Destination Guide

The tranquil countryside of lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards is the setting for most of our glorious Provençal properties.  Many are nestled in the foothills of Les Alpilles, close to the charming towns of Maussane, Paradou, Fontvieille, Les Baux de Provence and St. Rémy de Provence.  Several are situated right within the villages of Maussane, Paradou and Fontvieille, and walking distance from the local shops, weekly market, restaurants and cafés.  

Others are situated in the Luberon Hills, within easy striking distance of the picturesque towns of Bonnieux, Gordes, Ménerbes, Roussillon and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.  

St. Tropez is a great base for a holiday at most times of year.  For those looking for a lively beach scene and night life, it is at its most frenetic in July and August, with crowded boutiques, cafes and restaurants.  Outside this time, when the local population prevails and the atmosphere is calmer, the charm of its narrow streets, and picturesque old port with its daily fish market, can be enjoyed at leisure.  

The smart up-market town of Biarritz is one of the principle resorts on the Côte Basque.  As a vibrant, cosmopolitan town there are fine shops and restaurants, a casino, magnificent beaches, golf courses and other sporting facilities.  Surfing started in France in Biarritz and surfers come from all over the world to ride the waves. There are also opportunities for wind surfing, kite surfing, hang-gliding, horse riding, mountain biking and hiking.  For those who prefer to relax and be pampered, there are numerous thalassotherapy centres to choose room.  

A longtime favourite with French holidaymakers as a fashionable holiday resort , Ile de Ré is becoming more and more popular with the British as well, particularly since the introduction of daily flights from the U.K. to La Rochelle with Ryan Air and Fly be.com.  The flying time of just over one hour, coupled with the link by bridge to the  mainland (since 1988), makes it a particularly easily accessible holiday destination.  

Geographically allmost totally flat, it is an unspoilt and beautiful island, with a coastline of wide sandy beaches on its southern coast, yachting harbours on its sheltered north side,  and an interior of vineyards and pine trees.  Being small (only 30 kms long and 5 kms at its widest point) many holidaymakers opt to hire bicycles as a form of transport and the island has separate cycle paths, for which maps can be purchased locally. 

The enchanting French manor house we have for rent in the small village of Arbonne la Forêt, is approximately 45 minutes drive to the south-east of Paris.  Staying in this part of the Ile de France, it is hard to believe that you are so close to the centre of Paris.  Surrounded by rolling hills, vast forests, grand chateaux and charming stone villages, it is an area which has totally retained its charm, and makes a wonderful holiday base with an endless choice of things to see and do.

For those who dream of experiencing  the magnificent lifestyle of a luxurious 17th century chateau,  need look no further than Chateau de Villette.  Situated 35 minutes to the north-west of Paris, the chateau is located within the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional de Vexin, offering numerous activities, including golf, biking, hiking, horseback riding and hunting.   

For lovers of northern France and its gastronomic delights, we are offering a magnificent manor house in Normandy, about half an hour’s drive from both Honfleur and Rouen, and within an easy drive of at least sixteen Michelin starred restaurants. This would also be a great choice for a two-centre break with one of our Paris apartments.