Holiday Gites and Villas to rent in France

Paradise in Provence

2012-02-27T01:57:00.006-08:00

Beautifully restored Farmhouse, set in it's own grounds, therefore peaceful and quiet but only 5 minutes outside the village of Cucuron and close to Ansouis and Lourmarin. Half hour north of Aix en Provence, 6 large ensuite double bedrooms, large heated pool.

Whether it be mountain biking on the Grand Luberon or an afternoon of golf at one of the many Championship golf courses or perhaps a sedate tour of the provençal wineries is more to your liking or just doing absolutely nothing....There is so much to see and do in this wonderful region. The Luberon really is a fantastic area of Provence. Come and experience!

Mas de la Boissiere in Provence, South of France

Burgundy - the very heart of France!

2012-02-15T03:10:00.006-08:00

Beautiful Burgundy is so often overlooked as a holiday destination, but this charming French gem is well worth a visit. Thousands of Britons either pass through or even by-pass it on their route to the south and rarely consider it as place to stop and enjoy. A comfortable striking distance from home, it’s easily accessible by car, or by Eurostar to Paris, then less than a 2 hour train journey into Burgundy.

Burgundy is arguably France’s richest province – historically, culturally, gastronomically and economically. It has a rich architectural inheritance of remarkable buildings, castles and Roman churches, with unique Romanesque architecture in Fontenay and Vezelay. Its vineyards are some of the most prestigious in the world, and its cuisine is also famous. Burgundy also offers natural beauty, with lakes and forests, and plenty of opportunities for fishing, walking or riding. The Nièvre holds a vast area of wild countryside ideal both for sport and cultural activities. Visitors to the region will find gentle landscapes, with the river Loire and hillsides covered with vineyards.

Wine is unmistakably the most well known product in Burgundy. From north to south, the most famous and recognizable wines of the region grow on carefully exposed soils: Chablis, Côteaux de l'Auxerrois, Côte-de-Nuits, Côte-de-Beaune, Hautes-Côtes, Côtes Chalonnaise et Mâconnais, and, of course, Pouilly-sur-Loire are some of the world’s most respected wines.

The capital of Burgundy, Dijon has a rich cultural life, a renowned university and is a must for lovers of art, architecture and food. Famed for its gastronomical delights, with a pleasantly walkable centre bursting with boutiques, bars, green parks, historic building and interesting galleries and museums. The city’s great art treasures are housed in the Palais des Ducs and of course Dijon is also world-famous for its mustard. It became a major rail hub during the 19th century and now has a TGV link to Paris. It is also the home of Kir, an aperitif made from a blend of the local white wine and crème de cassis (black currant liqueur).

Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, is a lovely old town with an ancient centre of narrow cobbled streets, pretty squares and is a delight to visit. There are exquisite shops, countless wine merchants and an abundance of wonderful restaurants. There is a cycle track down and through the vineyards that slope south of Beaune (much of it follows the ancient vineyard paths themselves) and also numerous walking trails.

All in all, the less frequently visited region of Burgundy is well worth savouring, in more ways than one!

Holiday Accommodation in Burgundy

Villa with pool South of France sleeps 6

2012-02-02T01:18:00.000-08:00

This holiday villa in Languedoc Roussillon has a pool and is located in a village, close to Roujan and Pezenas. This is a great holiday villa in Languedoc Roussillon for a family or group of friends.

The villa is situated at the foot of a mountain. There's a south facing terrace and garden trapping the sun all day, or if preferred, a canopy can be stretched across the terrace as an ideal shade. The stunning views from the terrace are typical of what you would find in any national park area.

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/villaquatorze-VIL750/

Gite for 2 wth pool in the Loire

2012-01-28T04:21:00.000-08:00

Pretty Loire gite with pool perfect for two people in the Loire. Visits to Chateaux, wine tastings, golf, fishing, walking, cycling, historic towns..

Visits to Chateaux, wine tastings, golf, fishing, walking, cycling, bird watching, flying, parachuting, hunting (by prior arrangement at a local venue) French cookery courses available at a local venue.

There are many historic towns and villages to entice the visitor Futurscope is great entertainment for all ages. The zoo at Doue la Fontaine is world renowned for its conservation projects. Doue is the centre of rose growing, many of the roses are used in world famous scents. A visit to the Rose garden is a must to anyone who loves roses.

The Cadre Noir in Saumur is famous throughout the equestrian world for the incredable relationship between horse and rider (open to the public at cetain times of the year) Saumur is also famous for the Tank museum, where boys of all ages can enjoy the many varied exhibits.

There is something for everyone and all ages in this beautiful area, which is why guests come back to the Loire Gites year on year.

French Farmhouse with pool sleeps 8 South of France

2012-01-20T03:01:00.000-08:00

Beautiful farmhouse in South of France sleeps 8 surrounded by woodland and fields of sunflowers and lavender, set beneath the small Drôme village of La Touche. Large garden and pool.

In an area known for its hilltop villages, the nearest town is Montélimar (18 km), which bustles with shops, supermarkets, cafes and bars.

Tiled kitchen with dishwasher, 4-burner cooker with oven, expresso machine, food processor, microwave. Tiled Dining Room with a large table. There is also a highchair for babies and a wood-burning stove for chilly weather. Sitting Room has comfy armchairs and a sofa, also with a wood-burner, DVD player with screen and telephone. Double doors leading out to sheltered courtyard with teak table and 8 chairs. Utility room with a washing machine, sink and small fridge and a cool larder with fridge/freezer. Five bedrooms in total, two double, one twin and two singles. A cot is also available. The master bedroom has an ensuite shower room and loo, while a large bathroom with shower and loo serves the other bedrooms.

View French farmhouse holiday rental

Holidays in France - why even teenagers love it!

2011-12-07T04:16:00.000-08:00

It’s every parent’s worst holiday nightmare. A begrudging teenager, dragged along on a family holiday, who spends the entire time moaning about how bored they are, or worse – only replies in grunts and spends the entire time glued to their phone, counting down the days till they can get home.

You may know this scene only too well, feeling that family holidays could never again be fun. But the truth is, deep down you know they can be, if only you find the right place and the right things to do.

As a country where culture and sport collide, France offers something really special for these teenagers, a melting pot of festivals, sports, music and fashion. Here are just 7 of the many opportunities France can offer to a teenager on holiday…

1. First up are the famous French jazz festivals. Jazz festivals are far more popular and modern on the continent than in the UK, and if teenagers aren’t a fan of the music yet, they will be once they’ve experienced the intoxicating spirit of one of the French jazz festivals – some of the best to look out for are in Nice, Antibes and Grenoble.

2. Secondly, although a family holiday may not seem to fit in easily with nightlife, the typical café-bars will be a perfect blend for parents and teenagers. The café-bar is an inextricable part of the French “mode de vie”, and nearly all towns have at least one. They are a perfect place for teenagers to hang out over a game of pool and a beer or two, and anyone over the age of 14 is allowed in with a parent.

3. Obviously, no trip to France is complete without a shopping break for the teenage girl. France has managed to avoid some of the globalisation of the clothes market that other European countries have endured, so there are smaller, individual boutiques selling fashion (prêt-à-porter), as well as the “marché”, a staple of nearly all large French towns. For more chic shopping, even outside Paris, French style at its best can be found in any modish resorts – especially in Cannes and Nice.

4. For the more pro-active teenager, there is always “Parapente” – an amazing sport that originated in France, the parapente a little like a parachute but more controllable, and there is no need for a plane ride - a long run up off a high point is adequate. Not for the faint-hearted, but an amazing buzz for the adrenaline junkie teenager. Tandem flights are probably the best way to go, as that way there’s a lot less training and it’s cheaper. More info at Fédération Française de Vol Libre - ffvl.com

5. If you prefer to watch sports rather than take part in them, then France can offer that in abundance too. The tour de France is arguably one of the greatest feats of sportsmanship that the world has to offer and a holiday in the French countryside with teenagers in July should always be organised to catch a leg, as even the most apathetic adolescent can’t help but be excited by the atmosphere that rivals even that of the London marathon. Even better, you don’t need a ticket, and it’s a perfect opportunity to meet people. More info at letour.fr

6. Cycling is also a perfect sport to get involved with in France as well as just watching it. Many of the roads and routes in the countryside aren’t very strenuous and France is much more suited to cycling than England. Cycling equipment and bikes can be hired nearly anywhere, so donning a cycling helmet and getting involved with the great outdoors has never been so easy or so fun.

7. At the other end of the spectrum, France also boosts a large range of spas and treatments. France is dotted with natural water sources, which have developed into therapeutic spas. Vichy still leads the way, but Dinard and Biarritz are hot on its heels. Worth a special mention is “Thalassotherapy”, which originated in France and is the newest Hollywood trend where the use of sea water in various treatments. Well worth a visit.

It total, there really is no reason not to see France as the perfect holiday for teenagers and their families – its time to have the holiday of a lifetime. What are you waiting for?

Holiday in the Auvergne - Top Ten things to do in the Auvergne

2011-12-07T02:16:00.000-08:00

Despite being situated right in the heart of France, the Auvergne region is sometimes overlooked as a truly exciting holiday destination in favour of more obvious cities and seaside breaks.

However, this area of amazing natural beauty, thriving with culture and history, is quickly becoming the best-kept secret of French holiday locations. With so much to see and do, this is a holiday destination which will really make an impression on even the most seasoned traveller.

1. One of the first things which must be mentioned is the Auvergne’s famed natural beauty. Its idyllic scenery and towering mountains make for a truly stunning backdrop, and easy-to-follow trails make it easily accessible for all.

2. Another exciting day trip is to Vichy – if for nothing else than the typically French patisseries which line the streets – a real insight into French patisserie culture where young and old sit and chat.

3. Also in Vichy, the famous incidents surrounding the creation and fall of Vichy France during the Second World War are evident as well, and those with a history-orientated mind will find much to see and do in the town Musée – as well as the evidence to be found out and about on the streets. Just ask for the History map at Tourist information

4. No trip to Vichy would be complete without trying out the famed Vichy waters. Although quite a few of them taste surprisingly strongly of sulphur, it is still a fun experience not to be missed for their alleged healing properties…

5. … But for those wanting to experience the Vichy water without having to drink something tasting a little disgusting, the alternative is a relaxing visit to the Vichy Spas, bathing in the famed medicinal waters rather than ingesting them!

6. The central town of Auvergne, Clement-Ferrand is also quickly rising to the status of tourist-magnet and provides a more metropolitan environment than the surrounding countryside. Particularly good areas to see are the Place Jaude in the centre of town with a stunning statue of Bishop Urbain, and the Cathedral which lies just off the main square and has a very pretty rococo-style façade.

7. For a truly different day out and one which will really grab the kids’ attention, head to Vulcania, an interactive centre about the volcanoes of the area. The newly furbished iMax rides “Dragon ride” and “VolcanBul” are entertaining for everyone, and the Grand Geyser – a simulated Geyser in the centre of the dome – is a real sight to behold for anyone interesting in natural history.

8. Whilst at Vulcania, make a bee-line for the earthquake simulator – although it’s an extra couple of Euros, it’s a heart-stopping experience for all the family and well worth the price, as a photo is also available of your faces during the rumbles.

9. The nearby Chaîne des Puys – especially the Puy de Dome itself - are a famous range of volcanoes which have many guided tours operating and are a hiker’s delight. Amazing views over the Auvergne countryside are guaranteed on a clear day and make the climb totally worthwhile.

10. Last, but by no means least, another great past time in Auvergne is to simply walk around. There are so many great little villages to discover, all nestled in the heart of one of France’s most beautiful areas.

So what are you waiting for? For a holiday in France a little off the beaten track but still with plenty to see and do for all the family, the Auvergne really is just waiting for you.

Holiday Gite with pool sleeps 8, South West France

2011-11-28T04:51:00.000-08:00

Delightful expansive family accommodation with superb pool and mature gardens. Extensive shaded area for eating 'pool-side'. The property is accessible to the wonderful town of St Antonin Noble Val, a wonderful 13th Century town.

The large dining and kitchen area are combined. The kitchen is fully equipped with oven, fridge, microwave and dishwasher. There is a utility room with a washing machine, a walk-in larder and an additional fridge/freezer. Close by there is the main bathroom with bath, toilet and shower. Downstairs lounge, which has a television for use with the videos and comfortable seating. From the kitchen the double doors lead onto an external covered terrace area.

On the first floor there is another extensive lounge. From here leads through to one of the bedrooms, passing a bathroom and toilet. There is a further bedroom on this south-facing side of the house. On the opposite side of the lounge, through a doorway and up some stairs, you reach the large master bedroom. Taking the next staircase leads you to the fourth bedroom which has twin beds. Cot and high chair available.

This beautifully and as yet hardly discovered area of South West France and offers a relaxing holiday for those interested in wonderful scenery, unspoilt French charm, and excellent markets, food and drink. The property is close to the wonderful 13th century town, St Antonin Noble Val. Nearby are medieaval villages, bastide towns, chateaux and magnificent natural sites of outstanding beauty.

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/La-Contie-LAC725/

Christmas markets in France - what a festive treat!

2011-11-21T04:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas Markets in France, otherwise known as ‘Les Marchés de Noël’, provide a great opportunity for a winter weekend break or even a week’s holiday in France. They exude a fantastic atmosphere and offer great shopping opportunities but with a Gallic flavour - not to mention replenishing wine stocks for the Christmas season.

Embedded in the French way of life, France is renowned for its colourful and lively markets in general, but at Christmas time they transform into something magical. Twinkling lights illuminate market stalls brimming with seasonal gifts, handmade crafts, local specialities and gastronomic delights. The smell of traditional French gastronomy fills the air around the town squares where the French Christmas Markets are situated.

Imagine roasting chestnuts and sipping mulled wine, enjoying the delights at one France’s many wonderful Christmas Markets. The magic of Christmas really takes hold and you just may not want to go home!

Most towns and cities host a French Christmas Market at some point between late November and the end of December. Many of the larger Christmas Market festivities are held in the North of France, such as the Lille, Paris and Strasbourg, making them ideal for a quick hop across the channel. Lille and Paris are particularly popular because of the fast Eurostar connection. Calais is also a favourite due to its close proximity to the UK.

Some of the best Christmas markets in France include:
(N.B. Market dates are subject to change so we would advise you to contact the local tourist office before travelling.)

Lille Christmas Market:
19 November – 30 December Extremely popular with the British because of the Eurostar link. It takes place in the Place Rihour which is full of stall-holders. The Eurostar journey to Lille takes as little as 80 minutes!

Mulhouse Chistmas Market, Alsace:
24 November – 29 December
Hosts around 50 illuminated chalets offering a wide range of quality crafted products and festive gourmmet treats. Visitors to this Christmas market will savour the authenticity and traditional French atmosphere.

Paris, Noisy le Grand, Seine-Saint-Denis, Ile-de-France:
7 - 11 DecemberNoisy le Grand Christmas Market is one of the biggest in the Paris area and has become a favourite Christmas shopping destination. Twinkling decorations, traditional glassware, hand crafted wooden toys and horse-drawn carriage rides create a festive atmosphere that appeals to children and adults alike.

Bordeaux Christmas Market 25 November – 30 DecemberEach year, Bordeaux's Allées de Tourny is transformed into a magical winter wonderland of little wooden huts and stalls. This is a traditional Christmas market and a great place for picking up some original gifts for your loved ones.

Brest Christmas Market, Brittany 3 - 24 December
The market in this charming town is nestled in a natural harbour in Brittany. The market features chalets selling Christmas wares.

Strasbourg Christmas Market, Alsace
26 Nov - 31 Dec This is one of the largest Christmas markets in France, and the setting in front of Strasbourg Cathedral is breathtaking. The Strasbourg Christmas market has been running since 1570 and is the oldest Christmas market in France. Be sure to visit La Petite France, a cosy neighborhood of timbered fairy-tale buildings with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery.

Avignon Christmas Market, Provence 26 November - 1 January
There is plenty for all to enjoy at this Christmas market. A variety of delectable delights and gifts are offered by all the stall holders and there is entertainment to delight and captivate all the family, including traditional folk dances and costumes, parades and games.

Dijon Christmas Market, Burgundy
3 December - 1 January
Dijon's Christmas market at Place de la Libération offers a host of over 60 stalls selling local products (spice bread, mustard, foie gras and honey), plus colourful arts and crafts, children's toys and mulled wine. Visitors can glide on ice at the skating rink at the Place de la République.

Chartres Christmas Market, Loire Valley
10 - 24 December
Chartres hosts a fantastic Christmas market, the town ablaze with festive lights. There are stalls with local artisans displaying their goods as well as plenty of tasty treats of chocolate, chestnuts and cinnamon to tempt the taste buds. Younger visitors will enjoy the manger scene, a welcome parade for Santa Claus and ice skating.

Amiens Christmas Market, Picardie25 November - 31 December
The town is host to one of the largest Christmas markets in northern France. With an alpine flavour, this market is quite different to many around Europe and offers visitors a change from the traditional wooden crafts found elsewhere. Instead, visitors can enjoy Le Creuset kitchenware, fine crystal and hand-made glass, as well as Angora sweaters. For fish lovers, the market is home to many stalls selling eel, shrimp, duck and trout, as well as Beauvais chocolate and Amiens macaroons.

Calais Christmas Market, Pas-de-Calais
Weekend 3-5, 10-12 & 17-19 December
Every year a Christmas market is held outside the theatre. The Calais Christmas market extends around Le Forum Gambetta.

Bon Noël!

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/

Beaujolais Nouveau - why not celebrate French style

2011-11-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

The long-awaited release of each year's Beaujolais Nouveau comes at the strike of midnight on the third Thursday in November. From the little villages and towns in Beaujolais, over a million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau begin their journey through a sleeping France to Paris for immediate shipment to all parts of the world.

Banners proclaim the good news: Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! "The New Beaujolais has arrived!" One of the most frivolous and animated rituals in the wine world has begun.

This "Beaujolais Nouveau Day" sees heavy marketing, with races to get the first bottles to different markets around the globe. The race to be the first to serve this new wine of the harvest has seen it carried by motorcycle, balloon, truck, helicopter, Concorde jet, elephant, runners and rickshaws to get it to its final destination.

Beaujolais Nouveau is intended for immediate drinking and not for keeping. It is bottled only 6-8 weeks after harvest and this method of production means that there is very little tannin, The wines show definite variation between vintages, and as such are eagerly awaited as a first indicator of the quality of the year's regional wine harvest. Gamay (Gamay noir Jus Blanc) is the only grape permitted for Beaujolais and all the grapes in the Beaujolais region must be picked by hand. Fresh and tasty, with fruity flavours and flowery aromas, it's a wine to be enjoyed at 10°C (50°F) on all occasions and at all times.

The Beaujolais wine-producing region runs from Lyons to the Basse-Bourgogne (lower Burgundy), and is filled with great villages and its roadways are dotted with scenic vineyards. This is a glorious time to visit this part of France and to have a French holiday. As well as the stunning autumnal colours, the weather in November can be bright and fresh, or, with a bit of luck, even still warm.

There are about 120 festivals to honour the arrival of this enticing young wine in the Beaujolais region alone, not to mention throughout France and across the globe. There are several festivals in the Beaujolais region, including:

• Beaujeau has its Sarmentelles festival, which begins each year at 5 p.m. the day before the wine's release. It features a tasting of the region's wines, followed by a torchlit procession and the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau. The festivities continue through the weekend. Beaujeau is the historic capital of the Beaujolais region.
• Tarare hosts La Fete de la Beaujolais Gourmand, commencing the day before the release and running through the weekend. The festival features five days showcasing gourmet food and wine.
• Villefranche will be home to les Calades, a festival featuring the newly released wine and music.
• Salles-en-Beaujolais holds its annual Nouveau Hike, which will take visitors to various cellars.
• Lyon, the largest city in the region, holds its Beaujol'ympiades, which marks the midnight release with music and fireworks, followed by two days of sampling the newly unveiled wines.
• Paris isn't exactly in the Beaujolais region by any stretch, but it has several bistros which celebrate the release.

To get there, Lyon is the closest city to fly to the Beaujolais Region. If you're flying from outside Europe into Paris, the express train service (known as the TGV) is a good option for getting to Lyon rapidly while enjoying the view of the French countryside. If you're renting a car, it's about a 50-minute drive from Lyon to Beaujeu, with most of the small towns easily accessible from the A6 highway. During the festival, a special bus runs between Lyon and Beaujeu, departing Lyon at 7 p.m. and returning from Beaujeu at 1 a.m.

If you can't be there in France for the much-anticipated midnight release, don't despair, there may be somewhere close to you that also celebrates the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. Alternatively, visit your local French restaurant or wine shop to get a bottle and join in the fun.

Santé (Cheers!).
http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/

Riverside chateau in the South of France with 6 gites

2011-11-07T05:47:00.000-08:00

19th Century riverside chateau with six beautifully renovated gites and natural pool situated on the edge of the stunning Cevennes National Park. Each gite comprises well-equipped accomodation with its own outdoor dining area and wood-burning stove. The lovely, natural pool (12x5m), fed by source water and cleaned by a powerful UVC light, ozone and plants, is always a huge hit. Other nearby swimming options are the river (adjacent) and nearby lake (2km) with beach, cafe and boat hire.

Children will make friends with the animals (donkey, pony, ducks and hens) and enjoy the freedom of our large grounds. Fresh eggs and home grown fruit and veg are often available. Friendly bar and excellent local restaurant are just a two min walk away. The local town with a market and all facilities is 5 mins by car. Adventure parks, horse riding, hiking, kayaking, markets, medieval towns and roman architecture are all nearby. To reach us fly Ryanair, Flybe or the TGV - we're just an hour from Nimes or Montpellier. 2 hrs from Marseille and Avignon.

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Chateau-du-Fraissinet-CHA707/

How about a taste of Cognac!

2011-11-02T04:38:00.000-07:00

The world's best-known brandy comes from the peaceful countryside surrounding the Charente River one hundred miles north of Bordeaux. This slow moving river, which King François I called the loveliest river in his kingdom, passes through a placid landscape of vineyards bathed by a clear and radiant light. A twenty-mile area called the 'golden circle" of cognac production encompasses Cognac and the second distilling town of Jarnac.

Cognac, the medieval town which bears the name of the region, is attractive with its narrow medieval cobbled streets and elegant Renaissance facades. World famous firms such as Camus, Hennessy, Niartell, Otard, Prince Hubert de Polignac, Rémy-Martin, Courvoisier, and Renault-Bisquit are located here; each distillery has its own secret and unique process for mixing the various blends of its eaux-de-vie.

Join a guided tour to learn about the double-distilling process that goes on in copper stills before the ageing in oak barrels where the precious liquor will improve, taking on its final bouquet and famous golden glow. Take a barge or a small train and discover the history of cognac, its vineyards, distilleries and museums which show you not only how it is made but proudly display the oldest reserve of cognacs dating back to 1830. Then how about a taste!

Getting there..

There are flights within Europe to Poitiers and La Rochelle (both under two hours away by car) through Ryan Air. From Paris, it’s about a five-hour drive to the Cognac region.

The three-hour highspeed TGV train ride from Paris’ Montparnasse station (easily accessible from downtown or Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports) to Angouleme puts you just 30 minutes from downtown Cognac.

Staying there..gites and villas to rent at http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk

Gite in Cognac South West France

2011-11-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

Delightful, well equipped gite in South West France. Sleeps up to six with 10m x 5m pool, situated less than a mile from Cognac's beautiful golf course and between the historic town and the pretty riverside town of Jarnac. This property is the perfect base for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Chez-Champion-CHE737/

A Place in the Vines

2011-10-30T03:43:00.000-07:00

Superb location on the edge of the historic village of Montpeyroux in the heart of one of the finest wine growing regions, close to Montpellier, Clermont l'Herault and the World Heritage Site of Saint Guilhem-le-Desert.

The one bedroom gite adjoins a typical Mediterranean style villa. It is self contained with its own entrance and is available to non-smokers. Use of owners' large swimming pool - Stunning panoramic views of vineyards, olive groves, hills and mountains.

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/A-PLACE-IN-THE-VINES-APL746/

The owners are a hospitable retired English couple who are there if they are needed.

Looking to take a big party on a French holiday?

2011-07-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Surrounded by wonderful rolling Dordogne countryside and within only a few kilometres of the bastide town of Eymet and 15 min South of Bergerac, Le Roudier is in a truly magical corner of this beautiful department. The 300 year old buildings of Le Roudier, previously a farmstead, stand in 15 acres of south facing countryside providing fantastic panoramic views from the Gites and terrace which surround the large heated pool. The old bakehouse adjoining the terrace has a summer kitchen, children's play area and TV room which offers a shady retreat from the midday sun. Swings and other outdoor toys stand on a safe surface just behind the bakehouse and for the more active minded, bicycles are provided at no extra cost. The choice of gites from a Studio for 2/4 people to the largest gite which sleeps 8 have been sympathetically renovated to a very high standard and retain much of the charm with original features.

For more information please visit http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Le-Roudier-LER226

Gite for 2 with pool in South of France

2010-08-25T03:51:00.000-07:00

Gite for 2 in South of France + pool. Beautiful panoramic views of vineyards and mountains. Stunning location to visit in the Autumn. See full details at http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/A-PLACE-IN-THE-VINES-APL606/

Villa near Carcassonne

2010-08-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

"Le Castel Enchante" has panoramic views across the Minervois & Corbieres. Luxury Villa comfortably sleeps 12 people and has all the modern conveniences of home. Private enclosed swimming pool and larged landscaped garden.Set in a small village just 3km from the Medieval Cite of Carcassonne Le Castel has everything you could wish for with outside BBQ, Terraces all around the house. During the winter months there is a log fire and full heating throughout the house. A short distance to the Canal du Midi Town of Trebes. http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Le-Castel-Enchante-LEC676

Holiday in the Duras, France

2010-08-03T01:17:00.000-07:00

Bright and spacious first floor self contained apartment with balcony and pool. Sleeps 6. In a rural location surrounded by vines and plum trees. Situated a short walk to the nearest village with boulangerie and restaurant. An excellent base for exploring the local wine, chateaux and restaurants.

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Le-Grand-Maine-LEG688/

Holiday in Limoges

2010-08-02T03:47:00.000-07:00

Gite for 2-4 people in the Limoges area with above ground pool. With its mild climate, the Limousin region is a lovely area to visit at any time of year and the Limoges area is, of course, famous for the production of both porcelain and enamels.

Many countryside pursuits from walking and cycling to mushroom hunting and fishing. With an abundance of lakes nearby, Villemonteix is at the gateway to the Monts and Barrages region, the Plateau de Millevaches and the volcanic region of the Massif Central (2 hours). Whether you are looking to relax or do something more energetic there is plenty this relatively undiscovered part of France has to offer.

Brittany holidays in France

2010-07-27T03:19:00.000-07:00

Brittany holidays in France are still a family favourite. 5 cottages with pool in Guemene-sur-Scorff, Morbihan region of Brittany.

The area is ideal for walking, cycling, fishing, painting and drawing, photography, not to mention eating, and there is a multitude of interesting places to visit within half an hours drive, including the mysterious Chapelle St. Barbe (ring the massive bell), St. Fiacre, Le Faouet market hall, Les Rochers Du Diable (white water kayaking), the pretty Vallee-du-Scorff (picnic here), the Lac de Guerladan (boating from a tree-shaded beach), and many local street markets, notably Hennebont, Rostrenen, and further afield Vannes on a Wednesday, all ideal for gourmets and photographers. The picturesque, rugged coastline of Southern Brittany with its sandy beaches and coves is 40 kilometres away. There are many markets to visit selling delicious fresh vegetables and fruits with wonderful cheese stalls, local bread and much more.http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/La-Grange-LAG392/

Gite in Cognac, South West France

2010-07-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Delightful, well equipped gite in Cognac, South West France with availability in August. Sleeps 6
http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Chez-Champion-CHE737/

Holiday in the Pyrenees

2010-03-03T00:17:00.001-08:00

Holiday gite for rent in the Pyrenees with stunning views. Sleeps 6.

Comfortable, very well equipped apartment with superb views over the medieval spa village of Vernet Les Bains & the Pic du Canigou. Located 45 mins west of Perpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Languedoc-Roussillon. Two terraces. Vernet Les Bains has 3 outdoor pools.

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Holiday-gite-in-the-Pyrenees-HOL733

Holiday in the Cevennes National Park

2010-02-27T03:54:00.000-08:00

The hills of the Cevennes are well known for their spectacular views, scenic routes and quiet narrow lanes, chestnut groves, valleys and crystal-clear streams for wonderful swimming.

Set in the heart of the Cevennes National Park in the Gard Region of the Languedoc-Roussillon, this sympathetically renovated 200 year old farmhouse is believed to once belong to the Chateau. It is set in extensive terraced natural grounds in complete privacy. 15 minute walk to village of Portes.

This holiday property sleeps 6

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Holiday-Gite-in-the-Cevennes-Sleeps-6-HOL730/

2010-02-26T02:29:00.000-08:00

Pretty littleChateau near Royan, La Rochelle and wonderful beaches - Sleeps 12

Situated approx four miles from the nearest beach (Marennes), this pretty little chateau (sleeps 12-14) is set at the edge of the village of St Just-Luzac, half an hour's drive south of the famous ancient port of La Rochelle and quarter of an hour north of the well-known seaside resort of Royan.

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Chateau-for-holiday-rent-near-Royan-CHA731/

Dordogne Villa Sleeps 6

2010-02-25T01:16:00.000-08:00

A detached luxury villa with private pool, landscaped gardens, woodland and prairie. The Dordogne Villa has spacious and comfortable modern accommodation with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Situated 20 mins from Bergerac in the countryside yet an ideal base to explore the Dordogne.

http://www.frenchmaison.co.uk/all-properties/Dordogne-Villa-with-pool-sleeps-6-DOR728/

Tour de France 2009

2009-04-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Why not book a holiday in France during the Tour de France?
See 2009 Tour de France schedule....

Saturday, July 4th (15 km) Monaco → Monaco
Sunday, July 5th (182 km) Monaco → Brignoles
Monday, July 6th (196 km) Marseille → La Grande-Motte
Tuesday, July 7th (38 km) Montpellier → Montpellier
Wednesday, July 8th (197 km) Le Cap d'Agde → Perpignan
Thursday, July 9th (175 km) Girona → Barcelona
Friday, July 10th (224 km) Barcelona → Arcalis
Saturday, July 11th (176 km) Andorra-la-Vella → Saint-Girons
Sunday, July 12th (160 km) Saint-Gaudens → Tarbes
Monday, July 13th Rest day in Limoges
Tuesday, July 14th (193 km) Limoges → Issoudun
Wednesday, July 15th (192 km) Vatan → Saint-Fargeau
Thursday, July 16th (200 km) Tonnerre → Vittel
Friday, July 17th (200 km) Vittel → Colmar
Saturday, July 18th (199 km) Colmar → Besançon
Sunday, July 19th (207 km) Pontarlier → Verbier
Monday, July 20th Rest day in Verbier
Tuesday, July 21st (160 km) Martigny → Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Wednesday, July 22nd (169 km) Bourg-Saint-Maurice → Le Grand-Bornand
Thursday, July 23rd (40 km) Annecy → Annecy
Friday, July 24th (195) km Bourgoin-Jallieu → Aubenas
Saturday, July 25th (167 km) Montélimar → Mont Ventoux
Sunday, July 26th (160 km) Montereau-Fault-Yonne → Paris

Holiday Gites and Villas to rent in France

2009-03-28T02:10:00.000-07:00

A selection of beautiful holiday properties in France. Holiday homes, including French gites, cottages and villas, are available in Brittany, Burgundy, the Dordogne, Loire, Normandy, Provence and throughout France. Browse through the Gites and Villas to find your holiday accommodation in France. Gite, cottage and villa rental direct with the owner.

French Holiday Rentals

2009-02-10T02:07:00.000-08:00

We run a holiday accommodation website for people looking for gites and villas in France. We would welcome comments from owners and holiday makers about our site French Maison and advice on other holiday related forums.