Mushroom time in the South of France

We just love the new season Mushrooms that can now be found at the local markets and supermarkets, not only do they taste good but they look pretty too. I was once asked to go mushroom gathering but the 5 am pick up time put me off! However the only reason that you need to go so early is to get there before everybody else! The locals know exactly where to go but it is TOP SECRET. If you are a hiker/walker and get to far out places then you may just stumble across some great Mushrooms, that is unless you get shot by the hunters, but that is another story…

The French are great at foraging for food, Wild Asparagus, Truffles, Garlic and Mushrooms, whilst Brits can be a little apprehensive as a conscious nagging thought keeps popping up “is it poisonous?” well if in doubt you can take the mushrooms to the Pharmacy and they will tell you if you if they are safe. I always thought this was just a myth, but last year I saw a British lady with a plastic bag full of mushrooms walk into the Pharmacy, before she even got her words out there was an outcry from fellow customers  “Non ce n’est pas possible, jamais mettre les champignons dans un sac plastique !”don’t put mushrooms in a plastic bag! I never did find out if they were edible or not.

The most popular mushrooms here in the South of France are; Cepes, Girolles, Oronges and Morilles.

So if you have foraged or bought your mushrooms here are a couple of our favourite recipes.

Barbecued Cepes

A really easy recipe only 20 minutes preparation and 8 minutes cooking time.
Ingredients:
750g of very fresh cepes, 1 small clove garlic per mushroom
2 tablespoons of olive oil,1 bunch of fresh parsley, salt and pepper.

Carefully clean the mushrooms, by wiping them with a damp cloth, heat the barbecue (or grill) the best results are from a traditional bbq using old vine cuttings "sarments". Peel the garlic clove and make a small slit in each mushroom and insert the clove of garlic if they are too big just cut the clove in half. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place mushrooms on the grill or BBQ and grill for 7-8 minutes, turning regularly. Whilst they are cooking, wash and chop the parsley.When the mushrooms are cooked, sprinkle with the parsley and serve immediately whilst very hot.


Wild Mushroom Fricassee

Wild Mushroom Fricassee

30 minutes of easy preparation, cooking time 25 minutes.Serves 4: 
700 g mushrooms (Cepes , Oyster, Girolles or any that you can get your hands on...), 
2 small shallots, 
10cl of white wine, 
15cl of cream, 
1 small bunch of parsley, 
3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper.

Clean the mushrooms carefully with a soft brush or damp cloth (do not wash). Remove the earthy part of the stem, if some mushrooms are large, cut into pieces. Peel and finely chop the shallots and parsley.Heat the oil in a large frying pan. If using Cepes add these first and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, then add the other mushrooms and fry for another 5-6 minutes.
Add the shallots and parsley and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Pour over the white wine, and reduce until dry then add the cream, season with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat until there is just enough cream to coat the mushrooms (6-7 min). Adjust the seasoning. Serve immediately.

Why not visit one of our lovely villas in the South of France and try your hand at mushroom picking, or just visit the fantastic local markets and buy them fresh along with many other great local produce. South France Villas

This beautiful large holiday rental in the Haut Languedoc Natural park is perfect for lovers of total tranquility and escapism, or those who prefer the outdoors as the local walks and hikes are spectacular. A great place to try your hand at mushroom picking, take a picnic and make a day of it.
This Languedoc holiday house sits within a 700m2 garden, has a kidney-shaped pool and is totally private, standing alone amidst stunning mountainous scenery and overlooking ancient Château ruins. Idyllic! 40 minutes from the city of Montpellier, plus the South of France sandy beaches are only an hour away.

South of France Villa for lovers of total tranquillity and escapism 

South France Villas in the Sunday Times 2013 - Villa Setoise & Villa Frankie

The Sunday Times Travel Section on 3rd February 2013 focused on 25 Top Holidays in France for 2013 and once again two properties in the South France Villas portfolio made the selection.

Villa Setoise (HE063A)and sister property close by  Villa Frankie (HE065A) are on the coast at the bustling port of Sete in the Languedoc Roussillon, stunning in contemporary design and close to the beach - the perfect combination for that Mediterranean holiday with family or friends- what more could you want!

See the article here. 

Want to know more or make a booking - do not hesitate to get in touch with South France Villas who will be pleased to help with your reservation.  

Additional local information available from the Sete Tourist Office

Best Beach Villas South of France and Europe

The Times Travel section on Saturday 12th January 2013 featured "Europe's 50 Best beach villas" and two properties from the South France Villas portfolio were included. 

 The stunning Villa La Voile (PY001A)in the beautiful village of Collioure, on the coast near Perpignan came in at number 29 and in at number 31 the stunning Villa Palombaggia CR004A)in Corsica, near the stylish, sophisticated, cosmopolitan town of Porto-Vecchio.

(See more about South France Villas in the Press here). 
                                                     

To find out more about these two amazing properties and check availability do not hesitate to get in touch - we'll be happy to help you.

Summer Dreaming of Holidays in the South of France

Whilst it is lovely to curl up and get cosy by the fire during the winter evenings, thoughts of long Summer days with endless sunshine and blue skies are ever present and images of that swim in the sea, walk along the beach or topping up that tan come to mind.

Next year the South of France has even more to offer because Marseille is the European Capital City of Culture 2013 and there will be a mass of events and much more going on in the city - from Martigues to the lovely La Ciotat - and not too far away in the likes of Arles and Aix.


The Languedoc, Provence and the Cote d'Azur are all amazing locations for that perfect holiday, with history, culture, gastronomy and of course wine all at your finger tips - not forgetting the Mediterranean and the fantastic beaches!

Marseille

To take full advantage of this area, why not stay at one of our properties and explore the region at your leisure. 

Villa Auriol (BR001)is only 20 minutes from Marseille - perfectly placed to enjoy all that is going on in the 2013 European Capital City of Culture.

 House and garden - BR001A

Just a stone's throw from Aix-en-Provence is the lovely "home from home" Villa du Jardin (BR002A), well placed to access this part of the world and ideal for a family of 6-7.  

The villa is very well equipped and has lots of added extras, such as bicycles, the possibility of fishing for trout in the nearby river and a boulodrome for that quintessential French pastime, a game of pétanque.

Villa du Jardin Facade

Don't miss the chance to visit  Aix and see it in all its glory - the Cathedral, famous works of art and the Mazarin quarter.

Alternatively, not far from quaint Sommières and the lovely town of Uzes, (both of which have fantastic Saturday markets),  the delightful Bastide Langlade (GR011A ), a stone building, combining original character features with contemporary decor and modern day living is perfect if you are a party of 10.

Conservatory and Garden

Fully Fenced Pool area

This coming Summer the South of France tops the list of destinations for diversity with a difference -  encompassing a myriad of activities and endless places to explore for people of all ages.  Come see for yourself!

The Famous 5 Day Feria in Beziers & Much Much More

Once the Languedocien stronghold of Catharism, the modern day Beziers offers you festivals, history, the Canal du Midi and Mediterranean beaches just 6kms from the town, what more could you want!  

Peyrepertuse Cathar Castle

(Our property La Garenne ( HE029A) is ideally placed to explore all of this and more).

The Cathedal in the centre of Beziers - Sainte-Nazaire rises above the cobbled streets the panoramic view over the Orb River is stunning and the town boasts boutiques galore and a plethora of restaurants including the L’Ambassade, which recently got a good review in the local Anglo/French Magazine – the Herault Times.

Cathedral at Beziers

This region is also a prolific wine producing area offering a vast array of wonderful wines for you to enjoy - Check out: www.languedoc-wines.com 

People come from far afield for the famous 5 day Feria of Beziers held around 15th August every year – bull fighting may not be to everyone’s taste, but the spectacle is amazing and the street party atmosphere with open air bodegas and live music is enthralling and definitely worth a visit - www.ville-beziers.fr

Beziers Feria

GRASSE - The International Capital of Perfume

Travellers have long been attracted to the pleasures of Grasse. Queen Victoria herself returned for several winters to sojourn in a luxury vacation home in this medieval town. While there are many things to do and see in the area, it is the clean crisp air scented with flowers that seduces those who visit. The altitude and the looming hills behind the town create the freshness in the atmosphere - a contrast to the beach towns of Provence, which often swelter in the Summer.

Perfume

Grasse began making Perfume way back in the 16th century as almost an afterthought. Making perfume was simply a side-project to a solid industry in manufacturing gloves - when perfumed gloves were briefly in fashion, Grasse decided to manufacture their own perfume. Yet today the gloves have been all but discarded, with the Perfume industry having been gradually built up to become a dominating figure in the Perfume World. Today, Grasse produces around two-thirds of France's perfumes. Part of the reason that Grasse has been so successful is because the particular climate of the region is perfect for nurturing delicate flowers which struggle in other regions.

There are three historic perfume manufacturers in Grasse which provide free guided tours. You will learn about perfume and how it is made and later will have the opportunity (without obligation) to browse and buy their products.

• Galimard 73 rte Cannes tel: 04 93 09 20 00

• Fragonard 20 bd Fragonard tel:04 93 36 44 65 fax: 04 93 36 03 50

• Molinard 60 bd Victor Hugo tel: 04 93 36 01 62

Interesting Perfume Facts:
Other Recommended Attractions
Olive Oil is also produced in Grasse:
41 Chemin des Paroirs,Tel: 0493 701 674, or 0618 188 415
Caving
Caving


- A perfume contains between 10 to more than 250 ingredients.
- A scent that smells good on one person will not necessarily smell good on another. This is because the interaction between the fragrance and the body may produce a different scent perception in different people due to their body hormonal balance.
- Diets, way of life and medication will affect or influence your sense of smell
- The sense of smell is sharper in the afternoons
- Fragrance lasts longer on oily skin than on dry skin
- Some researches have shown that people without a sense of smell lead a less happy life than people who can smell. There are different types of fragrances that trigger emotions and affect the mood of people who smell it.


Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence - Located in an 18th-century mansion, this museum features archeology and ethnology as well as Provencal painting, pottery and history.

Notre Dame du Puy cathedral - Dating from the 11th Century, (rebuilt in the 17th c.) this cathedral boasts a huge 18th century clock tower and an art collection featuring Rubens.

Festivals - The Fête du Jasmin or La Jasminade has been celebrated every year at the beginning of August since 1946. These days, it is a big event; decorated floats drive through the town, with young women throwing flowers onto the crowds which line the streets -- everyone gets soaked by the natural perfume of the flowers. There are also fireworks, free parties, folk music groups and street performers. Also popular is the annual 5-day international exhibition of roses ("Expo Rose"), which occurs in May.

Rossignol Oil Mill - Moulin à Huile du Rossignol

Royrie Domaine - Domaine de la Royrie Royrie88 Chemin des Haute Ribes,Tel: 0609 866 327

Sainte-Anne Oil Mill - Moulin à Huile Sainte Anne
138 Route de Draguignan,Tel: 0493 702 142


For those feeling adventurous, this is a fantastic area for caving. If you are a member of a 'spelunking' organisation, there are many caves available to explore. However even those who are inexperienced in caving can get involved. Cavers can descend into the Trou du Curé (60 metres underground) or explore the cave at the Saint Sauveur waterfall. For those who don't fancy journeying underground, there are also many hiking trails in the area.

As you can see, a holiday in a beautiful villa in the Grasse region allows you to experience a large variety of acitivites, a unique culture and history - all within a picturesque setting.

Nearby Villas
We have a selection of gorgeous luxury villas nearby to Grasse. We are expanding our villa rental program in this region all the time, always looking out with a sharp eye for the best quality villas in Cote d'Azur.

We have two luxurious holiday villas in this region which we recommend in particular:

AM003A Villa Ferrage
AM019 Tourettes-sur-Loup


Thanks for reading, and we hope that you have learnt something about this wonderful region in France - whether solely for interest or whether you are researching a holiday in the South of France. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.


Contributions by Katarina Byrne

SETE- The Venice of Southern France

This romantic port town has been named the Venice of Southern France for its numerous canals and quaint streets. It is also admired for its beautiful beaches, scenic views and the rusty ochre tones in which the buildings are painted.

Although the area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, it was sparsely populated until the 1600's, when work on the creation of the port of Sète began. The construction of the port and city took 15 years, and the work included the building of dozens of dykes, basins, bridges and aquaducts. Today, Sète's pretty port is not only a drawcard for travellers, but still functionally important, acting as a major centre for fishing in France.

The town is divided into two parts - the Port and Mount St Clair.

The Port:

Sète is great for water sport enthusiasts: sailing, swimming, scuba diving, water jousting tournaments -- Sète has almost every water sport you could imagine! The closest beaches to the town are Lazaret Beach and Corniche Beach, which are lovely. You can also see some of the fastest sailboats in the world, as Sète is where the French do their training for the America's Cup.

Jousting tournament -- Every summer, the "Joutes Nautiques" is celebrated in Sète on the canals. It is similar to the traditional medieval jousting on horseback, except that the 'horses' are special canal boats, manned by ten oarsmen, and the knight gets a swim in the canal if he is 'de-horsed'! The winner of the tournament gets their name engraved on a shield, which can be seen on display in the Musee Valery.

Gastronomy - Sète has many good restaurants and a number of delicious local specialties:
Bourride - monkfish in garlic mayonnaise or "aioli"
Bouillabaisse - A hearty stew combining fish and shellfish
Le Tielle - A fish and tomato tort
La Rouille de Seiche - A mix of fish, tomato sauce and aioli.

Daily markets - The daily open-air market offers an array of fresh produce. On Sundays, there is a great flea market.

Canal du Midi - The historic Canal du Midi ends in Sète, 240km from where it begins in Toulouse. The Canal was originally constructed as a short-cut, saving a whole month of sailing, and avoiding hostile parts of Spain and Barbary pirates. The Canal du Midi was opened officially as the 'Canal Royal de Languedoc' on May 15, 1681. The Canal is quite complex, consisting of intricate locks, bridges, aqueducts, dams and a tunnel. It was still used commercially until 1989, but now the Canal has become more of a tourist attraction and place for leisure activities - such as rowing, canoeing, fishing and cruising on luxury hotel barges.

Mount Clair:
The climb up from the port to Mount St Clair is well worth the effort. There are great views of the village and port below, and also of the Pyrennees. The main cultural attractions are also to be found up here too.

Chapelle Notre Dame de la Salette - This church has been many things - first, it served as a fort for the Duke of Montmorency, but when it was dismantled in 1632, is became home to hermits. The hermits spent their time charitably, praying for the souls of fisherman and lighting fires to warn of approaching pirates. In 1897, the structure was converted into its present form - the church, decorated with scenes of life in Sète.


The Sailors Cemetary (Le Cimetiere Marin) - This cemetary was constructed in 1843 as a resting place for sailors. It was built using old rock that had been used in the building of the port itself. The cemetary was immortalised by the poet Paul Valéry, in his poem "Cemetery be the Sea". Valéry was born in Sète and is buried here.

Musée Valéry - Nearby to his resting place in the Cemetary is a museum dedicated to Valéry. Here you can find not only mementos and works of the poet, but also exhibits relating to the history of the town. There is also a room devoted to another famous inhabitant of Sète - the singer Georges Brassens.


Sète is also a good base for exploring the South of France - it is nearby to many other attractive towns and cities, such as Montpellier, Agde and Beziers.

Villas

We have two stunning modern villas in this area that we recommend in particular.

HE063A Villa Setoise

HE065A Villas St Clair

Chic, spacious, and overlooking the beach, a holiday in either of these beautiful holiday homes would make for an unforgettable experience.

Luxury greets you from arrival, with a champagne reception awaiting you. The lovely soft furnishings ensure that you'll immediately feel comfortable and at home. Both villas contain many conveniences, such as an espresso machine, home cinema, sauna, children's games room, board games, wifi and secure on-site car-parking - as well as much more.


There is even a 4 half days complimentary water sports package, organised and provided by our in-resort water-sports manager and instructor. Enjoy water skiing, a kayaking trip, and paddle boarding. There is also a good range of bicycles for adults and children and our in-resort staff can also arrange additional activities and excursions as part of the service
.



But wait, there's more! Fresh bread, pastries and papers will be delivered on a daily basis, and the bathrooms are stocked with gorgeous l'Occitane products.

A holiday in one of these villas is truly a luxury experience!

For more information or to make a booking, please visit our website. If you have any questions, please contact us - we would be more than happy to respond to any queries you might have.


Contributions by Katarina Byrne

The Appeal of the Camargue - Wildlife, the Knight's Templar & the Wild West

At first the Camargue doesn't sound so appealing. Originally a marshy wasteland, good for nothing except the extraction of salt - it is now a productive agricultural region, hosting an abundance of amazing wildlife and attracting one million travellers each year.

 Ever since the Knights Templar established themselves here, a subtle human influence upon this unruly land has allowed it to blossom into one of the loveliest natural settings in France. Yet despite the years of taming by the human hand, there is still the feeling that things are wild and uncontrolled here. From the mysterious shifting colours of some of its signature wildlife* to ancient legends and relics, the Camargue captivates those who venture here



This French version of the Wild West is relatively young, despite that the cowboys and bullfighting seem to be such a concrete part of the local culture. Less than one hundred years ago, the region re-invented itself. Farmers transformed themselves into Camargue cowboys, reviving the local economy and creating a new cultural lifestyle for the region. 

 The bulls themselves have roamed the area since the time of the Romans but have become especially popular since bullfighting was cultivated in the region. Those who wish to turn their passion for the bulls into a profession can study the art of bullfighting in the region. Arles is home to a bullfighting school where about thirty young students learn the basics of bullfighting each year.


                                        















One of the main attractions on the area is the protected wetland and marine area, called the 'Parc naturel régional de Carmague' (the Regional Nature Park of the Camargue). 

 More than 400 species of birds make this area their home, including flamingos. About 10,000 flamingo pairs live in the lagoons of the delta. There is a pink pigment in the plankton which they eat - it is this delicious snack which gives the birds their striking pink colour.


Most of the park is closed to traffic, so the best ways to get around are by bicycles or horseback tours. We particularly recommend the horseback option - because you won't be riding just any horse! The Camargue is home to the Camargue horse - they are a species unique to the area and the the only known descendents of prehistoric horses that roamed Europe during the Palaeolithic period. Horses are available for the day from stables along highway D570 between Arles to les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Speaking of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - we definitely recommend that you pay this town a visit during your stay in the area. It's like Mediterranean seaside resorts were 70 years ago; quiet and gentle with unspoilt and uncrowded beaches. It will be interesting particularly those interested in History or Christianity. 

 According to legend, this is the cradle of Christianity in Western Europe. It is said that three Marys - Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacobé, Mary Salomé - and Sarah, their servant, sailed to this town after the crucifixion of Jesus and settled here, bringing the story of Jesus with them.

 Relics of the Saints can be found in the church. The town has become a major destination for pilgrims and each year there is a big festival in celebration and memory of the women. 

 For those who are of a secular inclination, it is still a charming town to visit. In the early twentieth century it became a literary and artistic centre, with visits from creative people such as the writer Ernest Hemingway and the painter Picasso. The film industry took advantage of its natural beauty, using it as the setting for various films.

Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer -- Van Gogh

The best times to visit are in Autumn and Spring, as you will avoid the worst of the tourists and mosquitoes. Autumn is an especially good time because the bird population swells as birds fly south to Africa for the impending winter.

You can experience the region's beautiful scenery via film - these movies were both set in The Camargue:
'Crin Blanc' ('White Mane') - a 1953 children's film which won the Cannes Film Festival's Grand Prize
'Friends' - Filmed in 1971, with a soundtrack featuring Elton John

* Shifting Colours? Some of the wildlife here changes colour! The Flamingoes lose their pink hue and fade to white if they don't eat enough plankton and the famous White Camargue horses are brown or black when born, gradually becoming white after a few years.

Where to stay?

We have several fantastic luxury holiday villas nearby. Please visit our website and browse our holiday villas in Provence. If you would like any assistance in choosing a charming villa for your holiday, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Contributions by Katarina Byrne

EXPLORING CORSICA

Corsica has been occupied by the Greeks, the Romans, the Vandals, the Visigoths, the Saracens, the Lombards and the Genoese. For a brief period it managed to declare itself an independent republic, and it created a constitution for itself (written in Italian). And since 1764, Corsica has (mostly) been a region of France, after the French purchased it from the Republic of Genoa.

Corsicans, however, are quite resilient - they have managed to maintain a local identity throughout all the upheavals. Despite that pretty much everyone knows French, which is the language of commerce and media, the majority of the population speak a language native to Corsica. The island also has some autonomy from the French government and is exempt from paying certain national taxes. So a trip to Corsica is an interesting experience - you’re still technically in France, but it is a very different holiday from a sejourn on the mainland. If you’ve already been the Southern France, then a holiday house in Corsica could be the perfect place for your next French holiday!

One thing which Corsica can laud over other parts of the Mediterranean is that it is relatively unspoilt, having had less development. Nature lovers (and also those who prefer to admire the scenery from afar!) will fall in love with the magnificent mountains, abundant wildlife and the one thousand metres of coastline.

What to do?

The most popular activities in Corsica are centred around the beaches - such as swimming, snorkeling, wind-surfing and scuba diving. Not to mention basking in the sun on the sand! However there’s more to Corsica than just intoxicating yourself with the sun and surf -- there are also some fantastic walks on the island. There are some stunning routes - both on the coast and in the mountains. There is something for everyone, from easy strolls through beautiful scenery to much more intense and challenging hikes. (The ‘GR20’, which winds its way from the southern part of the island, up to its north-western corner, takes most people about 2 weeks to complete!) Corsica values the land and environment and has set up National Parks to protect its natural treasures. The Natural Regional Park of Corsica was primarily created for the protection of rare animal habitats, but it also just plain stunning. The Scandola Nature Reserve is incredibly beautiful, and it is a bit of an adventure to get there, as the only route into the reserve is by boat -- the effort is generously rewarded by the sights which greet you.

The Island is also popular with those with a penchant for History, as Corsica was the birthplace of Napoleon. Napoleon's birthplace in Ajaccio, a large and simple residence, is now a museum devoted to the Bonaparte family in Corsica. The museum evokes the life on Corsica in the 18th century, and introduces the Bonaparte family through a number of exhibits through the rooms of the house. Corsica’s history is much richer than Napoleon, however. You can also visit the ruined battlements of Castello, and learn of medieval adultery, family feuds, revenge killings, betrayal and treachery. There are also a number of interesting museums, displaying artifacts and traditional Corsican tools, clothes and other items. The oldest human skeleton ever found on Corsica (called the ‘Dame de Bonifacio) is on display in a museum near Bonifacio - the skeleton is thought to be an ancient 8,500 years old!

When to visit?

Corsica is typically Mediterranean with its hot, dry summers and mild winters. Up in the mountains it can get a little cool - so keep this in mind if you plan to do a bit of hiking through the mountains. Also, unless you are spending most of your time at the beach,the heat of the summer days can be a little oppressive if you aren’t used to hot weather. The wet season comes around during the winter months. So probably the most pleasant times of year are the Spring and Autumn.

Where to stay?

We have several beautiful villas available in Corsica. http://www.southfrancevillas.com/holiday-villas-in-corsica  One of these is the CR001A Marina di Fiori, located in Porto-Vecchio with stunning views of the Porto-Vecchio gulf. Porto Vecchio is a very popular town in Corsica - and with good reason. The beaches here are among the best on the island and there are so many flawlessly beautiful beaches and coves in the vicinity that you could spend each day of your holiday exploring a different beach. The beaches are mostly child friendly, with their shallow, warm water -- although only the most popular beaches have lifeguards. A villa in Porto Vecchio also makes a great base to explore other parts of Corsica, such as the nearby mountains and prehistoric sites inland from the town including those at Tappa and Sotta.

The Villa itself is very comfortable, with fantastic views and filled with sunlight. With five bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen (plus two kitchenettes), living and dining room and a private pool, this spacious villa is perfect for a large family or two families vacationing together -- with plenty of space for everybody! There is also a two-car garage, which is very convenient -- hiring a car whilst in Corsica is a very good idea, as public transport can be patchy and taxis are quite expensive.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your Corsican holiday in more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We would be very happy to help.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne