Friday 31 January 2014

Golf Rental Villas in the South of France

If you are a golfer then the South of France is the ideal choice for your next holiday or short break. There are many, many courses in the South of France and in Provence, some more challenging and some great for those with a slightly higher handicap.

We have put together a list of the key golf courses in the region to enable you to book your golf at the same time as your are booking your villa to rent with us.

Book out of the key high season and you'll be celebrating at the 18th hole. April and May are ideal for golfing here in the South of France. Not too hot, not too busy and our rental villas are less expensive than during the key summer holiday rental months.

We have many villas that are close to golf courses, here are just a few for you to consider:-

Mas de Pibonson - Just a short drive from the Royal Mougins and Cannes Mougins courses


Mas de Pibonson

Villa la Briére - Close to the Royal Mougins and Cannes Mougins courses


Villa la Briére

Wednesday 29 January 2014

Villa Rentals booking fast in the South of France



Wow! That was a busy few days...after a quiet start to the year your enquiries and bookings are now coming in thick and fast. Many of our villas are down to just 1 or 2 of the key summer weeks available.

Book now or risk being disappointed! 
ONLY 30% Deposit to Pay Now. 



At Cote d'Azur Villas we offer an unrivaled selection of villas to rent in the South of France and Provence. Whether you choose a beachfront villa in St Tropez or a stone built Provencal villa up in the hills above Cannes then we have the perfect holiday villa for you to rent.

But be quick....contact our rentals team today or book easily and quickly on line.


Monday 27 January 2014

Winter Snow and Sunshine with a South of France Villa Rental

The skiing in the Southern Alps is often underestimated.  The sun tends to shine more, it is warmer and the snow record is excellent. Of course if you stay below the mountain you are in tantalising reach of the beaches of Cannes and Nice.  This area is one of the few in the world where you can have a morning skiing and still get down to the beach for a late lunch in the sunshine!


Antibes with the snow covered mountains in the background

The best known resort is Isola 2000 which as its name suggests is quite high at 2000 metres, and with some northern facing slopes, skiing can continue until the end of April some years.  Against Isola is the fact that it is a purpose-built resort so often lacks the alpine charm of older, more traditional resorts. Other nearby ski stationsinclude Auron, which is a smaller and slightly more charming.  Further down the hill are several smaller resorts which can be very popular if conditions allow.

Whilst Nice is 2 hours drive down the hill, some of the smaller resorts can be reached in under 90 minutes from the coast, which means that renting a villa in the hinterland of Cannes can give you opportunities to combine some skiing with more leisurely pursuits when the limbs get a bit tired, or the weather is slightly less promising.  Often, when the weather is poor on the mountains it is still sunny at the coast, so lunch on the beach at one of the many restaurants in Cannes can be a very nice distraction from getting cold on the mountain!

Greolieres  is a small resort with a dozen lifts and maybe 20 runs, but it is within and hour and half drive from Cannes and although quite low at 1400-1800 metres, it has a great snow record and a daily pass is not much over 20 Euros.  A great choice for those with small children who just want a day in the snow.
The Val D'Allos is a little further inland with an even better snow record, in fact you are just about guaranteed snow in this resort, but perhaps a little too far from the coast if you wish to combine snow and sun. The resort of Limone just over the Italian border is also under 2 hours from Cannes and can give you a taste of skiing in Italy.

So why not combine a winter break with some winter sunshine? Villas to rent in the South of France offer excellent value out of the summer season and you are promised the best of both worlds.


Monday 20 January 2014

South of France Villas Kids Days Out

If you are travelling with children this summer and booking a wonderful South of France villa then we are delighted to recommend some wonderful days out that they whole family will enjoy.

When the novelty of sitting around the pool has worn off and the children need entertaining then there are some wonderful ready-made activities for them here in the South of France and Provence.

Marineland - The largest Marine park in Europe is just outside of Antibes. There are live shows with dolphins, killer whales and sea lions. Come and see the penguins and touch the stingrays. And when you're all done with the wildlife then next door is a huge water park.



The Tortoise Village - The Tortoise is an indigenous species here in the South of France and at Gonfaron just over into the Var you can see the work of the team of look after those tortoise that are found injured. There are displays of more unusual species and this is a lovely place to wander round, shady in the heat of the day.



Canyon Forest - This is one for the more adventurous, climbing ropes, mazes and more.

Cote d'Azur Villas offer a wonderful selection of family villas to rent in the South of France and Provence. And we aim not to break the bank - our villas start from as little as 68 euros per person per night. Here are a few of ouf South of France Family Villas that you may like:-

La Pied du Nez - Mougins South of France
Les Lauriers - Valbonne South of France
Le Petite Saturnin - Apt, Provence






Thursday 16 January 2014

Guide to St Tropez South of France Villa Rentals

St Tropez is probably one of the most recognised brands in the world.  Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1960’s, for many years summer in St Tropez has been synonymous with the rich and famous and the jet set lifestyle.  St Tropez is a riot of South of France decadence and much loved by the rich and famous as it is by the poor who love to come and see what is going on.




Located on the Mediterranean coast an hour’s drive from Cannes and Nice, St Tropez was originally a small fishing village and whilst this is still the case today the harbor is now more likely to be filed with gleaming white super yachts than the small fishing boats of old. The town grew up around the port and as a result there are a number of great restaurants, jostling alongside shops offered an astonishing range of merchandise.  This ranges from local produce such as olive oil or the local wines but extends to clothing and designer shops much loved by the clientele who can afford to stay in St Tropez.

There is a strong artistic thread running through the town with galleries on every corner and connections to many great artists who came here or painted here at some stage in their careers.  Beautiful scenery abounds around the village and with the sparkling sea as a back drop, many an artist has been inspired by the local beauty.

The beach clubs prevail in the summer months, Club 55, Niki Beach and more - this is where St Tropez parties. Pamplona is the beach which epitomised topless sunbathing; it is said that Brigitte Bardot strolled out of the Voile Rouge restaurant and removed her bikini top, after first alerting the waiting press as to her intentions. Is it any wonder that after this St Tropez was firmly on the map?

Beware the traffic in high summer, it can take up to 2 hours to drive from St Maxime, about 12 km's around the coast and it is best to take the boat which is much quicker and a much more pleasant way of arriving in St Tropez. Those that can afford to, take the helicopter from Nice, Cannes or Monaco and arrive in true St Tropezienne style.



Byblos is still a popular choice for those seeking a true 5 star hotel experience when visiting St Tropez, however it is considered much more chic to rent a wonderful private villa, perhaps within walking distance of the beach or the town. Cote d’Azur Villas offer a simply wonderful selection of St Tropez villas, available for summer rentals. But beware, this is still a key destination and our advice is to book early.

Great villas to rent in St Tropez South of France

Villa Oasis


Villa Lynn



Wednesday 15 January 2014

Affordable Riviera - South of France Villa Holidays from 68 Euros per person per night

Finally! The holiday you deserve at a price you can afford.

Affordable Riviera - South of France and Provence villas from as little as 68 Euros per person per night - that's a private villa with a private pool AND it includes all the linen, utilities and cleaning AND our team are on hand to meet you and to ensure that your holiday is perfect in very detail. 



http://www.cotedazurvillarentals.com/

With many families preferring a villa to the constraints of a hotel, particularly those travelling with younger children, then teaming a villa with a flight from a budget airlines, puts the South of France firmly within reach for Summer 2014.

‘We recognise that many of our clients are still struggling in this difficult economic climate and we want to be able to give them the holiday they deserve but at an affordable rate’ says Greg Harris, Managing Director. ‘Affordable Riviera offers a wonderful holiday home inclusive of all the charges for linen, towels, utilities & cleaning, there are no hidden extras.  Our team meet each client on arrival and are always on hand throughout the holiday to help and advise our clients.  We strive to offer a great property at a great rate but we never compromise on the service that we offer.

Here are some examples of Affordable Riviera Villas

Villa Merles - 4 Bedrooms - Sleeps 8, Valbonne South of France
Petit Palmier - 3 Bedrooms - Sleeps 6, Mougins South of France
La Lanterne de St Fiacre  - 5 Bedrooms - Sleeps 10, La Garde Freinet, St Tropez South of France.

Contact the rentals team today enquries@cdvillas.com

Monday 13 January 2014

5 Tips For a Family Villa Holiday in the South of France

Many of clients visiting the South of France and Provence and booking a villa with us are travelling with extended family or a group of friends. At Cote d'Azur Villas we have an excellent range of family villas to rent where children, grandparents and more can easily be accommodated.



Our 5 Top Tips for Having a wonderful Family Villa Holiday are.

1. Book Early! The larger villas are already getting booked up for summer and we are only in January.

2. Book your travel early and take advantage of early booking discounts with budget airlines such as easyJet.

3. Book 2 or 3 smaller rental cars. Trying to drive a minibus through the cobbled Provencal streets can be a nightmare and what happens when some of you want to go to the beach and the girls want to go shopping?

4. Discuss the budget - Who is going to pay for what? Does everything need to be shared? How about setting up a kitty and using that for all the food shopping and days out?

5. Make sure the children are happy - because when the little ones are all having a good time then the adults can relax. Many of our larger rental villas have childrens play areas, games and books for the children and of course that all important DVD player for a quiet time when the sun is at its peak.

Here are some examples of family villas to rent in the South of France and Provence.

Riveloup - 8 Bedrooms, sleeps 17 people
Bastide de la Croix - 7 Bedrooms, sleeps 15 people
Mas de Florette - 7 Bedrooms, sleeps 14

Contact our rentals team today and organise your perfect family villa holiday for summer 2014 in the South of France and Provence




Thursday 9 January 2014

A Busy January in the South of France with Cote d'Azur Villas

So we've all eaten far too much, the diet has been started and almost instantly forgotten and perhaps where you live it's grey, damp and rather depressing. Well it's all very different here in the South of France.

The sky is blue, it's crisp and clear and there is a whole calendar of events to enjoy.

Monte Carlo Rally - This year the rally will actually begin in Monaco on Monday 13th January at 8.15pm. The rally is tough on competitors and takes in mountains, snow and ice and will finish with the closing ceremony in Monte Carlo on Sunday 19th January.



Monaco Circus Festival -  Roll Up! Roll Up! 2014 sees the 38th edition of the Monte Carlo Circus Festival featuring circus performers and acts from around the globe. The big top is on the port at Fontvielle and performances take place between 16th and 26th January 2014.



The Sales - Strictly controlled in France, in our region the sales start on the 8th January. Look out for the post Christmas bargains.



Winter Sports - The ski stations have now been open for a few weeks and the 2014 snow is looking good. The resorts of Auron and Isola 2000 are a 90 minute drive from the coast and both offer great winter sports facilities.


We hope that has wetted your appetite for a winter break to the South of France, it's a great time to visit and many of our villas offer great rates for winter villa rentals in the South of France.


Wednesday 8 January 2014

Cannes Film Festival 2014 Jane Campion to Head the Jury

Cannes Film Festival have now announced that the only woman ever to have won the coveted Palme d'Or, Jane Campion will head up the jury for Cannes Film Festival 2014.



Campion who won the top award in 1993 for her film 'The Piano' first came to Cannes in 1986 with her short films and is originally from New Zealand.

This years Cannes Film Festival takes places between the 14th and 25th May and this is the most important event in the Cannes calendar. The Palais des Festival will unroll the red carpet, the limousines will arrive and Cannes will be alive with celebrities, directors and probably some of the Cote d'Azur Villas team as we look after clients staying in our Cannes villas for the festival.

If you are still to book your Cannes accommodation then please contact our rentals team for last minute availability.

Tuesday 7 January 2014

South of France Villas Get Active

So you've booked one of our wonderful villas to rent in the South of France and you're planning your holiday, what if you want to do more than relax by the pool?  For those of our guests who are looking for a truly active holiday here on the French Riviera then there are many activities such as cycling, mountain biking, kite surfing and more.

In the winter then we are only a short drive from the ski slopes and many of our guests book a South of France villa with us and take the opportunity to drive up to the slopes for skiing, snow-boarding and mountain walks.


Try organising your activites with Active Azur who offer everything form kite surfing on the beaches of the South of France to snow boarding up in the French Alps.



So for your next visit to the French Riviera, book your holiday villa with us and then get 'active' with Active Azur.







Monday 6 January 2014

Cannes Film Festival 2014 Luxury Villas to Rent

Cannes Film Festival is possibly the most glamorous event in the Cannes event calendar and for 2014 takes place between 14th and 25th May.

If you are visiting Cannes for this most prestigious of events and have yet to book your Cannes accommodation  then please contact our villa rentals team as soon as possible. We still have some availability at luxury villa rentals in Cannes such as:-

The White House This exceptional villa has recently been restored to its historical glory and is just a short walk from the Palais des Festivals, the heart of the Cannes Film Festival action.


The White House - Cannes Villa to Rent


Villa du Festival - Appropriately named and just 5 minutes walk to the Palais des Festivals. This is the ideal Cannes Film Festival villa to rent.


Villa du Festival - Cannes Villa to Rent

Villa Mistral - If you're looking for a quieter solution for your Cannes Film Festival accommodation, away form the hustle and bustle of La Croisette then Villa Mistral is the perfect choice and comes with one of the most spectacular sea views to be found here on the French Riviera. 


Villa Mistral - Cannes Villa to Rent

This is just a small selection of our Cannes rental villas, contact the rental team today and they will be happy to find the perfect Cannes villa for your visit to the Cannes Film Festival 2014. 


Thursday 2 January 2014

South of France Luxury Villa to Rent with Amazing Outdoor Space




Mas Moulin, new to our portfolio for Summer 2014 is the ideal place for enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of the French Riviera. The gardens, the summer kitchen and the outside living and dining areas are 5 star plus.


Sitting in an elevated position, the villa has exceptional panoramic sea and village views and is also just a short walk into the village of Chateauneuf de Grasse, a beautiful perched village, typical of the South of France.



The pool and pool are just sublime and the Mas Moulin is Cote d'Azur outdoor living at it's very best. Relax by the pool, let the children play on the grassy lawns and prepare your meals in the superbly equipped summer kitchen.



The interiors of the villa are stylish and Provencal contemporary in feel and easily cater for 8 guests.

The Mas Moulin is available for holiday rentals and also longer term winter rentals.