Archive for the ‘France’ Category

Romantic Valentines City Breaks

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Do something special this Valentines Day and whisk that special someone away for a magical long weekend in one of the world’s most romantic cities. Perfect Getaways have a fantastic array of holiday accommodation perfect for a romantic break with everything from apartments overlooking the Seine to romantic Riads in Marrakech.

Paris is the ultimate city for lovers with love in the air at any time of the year. Strolls along the Seine, kisses under the Eiffel Tower and sipping coffee on the Champs Elysees are a few of Cupid’s most popular pastimes in Paris, but there is something more elusive in the air that sends lovebirds swooning in this enchanting city, rent a holiday apartment in Paris this Valentines Day and find out what it is.

There aren’t too many sights in the world more impressive than the city of Venice. This fairytale city is a whirlwind of elegance and beauty where you can go on a romantic gondola ride or watch the world go by in a colourful palazzo. There’s plenty of other attractions to see too, like glamorous designer shops, classy restaurants and stunning galleries indoors, but we’re warning you now, you’ll struggle to stop yourself from standing on a bridge and admiring one of the most breathtaking cities ever built time and time again. So visit our micro site Villas Rent Italy.Com and enjoy the view.

Prague’s soaring gothic spires and towers are just begging for a romantic wander along this monumental city’s medieval lanes. The iconic Charles Bridge is the perfect place to watch the sunset amidst the shadows of the gothic statues overlooking the river. It’s so easy to lose yourself in the beauty and romance of this historical city with its striking architecture, cobblestone streets and ancient monuments, it really is a lover’s paradise, so rent a holiday apartment in Prague and let the love flow.

For something different why not rent a holiday villa in Marrakech and awaken your senses by exploring the souks and the world famous Jemaa El Fna square, overflowing with snake charmers and belly dancers. For an alternative break in Italy, rent a holiday home in Florence, where the renaissance ambience creates an enchantingly romantic storybook atmosphere in a fascinating city bursting with culture and sophistication. You could even stay closer to home and rent a holiday apartment in London and treat your loved one to a thrilling West End show or a tour of London’s famous sights.

Carnac: Sun,Sea and Megaliths

Friday, January 13th, 2012

If you’re fed up of winter and fancy a stint by the sea, then why not hop over the channel and rent a holiday home in Carnac, the charming seaside resort in South Brittany. This quaint little town is home to five delightful beaches on the Atlantic Coast but is above all known as the largest megalithic site in the world.

With over 3,000 granite stones erected and aligned over an area covering forty hectares, Carnac even trumps Stonehenge as the world’s most comprehensive collection of megaliths. The stones, which are no bigger than four metres tall, stretch for as long as four kilometres and were erected around 4,500 B.C. predating Stonehenge by 100 years, make for a terrific twist to an enchanting seaside break. Much like Stonehenge, there is plenty of mystery shrouding Carnac as nobody knows the reason why these granite stones were erected, however this makes them no less intriguing. If you pay a visit to the site, the best place to begin your journey is from the Maison de Megalithes, where you can arrange a guided tour and watch a fascinating film that provides some captivating insights about the tribes believed to have erected the stones.

However the fun doesn’t end there, as in the old town, known and Carnac-Ville, the Museum of Prehistory provides more enthralling revelations about the Neolithic period, with over 6600 artifacts found in the local area on display. The collection is Europe’s finest and gives a detailed description of the lives of settlers during 5,000 and 2,000 B.C. who were though to have lived in wood and clay houses and lived off farming as well as the rearing of livestock.

Once you’ve explored the magical ancient history of the area, you’re entitled to a well earned rest. Carnac-Plage has a variety of beaches to lay your towel on, from the popular family beach of Grande Plage to the tranquil and sheltered Ty Bihan, each is as beautiful as the next and all are supplied with beautiful gardens and tree-lined avenues oozing elegance and sophistication like only the French can. Beaumer and Plages Men Du are two gems that are rarely used and St.Colomban is extremely popular for wind and kite surfers.

So for a beach holiday with a bit of a twist, why not rent a holiday villa in Carnac, where you’ll get stunning beaches and intriguing history in abundance as well as a dose of sophistication that comes as standard with holiday accommodation in France. Click here to have a look at one of our favourite holiday homes in Carnac.

Ski Update : All Systems Are Go!

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

After the driest and mildest autumn the Alps has seen in 148 years, a bleak picture was painted for the European ski season, a World Cup race in Val d’Isere was even cancelled due to a lack of snow. Two weeks later, another was cancelled because of too much snow.

This dramatic turnaround in fortunes has been the best and most astonishing start to a ski season in Europe for more than a generation with more snow falling across the Alps in 10 days than the whole of last season. Records show that four times the average snowfall for mid January is already blanketed across the Alps and so far has the potential to equal and perhaps surpass North America’s groundbreaking season last year. Experts are estimating that even if there were to be no more snow until Easter and temperatures rise as high as last years spring time highs, resorts like Tignes and St.Anton at higher altitudes could survive more than adequately on the cover already lining their pistes.

So what are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to rent a ski chalet with resorts all over the Alps, including resorts in France, Switzerland and Austria receiving near-record levels of snow for the time of year. Courchevel 1850 has received more than a metre and a half of snow in the past seven days, whilst Chamonix has also seen a metre of snow fall during the past week.

Although it would be premature to proclaim this is the best ski season ever, we are only a quarter of the way through, the skies are set to clear this weekend meaning that any loaded slopes can be blasted to significantly reduce the avalanche risk. In most places Christmas and New Year were perfect for skiing; January is sublime so far and with clear blue skies this weekend, half term looks like a mouth watering prospect for families wanting to get away on a ski holiday this year.

The Cannes “Fesitval De Danse”

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Cannes is a city of perpetual festivals, making it a delectable destination swelling with culture and elegance. A-List celebrities roll in for the Film Festival, monarchs for the Royal Regatta, fashionista’s for the Shopping festival and every two years in November, a tidal wave of finesse and poise sweeps the town away as some of the world’s most renowned dancer and directors glide into the city for the Festival De Dance.

The biennial festival is at the forefront of the dance world and also features dance’s up and coming stars with companies from Marseilles, Paris, Spain, Italy, Africa, Japan, England, Canada, Scotland and Belgium flocking to the French Riviera this November to showcase their skills.

This year, under the stewardship of Frederic Flamand who takes over from previous artistic director Yorgos Loukos, the festival looks set to break unprecedented ground with the theme of “New Mythologies” already having critics drooling. The alluring prospect of “New Mythologies” promises to provide some mesmerising and stimulating shows throughout the week, as it seeks to discover if ancient myths translate through our contemporary world due to the dominance of new technologies and image in society.

Book holiday accommodation in Cannes this November and spend your days milling along La Croisette, browsing the couture boutiques or people watching in charming cafés and your evenings in glamorous theatres watching stunning shows. There’s an endless list of things to do in Cannes and the Dance Festival is merely the icing on the cake, if you’re looking for a distinguished and luxurious getaway, then Cannes is the place for you.

The Festival De Dance begins on the 22nd November, so there’s plenty of time to book a holiday villa in Cannes and enjoy the city at it’s most majestic and evocative. Click the links below to have a look at some holiday apartments in Cannes that would be perfect for visiting Cannes during the Festival.

Le Jardin Florian

Residence La Graziella

Ski Breaks in Europe

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

Attention all skier’s! Now is the perfect time to book your ski holiday this winter and Perfect Getaways are here to provide you with some fantastic ski apartments that will make coming home the best part of your day.

Perfect Getaways have some tremendous holiday apartments and ski chalets in a variety of some of the world’s top ski resorts, including the enormous La Plagne, the distinguished Zermatt, family-friendly Borovets and the historic Zell Am See.

If you’re still stuck for ideas on where to slide down the slopes from, take a quick look at this brief overview of some of our favourite skiing destinations and see which one suits you.

La Plagne is one of the largest and most diverse ski resorts in the world, located in the western Alps, it’s part of the colossal Paradiski development which boasts 425 kilometres of piste and is one of the top 5 biggest resorts in the world. Skiing in La Plagne is as easy and care-free as the phenomenal Vanoie Express seamlessly links the resorts of Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry to La Plagne, making choosing where to ski the most stressful part of the day!

Zermatt is undisputedly one of the ten best ski resorts in the world. Two million visitors a year is a glowing reflection of this iconic destination’s enchanting ambience begotten by it’s car-free village and striking proximity to the imperious Matterhorn looming above. The Swiss are notoriously smart when it comes to money and Zermatt doesn’t disappoint, by offering probably the most generous ticket pricing for families around and discounts for children aged up to 20 years old, it’s a refreshing change from paying adult prices for kids over 10 years old.

Borovets is Bulgaria’s oldest winter resort and is once again a more family friendly resort in terms of prices. It’s a small resort in picture postcard surroundings but that may not last long as the “Super Borovets” development aims to launch Borovets back to its former glories. There’s not much in the way of alternative activities and après-ski, but it’s a great place for beginners to learn the ropes and if you book a chalet with Perfect Getaways you’ll have a delightful home to return to after a long day on the slopes.

Zell Am See is another historic ski destination with downhill descents stretching back as far as 1893 in this fetching Austrian resort. Located in the central Alps of Austria, this idyllic ski resort is a year round magnet with a dazzling array of activities and sports n offer, not to mention the city of Salzburg on it’s doorstep. There are more extension plans underway here that will connect Zell Am See to the nearby skiing town of Schmitten which will increase the dazzling assortment of slopes even further.

So book a ski chalet today and get ready for your ski holiday this winter, simply click the underlined links of each resort and take a look at some of our brilliant ski chalets available to rent directly from the owner.

Mix With the Monarchs this September in Cannes

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

All year round, galas, regattas and festivals float in and out of Cannes as much as the high flyers breeze in to spend weekends lolling about on their yachts and people-watching from elegant waterfront cafes. The film festival dominates Cannes and it’s aftertaste lingers throughout the year, adding an A-list sparkle to this already shimmering town, however here at Perfect Getaways we have some fantastic holiday villas in Cannes without the Hollywood price tag.

In September, like many parts of the Mediterranean, the veil of tourists lifts and Cannes returns to its usual dazzlingly poised self; lavish yachts fill the bay, exclusive beaches remain exclusive and only the latest Ferrari’s and Maserati’s turn heads.

However, September also features two of Cannes most illustrious and prestigious events (Film Festival aside), the Cannes Festival of Yachting and the Royal Regatta. The Yachting Festival takes place at the beginning of the month and is an elaborate exhibition showcasing some lavish yachts and are a delightful sight to see bobbing away in the harbour.

The Royal Regatta is as distinguished as it is exhilarating, this traditional yacht race celebrated its 150th anniversary last year and sees a vast array of magnificent classic yachts race around courses set in the bay and around the historic Lerins Islands. Simply sitting in a classy café watching the yachts hurling past each other is strangely addictive, then add elegant food, sumptuous wines and a breathtaking sunset and the day has been a taste of Cannes at it’s most enchanting.

Cannes comes alive under this majestic event and with royalty like Prince Henrik of Denmark competing, it’s not uncommon to see glamorous regals milling along the famous La Croisette promenade and lounging in intimate waterfront cafes. The town oozes elegance and sophistication unlike no other point in the year.

Rent a holiday home in Cannes and bask in the majestic ambience of the town at it’s most refined and self-assured self. Click here to look at some of our most luxurious holiday accommodation in Cannes and enjoy a break fit for a king.

Nice, Not Just a Pretty Face

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Nice, where sun seekers cradle cocktails by the beach, where artists and aficionados alike soak up the culture emanating from the streets and where sophistication is a way of life. The capital of the French Riviera is a dynamic and refined city swimming in sunshine and timeless beauty.

Despite its suave Mediterranean good looks and smooth talking ways, Nice isn’t all slicked back hair and Latino charm, it’s a city of rich history, with the Romans and the U.S.S.R. amongst the many to leave their mark on the city. Add to the equation, the legacy of artists who have flocked to the city, most notably Henri Matisse, and the delightful squares, restaurants, cafes and architecture littered throughout the city you can’t help but be seduced by this Mediterranean lothario.

One of the most refreshing parts of Nice is the Old Town, dripping with atmosphere, it is a charming maze of narrow streets, elegant churches, vibrant markets and boutique shops selling anything from locally produced crafts to couture fashion. The rest of the city is a chic open-air museum, illuminated by the sun so it sparkles and shimmers like the toned bodies of the sunbathers baking on the city’s polished pebbled beaches. For every Michelin star restaurant or designer boutique in the city centre, there’s a fascinating museum, cathedral or castle to explore. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral is a stunning structure, albeit in a peculiar location, this lavish Cathedral is a breathtaking testament to Nice’s intriguing history, and the combination of traditional Russian onion towers and tropical palm trees is a sight you’ll not find anywhere else.

Even though Nice’s historical credentials are a lot greater than most acknowledge, it is for good reason, as it’s Mediterranean beaches can go toe-to-toe with any in the world, not that it would, Nice is much too classy for that. With 15 private beaches and 20 public ones there’s a vast array where you can join the cocktail-sippers in one of the most elegant and sophisticated cities in the world.

Click here to have a look at some of our most luxurious holiday accommodation in Nice.

Amazing Special Offer!

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Quick! Hurry because Perfect Getaways have a stunning holiday gite in the breathtaking west coast region of France, Pays De La Loire that is going on special offer for an unlimited time only. The Owner of this property has reduced their weekly rates down to £495 for the month of August on a first come first served basis! Click here to have a better look at the property and book now!

Pays De La Loire is a region with a conflict of interests between coast and countryside, however both are equally as beautiful. The coast rubs against the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic for 300 km with long sandy beaches, enchanting bays and tranquil islands like Yeu tagging along. Whereas the countryside is vast, and verdant undulating hills meet dramatic valleys, whilst the River Loire glides gracefully past field after field of cattle.

Pays De La Loire is a truly beautiful region of France with many things to do, for example you can explore the enthralling countryside on foot, on horseback or by bike, you can work on your tan and bathe in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic, discover the history of Pays De La Loire by visiting cities like Nantes, immerse yourself in French culture by sampling the local specialties and wines – it is France after all, or you could even hop on a ferry and make a day trip to the gorgeous island of Yeu.

There is plenty to do in Pays De La Loire and is perfect for all ages, don’t delay and book your holiday today.

Click here to have another look at the property on offer.

Discover Medieval Carcassone

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Carcassonne is an enchanting town, nestled in the hotbed of history that is the Languedoc region of France. This fairly average town however, is blessed with a unique selling point unlike any other in the world and we’re here to tell you all about it…

“La Cite” is a historical old fortified city that is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations luring in 3 million visitors a year thanks to its Walt Disney-like aesthetics and rich history. La Cite is a textbook medieval city, that is peppered with looming towers and ramparts perched on a hill and encircled by a classic moat (which has unfortunately dried up). A spider web of narrow cobblestone streets and ancient buildings lie behind two lines of concentric, crenellated walls that provide an intimidating outer shell and protection of La Cite.

Inside La Cite, the medieval town is a whirlwind of shops, cafés, restaurants, markets, stalls and other fantastic attractions. There are charming little squares bursting with café’s and shops providing a much needed respite after traipsing around this enthralling and surreal medieval city. In particular, if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, Place Marou is a lovely place to try some authentic medieval food like peasant stew cassoullet from a quaint terrace and watch the other tourists scurry underneath or take in the sweeping views of the rustic Languedoc countryside.

There are also many fantastic exhibitions and demonstrations of medieval lifestyle in La Cite to keep you busy. For example, the Eagles of La Cite (Les Aigles de la Cite) is a cracking exhibition, involving the largest collection of birds of prey in the world which have been trained using medieval methods to perform tricks and stunts. The exhibition involves volunteers and audience participation so it is a great way to get involved and is lots of fun.

In addition, the Basilica of Saint Nazare is a wondrous sight to see, as it is filled with lavish stained-glass windows, elaborate carvings and ornate decorations both inside and out.  You can also take the castle and ramparts tour, which gives you a detailed history of this fascinating city and takes you around the highlights of La Cite.

Below is a selection of some of our favourite properties in the C arcassone area, simply click the title of the property to have a look.

La Maison de Chauve-Souris

La Grange de Pierre

L’Ecurie

La Petite Maison

Exploring Languedoc-Rousillon

Friday, July 8th, 2011

Le Vivier is a quaint little sleepy village nestled in the Langeudoc-Rousillon region of France. Perched on the foothills of the Pyrenees, the village is enveloped by the rich influences of its Catalan neighbours and the history that sweeps down from the Pyrenees, creating a whirlwind of flavour, beauty and heritage.

Le Vivier is set amongst miles and miles of vineyards and offers walks and hikes along the bulbous Pyrenees hillsides which are littered with many more charming villages just like Le Vivier and offer majestic views of this panoramic scenery. Le Vivier is a great base to explore the rest of the Languedoc-Rousillon region of France, which at the foot of the country is skirted by the Mediterranean and Catalonia, providing an eclectic variety of cultures, diverse landscape and heritage by the bucket load.

In the nearby Perpignan, the Iberian blood of the ancestors who fled the peninsula gives the city a Catalan ambience as much as French making it a riveting and captivating city. Don’t let the scintillating Mediterranean beaches and exquisite seafood deceive you, you’re still in France however popping over to Spain is a great way to spend a day.

Also nearby is Carcassone, a medieval city exceptionally popular for its fairytale-like walled city (La Cite) that is perched on a hill, and marvelously well preserved. Carcassone is also the home to some of the finest restaurants in the Languedoc-Rousillon area, as well as sophisticated wine bars and cracking bric-a-brac shopping in its traditional markets.

Whilst in Le Vivier a visit to some of the historical Cathar Castles that are scattered all over the foothills of the Pyrenees is a necessity. Drenched in history and brutally beautiful, Chateau de Montseguir was the last Cathar Stronghold and is reputed to be the site where over 200 Cathars were tragically burned alive after refusing to renounce their faith.

Renting a holiday villa in Le Vivier is a perfect way to explore the gorgeous and historic Languedoc-Rousillon region of France, as you can set yourself free of any hotel worries and enjoy your stay in complete comfort and relaxation.

Click here to view this luxury property that would be a perfect base to discover Languedoc-Rousillon.