Cherries, Street Bands and a load of fun!

Last weekend I went to stay with my friends who live near the Mediterranean town of Céret to enjoy a weekend of sun, music and a carnival atmosphere at the annual Cherry Festival. The region around Céret is a major fruit producer, famed in particular for its cherries. The first of the seasons’ pick are, by local tradition, sent to France's President so let’s hope President Sarkozy enjoyed them!

This annual cherry festival in Céret is a colourful weekend of stone spitting, music, dancing and entertainment in the streets, not to mention the inventive recipes involving cherries served up in the local restaurants like cherry burgers, cherries on toast, and all washed down with cherry wine or cherry beer. On Saturday there is the official opening of the festival followed by the Parade of the “Bandas” consisting of over 200 musicians from bands from throughout the region. In the afternoon is Catalan Dancing, the cherry stoning competition followed by the famous cherry stone spitting contest.

On my drive to this area I visited one of our Languedoc villas – Prieure de Lagrasse which is in the heart of the Corbiere Valley and Rivesaltes region. This delightful period home is perfect for two families or a large group of friends. The gardens were looking lovely and with the new pergola facing the pool this really is a perfect spot for a lazy lunch or al fresco dining in the evening. For more details about the property please click on this link http://www.qualityvillas.com/languedoc/montlaur/prieure-de-lagrasse#

If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about the above properties or any others in our extensive range of luxury villas in France please contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website http://www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove

Manager

France & Morocco

Bonnes Pacques or Happy Easter to you!

France celebrates Easter with great fanfare and vigour. The entire country revels in the Eastertide festivities and shops are beautifully decorated with white and dark chocolate rabbits, chickens, bells and fish. For those families who have taken an early holiday in a French family rental farmhouse children can wake up on the Easter Sunday morning hoping to find beautifully decorated Easter eggs for them.

Whilst England has the traditional Easter bunnies, these are not found in France. Easter celebrations in France incorporate the Easter symbols of bells and fish. The French Easter fish are called 'Poisson d'Avril', which means 'April Fish'. The Poisson d'Avril makes his appearance on the 1st of April, as French children delight in playing a kind of 'April Fool's' trick. They stick a paper fish onto the back of as many adults as possible.

Cloche volant or Flying Bells are another important part of the Easter traditions of France. French Catholics believe that on Good Friday, all the church bells in France fly to the Vatican in Rome, carrying with them the misery and grief of those who mourn Jesus' crucifixion on that day. These flying bells return on Easter Sunday morning and bring with them lots of chocolate and eggs. In keeping with the tradition, French church bells do not ring from Good Friday to Easter morning.

On Easter Sunday lamb is traditionally cooked in France. 'Gigot D'agneau' (leg of lamb) is prepared in many Christian household in France, especially for the ceremonious occasion. The typical French recipe is prepared by making use of spring vegetables. If you are holidaying in one of our many luxury villas in France then I wish you Bonne Pacques!!

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

If you would like a copy of our 2011 brochure call our office on the number above or order a copy via our website www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove

Manager

France & Morocco

The sun shone in Arcachon

Last week my colleague Sally (from our UK office) and I visited Arcachon and the day was glorious! The sun shone and I was slowly kicking myself as to why I had never been before in all the years I have lived and worked in south west France.

This posh resort town is a hotspot for family holidaymakers and content retirees. With more than a dozen beaches, is what makes Arcachon a superb place to take your beach villa holiday in France. Visit the Dune du Pyla, Europe's highest sand dune and a slice of the Sahara in France. It's an absolute must-see. The Bassin d'Arcachon (bay of Arcachon) is also known for the Banc d'Arguin, a 1000-acre sand bar in the form of a crescent across the waters from the Dune. Pack a picnic lunch and prepare to play in white sand and swim in the azure water. This is paradise!

Quality Villas will shortly be introducing its first villa in Arcachon and I hope to procure many more in the future. This new addition is a large Basque style house right on the beach with spacious and luxuriously decorated rooms, stunning sea views, private gate to the beach and your own private boat! What more could you ask for with a luxury villa in France.

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

If you would like a copy of our 2011 brochure call our office on the number above or order a copy via our website www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove

Manager

France & Morocco

Many Happy Returns!!

In the past few weeks I have had a few of my favourite villas come back to Quality Villas and all I can say is Many Happy Returns!

These popular villas have given many of our clients holidays to remember for their each individual appeal, whether it has been a classy beachfront villa in Sete or a Perigourdine estate in the Dordogne or a spacious Maison d’ Maitre in the rural countryside of the Tarn et Garonne.

All of these properties are perfect for your family villa holiday in France.

In Sete, that jewel in the Languedoc, is Villa Mont St Clair which faces the sea and very well appointed. The house stands out amongst the others around it with a particularly unusual green tiled tower which houses part of the principal bathroom. The property has been lovingly restored with marble floors, Italian style ceiling, and grand staircase with Art Deco cast iron and cherry wood finish and stained glass windows. This Languedoc beach front villa is rather special with a champagne reception on arrival to the new additions exclusive to our clients.

Our second property is La Tonnelle which is an imposing Maison d’Maitre situated on the outskirts of the medieval village of Castelsagrat. The whole area is rich with fertile countryside, rolling hills and valleys. This house is spacious, well furnished and very comfortable. It has large rooms and furnished with antiques yet has a relaxing ambience about it. Many attractive features adorn each room, making this property rather special south west France holiday rental. A large mature garden and swimming pool is always a popular choice for couples with the added bonus of being able to walk into the village to the local restaurant or for your morning croissants.

Lastly, we have welcomed the return of La Perigourdine which is a large estate that has been renovated into a wonderful magical home yet still retains many original features. Beautifully furnished rooms, high beamed ceilings and a stunning Salon is sure to delight all who stay here. The estate comprises of four buildings with the Barn and Farmhouse as the main rental accommodation. A 25 metre lap pool, extensive grounds and a 12 flag golf course completes the picture. On site guardians on hand to assist clients comfort ensures a family farmhouse holiday in Dordogne to remember.

If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about the above properties or any others in our extensive range of luxury villas in France please contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove

Manager

France & Morocco

A seafood experience in more ways than one!!

I am, once again, dreaming of Morocco and mentally organising my next trip to this wonderful country. All areas of Morocco excite me from the bustling cities to the dramatic coastline and coastal towns. I adore the buzz of Essaouira and the calmness of Aglou where we have an array of stunning beachside villas perfect for that Agadir beach villa holiday. One of the 6 villas we have on a private domain is Dar Takama which is beautifully furnished with Indonesian artefacts and extremely comfortable furnishings and colourful fittings. The infinity pool faces the beach so soak up the sun and enjoy the sea views. This Morocco beach family holiday villa is just 2 miles from the seaside village of Aglou Plage. http://www.qualityvillas.com/agadir/tiznit/dar-takama

Another wonderful town is Oualidia with its fabulous lagoon and long sandy beach. The town is small but big in impact and a surfer’s paradise. Fresh caught oysters and spider crab are a speciality here and a perfect accompaniment with a delicious Moroccan salad. On my last visit to Oualidia I found two excellent restaurants whereby I enjoyed the freshest squid I have ever tasted. Calamari is my favourite seafood dish and I don’t care what form it takes in the cooking! Deep fried or dusted in flour and pan fried. In the evening I went to my second restaurant and ordered the set menu which came with oysters (I love them!) so much seafood and a feast of fish, ranging from sole, dorade and red mullet. I could hardly walk home after all this fabulous food to my Morocco villa near the beach.

Shortly we will have a little gem of a property in our Morocco portfolio. This delightful small town house is situated in a development of similar properties near the lagoon and sandy beaches. The domain has 3 large swimming pools and situated close to the shops and weekly market. This house is perfect for 2 adults and a small child and is brightly painted with Moroccan furnishings and its own flower filled courtyard garden. This great value house will be available soon on our website for your villa holiday in Morocco. Not only is this house great value but its only 3 minutes walk to the two restaurants above where you can enjoy the best seafood and freshly caught fish you have ever had!

Contact us now to discuss your sunshine holiday in Morocco on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillasmorocco.co.uk

Gill Woolsgrove

Manager

Morocco