We listen to what our clients want !!!

This year saw Quality Villas being asked many times if we have luxury villas in La Rochelle and the islands – namely Ile de Rey and Ile de Oleron in the Poitou-Charentes coast. As we listen to our clients we will be investigating and intend on procuring villas in these areas for 2010. Our intrepid Regional Manager (me!) will be travelling there in the New Year looking for the right villas for our clients. Years of experience has taught us what our clients want. To whet your appetite I have done some homework on these areas and I must say I am itching to travel already!!

With as many hours of sun per year as the Riviera, La Rochelle is a popular travel destination. It is also one of the most attractive and unspoilt seaside towns in France and steeped in culture and history. Once a popular trading port since the 14th century the charming Old Port is very much the focal point of the town, lined with cafés and restaurants and typical red & white striped umbrellas sets the scene and a popular place to relax for tourists as well as residents. The port entrance is guarded by two impressive towers that offer stunning views from the top La Rochelle is becoming increasingly chic and popular, with young people and families heading there during the summer months because of the nearby beaches.

For those who may want to visit something more “swishier” then head for the Porte de Minimes which is a large modern marina development filled with nice shops, restaurants and lively bars. This is where the young and beautiful gather at weekends and summer evenings to sun and show off their tans on small, yet stunning Plage des Minimes which boasts spectacular sunsets too!! With its fantastic seafood cuisine, ancient arcaded streets, empty beaches and sensational Atlantic sunsets it’s a must to have your luxury villa holiday here!

The city is connected to the Ile de Rey by a 2.9 km bridge and is very popular in the summer. The Ile de Rey boasts 70km of coastline, including 25 km of fine sand beaches. The main town St-Martin de Ré is a picturesque fishing village and well worth a visit. Another island that is very popular is Ile d'Oleron, off the Poitou-Charentes coast near the Ile de Rey is the largest island off mainland France except for Corsica, at 34km by 15 km. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge 3km long. It is a very popular summer holiday destination, above all because of the consistent sunshine and fine beaches on the island. Apart from the beaches, two of the towns on the island are worth exploring - Saint-Pierre (the capital of the island) to the north; and Le Chateau to the south.

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