The hills are alive with muscles and lycra….

They say there is a fine line between sanity and madness and the Tour de France is no exception and literally the biggest bike race in the world.

This years Tour de France is the 97th and starts on Saturday 3rd July at Rotterdam, the first time it has started outside of France. It is made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,596 kilometres and finish on Saturday 25th July in Paris.

Many of the families who book a Quality Villas holiday ask about hiring bikes with some even bringing their own either to amble along country lanes or to tackle steep hills and mountainous terrain. All of them may want to be a “Bernard Hinault” who has won most of the races and nicknamed the Badger but what better than enjoy this sport decked out in bright lycra to match the army of cyclists that I encounter each weekend in the region where I live. Cycling is big in my region due to the terrain and open countryside and after an energetic cycle what better that to have a swim at your French country villa and a long cool beer.

The race can be watched anywhere along the route: near the start of the day's leg, riders tend to be very bunched and the actual race passes in about a minute. Towards the end of a leg, riders are more spaced out, so the thrill of the race lasts longer. However most of the spectacle comes not from the riders themselves, but from the "caravan", an hour-long procession of cars, floats and motorcycles from the Tour's sponsors and the teams. It's all very commercial, with freebies being thrown out to the spectators; cheap baseball caps, little packs of sweets, mini-pretzels, key rings and other gimmicks. It's interesting to watch, and the kids love it.

To all those families who will be in France whether in a French rural farmhouse or a French seaside villa this wonderful race is worth watching.

Contact us now to discuss your French on 01442 870055 or visit our website http://www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

Summer Night Market in St Maurin and a new property for Quality Villas….

Activity is going on already in the village of St Maurin which is situated between Agen and Bourg de Visa in the shape of the night market preparations. This village has a 12th century abbey set amongst half timbered houses and every Wednesday evening throughout July & August is the superb night market held in the square. Food is eaten on long trestle tables after being bought from one of the many food stalls. Drinking, eating and dancing go on until midnight and its great fun. Many people who visit the market are holidaymakers who love this part of south west France.
Quality Villas has just procured a delightful stone cottage that is walking distance to the night market and the village itself. This rural French cottage is perfect for 2 couples or a small family who are looking to relax and enjoy the surrounding countryside and region.

This holiday rental stone cottage is located in a rural setting and sits aside plum orchards and next to a working fruit farm. Furnished and equipped to a high standard, this great value property offers cool rooms in the summer months yet has a cosy ambience with the feature fireplace and wood burner. Furnished with a mixture of American and French styles this cottage is very attractive and I feel sure will prove very popular.

The 3/4 acre of gardens have been lovingly planted with roses, shrubs, flowering trees, a large lawn for children to play and lovely views across the valley. The old stone barn walls now surround a south facing swimming pool with spacious sunny terraces, flowering shrubs and trees. Additional shady terraces in the garden areas ideal for al fresco dining – what better than this for your French rental property holiday.

There is full availability for Les Pruniers so hurry as this new addition to our portfolio is bound to get snapped up quicklyl

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

Having a good clearout....

Its that time of year again – the vide grenier season which literally means “empty your attic”. Yesterday, in the village where I live had their vide grenier and I had a stall alongside my sisters. You pay so many Euros per metre of pavement to sell your wares. You have to start early as the professional bargain hunters are out and want to bag the bargains.

We were set up by 8am and ready for the onslaught. A bacon buttie later and I was selling already. I couldn’t believe the stuff I had and before long my sister and I were in stiff competition as to who sold the most and who made the most money!

Looking at the other stalls we had some good stuff to sell and we sold it cheaply, unlike our French friends who sell at much higher prices. By the end of the day we have made over 200€ each and cleared our tables!

Vide greniers are a way of life in France and the whole day is done with good humour and even stopping between 12 – 2pm for your typical French lunch of cheese, bread, pate and bread, not forgetting the old vino!

Vide greniers and brocantes (a posher version) will be in all villages now until the end of August. So, if you are coming to stay at any of out French family farmhouses or French family villa then leave some space in the car or suitcase for that special “find”. It could be Limoges plates, a gemstone or a little bit of “tat” but its all good fun and the atmosphere is great.

We still have availability in some of our South West France farmhouses and many with excellent special offers.

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

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco