France – voted best place to live in the world – again!!!

A new report shows that, for the fifth year in succession, France is rated as the country with the highest quality of life in the world. This startingly impressive result is out of the 194 countries included in the survey, in which the US came third and the UK came about 20th.

I have lived in France for 16 years and whilst food has almost doubled in price, eating out is still very cheap and public transport is efficient and cheap too!! Not only this but it is a relaxed and beautiful country whereby the French have a philosophy – you work to live and not live to work. The sheer fact of the lifestyle, beauty and most of all an unhurried way of life is exactly why it’s the number one place to live.
Whilst many people cannot just "up sticks" and move here – you can come on holiday here and stay in one of our family villas in France from Brittany to the Cote d’ Azur.

The classic image of Brittany's coastline is that of massive Atlantic breakers bursting over defiant granite rocks, Brittany's coastline actually offers a wide range of seashores, from small sandy or pebbly coves to sand dunes and broad sandy beaches; it also offers a wealth of inlets and harbours, making this region the most popular in France with sailing enthusiasts. The south-facing coast of the Morbihan benefits from a particularly mild climate. One of most popular villa rental in Brittany is Cottage on the Beach and its sister property House on the Beach.

The Dordogne with its 101 chateaux steeped in history to the lush green countryside and famous Dordogne River. Hire a kayak and pack a picnic for a glorious day out before having dinner in one of many fine restaurants or Auberges that are plentiful in this area. A typical chateau property to rent is Chateau de la Riviere which sits on the banks of the River Dordogne with stunning views. This chateau is steeped in history yet offers modern day comforts with fully air conditioned bedrooms and a chef on hand to cook you delightful meals. View our villa rentals in Dordogne to sample other delights in this region.

Provence is a region of contrasts and colours. This delightful region of the French Midi (the South) is associated with warm breezes, a mild climate, and rolling hillsides covered in the gray washes of olive trees and lavender. The lavender fields are truly amazing to see with not only their beauty but the heady perfume that is in the air. View our villa rentals in Provence for your next holiday.

People in their hundreds flock to the Côte d'Azur or French Riviera for its sun and dazzling blue waters. This coastline is a constant hub of activity and excitement. The Riviera attracts an international group and jet-setters here to see and to be seen. If you want glamour and maybe spot a famous face or two then this is the place to be. So, to be one of the “in set” visit our website www.qualityvillas.com for your Cote d’Azur family villa rental now.

If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about your luxury villa in France contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove
Regional Manager
France & Morocco

A little night music amongst the greenery!!

It is said that the history of France is written in her gardens and this is reflected in the many different styles to be found, from grand palace estates to delightful private gardens such as Monet’s at Giverny in central France. In one of the regions that I manage are the amazing Gardens of Eyrignac which are located 13 km north east of Sarlat in the Dordogne at Salignac.

This garden is filled with greenery and displays every shade of green: yews, box trees, hornbeams and cypress trees are the main species in the garden.
It is the sheer volume of topiaries which creates the essence of Eyrignac from plant sculptures, rooms of greenery, box embroideries and borders in the French style. All of these displays are in perfect harmony with the architectural lines of the Manoir and visitors, young and old marvel at this jewel in the Dordogne.


Every Monday evening from mid July to end of August from 7 pm to nightfall is a musical white picnic in the White Garden. The White Garden is filled with white roses enjoy the cooling fountains at twilight. From sunset to nightfall, visitors eat their picnic treats or enjoy a delicious slice of foie gras and a glass of wine in the restaurant. Adults tariff is just 9€.50 and free for children under 14 years old.

This civilised evening is popular and enjoyed by many and what perfect way to spend a summers evening not far from your Dordogne villa or Dordogne farmhouse.

We still have some summer availability for our Family Villas in Dordogne so why not call our office now and check out the availability.

If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about your luxury villa in France contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillas.com

If you would like a copy of our new 2010 brochure call our office on the number above or order a copy via our website www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove
Regional Manager
France & Morocco

Winter weather makes you dream of your sunny summer holiday!!!

Last weekend saw South West France and other regions covered in a blanket of snow. Whereas the UK had its fair share of snow in the past month, in my part of the world it is relatively unheard of. Waking up to 20cm of snow, freezing temperatures during the day and minus 10°C at night was enough to make me think of last summer when it was so hot here I was dreaming of cold weather!!

Last years weather was glorious – the sun shone literally every day for nearly four months. Our French villas and French farmhouses were booked up very quickly last year and its looks like the same is happening again.

One of my favourite properties is Maison Pastorale – a beautiful house set in a rural location not far from Marmande and Bordeaux. With its large rooms, delightful bedrooms and private pool this house is always popular.

There is much to see and do in this area from vineyards to cycling and historic Bordeaux which is a must to visit. Venture further north to the Dordogne (easily accessible by car) and take the children kayaking on the River Dordogne or visit one of the many pretty villages.

We have been taking bookings for this summer for a few weeks now and some of most popular houses are getting booked up so hurry and book your French villa holiday now and look forward to long sunny days by your luxury villa or family farmhouse with exclusive pools.

If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about your luxury villa in France contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillas.com

If you would like a copy of our new 2010 brochure call our office on the number above or order a copy via our website www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove
Regional Manager
France & Morocco

Riding the French Railways

In all the years I have lived in South West France, which total 16 in all, I am ashamed to say that I have only been on the train once!!

I have to say they are the most efficient and comfortable that I have ever experienced. Train travel in France is relatively cheap and if tickets are booked well in advance then they are extremely reasonable in cost.

Whilst most people drive to their French Villa destination or fly, the train is becoming more and more popular and so easy! Even though you see a fair amount of countryside when you drive, it is only from the Autoroute and that can be limiting.

I took the train from Toulouse last week end to go to Antibes on the Cote d’ Azur. I was apprehensive at first but found the whole experience so well organised. Ticketing is so simple and you can choose your seat whether to sit on your own, as a couple of a family of four. Once on the platform you can view where your carriage is so no panicky about where to get on. I chose first class which is only a quarter more in price than second class and glad that I did. It was very comfortable, quiet and the hours literally flew by.

My journey took me through all the areas that I cover in the South West managing a wide selection of Languedoc villas from Castelnaudary to Carcassonne and onto Sete where the train travels along the coast. From there onto Marseille and onto the areas that my colleagues in the South cover – from Toulon to Cannes to Nice. This was a perfect opportunity for me to see the areas that they work in and the different architecture and terrain.

I thoroughly enjoyed my train journey going through all the areas where we have rural Farmhouses in South West France or Luxury Villas in Provence and Cote d’Azur.
Therefore, when you are thinking of booking your summer holiday spare a thought for your journey by train – a different experience entirely.

If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about your luxury villa holiday in France contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillas.com

If you would like a copy of our new 2010 brochure call our office on the number above or order a copy via our website www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove
Regional Manager
France & Morocco