A hidden gem in the Dordogne!!

The Dordogne is a wonderful department and has been popular for many years. The Dordogne River and its wonderful chateaux and quaint villages still attract thousands every year. I am so lucky to work in so many different departments and they are all wonderful in their own delightful way. To me the Dordogne is not only about the river and many tourist attractions but the medieval hilltop villages and the wonderful properties that lie nestled in their valleys. A perfect area to book your countryside villa or renovated farmhouse in Dordogne.

New to my Dordogne portfolio is a beautifully restored manor house that is near one of these hilltop villages and tucked away in lush countryside yet close to all amenities. This wonderful Manor House was once an important bastide domaine with a connection to the amazing Château de Biron which is but a short distance from the estate. It is a beautiful house with a fine history where part of the house dates back to 1673. It was a refuge for families from Alsace and hid soldiers during World War II. Situated on a high point in the region, the 100-acre domaine has its own small herd of organic cattle as well as being a lovely haven for wildlife and wild flowers. The house has been meticulously renovated and refurbished to an exceptionally high standard that blends well with its centuries-old history. This charming family villa is sure to be popular so early booking is recommended.

Call our office now to discuss your countryside villa in Dordogne and speak to one of our specialist staff who all know our family villas personally. Visit our site now for your family villa holiday www.qualityvillas.com and contact us or email.

Gill Woolsgrove
Quality Villas
France & Morocco

Water Sports & Water Jousting in the Languedoc

The Mediterranean coast has wide sandy beaches and rocky creeks along the Côte Vermeille. There are also clear lagoons, lakes, canals, rivers, swimming pools fed by natural hot springs, and even subterranean streams. Equipment can be hired for water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, fun boarding, scuba diving, sand yachting, kite flying, sea kayaking, jet skiing, canoeing, river kayaking and white water rafting. For those water sport lovers it’s a perfect area to have your French villa holiday.
If watersports is not your “thing” then you must go and see the water jousts that take place in the summer, mainly in August, along the Mediterranean coast of the Languedoc. They are exactly what the name suggests, medieval style jousts, but with the jousters mounted on board boats. They attract large crowds of supporters and spectators and are great fun to watch. Two substantial wooden boats are rowed towards each other by eight or ten oarsmen. They pass each other on the left, much like horses in conventional land jousts.
One jouster on each boat stands on a special raised platform at the stern of the boat about three metres (10 feet) above the surface of the water.
In addition to the jouster and the rowers, the crew consists of a helmsman and two musicians, one playing a kind of drum and the other a kind of oboe. Also on board are other jousters who will take part in the next joust.

We have many Languedoc villas for your French family holiday from an elegant country house near Lagrasse to a small family villa near Mirepoix.

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

Sunny holidays in France with Quality Villas

Here at Quality Villas, we are confident that a French villa holiday with Quality Villas will put a smile on your face.

This year was an amazing year for sunshine. From Spring right through to end of September the sun shone and shone.

Many of our clients had some wonderful holidays lazing by the pool topping up their sun tans to balmy evenings having the BBQ’s they were promised in UK but never had!!

Whilst we at Quality Villas cannot guarantee sunshine every day for your 2010 holiday we can guarantee beautiful villas, farmhouses and in some cases your very own chateau.

We have been taking bookings for 2010 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 exclusive pool and BBQ evenings.

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

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

Escape the weather and dream of Winter Sun by the beach!!

We at Quality Villas have two destinations that you can dream about – Morocco & Mauritius.

Whilst everyone knows of Marrakech, few people know of Agadir which is a real winter sun playground and only a 3 hour flight from UK by a low budget airline. For those who fancy something a bit more exotic and long haul then head for Mauritius - land of sun, turquoise clear waters and beautiful beaches.

If, like me, you like to have some knowledge on where you are going then read on and book one of our luxury villas in Agadir or beach style properties in Mauritius - you will not be disappointed!!

Agadir is Southern Morocco's most visited city and a very popular tourist destination. Its sandy shores and modern coastal city is a huge attraction and it draws crowds of Europeans during the winter months. In fact while most people flock to the Canaries they forget that Agadir lies adjacent with beautiful parks, luscious gardens and beautiful beach front villas. The long sandy beach is swept every morning and kept spotlessly clean. The south end of the main beach has jet-skis for rental. Alternatively, dry activities like horse & camel riding, quad biking and beach buggies are also available and very popular. Stroll along the wide promenade where there are a number of bars and café's selling drinks and renting out sun-beds and umbrellas.
There are plenty fascinating towns and cities and places to see that are within driving distance of Agadir namely the mountains, desert and of course the famous souks!!

Mauritius is a fascinating, world-in-one-island slice of paradise. Its very name of conjures up images of tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance. Famed for its turquoise sea, sand rimmed lagoons and white sandy beaches its fast becoming a sought after place to visit. Long sunny days, only 4 hours from UK (so no jet lag!) they drive on the left and most Mauritians speak English – perfect!!

The island is loaded with historic sights to the national Parks and dramatic forests. I think its single biggest asset is the relaxed charm of its warm and welcoming people. Add to this the joys of Chinese, Indian, French and African cuisine, the rousing beat of séga music and the infectious party spirit of the locals, and you soon understand why Mauritius really is so many people’s idea of paradise on earth.

We have luxury villas to rent in Agadir and thatched cottages right on the beach in Mauritius. Both destinations offer flights from all UK airports with Easy Jet operating to Agadir from Gatwick this November. Flights to Mauritius from many airlines at good prices too!!

If you would like to speak to a specialist on a Morocco villa holiday or Mauritius villa holiday do visit this site on line: http://www.qualityvillas.com/ or contact our office or email us – we are awaiting your call !!


Gill Woolsgrove
Regional Manager
France & Morocco

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