The giant holiday rush to France!!

This weekend sees the biggest exodus from UK to France – the start of the UK summer holidays!! As parents pack the suitcases and children are getting their swim suits out of storage we at Quality Villas are getting ready for a busy six weeks. Our luxury villas all have private pools so you can be assured not only of a super house but a sparkling blue pool all to yourself!!

Before you leave its always worthwhile having a couple of essentials packed with your holiday documents and those are guide books and a simple translation booklet. Whilst we know that all you want to do is lay by the pool there are some amazing sights to be seen in France and are worth a look so take your guide book and language book and explore!!

Guide Book

Do yourself a favour and purchase at least two and pay attention to buy the most current editions. Rough Guides or Lonely Planet Guides are well known for their independent view and they are a great choice. These are in-depth guides printed in small letters on a thin paper to pack as much information as possible and still keep the volume small enough to fit into your luggage. If you prefer plenty of colourful photographs on a quality paper, then you will do better with the National Geographic Guides. Do study your guides before you leave, so that you can better plan your trip. You will know exactly where to go (or where/when not to go) and what can be seen there.

Language

You may have heard of the French being proud of their language and although they learn English at school, they hesitate to use it. However, you would be surprised by the change in their attitude if you just try a few words or simple phrases. You are a guest in their country so it makes more sense to make the first step. You’ll be amazed to see how far a little French will go. It will literally open doors to their culture. If they see that you try with some help of mimics and hand signs you will get your message across, that’s for sure. Try simple words and then go onto small phrases. A good idea is to learn restaurant menus and foods – most important if you think you are ordering beef and you get horse instead!!

For the past few weeks at Quality Villas our phones have not stopped ringing as we have some amazing last minute reductions for your holiday villa in France. From the northern coast to Cote d’Azur there is something for everyone.

If you are still interested in a late escape to the sun, our staff are on hand to discuss with you any requirements you may have. We have a wide range of family friendly villas across both programmes and in many cases reduced rates. We look forward to hearing from you!Tel 01442 870055 or email on info@qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove
Regional Manager
France & Morocco

Sunflowers & Night Markets in South West France

Sunflowers & Summer Night Markets in South West France

Right now in SW France the sunflowers are beginning to come out and the fields are ablaze with yellow. Some of them are still quite small and others are the size of dinner plates!! Driving around this wonderful part of France where I have lived for 16 years I am never ceased to be amazed by the beauty of these flowers. They are planted as seeds and when fully grown all face the same way – south east to the sun; hence Tournesol (turn to the sun). In this hilly yet fertile region the sunflowers are a part of South West France as is the Eiffel Tower to Paris.
Now turn your minds to the fabulous night markets that have just started in the South West and the area where I live. Most of these markets are held on Saturdays but a few are held mid week so the holidaymakers on a weeks holiday do not miss out on all the fun.
The one that I go to nearly every Wednesday is at St Maurin the Lot et Garonne. The centre of the village is taken over by stalls selling bread, pancakes, salads, pizza, barbequed meats and of course the local wine!! Long lines of trestle tables are laid out in the centre with the stalls dotted around the outside. There is always a band which gets things going and it really is like a street party. The popularity of St Maurin night market and others has grown over the past couple of years and anyone who visits my area will be sure of a warm welcome!!

Why not call us now and ask about our luxury properties waiting to be discovered. If you would like to speak to a specialist on a French villa holiday or where best to visit, do visit this site on line : http://www.qualityvillas.com/ and contact our office or email us.

Gill Woolsgrove
Area Manager
France & Morocco