Thursday 27 May 2010

I’m ready for my close up now Mr Demille….


As Norma Desmond said to the famous film producer Cecil B Demille there is one place to visit when you are in your luxury villa in Marrakech and that is the famous Atlas Film Studio. Situated in Quarzazate it’s 2 hour drive to this amazing studio, but worth it. This studio is one of the best Morocco tourist attractions set in a fantastic desert like landscape and is a must see for all visitors to Morocco.

Morocco is also known as the Hollywood of Morocco. The film sets in the Atlas Film Studio have been a favourite with the directors of period movies. There are a numerous international blockbusters that have been shot in Atlas Film Studio in Morocco. These include The Jewel of the Nile, Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia and the Sheltering Sky. In addition to these a few scenes from the recent blockbusters Star Wars and Gladiator have also been shot there.

There are guided tours around the studio and visitors take an elaborate round of the film sets where all the film stars had once performed. If luck prevails the visitors might even chance meeting one of their favourite stars in the studio in full action !!

After an exciting day at the film studios hoping to be “discovered’ you can then drive home to your Morocco quality villa and sample some film star living.

Contact us now to discuss your Autumn and Winter sun holiday on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillasmorocco.co.uk

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

Saturday 22 May 2010

The surest way you will savour La Dolce Vita ….


Is by renting one of our wonderful villas that we have to offer! Our portfolio is bursting with rustic farmhouses, villas by the sea to a Chianti wine estate. Rent a holiday villa in Italy and you won't fail to be amazed by a country and culture so rich it will have you falling in love with its every curve and feature. There simply isn't anything about Italy that isn't beautiful, and our villas are no exception.

Find yourself a true taste of Italy; the sumptuous romance of the Tuscan Hills, the Renaissance art and even the way the locals dress oozes a chic charm. From the Chianti Vineyards to the art and beauty of Florence, to the medieval character of Siena and through to the jaw-dropping Amalfi down to the island of Sicily. There's a range of beautiful places to fall head over heels with when you are at your luxury family villa in Italy.

From our exceptional range of villas in Italy, you can indulge in the wonderful cuisine well-loved across the world, and sample local wines direct from the source. Get active on the beaches with water sport adventures, or relax by the pool with a long, cool drink. Explore the romance of Venice or the history of Rome. However you like to unwind, Italy makes the perfect get away.

Contact us now to discuss your Italian holiday on 01442 870055 or visit our website http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

Friday 14 May 2010

Did you see Jamie in the Midi Pyrénées…..


For those following Jamie’s culinary adventures last week he was in my area, the Midi Pyrénées and it was a joy to watch knowing all the places that he visited – I knew too!!

If there is something clear in the world, it is the gastronomy language is defiantly French!! Its kitchen is the national pride of the French people and the fame of the French is good eating and drinking. As you read on think about your family rental villa for your summer holiday.

In the area that I live duck, goose, and foie gras are elements of the kitchen of the region of Dordogne and Midi-Pyrénées. These dishes are mainly accompanied by plums, raisins or truffles. The markets groan each week with fresh local produce, cured hams, duck, farm bred chickens and wonderful cheeses.

Did you know that there are more than 400 varieties of cheeses. The most famous are Brie, Roquefort, Camembert and those of goat. My favourites are the ripe, runny Camembert’s and St. Felician and the stronger the better! I like my cheese to take the roof of my mouth off and leave the milder cheeses to the less adventurous. What could be better that having lunch of fresh cheeses, French bread all washed down with a hearty bottle of Cahors wine at your rural French farmhouse in South West France.
What about the wine you say!! The glasses are always full in France, in spite of the recognized spiritual drinks like Armagnac, cointreau, the cider or the calvados, the king is the wine!! The French are authentic lovers of good wines and its country is seeded from corner to corner of vineyards. In this area are the Cahors vineyards where wine tasting is a must.

If this has wetted your appetite and tingled your taste buds then why not think about your South West France holiday now by booking one of our family villas. We still have good availabilities in the summer months – but hurry this area is popular!

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

Thursday 6 May 2010

Miles of golden shores, long sunny days and so much to do for families …


This is the Vendée and Charente !

Home of Cognac, fabulous beaches, idyllic islands and rich rural heritage, your Vendée and Charente family villa offers a region bursting with excellent attractions and activities, culture and history – a really top spot for your get-a-way-from-it-all holiday in a beautiful region of France.

This Atlantic coast line has some fabulous beaches and boasts plenty of sunny hours – second only to Provence. This is a water sports paradise with the added attraction of some gorgeous islands just off the coast to explore including La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré. Surfing, sailing, or whatever you like to do at the seaside you’ll find it all here.

Inland you’ll find rolling vineyards and a strong rural tradition. There are many picturesque villages, fortified towns, châteaux and fine historical buildings and gardens to enjoy in Charente, including the Roman baths and amphitheatres of Poitiers. The River Charente winds its way through beautiful scenery between Angouleme and Rochefor which offers bags of opportunities to mess about in boats and some great fishing. Take your catch back to your family villa and BBQ by your own private swimming pool.

The Vendée & Charente are also home to two of the most amazing theme parks in France: Futuroscope between Poitiers and Châtellerault, and the awesome experience at Le Puy du Fou. There are also many aquariums, wildlife parks, museums and zoos to inspire and delight the whole family!

We still have full availability at Chateau de Seigneurs one of our super luxury family villas from our select portfolio of properties. This chateau is spacious and oozes comfort with a heated swimming pool, private tennis court and a fitness room. Situated in a rural area the chateau is ideal for touring around this wonderful region.

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
Manager
France & Morocco