South of France - Sun, Sea, and Seafood!

The coastline of the Herault is abundant with fantastic restaurants and quirky spots to sample the gastronomic delights of the region. Especially if you are a seafood lover! The Etang de Thau has to be the epitome of oyster growing in the south of France, it is the largest and deepest of the lagoons in the Languedoc and has the widest variety of marine life.

The nearby villages of Bouzigues and Marseillan have the wonderful charm of ancient fishing ports and beautiful marinas lined by restaurants and cafes.
There could not be a more idyllic place to enjoy a platter of oysters and bottle of Picpoul de Pinet – the local classic combination.



The freshest oysters that are grown on the beds that stretch out into the Etang and the classic crisp, zesty and fresh wine grown in the vineyards surrounding the villages and mad only a few miles down the road….what could be more perfect?

If you are looking for a Fruit de Mer feast then look no further than La Ferme Marine.
A local favourite located in a rather unassuming plot right on the Etang and just 5 minutes out of Marseillan. When visiting in the day time you will get a spectacular panoramic view of the the Etang and and across the water the town Sète and the Mont St-Clair hill just above it.

The restaurants atmosphere is busy and convivial, so leave your airs and graces at the door and be ready to get stuck into a seafood fest of oyster slurping, prawn peeling and crab claw cracking. The all you can eat buffet has a plethora of seafood all waiting to be sampled, including oysters fresh out of the Etang, half crabs and crab claws, cockles, mussels and juicy pink prawns.

The greedy among us will rejoice to know that the buffet is “à volonté” meaning you can eat as much as you like! The restaurant also serves a variety of hot and cold à la carte dishes, a spectacular favourite of these is the Parillada which is a platter piled high with a variety of grilled fish, king prawns and scallops.

If you are looking for a holiday filled with gastronomic delights then a family holiday booked with South France Villas may just be exactly what you are looking for!

http://www.lafermemarine.fr/

Happy New Year from South France Villas

We wish you a very Happy New Year and we hope that 2015 brings you joy and happiness. 

After a wonderful break recuperating we are refreshed and raring to go, ready for our busiest time of the year!
New year is when the holiday dreams start, Christmas is forgotten and one starts dreaming of the sunshine, clear blue skies, sandy beaches, glorious Mediterranean food, and maybe a glass of wine by the pool… South France Villas can make these dreams come true.

What about a week or two in this fabulous villa which is directly on a beach, has its own private swimming pool, and  restaurants, bars and shops are within walking distance.
Villa Fabienne can sleep up to 10 people so there is plenty of room for 2 families or Grandparents!

For a Honeymoon or a romantic escape to the South of France, this beautiful villa  La-maniere is just wonderful with a large pool and garden.

What better way to start the New Year by booking your spring or summer holiday.





We now have over 250 holiday villas across the South of France; Languedoc, Provence and the Cote d’Azur and we are adding new villas every week. All our villas have a swimming pool or are directly on the beach. You will be spoilt for choice!

Thinking of visiting the South of France for your 2015 family holiday?

Should I book my villa rental early or wait for a last minute deal?

South France Villas top 5 advantages of booking your summer holiday early.

1. You get to choose exactly what you would like with no compromises.
2. Take advantage of the early booking offers on Flights, Eurostar and Ferry travel.
3. Something to look forward to, "this time next month I will be in the South of France"….only so many sleeps!
4. Easier to budget as your deposit has already been paid.
5. Plenty of time to plan your holiday agenda, the best places to visit, which beaches etc.

When should I book? If you are a large group with specific requirements then the earlier the better. The larger Southern France villas with pools, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, heated pools and within walking distances of shops, restaurants etc., can already be fully booked for the school summer holidays by mid January. 

Francophiles who come to the South of France every year have even been known to book 18 months in advance to ensure they get the right villa or location. For example, this wonderful villa with breathtaking views over Collioure, Languedoc has only one peak season week left Villa-la-voile , don’t panic we have many other fabulous villas that do have availability! Like this lovely one near Grasse on the Cote d’Azur Villa-des-Pierres, with heated pool and a hot tub.

Should I wait for a last minute special offer? Again, this depends on your requirements. If you are not too concerned about staying in a specific South of France village or town and are a small family with date flexibility then maybe you could take the risk. However, you may find that the best ones will have been snapped up. New Villas are been added all the time, so this could work to your advantage. This French villa on a golf course near Pezenas was new to the site in August La-Petite-Bastide - a great family rental.

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 

A real French experience - Grape picking in the South of France

Wine harvest season starts in September – why not book a villa with us and experience this exciting season in the most beautiful vineyards in the South of France. We have a selection of last minute Holiday Homes in Provence, Languedoc and Cote d’Azur. 

Here is some advice to follow if you want to witness this seasonal activity.

A farmer’s grape harvest takes any time between 7 and 18 days. The weather during harvesting is still warm but there are less tourists so you get to explore more during your time off. Provence, Cote d’Azur and Languedoc are all famous for their high-quality wines and some vineyards still employ many people from all over the world during the grape harvest season. Usually there are three types of positions to be filled: cutters, carriers, and those who empty the buckets. ‘Les vendanges’ (grape harvest) is hard work but definitely a once in a lifetime experience. After a day of hard work it is traditional for the farmers to arrange drinks for the ‘vendangeurs’ (grape pickers) and some farmers even provide lunch or dinner.

Grape picking in France

Languedoc, Provence& Cote d’Azur as wine producers

Languedoc remains the largest wine producing region in the world (2800 wine producers) even though its reputation was bad until the 1980s because of overproducing cheap wine in the 1970s. This, however, changed and the region has since recovered its status as a high quality wine producer – wine production in the region is all about quality over quantity. Why not rent a villa in the Languedoc and visit some of the wine domaines doing exciting new blends such as La Croix Belle or Les Chemins de Bassac. Have a look at the stunning Maison Mimosa right next to the river Orb, close to La Croix Belle or the Luxury Villa Domaine de Bassac next to Les Chemins de Bassac.

The oldest and one of the most famous wine producing areas, Provence, is internationally known for its refreshing and crisp light pink rosé wine. The total land area, 27,000 hectares, covers both Provence and parts of Cote d’Azur. There are around 600 wine producers in Provence and Cote d’Azur producing around 170 million bottles of wine each year (88% rosé, 9% red and 3% white). Even though the region is most famous for its rosé, you should also try powerful and structured red wines or delicate and light whites. 

Delicious grapes

Appellation

The ‘Appellation d’origine controlée (AOC sometimes AOP)’ is the French certification granted to certain French products, such as wines. The certification was originally formed to protect the ancient wines in France and to preserve them for future generations. There are over 300 French wines that are entitled to the designation of AOC on their label – around 30 in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and approximately 10 in Provence/Cote d’Azur area. The most famous ones include Côtes de Provence, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côte du Rhône, for example.

You can also find bottles that have been labelled as ‘Vin de Pays’ (VDP or IGP) – these wines are not necessarily lower quality than the AOC ones, they are wines that were made using grape varieties or procedures that were other than those required by the AOC rules. Some of the top wine producers especially in the Languedoc-Roussillon region have decided to work outside the AOC regulations meaning that ‘Vin de Pays’ wines are still excellent quality. There are now more than 150 VDP/IGP titles covering mostly locations in the South of France - we recommend trying the delicious wines of Mas de Daumas Gassac.

Many of our holiday homes in the South of France are situated close to the local wine domaines. If you want to stay in Languedoc, the biggest wine producing region in France, have a look at these properties:

Villa Elisabeth is perfect for 6 people,it has a private pool and it is very close to the beautiful Pezenas and Agde. It is also on special offer during September and October!

Lovely pool

If you are looking for a more contemporary holiday property in the Languedoc, check out Maison Nadine – it is situated right on the edge of a typical Mediterranean wine producing village making it the perfect spot if you want to do some grape picking.

Gorgeous views

Situated in a quiet wine growing village, Maison Minervois is a beautifully renovated and decorated Languedoc villa for 8 people – great location for your holiday in the South of France.

When you are looking for a South of France Luxury Villa, Casa St Elme is the perfect one! It sleeps 8 people, has a private pool, jacuzzi as well as magnificent views.

Casa St Elme

Fabulous views

Situated in one of the most beautiful villages in France,  La Grange in Roquebrun is a large villa with stunning views over the village. The local ‘appellation’ is St Chinian but some vineyards also produce wine for the ‘Faugères’ appellation. 

La Grange

Villa facade

Domaine de Beausejour is a charming 19^th century converted wine domaine very close to Beziers. It is also approximately 10km from the beach.

Domaine de Beausejour

Relax by the pool

When you want to stay in Provence, Villa Du Jardin right next to Aix-en-Provence is perfect if you want to witness the wine harvesting - there are several wine domaines in the region. This traditional Provencal villa has 5 bedrooms to sleep 8 people and also has a lovely private pool. 

Villa du Jardin

Beautiful pool area

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 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