Top Five Tips For Booking a Last Minute Villa in the South of France

If you have ever thought about making a spontaneous decision and booking a last minute holiday in the South of France, keep reading - this blog post is for you! We have a wide selection of last minute villas in Languedoc, Provence and Cote d’Azur and booking one with South France Villas is easy and hassle-free. With so many airlines flying to the Southern France, reaching your dream holiday property could not be easier!

Choosing the perfect French Holiday Villa can be overwhelming because of so many options – we’re happy to help you with any questions regarding our Luxury Rentals in the South of France as well as provide information on the local area.

1. Choose the region

Trying to decide which region to stay in can be difficult since every one of them offers different activities, landscapes and climate. Whether it’s wine tasting, windsurfing, golfing or cycling, we’ll help you when it comes to choosing the perfect location for your holiday in the South of France. If you are stuck between two options, have a look at some of our villas that are on the border of Languedoc and Provence or Provence and Cote d’Azur – this gives you the perfect opportunity to explore more during your holiday!

2. Choose the top three things you want in your villa

When you book one of our French Holiday Homes with a big group, you might need to compromise since everyone’s taste is probably different. Try to write down a list of the three things you want in your holiday property in Languedoc, Provence or Cote d’Azur. This will make your search quicker and you can book your dream holiday villa fast!

3. Travel Insurance

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance before jetting off - this will ensure a carefree journey where you don’t have to worry too much.

4. Enjoy your holiday more with a little bit of help

      Whether you want assistance with babysitting, catering or extra cleaning, we’re happy to organise everything for you. This way you can enjoy your French holiday even more and concentrate on relaxing and exploring the local area.

      5. Research the area where you will be staying

        You have now booked your last minute holiday and will be travelling to the South of France shortly – for you to enjoy your stay even more, research the area a little bit before arriving. This will make you more familiar with the region and you don’t have to spend precious time on doing research while you’re on your holiday! If you would like some tips regarding the local area, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  

      Have a look at some of the last minute villa offers we have in September:

The Baie Bleu close to Ste Maxime and St Tropez is now on special offer! This gorgeous Cote d’Azur villa sleeps 4 people in 2 ensuite bedrooms. It has a private pool, large garden and beautiful sea views.

La Garenne near to Canal du Midi sleeps 6 people and prices are from 700€ in September/October! It is close to Beziers and the beach is approximately 25km away. It has a lovely garden and swimming pool and is a great option when you are looking for a last minute Holiday Villa in the South of France.

La Garenne - garden and back facade

Plenty of sunloungers to relax in

Villa Vinea close to Narbonne sleeps 6/7 people and is only £869 in September and October instead of the normal price of £1250! Not far from the Spanish border and the beaches, this property in Languedoc is the perfect last minute Holiday Villa.

If you are looking for a bigger Luxury Villa, have a look at La Californie – situated next to Cannes, this exceptional Luxury Holiday Villa sleeps 10 people. It has sea views, a pool and a lush Mediterranean garden. The international airport of Nice is approximately a 30-minute drive away so the villa can be easily reached. 

If you would like to find out more about any of the featured properties above, or any of our other holiday villas in the South of France, Corsica or Morocco, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

UK: +44 (0)20 70 60 64 14

France: +33 (0)4 67 36 05 54

email: info@southfrancevillas.com

Explore the real hidden gems of Provence

Enjoy the calm and remote beaches, explore the Mediterranean fjords and untouched mountain scenery and experience the unique atmosphere Provence has to offer. We have many Luxury Holiday Villas with private pool in Provence from where you can explore this popular and famous area!

Getting to Provence could not be easier – many airline companies fly to Marseille, Avignon or Toulon-Hyeres. You can also get the high-speed train, TGV, which only takes approximately 3h 15 minutes from Paris to Marseille. All the major car-hire companies are situated at the airports so why not hire a car for your holiday in Provence.

Summers are busy in Provence but if you want to visit the area when it’s less crowded, try April/May or September/October. The weather is lovely during those months and you get to experience more since there are less people and less traffic. We have a choice of Holiday villas in Provence with availability in spring/autumn – have a look at our Provencal holiday property selection.

Here are the top 5 hidden gems in Provence you can visit during your stay in the area:

Les Calanques

Known as the ‘Mediterranean fjords’, les Calanques are only a short drive away from Marseille. These limestone cliffs are 12 000 years old and they plunge into the Mediterranean sea. Starting from the coast of Marseille and ending to Cassis, there are 24 calanques, or inlets, on this 20-kilometre stretch of coast. The most popular inlets are the ones closest to Marseille and Cassis since it is easy to access them. However, if you want peacefulness and solitude, try the inlets that are a bit further away. Some of the calanques can only be accessed by foot or a boat so make sure you’re wearing some good hiking boots! Have a look at our Luxury Holiday Villas with private pool close to the Calanques, namely the Vacation Villa in Cassis.

Les Dentelles de Montmirail

The Dentelles de Montmirail are a small chain of mountains in the Vaucluse department and this traditional and peaceful corner of the region is perfect for a few days of relaxation. The foot of the Dentelles is surrounded by vineyards and there are multiple wine domaines in the area to visit and do wine tasting. It is a spectacular area offering climbing and biking and feels ‘untouched’ even if it is close enough to big towns. Book your Holiday Villa in the Vaucluse, South of France, and explore the beautiful Dentelles de Montmirail! Have a look at Le Ventoux - it sleeps 6-7, has a private swimming pool and is only a short drive away from the Dentelles. If you are looking for a bigger villa, try Mas Colombiere which sleeps 10 people and is located in the heart of Provence. 

Les Dentelles du Montmirail

Les Alpilles

One of Van Gogh’s favourite places in the world, the Chaîne des Alpilles is a small range of mountains situated 20km from Avignon. The beautiful traditional Provencal villages in the area are the perfect location for a relaxing day, or if you are the sporty type you can climb up the mountains and admire the stunning view from the top. Our beautiful Mas Olives sleeps up to 10 people and has superb views of the Alpilles mountains!

Les Alpilles

Camargue

Best known for its white horses, black bulls and flamingos, it is also the area where Provence has it's own 'cowboys'. It is considered to be the largest river delta in Western Europe and covers parts of the territory of the commune of Arles. The landscapes in the Camargue are very unique and different compared to rest of the South of France – discover Camargue yourself and stay in the luxurious Villa Nadege, situated close to the Camargue. It sleeps 12 people, has a heated private pool and stunning views. Have a look at Artists House too - a large family villa close to the Camargue with a swimming pool, sauna, small gym and a snooker table. 

Le Panier, Marseille

Marseille’s Old Town, Le Panier, is a charismatic part of the city. Surging up from the Vieux Port, it was once condemned as an overpopulated underworld but has now some of Marseille’s brightest artists, designers and craftspeople. The best way to explore this part of the city is by foot – there are excellent crafts and designer shops as well as some great art galleries for you to visit. There are many restaurants and French bistros to enjoy lunch or experience the beautiful evening light when the sun comes straight down the street making this part of the city look absolutely magical. Le Charité Café is a great place to visit – it has a peaceful terrace and is the perfect little bistro if you want simple lunch.  If you are looking for a place for dinner, try La Virgule – one of the best restaurants along the Northern edge of the Vieux Port. It has an outdoor terrace and it offers amazing views of the Old Port and Notre Dame de la Garde. Our Villa du Jardin is situated close to the beautiful Aix-en-Provence, only about 25 minutes from Marseille! It sleeps 8 and is the most charming Provencal villa.

Le Panier, Marseille

If you would like to find out more about any of the featured properties above, or any of our other holiday villas in the South of France, Corsica or Morocco, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

UK: +44 (0)20 70 60 64 14

France: +33 (0)4 67 36 05 54

email: info@southfrancevillas.com

Top 10 Beaches in the Languedoc

Whether you want to enjoy the peacefulness of the remote beaches or top up your tan in the livelier ones, Languedoc has something for everyone’s taste. We offer a wide selection of luxury holiday villas in Languedoc, South of France.This is a guide to some of the best beaches in the Languedoc region and they are only a short drive away from your French holiday villa! 

La Corniche

The North side of the beach has a parking lot that is very big and free of charge. There are few nice restaurants, night clubs and cafes so it is the perfect spot for everyone. The South side of La Corniche is thinner and has a wilder feeling since there are no buildings close by. Have a look at our luxury holiday villas in Sète, in the Languedoc - they are all close to La Corniche and other stunning beaches in the Languedoc.

La Corniche

                                                   

Rochelongue

Situated in Cap d’Agde, this lovely beach with fine sand is a great spot for a day at the beach – it is situated approximately 3km from the centre of Cap d’Agde making it easy to get there if you are renting one of our French holiday homes on the beach. It is one of the best and most popular beaches in Cap d’Agde so make sure to get there early in the morning to get a parking spot. Check out our villa rentals with pool in Cap d'Agde in the Languedoc.

Rochelongue

                                      

                                                             

Vias

In between Cap d’Agde and Valras Plage, Vias is a sheltered beach with a line of grassy sand banks. The water is shallow and the beach is calm making it the perfect location for families with little children. There are restaurants, cafes and bars behind the beach where you can sit in the shade with a cold drink during the hottest hours of the day. The beach is easily accessible and is approximately a 25-minute drive away from Béziers.

Vias Beach 

                                                          

Portiragnes

Situated right next to Sérignan, the Portiragnes beach is family oriented and relatively quiet. With fine sand and a dog-friendly area, it is the perfect choice if you want to spend the day on a beach that is not massive. There are few bars and restaurants but they are separated from the beach by a car park. Have a look at our holiday beachfront villa for rent in Portiragnes plage.

Portiragnes

                                  

                                                                    

Sérignan

The 3.2km Sérignan beach is the perfect spot for everyone – it offers plenty of space to spread out. The sand dunes at the back protect the beach and give it a wild and remote feeling. There are few restaurants and beach bars behind the sand bank – enjoy a drink or two after a day at the beach! There is a naturist section at the far left of Sérignan.

Serignan

                                          

                                                      

Valras

Valras is a good option if you’re looking for a beach that is a bit livelier. It has many shops, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy lunch or have some drinks. It is one of the big town beaches and not as calm as Sérignan and Portiragnes but offers a lot to do. Have a look at our beachfront villas in Valras in the South of France.

Valras Plage

                                   

                                             

Port Leucate

Situated in the South of Narbonne, it is a very popular beach amongst the wind and kite surfers.  The sand is gritty and the beach is separated by a promenade where you can roller skate. Perfect for families since there are nice bars, restaurants and cafes as well as plenty of parking space. We have many holiday villas for rent on the beach, near Narbonne, Languedoc.

Port Leucate

                                                                                    

Argèles North

A massive beach with gorgeous views of the Pyrenees. This beach is often described as one of the best ones in France and it has plenty of space to spread out. Holiday homes and campsites are situated right next to the beach but they are separated by trees and flowers. There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants to enjoy lunch or drinks. If you’re feeling adventurous or have had enough of sun bathing, try one of the sea-related activities! We have a selection of luxury holiday villas in Collioure with private pools and within walking distance of the beach.

Argeles North

                                                     

Lake Salagou

If you want to explore a different type of a beach, try Salagou, Languedoc’s best-known lake. The lake is clean but the water can appear a bit dark because of the nature of the local earth. There are lots of trees around the lake providing shade so you can spend the whole day there. 

Lake Salagou

                                                                              

Roquebrun

One of the most beautiful villages in France, the Orb river in Roquebrun offers clean and clear water. Flip flops are necessary since the beach and the river bed are stony. Roquebrun is a popular place for canoeing and you can rent them for a few hours or for a couple of days.  The village is small but stunning and it has a couple of very nice restaurants where you can enjoy the view over the river. Have a look at our private holiday villas with pool in Roquebrun, in the Languedoc. 

Roquebrun

                                

                                              

Book your French holiday villa in the South of France with us!

We have a wide selection of beautiful luxury villas close to all the stunning beaches in the Languedoc region:

If you want to stay close to La Corniche beach, have a look at Villa Setoise [HE063A], a stunning beach front villa with an infinity pool. It is now on special offer with 20% off the weekly prices in August and September! 

The sister property [HE065A] Villa St Clair has amazing views, a gorgeous glass fronted pool and is on special offer as well! 

If you prefer to stay in Cap d'Agde or nearby, we have a wide selection of villas in the area. Check out the beautiful beachfront villa Rochelongue [HE005A] - it has gorgeous sea views and is ideal for families. 

Another stunning villa that is perfect for families is La Bagatelle [HE061A]. Situated on the Rochelongue beach, this contemporary villa has breathtaking sea views and the most enviable position on the white sandy beach. 

Les Rocailles [HE044A] is a stunning beachfront villa with heated pool and a large garden making it a perfect family villa. All the local amenities are nearby or right on the beach.

If you are looking for a smaller property, have a look at the charming Cap Camarine [HE052A] - it is on the beautiful Rochelongue beach!

If you're looking to stay in Valras, Villa Fabienne [HE004A] is directly on the beautiful sandy beach. The pool is completely fenced and the restaurants, bars and cafes are all within a walking distance. It is ideal for a family holiday in the South of France!

If you have many people coming on a holiday in the Languedoc, you can also book the whole property - click on Villa Fabienne [HE004B] for more information. 

Have a look at Villa St Pierre [HE067A] as well - it is right on the Valras beach and sleeps 8. 

If you're interested in staying close to the Port Leucate check out the stunning Laguna Beach Chalet [AU024A] - it is on the beach and has been renovated recently. It is the perfect location for your holiday in the South of France!

For those wanting to stay in the stunning village of Roquebrun, La Grange [HE083A] is a lovely Provencal style farmhouse only a few steps from the River Orb. It is spacious and has breathtaking views over the river. 

When you're looking for a bigger villa in Roquebrun, Maison Mimosa [HE074A] is the perfect choice - it sleeps 14, has a sauna and a heated indoor pool and the river beach is right next to this Languedoc house!

If you would like to find out more about any of the featured properties above, or any of our other holiday villas in the South of France, Corsica or Morocco, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

UK: +44 (0)20 70 60 64 14

France: +33 (0)4 67 36 05 54

email: info@southfrancevillas.com

Exploring Sommieres, Uzes and the Foothills of the Cevennes

Nestled between the Camargue and the Cévennes National Parks, this part of France is truly beautiful, with a landscape of vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and is dotted with ancient stone ruins.You will be enchanted by the rustic perfectness, and will be thrilled you chose to holiday here.

The Cévennes National Park

Sommières
The ancient roman road; the Via Luteva, leads into the charming town of Sommières, crossing the ancient roman bridge over the river Vidourle. It is best to park just outside the town and walk across the bridge. At the town end of the bridge you will see the gothic town gate, known as the “Tour de l’Horloge” due to its large clock face. Once inside the town, relax and take your time exploring the many independent artisan boutiques and restaurants. The narrow cobbled streets lead to a series of squares lined with street cafés. Artists take their place here to paint the Provençal scene. Walking along the tree-lined river will bring you to the town centre.

Sommieres from the Bridge and the Tour de l'Horloge

There are many activities to enjoy in or close to Sommières; Canoeing on the river Vidourle, Cycling along one of the many cycle routes in the area such as the circuit from nearby Calvisson to Sommières, Fishing – you can buy a pass from the local tourist office. The colourful Saturday Market is not to be missed!

Uzès

At only 13 kilometres from the UNESCO certified Pont du Gard, the delightful small town of Uzès certainly has the Provençal charm one is looking for whilst on holiday in the region. The skyline is dominated by the cathedrals 42 metre high Lombard-style bell tower, the Tour Fenestrelle. The chateau in the centre of town, named the Duche, has been owned by the Cressol family for the past 1000 years. Uzès is famed for its Week-End de la Truffe, a celebration of the prized elusive truffle, which takes place mid-January every year. The Uzès Museum is perfect for art lovers and also displays archaeological and pre-historic artifacts. The roman architecture coupled with the many “secret gardens” around the town make Uzès a very pretty place to be.

The Colourful Market on the Place des Herbes, Uzes

The Chateau is open for visitors on Saturdays. The market in Place des Herbes is on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Pont du Gard displays an amazing light and sound show in mid-June. The Musée du Bonbon (also known at the Haribo Museum) is also nearby and is a popular choice for kids.

The Cévennes Steam Train

Alès and the Cévennes
Moving north, the garrigue becomes greener and hillier, you come to the Cévennes National Park, and the town of Alès, also known as the second city of the Gard department and the Capital of the Cévennes. This town, perhaps described as more modern than Sommières and Uzès has an annual festival - the Estiv’Alès; a free event which takes place every July and August – with music concerts throughout the town. There is also “Cévennes Week” an event which sees costumed pageants around the town demonstrating the history of the Cévennes – it takes place in March.
Great days out in the area include - La Bambouseraie a bamboo forest, rare in Europe, which was created in 1856. With many exotic trees and plants. The Cévennes Steam Train is a lovely relaxing way to explore the countryside.

If all of this hasn’t whetted your appetite for a holiday in eastern Languedoc or Provence, here are a few more examples of things to do in the Gard department:

The Beaches at La Grande Motte

The Beaches at La Grande Motte and Le Grau de Roi are not far away.
The cosmopolitan cities of Montpellier and Nîmes are ideal if you are looking for a retail fix! With plenty of restaurants, nightlife, cinemas, ice skating, museums and events throughout the year – there is always something going on, even if you visit during the winter months!
Wine Tasting – You will not have to venture far from your holiday villa to find a local wine producer who will provide you with a tour of the estate and a wine tasting!
If you enjoy the great outdoors, activities such as climbing, hiking, mountain biking and paragliding can all be done whilst visiting Pic Saint Loup, 30kms to the north of Montpellier.

The Impressive Pic Saint Loup

Getting There
It is now easier than ever to reach your self-catering holiday villa in the Languedoc or Provence. Eurostar have now extended their direct 6 hour summer service from Ashford to Avignon by two weeks and will be permanent from 2015. There are flights available from the UK to Nimes, Avignon, Marseille, Beziers and Montpellier. Or, if you are driving, the port of Calais is approximately 600 miles away.

Book Your Holiday Villa With Us!
Here are a selection of our luxury family properties in the eastern Languedoc and Provence near the towns of Sommieres, Uzes and Ales:

Restored Stone-Built Luxury Property near Uzes - Bastide de la Soie  Sleeps up to 12 People, has 2 Pools, Wi-Fi, Air-Conditioning and Incredible Views

A Stunning 140 Acre Estate - Domaine de Montmel , near Sommieres, has Breathtaking Views and an Infinity Pool. The Property Sleeps up to 28 People and is Perfect for Large Events and Weddings

Between Nimes and Montpellier, Sleeping up to 12 People, Artists Hous is Equipped with Sauna, Snooker Table and Gym. The Villa has 6 Bedrooms, a Large Garden and Air-Conditioning, Ideal for 2 Families Holidaying Together!

Villa Nadege is a Large Country House with a Stunning Summer Kitchen, Pool, Gym and 6 Bedrooms. Situated just South of Ales.

A Hilltop Farmhouse in the Cevennes, Mas Sevenne  is a Stone-Built Bastide with a Private Pool near St Hippolyte du Fort. All Rooms have Stunning Views. Sleeps 8-10 in 4 Bedrooms.

Bastide Langlade is a Charming Renovated 18th Century Winemakers House near Sommieres. On the Edge of a Pretty Village with Open Views to the Countryside. Sleeps 12 - 14 People in 5 Bedrooms.

Domaine Fontaine du Mas, is a Large Farmhouse Property near Uzes which can Sleep up to 30 People. It is Perfect for Events and Wedding Celebrations.

Le Vieux Moulin, (is a Large 17th Century Water Mill near Sommieres Offering 3 Separate Gites Sleeping up to 27 People - Ideal for 3 Families. The Gites can also be Rented Separately for Smaller Groups (Property References:   and 

If you would like to find out more about any of the featured properties above, or any of our other holiday villas in the South of France, Corsica or Morocco, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

UK : +44 (0)20 70 60 54 14
France: +33 (0)4 67 36 05 54
email: info@southfrancevillas.com

 

Why is it a Great Time to Rent a Villa in the South of France? The Sterling Surges!

Why is it a great time to rent a villa in the South of France?  Expert currency advice from our guest contributor Peter Lavelle alerts you to the pound surging in the last few weeks making your rental this summer in the Languedoc, Provence or the Riviera cheaper.

Great news for you if you plan to rent a villa in the south of France this year! It's currently less costly to do so, because the pound has hit its highest versus the euro in 20 months, or since October 1st 2012, at approximately 1.2563. So when you exchange currencies, you'll get a higher euro total!

How many more euros will you get when you rent in the south of France?

If you were to exchange £1,250 into euros to rent a villa in the south of France, you'd receive approximately +/- €150 more at present than if you'd done so when the pound was weak, back in March 2013, at around just 1.1371. So this isn't pocket change - the strong pound will add significantly to your final euro total!

Why is the pound rising against the euro now?

Sterling is strengthening against the euro for 2 reasons. The first is that the UK economy is forecast to grow 3.0% this year, more than any other major country. The second is that the Bank of England looks set to become the 1st major central bank since the recession to hike interest rates.

Will the pound continue to rise against the euro, further cutting the cost of renting  in the south of France?

The pound may just continue to rise further! This is because there is absolutely no sign that the UK's economic revival will let up any time soon. Quite the opposite, there are more people in work in the UK now than any time since records began, while prices in the UK housing market are surging.

So as the pound rises against the euro, it's a great time to rent a property in the south of France!

About the author

Peter Lavelle is a currency dealer at foreign exchange broker Pure FX. For free expert currency advice when you rent a property in the south of France, call him on +44 (0) 1494 671800 or email peter.lavelle@purefx.co.uk He'll be glad to help.

Here are 2 examples of rental properties in the South of France showing your approximate savings on booking a weeks' holiday in August now compared to March 2013: 

La Petite Bastide (HE091A) - A Languedoc Villa on a Golf Course near Beziers and the Mediterranean Beaches.The villa sleeps up to 6 people, has Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, private pool and a summer kitchen.  A week staying here in August is €2375. Paying in £ sterling in March 2013 this would have cost approximately £2088. With the current favourable exchange rate the same property costs approximately £1890 - a saving of around £200!

Benefit from getting more for your £'s! La Petite Bastide (HE091A) is approximately £200 cheaper in August when you book now compared to March 2013 due to the current great exchange rate.

Villa Ilana (AM035A) - A beautiful villa on the Cote d'Azur, above Sainte-Maxime with views of the Mediterranean and Saint-Tropez. Sleeping up to 8 people and equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and a large, curved, heated infinity pool. 

A week in August is €4375. If you booked and paid in £ Sterling in March 2013 this would have been approximately £3847. The same week booked now would be approximately £3482 - a saving of around £365!

A saving of approximately £365! Villa Ilana (AM035A) near Sainte-Maxime on the Cote d'Azur.

Please note; The bank rates used by South France Villas may differ slightly from the rates shown above, however they do follow the same trend. To benefit fully from the strong £ sterling rate, you may find it advisable to research all options of payment before making the transaction.

If you would like any more information about our properties and their prices and availability, please do not hesitate to get in touch with South France Villas!

UK: +44 (0)207 060 5414

France +33 (0)4 67 36 05 54

Email: info@southfrancevillas.com

Where are the 5 best music festivals in Languedoc, South of France this summer ?

Hottest Music Festivals & Concerts in the Languedoc for Summer 2014

Saturday the 21^st of June is officially the start of summer, however it is better known in France as the “Fete de la Musique”. Every city, town and village will be celebrating with music, locals dust off their instruments and play alongside the professionals, this is just taster before the summer festivals begin, and below we have highlighted 5 of our favourites.

1. Carcassonne Festival 19^th of June to 1^st of August, what do you prefer Rock or Opera?

The amazing open air theatre.

Elton John who is headlining this year was just 10 years old when this festival was created in 1957! There are a  wide range of performances, from rock groups like Status Quo, and Franz Ferdinand to the historical Don Giovanni Opera.

This festival highlights the cultural diversity available in the area of Carcassonne. The Medieval Citadel was named as a world heritage site in the late nineties, and its intimate open-air theatre provides an amazing setting for the shows along with spectacular acoustics.
There are also plenty of free concerts, street theatre, dance shows, classical music and comedy shows around the city.

Also playing this year are James Blunt, Mike and the Mechanics and Vanessa Paradis.

2. Worldwide festival Sete 30th of June to the 6th of July.

Sete beach party.

Created by Gilles Peterson in 2006, this festival transforms the fishing town of Sete into a mini Glastonbury! 

There are 5 venues across the town where a mix of unique live music and D J’s will play; the beach stage, the Paul Valery Museum, the Theatre de la Mer, St Christ and the contemporary art centre.

Many of the events are free of charge, however buy yourself a 4 day or week pass and you can get priority access to all the venues.

3. Les Deferlantes,  Argelès-sur-Mer,  7^th, 8^th and 9^th of July

Club atmosphere by the Chateau!

Les Déferlantes (the unfurling of the waves) is a 3-day summer festival set in the grounds of an old French chateau in Argelès-sur-Mer, near the Spanish border. Live music begins around 4 in the afternoon although the chateau grounds are open during the day as people picnic and drink beers in the sun. It is a child-friendly festival, especially popular among young teenagers.

Acts this year include, Vanessa Paradis, Blondie, UB40, Lilly Allen and Phoenix to name a few.

4. Nimes Festival 28th of June until 24th of July

The Roman amphitheatre

This festival was established in 1997 and offers a great line up of concerts set in the Roman amphitheatre, built over 2000 years ago it is a prime example of Roman engineering. The historic city of  Nimes hosts many events during the year and the amphitheatre is the perfect setting in which to watch and listen to the performing artists.

Acts this year include , Arctic Monkeys , ZZ Top, Ben Miller Band and The Kills.

5. Jazz in Sete 12th to the 19th of July 

What a view!

Sete again ! Featuring twice on our list, this town has really changed in the last few years, luxury villas have been built by the sea, fantastic bars and restaurants on the beach and great music.

This small amphitheatre known locally as the Theatre de la mer, set on the Sete coastline has breath-taking views over the Mediterranean Sea. With only 1485 seats you almost feel that you are enjoying a private concert.
Jeff Beck the internationally acclaimed Grammy winner will be strumming his guitar here on the 12th of July. Also performing in July are Bettye LaVette, Nikky Yanofsky, and Gregory Porter.  

Why not rent one of South France Villas properties near to the festivals including our amazing villas in Sete directly on the beach. Please call us on 0044 207 060 5414 or visit www.southfrancevillas.com

Luxury villa in Sete