with their family. Public life is generally very quiet on Easter Sunday, as on other Sundays, in France. Post offices, banks, stores and other businesses are closed. Outside of tourist areas, restaurants and cafes may be closed.

Cloche volant or Flying Bells is an important part of the Easter traditions of France. French Catholics believe that on Good Friday, all the church bells in France fly to the Vatican in Rome, carrying with them the misery and grief of those who mourn Jesus' crucifixion on that day. These flying bells return on Easter Sunday morning and bring with them lots of chocolate and eggs. In keeping with the tradition, French church bells do not ring from Good Friday to Easter morning.

Easter morning, the bells ring out once again in celebration of the Resurrection, declaring that Jesus is alive again. These are known as the Easter bells.
Easter morning is a happy time for children who wake up to look for colorfully decorated Easter eggs (les oeufs de Pâques) hidden in their gardens, homes and playgrounds. Parents tell their children the eggs were brought from Rome (where the chimes had gone), and that when the chimes returned they brought the eggs with them. In some parts of France children look for small chariots full of eggs pulled by white horses.

Children enjoy the traditional Easter game where raw eggs are rolled down a gentle slope. The surviving egg is declared a victory egg, and symbolizes the stone being rolled away from Jesus' tomb. The child whose egg travels the farthest without breaking is the winner.

Generally, there will be chocolate rabbits, eggs and other works of art made in chocolate but in the Alsace region there are special biscuits known as Osterlammele. They are baked in a clay mould and are in the shape of a lamb sitting on the ground. The Osterlammele were traditionally given to children after the church service on Easter Monday. Bakers now sell them and these are often decorated with ribbons and paper banners.

On Easter Sunday lamb is traditionally cooked in France. A leg of lamb (Gigot D'agneau) is prepared in many Christian household in France, especially for the ceremonious occasion. The typical French recipe is prepared by making use of spring vegetables.

A gem in the Dordogne!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:38:00 +0000

A gem in the Dordogne!

Are you looking for a perfect hideaway for 2 that is cosy, beautifully furnished and interior designed? Then look no further!

Located on the banks of the river Dordogne between Saint-Cyprien and Siorac-en-Périgord this stone cottage is set within 5 acres of grounds yet just a short distance from Soirac-en-Perigord with its selection of shops, two good restaurants and a well stocked supermarket.

Overlooking the Dordogne River and in a delightful setting, this stone cottage sits very privately within the grounds of the main manor house 150 metres away with it's own private drive and private swimming pool.

The cottage has been renovated and refurbished offering luxury accommodation perfect for a couple. The design, fittings and top quality furnishings are superb and a perfect place for a romantic holiday! The open plan living area with excellent kitchen has been cleverly designed to maximise the surface area giving a spacious living and cooking area. Whilst the bedroom is integral it has been designed that it does not encroach on the living area yet faces the infinity style pool and the long terrace at the front. The large and impressive shower room finishes off the interior to make this a smart, luxurious place to stay.

There is a long sun terrace that faces the infinity, heated swimming pool and a wonderful view of the meandering Dordogne River. The pretty garden is stocked with flowering pots and mature trees offers privacy. A covered terrace for al fresco dining and comfortable easy chairs and settee makes this a perfect place for outdoor relaxation.

Find more villas in the Dordogne (click here). All with pools to make a perfect stay.

What our Area Manager, Gill says about this gem.......

This gorgeous cottage is perfect for two and a kitchen that is full sized and very well equipped. Lazing by the pool and viewing the Dordogne River is heaven. This is a lovely part of the Dordogne and near so many wonderful villages, chateaux and fabulous ornamental gardens. The pretty village of Soirac-en-Perigord is a delight with quaint stone houses and a couple of good restaurants notably 'Le Trèfles à Quatre Feuilles' restaurant in Siorac-en-Perigord is a very nice restaurant which serves good food with a smile. It’s clean and bright and I had a superb Perigourdine salad there. It was very well presented with plenty of foie gras and excellent home-made bread.

Last of the brussels now gone, we hear from diarist and blogger Gill...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:58:00 +0000

Strong wind breaks out in Bourg de Visa

Whilst the South West of France enjoys a good climate with temperate weather we do have the occasional high winds that can wreck havoc especially in the rural areas. Early in the week my area, the Midi Pyrenees was on Orange alert warning us of very strong southerly winds with gusts up to 100 Km/h.

On Monday afternoon the winds got up and I could hear it outside, a whooshing sound of the heavy gusts which whacked my electricity off and then on again and caused my computer to crash more than once! The only thing to do when this happens is to stay indoors and wait until it clears. Venturing out is done with caution as there are so many rural areas and with that numerous trees. Fallen trees are the main hazard as well as the old telegraph poles we still have and old power lines. Fortunately by Wednesday the wind had moved on but not without causing some local damage, mainly fallen trees and electricity problems.

The wind, known as the Autan, is a regular occurrence at this time of year in the south west of France, generally affecting the Midi-Pyrenees and Languedoc regions, but also felt in the Dordogne. The strong wind is caused by the sea breeze from the Mediterranean and it then accelerates through the gap between the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire.

In January 2009 winds of up to 190 km an hour paralysed southwest France. Our region was on the red alert the highest alert of its kind. Everyone was told to stay in doors for their own safety. My village was without electricity for 3 days as power lines came down, trees came down and roves were blown off. The airports at Bordeaux, Biarritz and Pau were closed and the cost of repairs ran into millions of Euros.

France is known for its winds with the Mistral being the one that is known to most people. This wind hails from Provence and it’s a fierce and cold wind that occurs mainly in the winter and spring in the gulf of the Mediterranean Sea. The Mistral usually develops as a cold front moving down across France. The air piles up in the Alps before spilling over the mountain's top and rushing down into the Rhône valley between the Alps and Cevenes. It will blow continuously for days travelling along from Marseille and towards the Riviera. It can cause damage to crops and in Provence the trees are permanently bent in the direction the wind.

Fortunately, these winds do not spoil the normal weather pattern of warm and sunny days in South West France and as I write the sun is shining, the breeze is calm and the temperature is mild!

A dose of Vitamin C....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:19:00 +0000

A dose of Vitamin C....
The Fete du Citron (The Lemon Festival) usually takes place between mid-February until March, in Menton on the Côte d'Azur. This year it is the 80th edition and runs from February 16th until March 6th. The theme for this year’s festival is “Around the World in 80 Days”. The festival started in the 1930s with a handful of carts loaded with orange and lemon trees and has turned into one of the largest festivals in the South of France and almost rivalling the Carnival of Nice.
This event attracts up to a quarter of a million people as well as using up to 150 tonnes of oranges and lemons. These massive fruity floats are up to 10 metres high with incredible decorations and for 3 weeks the Jardins Biovès and the streets are given over to these citrus giants.
As this event is held over a few weeks then it is divided up into various sessions, each one different but just as entertaining. Listed below are just a few of what can be seen and enjoyed.

The Parade of Golden Fruit
The "Promenade du Soleil" parades are held on Sunday’s, when lots of cars and people parade towards the sea. It’s a delight for children as there are costumes, fanfares, drums and lots of confetti sprinkling.

Moonlit Parade
The French say that the fruits of the sun have a date with the moon and as its held around Valentine’s Day then whose to argue! As the night falls the preparation for the incandescent party follows. Fireworks and celebrations galore, this is a celebration of the sun, with everyone "dancing in the moonlight". This is held on Thursdays.

The citrus "World Tour"
You can travel virtually all corners of the world in citrus flavour, at the Jardins Biovès with famous statues and building constructed of lemons and limes.

Gardens of Light
Held here every Tuesday and Friday evening are spectacular sound and light shows.

Menton villas include this one, worth a look if you want to visit the area: http://www.qualityvillas.com/cote-dazur/menton/villa-olivier

Morocco and Ramadan

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:51:00 +0000

Some useful information for visitors to Morocco...

Ramadan

The Moroccan calendar holds many important events but Ramadan is the most important. It is a deeply spiritual time for all Muslims. Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammed and it is always in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar it does not have a fixed date. It begins on the day of the new moon and moves backwards each year by approximately 11 days. This year (2013) it will fall between 9 July and 7 August when the sun rises early and sets late. In 2014 the month of fasting will fall back slightly to 28 June to 27 July therefore falling back each year to cooler spring months.

Stunning Marrakech in Morocco

During Ramadan all Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk. Physical relations are also prohibited as Muslims are expected to spend more time in prayer seeking forgiveness and humility. There are some who are exempt such as the old and sick, pregnant women and children.

At the end of the day just before sundown the streets empty and everyone hurries home. When the call for prayer from the temples is heard at sunset Moroccans everywhere will break the fast. The fast is first broken by a date and a glass of milk followed by a bowl of harira which is a thick lamb broth with lentils, tomatoes and chickpeas. This dish is also eaten with shebbakia which are deep-fried pastries dipped in honey. These can be homemade or bought from the special shebbakia stalls that are around during this time of the year.

It is in the evening after sundown that the towns and villages come alive again. Cafes become busy, families’ parade in the streets and the shops are full again. Later in the evening between 11pm and midnight, “dinner” will be eaten before most people drift off to bed. This festive feast, at which families come together and celebrate, consists of tagines of meat or vegetables, couscous, endless plate-loads of patisserie and fruit and glasses of thick, milky drinks. Later, as the dawn prayer echoes from the mosques, drummers patrol the streets and alleyways rousing households for the assohour, a sleepy feast of thick pancakes spread with honey and served with mint tea or coffee before the fasting and prayer begin again.

On the last day of Ramadan, in the evening, the fast ends. The following day is Aid es Seghir, which means “Little Feast”. This is a public holiday when new clothes are worn and alms and food are distributed to the poor.

For visitors to Morocco during Ramadan does mean it will be difficult but it is worth noting that tempers can be frayed, due to hunger and thirst and some shops and restaurants in smaller towns or rural areas may close for the entire month. In the larger towns and cities shops and restaurants will close for half an hour before sunset and for an hour after sunset.

Les Quatre Fleurs - a Provencal offering

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Villa Les Quatres Fleurs - http://www.qualityvillas.com/st-tropez-var/bormes-les-mimosas/les-quatre-fleurs

This latest post is to mention a special offer for a luxury villa in Provence, known as 'Les Quatres Fleurs'.

Sleeping 10, a private 11m x 5m swimming pool, countryside views, midweek maid service and wifi all add to the comfort on offer. In fact highlighted (as a negative I suppose!) is the fact there is no telephone at the villa. For me, this would be a strong point to help a prospective tenant take the house to really switch off and get away from it all!

A further positivity is an offer just released by the owner of this villa:

"Early booking reductions: confirm your booking before Easter to take advantage of these offers:
04 - 24 May: was £3695 per week, now just £3360
24 May - 28 Jun: was £3970 per week, now just £3550"

In high season, when the price would have been £370 per person per week, it will now be £336, which is tantamount to a 10% saving.

The house is described thusly:

"Les Quatre Fleurs enjoys a wonderfully tranquil location surrounded by woodland and vineyards in the hills just above the beautiful little village of Bormes les Mimosas. This secluded holiday villa is also close to the sandy beaches and pretty coves which adorn this particularly appealing stretch of the French Riviera.

The villa lends itself perfectly to easy indoor/outdoor living, with the open-plan living room opening onto the large terrace and outdoor dining for up to 12. Bormes les Mimosas is classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France (un des plus beaux villages de France), and rightly so: known for its stunning flower displays for which it regularly wins prestigious awards, this delightful little medieval town is full of narrow streets, small squares and fountains and boasts a very favourable climate. It has exotic and botanical gardens, as well as a large park with walks and a children's play area. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops, and a traditional Provencal market is held in the main square every Wednesday morning. "

Click to see the full description: http://www.qualityvillas.com/st-tropez-var/bormes-les-mimosas/les-quatre-fleurs

The local area may also be of interest:

"The old village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, sitting on a the flank of the forested Maures mountains, is well decorated with mimosa (of course) and has a lot of cactus growing along the rock walls around the village. The commune of Bormes-les-Mimosas includes a marina (Port de Bormes), the new town (which you will drive through) and the old village (which you will drive to). "
Please see this link more: http://www.beyond.fr/villages/bormes.html

Wikipedia describes the local area also:
"Bormes-les-Mimosas is a city in bloom and won the 2003 Gold Medal awarded by the Entente Florale. The Fort de Brégançon, located in the commune, is the official retreat for the President of the French Republic". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bormes-les-Mimosas

If you would like to book this villa, make further enquiries about it or others in the region, please do call or go online and browse. We look forward to hearing from you.

Quality Villas Ltd
0044 -0- 1442 870055
Find a Provence villa to stay

Feeling hot, hot, hot!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:01:00 +0000

Well actually, if any piece these days should start with a song, probably it should be 'I've got chills...they're multiplying...' although not quite '...losing control' yet, aside sliding the car down a few hills in the current ice and snow.

However I am happy to report the thaw and defrost is coming in the UK just now, rooftops and fields still have the gleaming white effect (of snow, then frost...then snow again) but the roads, slowly but surely are clearing and people are driving fast again (there were some of course who drove fast even in the ice, sometimes it works out, sometimes you read about them in the papers).

As a public service, here at Quality Villas, we bring you the hottest villas available. Glorious images of summer holiday villas, blue pools, blue skies, barbecues in full flow and sandy beaches with the waves lapping at your feet can all fill the mind!

For some holiday suggestions to enjoy the above, pick from these:

Italy, Amalfi coast: Il Delfino (http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/amalfi-coast-campania/atrani/il-delfino )
"...Il Delfino is the height of elegance: newly refurbished, the interiors are tastefully decorated using neutral colours, with splashes of colour provided by the frescoed, vaulted ceilings of the living room, choice pieces of furniture and the hand-made majolica tiles used in all the bathrooms. From the living room, with its views of the sea and Amalfi, you can access both terraces, which offer wonderful places to relax, soak up the sun and dine al fresco."

Italy,Tuscany: Il Capoccio (http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/tuscany/tavernelle-val-di-pesa/il-capoccio )
"...Sleeping 22 across a main villa and annex (cottage) the property includes a ' wellness centre' with a heated jacuzzi, sauna and small gym. The stunning outdoor pool area also sports a jacuzzi feature, meaning plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation."

Italy, Lazio: Orazio (http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/lazio/selci-sabino/orazio )
"...Surrounded by olive trees and vineyards in the gentle hills to the north of Rome is this charming small villa located in the beautiful countryside of the Sabina region. The property has tiled floors, beamed ceilings and is elegantly furnished with country antiques giving a traditional Italian feel typical of this region."

For anyone still doubting the desire to travel to warmer climes or at least have something booked for the summer so that 'warmth' is pre booked (!) have a look in your back garden, or just on the road outside. Turn up the heat!

Our back garden...brrrr!

2013 is here...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:02:00 +0000

Keep smiling...

So the festive period can now be said to be fully behind us. The Christmas Tree must be down by Sunday and if you are still eating turkey leftovers, you probably shouldn't be!

For those that partied on the 31/12, hopefully you have also recovered.

The issue now is that January is a month that looms large for not having a whole lot to look forward to, aside the desperate appearance of pay day at the end...which also looks way off at time of writing.

So how to cheer oneself up?

Apparently a holiday is a good cure for a lot of things, relieving stress when it does come round of course. However having something to look forward to through the dark months (a way to refer to winter time, when it gets dark early rather than anything else!) is to have a holiday planned and coming. That beacon of light on the horizon will warm the cockles at any time of year, so the thing is, to plan it early, then not only have you got it all sorted (thus you can start to tell friends and family how organised you are) but you also have that warm feeling inside knowing you have the place you want, for the dates you want.

At Quality Villas we are feeling the 2013 rush already, good news indeed as clients old and new get their villa holidays sorted, but have you sorted yours yet?

If you would like to speak to someone about a villa in France, please browse online to www.qualityvillas.com

For Italy - go to www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk

For Morocco - go to www.qualityvillasmorocco.co.uk

And for the early birds who love the powder and hitting the slopes, also onsale for 2014 and ready to go:
www.qualityvillasski.com

New villa on the Cote!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:23:00 +0000

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

Cannes...Cannes...Cannes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:37:00 +0000

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

Introducing an old partner.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:44:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:58:00 +0000

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

Marrakech heat

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:17:00 +0000

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