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Self-catering French holidays in Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses in France.France has more holiday Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses per square kilometre than any other country. Self-catering holidays in France epitomise the ideal of French holidays. From cosy little holiday Gites in Normandy to quaint little holiday cottages in Brittany, holiday houses in the Dordogne to luxurious villas in Provence, France has more variety of self-catering holidays than anywhere else. Self-catering holidays in France give holidaymakers the freedom to explore France at their leisure, not tied to meal times that are the basis of all French life. The enjoyment of sitting outside of French holiday Gites or holiday cottages and watch the sun go down over French vineyards is the perfect way to end a day. To wake up in French holiday cottages or holiday houses to the sound of a cockerel crowing in the distance, the smell of fresh French croissant, French baguettes and French coffee wafting up from the boulangerie in a small French village in France profond is paradise found. People who take their holidays in France, come to love France and the French way of life. Holidays in France are like nowhere else on earth and the French welcome holidaymakers to their beautiful country. French Regional Reviews Brittany in north-west France. Self catering cottages in Brittany Self-catering French holidays in Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses in France.Few people in France are as staunchly proud of their culture as the Bretons. Their traditional costume, which includes a tall lace head dress for women, is one of the region's trademarks and the area's rich maritime traditions suffuse each one of the fishing ports dotted around the coastline. It's one of the qualities that makes a visit to Brittany so fascinating. That, and the fact the Bretons are a hugely hospitable race with a country and a cuisine to match.From its sandy beaches and islands to the walled cities of St-Malo and St-Servan, or the magical forest of Paimpont with its King Arthur legends, Brittany has a wealth of interesting places to explore. Protruding far into the sea on the north-western tip of France, Brittany is also the most westerly point in Europe. Its warm summers are partly thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream. Many people agree that there are really two Brittanys. One the 1200km-long coast, known as Armor (meaning 'Land of the Sea') and the other its more secretive interior, Argoat ('Land of the Woods'). Along the Atlantic coastline, lighthouses are interspersed with sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and picturesque harbours usually filled with fishermen landing their catches. Oysters, crabs and stingray are among the local specialities, washed down with Breton cider. Sailing and windsurfing are popular here and scuba diving around the rocky archipelagos is among the best in France. It is here that the region's two main cities of Brest and Quimper are found, the latter a cultural hub (it is sometimes called the 'soul of Brittany'). An annual celebration of the Celtic culture, the Festival de Cornouaille, is held in late July. If you listen hard enough, you might just catch the sound of Breton being spoken in these parts, a Celtic language related to Cornish and Welsh. Although diminishing, the native local tongue is still spoken here. Many of the region's islands are protected areas for sea birds. Others, like the rugged Île d'Ouessant, are accessible to visitors. Traditionally dependent on the stormy seas for their livelihood and food, old women here still make lace crosses in memory of the husbands who never returned from sea. Try the local speciality, 'ragoût de mouton' (lamb baked for five hours under a layer of roots and herbs) to ward off the Atlantic chill. Away from the coasts, the Argoat is an unspoiled and largely agricultural area. Villages, characterised by cottages made of granite with slate roofs, dot the landscape and paths lead to ruined castles and farms built in pink, grey or black local stone. Then there are the mysterious standing stones over 3000 of them - which pepper the area around Carnac. These are a legacy of the megalithic tribes who once inhabited the land. Fans of myth and folklore can also trace the legends of King Arthur and Merlin the Magician in the forest of Paimpont, about 40km south west of Rennes. It was here that the young Arthur supposedly received the sword Excalibur from the fairy Vivian, the mysterious Lady of the Lake and later Merlin's mistress. Visitors still come here in search of the spring of eternal youth where the magician first met his lover. If you fancy steeping yourself in local history, then wander the quaint, winding streets of the old walled city of St-Malo, almost totally destroyed in 1944 but rebuilt during the Renaissance period. lternatively, walk along the ramparts for an aerial view. The Medieval town of Dinan is also worth a detour, especially if you happen to be there in late September when its Medieval festival, the spectacular Fête des Remparts, attracts 40,000 visitors for two days of 15th century capers. Normandy in Northern France.Self-catering gites in Normandy Self-catering French holidays in Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses in France.Like Brittany, neighbouring Normandy is naturally divided into two areas - High Normandy, which runs along the Seine Valley, and Low Normandy which is more rugged and similar to Brittany.Often compared with the countryside of southern England, Normandy boasts lush meadows, plentiful orchards, numerous rivers and babbling brooks, and seemingly endless quiet country lanes. Not to mention a coastline of over 600km, much of it padded by sand, best known for the Normandy D-Day landings of June 1944. This was the day that 135,000 Allied troops scrambled onto French soil, marking the beginning of the end of Nazi occupation in Europe. A few kilometres away, the town of Bayeux depicts another historic battle. The world-famous 11th century Bayeux Tapestry is housed here and chronicles, on 70 metres of embroidered linen, the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. The area south of Caen is known as Swiss Normandy, due to its similarity with the Swiss landscape deep gorges, fertile valleys and rocky peaks. Climbing and hill walking are among the many outdoor activities enjoyed here. Because it is just a couple of hours from Paris, much of Normandy's coast is lined with chic seaside resorts, enjoyed by Parisians who visit on the weekends. Along the 'Côte Fleurie', you can pose with the beautiful set in Cabourg, Deauville or Honfleur. In the evening, sample some of the abundant local seafood of every imaginable variety with perhaps a generous pouring of 'calvados' (apple brandy). Dieppe, set between two limestone cliffs reminiscent of the White Cliffs of Dover, is the region's oldest seaside resort with one of its longest bathing beaches. To the south stretches the Alabaster Coast, a popular and scenic walking route which leads past small villages nestling in the dry, chalky valleys. The Impressionist artist Claude Monet was born in Paris but spent a large part of his life in the small village of Giverny. Here he painted some of his most famous works, including Water Lilies. Much of his collection is housed in the Musée Claude Monet, a must for any self-respecting art lover. His home is also open to visitors. The city of Rouen, on the banks of the River Seine, is known for its Gothic cathedral and, literally, thousands of rustic, half-timbered houses. It was here that the young Joan of Arc was tried for heresy and burned at the stake. Her story can be followed in the stained glass windows of the striking Église Jeanne d'Arc. No visit to the north west coast of France would be complete without a walk across the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, which lies right between Brittany and Normandy. This watery walkway extends 14km in low tide from the mainland to a towering island crowned by a massive abbey 80m above the sea. Below are a myriad of narrow streets and a hotchpotch of buildings to explore. There is also a shorter crossing of 7km to the little halfway island of Tombelaine, once the refuge of a local hermit. If you get the chance to view of the island at night time, do. After dark, the whole structure is brightly illuminated and you can see the ancient ramparts. You can tour the abbey and even walk around the island as long as you are careful not to get caught in the wet sands, a fate which befell many of the Norman soldiers as illustrated in the Bayeaux Tapestry! VENDEE & LOIRE VALLEY IN WEST FRANCESelf catering holiday homes in the Vendee and Loire ValleySelf-catering French holidays in Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses in France.Think of the Loire and two things immediately come to mind: its river and the hundreds of magnificent châteaux gracing its flat, lush countryside. Named after the river that runs through its heart, the Loire Valley is one of the most famous places in western France. At 1020km in length from its source in the Massif Central to its destination in the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire is France's longest river.Once an important trading route, few barges and old-fashioned fishing boats survive on its clear flowing waters today. But the scenery is as enchanting as it has always been green valleys fringed with meadows and woods, sand banks and islands teeming with migratory birds and of course hundreds of châteaux. Formerly the playground of kings, princes and the nobility, the Pays du Loire is still the wealthiest area of France. Entering it is like stepping back in time. Originally built as fortresses in the Middle Ages, its castles, hunting lodges and manor houses were gradually converted into lavish pleasure palaces during the Renaissance period. Some of the best known châteaux are Chambord, Chéverny, Chaumont and Château de Blois, the latter being regularly lit up like a luminous fantasy during the regular sound and light shows held there. Unlike many parts of France, where such regal residences are today nothing more than lavish museums, many of the Loire châteaux are still used as family homes. Some even double up as B&B's. So if you've ever dreamed of living like a lord or lady, sleeping in a four poster bed and dining beneath portraits of ancestors, now's your chance. Narrow cobbled streets, half- timbered houses and ornately carved beams are part of everyday life in the regions towns and villages. Le Mans, famous for its racing track, couldn't be more typical. It's no wonder that the makers of Gérard Dépardieu's 'Cyrano de Bergerac' filmed their Medieval hit here. One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the region is from the slow-motion heights of a hot air balloon. Flights operate year-round, weather permitting, from several sites along the Loire Valley. A one hour flight with a round of champagne at the end may set you back around £160 per person, but an aerial view of this fairytale landscape is worth the once-in-a-lifetime treat. For those with a passion for all things air-borne, a visit to the town of Amboise is a must. Here you can see Leonardo da Vinci's famous flying machines on display. If you're a wild rover at heart, you can even spend a holiday aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn caravan in the spirit of the gypsy travellers. Book up at the equestrian school at St Denis d'Anjou in the Mayenne. Towards the north of the region, the town of Laval offers visitors an interesting first-hand explanation of its name. From the Old Bridge spanning the Mayenne River, the 'bâteaux-lavoirs', floating laundrettes of yesteryear, make an arresting sight. But a visit here is not all about reminiscing. Largely flat, fertile and unspoilt, the Loire and Vendée is ideal walking and cycling country. A new cycle trail runs the 600km length of the Loire River. Known as the market garden of France, the region's fields are a explosion of colour with maize and sunflowers two of the most visible crops. An exception is Troglodyte Valley, close to Saumur. This strange and eerie underground 'village' was recycled from tunnels dug along the Loire to extract limestone for building châteaux. Many of these caves are now comfortable homes. You can take a tour or dine in a troglodyte restaurant specialising in local delicacies: fouaces (a flat bread) and pommes tapées (dried apples). Back above ground, the region's 300-odd miles of Atlantic coastline and beaches are a haven for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. If you are in a romantic mood, the Côte d'Amour (Love Coast) just north of the mouth of the Loire is the place to head for. Best known for its 9km stretch of golden sands, it includes such well-known resorts as Pornichet, Le Pouliguen and La Baule. Further south, the Côte de Jade (Jade Coast) is so named due to the dazzling colour of its waters a vivid green which appears to belong more in the Bahamas than the Atlantic. The beaches and coves are ideal for family holidays. Local specialities include enormous, fresh platters of seafood, Vendée ham and goats cheeses all washed down with Muscadet or Saumur Champigny, or an Anjou red. The resort of Sables-d'Olonne is perhaps the best-known of the Vendée resorts, thanks to the fact it is the starting point of the Vendée Globe, the single-handed round-the-world yacht race. All sorts of water sports are available here, from sailing and sand yachting to scuba diving, surfing, canoeing and kayaking. With so much salt water all around, it was only a matter of time before some enterprising soul decided one day long ago to exploit its natural resources. Until recently in danger of dying out, the tradition of salt-making was revived in the 1980s and now plays an important role in the local economy. On the salt marshes of the Guérande peninsula and the island of Noirmoutier, this natural mineral is known as 'white gold' and both areas produce some of the finest sea salt in the world. Visitors can not only watch the salt makers working away rhythmically on the marshes, you can also sample the salt they collect. In Guérande, which produces 12,000 tons of the stuff a year, you are also likely to spot rare birds and plants - the area is an important ecological reserve. The vast marshes at La Grande Brière, just north of St Nazaire, is another site worth taking your binoculars to. To get to Noirmoutier, you can always drive across the bridge, built in 1971. But it's much more exciting to take your chances with the natural elements! The Gois causeway is three miles long and only appears at low tide. Open for crossing eight hours a day, this natural sandbank is now part of Vendée legend. As long as you study the timetables carefully, you can walk, cycle or even drive across. Each year in June, there is les Foulées de Gois, a race against the tide for amateur runners and serious athletes alike. The ancient Roman city of Orléans had its place in history secured by a simple peasant girl, Joan of Arc, in 1429. The 17-year-old virgin warrior defeated the English forces there before marching Charles VII north to Reims to be crowned king of France. Today, the city is a modern metropolis with excellent shopping and a beautiful park, the Parc Floral, where the Loiret, a tributary of the River Loire, has its source. Charentes & Dordogne & Limousin in south west FranceSelfcatering holiday homes in the Charente, Gites in the Limousin, Holiday houses in the Dordogne Self-catering French holidays in Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses in France.The area at the heart of France has two distinct personalities. On the one hand, the Dordogne attracts large numbers of tourists, all in search of the region's famously rich cuisine, temperate climate and abundance of picturesque valleys.On the other hand, neighbouring Limousin is the most sparsely populated region in France, a land where at first glance sheep and cattle appear to outnumber people, and life goes on largely as it has done for centuries, largely ignored by the outside world. But what unites the two faces of this vast expanse of land at the centre of France, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the edge of the Loire Valley, is a serene beauty that has earned the Dordogne and Charentes a reputation as one of the most beautiful parts of France. Noted for its lush woodland and rolling hills, it is no surprise that so many Brits have chosen to make this their second home for it is much like Britain - but warmer. Dordogne sometimes referred to as Périgord, as it was known until the 18th century is named after one of France's longest and most beautiful rivers. It flows swiftly through the region, its banks crowded with old castles and bastides - fortified towns surrounded by ramparts, often built on cliff tops. But this land goes back much, much further than that. The Vézère Valley is home to 175 prehistoric sites, including the world famous Lascaux caves near Montignac, whose walls are adorned with some of the most extraordinary prehistoric paintings ever found. Here, the figures of wild oxen, deer, horses, bison, bears and mammoths, are depicted in vivid reds, blacks, yellows and browns. Carbon dating puts them at between 15,000 and 17,000 years old. Such is the popularity of this site that an exact replica, Lascaux II, was created a few hundred yards away. If you want to find out more, the museum of prehistory in Périgueux contains a rich collection of prehistoric tools and other artefacts. The town also has an impressively restored Medieval and Renaissance quarter, much of it built in dazzling white limestone. It is at its liveliest during the Wednesday and Saturday truffle and 'foie gras' markets. Another historical marvel is the cave-dwelling Troglodyte village of la Madelaine, 8km north of Les Eyzies in the middle of a forest overlooking the Vérgèze river. For a slow-moving tour of the region, you can rent horses and gypsy wagons and travel in the style of yesteryear. Along with hiking treks, river boating and bike tours, they offer a relaxed way to explore this beautiful land. Chateaux and bastides abound, surrounded by ramparts and often built on cliff tops, such as the magnificent Monpezier with its arcaded market square, or the walled village of Domme, set on a steep promontory high above the Dordogne river with amazing panoramic views. For an example of beautiful Medieval and Renaissance architecture, they don¹t come much finer than Sarlat-la-Caneda. Sit back with a café au lait in one of the cafés on Place de la Liberté and watch the world go by against a backdrop of tan sandstone chapels, turrets and ornate facades built in the 16th and 17th centuries. When hunger strikes, you'll be spoilt for choice this is a region made for gourmets. Local cuisine features truffles and 'foie gras' and is noted for its rich goose and duck dishes. Further north-east, the tranquil Limousin region, especially the Haute-Vienne, is renowned for its deep gorges, many rivers and 'one thousand lakes', making it popular with fans of sailing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Agriculture, especially cattle and sheep farming, drives the local economy, making this a pastoral haven for country lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. The town of Limoges itself has been making pottery, especially fine porcelain, since the 12th century. Museums and galleries devoted to the art are one of the city's main attractions the Adrien Dubouche National Museum boasts one of France's two most outstanding ceramics collections (the other is in Sèvres, near Paris). The city also has a lively nightlife scene, thanks to a 17,000-strong student population. If you love French folk music, a visit to Tulle may have you digging out your old Jacques Brel vinyl discs as this is where France's last remaining accordion factory is found. Although not open to visitors, a museum celebrating this most nostalgic of French instruments was opened in 2003. A canoe or kayak trip along the Dordogne is by far the most stunning way to see the area. They can be hired through a local English-speaking organisation, Randonnée Dordogne, from their base in Cenac. At the other extreme, if you want a bird's eye view, visit the Château of Turenne, a tiny hilltop village built on a sheer limestone outcrop. The panorama from the top will take your breath away. The long Atlantic coastline of the Charentes region is noted for its sandy beaches, marinas, golf courses and islands, particularly Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, both joined by bridges to the mainland. The Île de Ré, a flat island ringed with pine-shaded sandy beaches, is blessed with more hours of sunshine than any other part of France except the Mediterranean. Directly opposite on the mainland, La Rochelle is a lively, picturesque port bustling with fashionable restaurants and chic cafés that come alive at night. Here you can eat your fill of superb shellfish, including locally cultivated oysters. Inland, the vineyards produce a host of full-bodied, deep coloured wines. Nestling among the vines east of Bordeaux, the beautiful Medieval town of St-Emilion is worth a visit, especially at sunset, when its ramparts and the rest of its limestone architecture take on a luscious golden hue. If brandy is more your thing, then you've come to the right place: Cognac, a pretty village on the River Charentes, gives it names to the double distilled amber spirit known as 'liqueur of the gods'. Use of the name is forbidden for brandy which is made elsewhere, or from other than one of the seven officially accepted varieties of grape. The famous cognac distilleries including Martell, Otard, Hennessey and Rémy-Martin - offer tours of their cellars and facilities that end in a tasting session. There you can see how brandies are aged in oak barrels before being blended by an experienced cellar master. It's something you can bet they've been doing in here since our prehistoric ancestors first learned how to milk the grape. AQUITAINE in south west FranceSelf-catering holiday cottages in the Lot et Garonne, Gites in the Gironde, Holiday houses in the DordogneSelf-catering French holidays in Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses in France.Aquitaine: land of water. With the longest beach in Europe, a multitude of healing hot springs, dozens of inland rivers and a string of large lakes, it is no surprise how this region got it name. But although many visitors are attracted to the area for its waters surfing, swimming, water sports, therapeutic healing, boating or simply lazing on the beach - it is actually a myriad of different landscapes.Covering the whole of the south west corner of France, Aquitaine is the country's third largest region and takes in such well-known places as Gascony (dubbed France's answer to Tuscany), the Dordogne, Béarn, Basque Country and the western side of the Pyrénées. With swathes of vineyards Bordeaux is the largest fine wine producing area in the world it is also a mecca for wine connoisseurs. Because of its natural irrigation system, much of the land is lush and green with pine forests, agricultural land and hundreds of miles of rolling countryside. The Lot-et-Garonne, an up-and-coming destination with British holiday-makers and second home buyers, is renowned for its temperate climate and fertile valleys. Sitting on 270km of Atlantic coastline, the region's western edge consists of one long expanse of sandy beach stretching as far as the eye can see. Known as the Côte d'Argent (silver coast), it is a source of joy not only to swimmers but also to surfers. Its high, rolling breakers make it one of the best surfing spots in Europe. If you consider upright surfing to be too risky, however, you can always try a body board. The largest natural dune in Europe, the Dune de Pyla, is found here and attracts thousands of hangliders as well as sand boarders. At 3km long and 100m high, it is a slippery uphill climb, but the views at the top of the dune are worth it. The white, powdery sands of the Bay of Biscay and dense pine foliage of the Landes Forest spread out like a multi-textured tapestry below. This forest, designated a regional natural park, is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, including more than 260 species of migratory birds in the Teich Bird Reserve. For outdoor types, the park's numerous quiet, scenic roads and sleepy farming villages can be explored by bike, horse or foot. A leisurely cycle among the sun-streamed pines is an unforgettable experience. There are 500km of cycle tracks stretching from the mouth of the Garonne to the Spanish border, most of them far from the traffic of the roads. Try the local, famous specialities of 'foie gras' (goose or duck liver pate) and truffles. The region is also noted for its rich goose and duck dishes such as 'confit d'oie' (goose conserve) and 'magret de canard' (duck breast). Further south, the Bassin d'Arcachon is the only one of a series of ten lakes close to the coast which opens out to the Atlantic. It also a centre of oyster farming. Lined with typical 14th century seaside villas and small fishing ports, it is the perfect place to sample some of the basin's plentiful ware. Live oysters seasoned with lemon juice and washed down with a glass of chilled white wine, is one local custom not to be missed. For committed fans of these slippery molluscs, visit the Maison de l'Huître (Oyster Museum) in the small town of Gujan Mestras. Throughout July and August, there are also oyster fetes in most of the local towns and villages. Few visitors to this corner of France fail to stumble sooner or later into France's capital of fine wines, Bordeaux. Bordeaux has over 3000 wine 'châteaux' and is a haven for touring tipplers. Most are open to visitors all year round although others are closed during the annual grape harvest in October. An excellent place to kick off any wine tour is La Maison du Vin, a focus of homage to all things grape-derived and alcoholic. In June, a bi-annual wine fête takes over the town and the quays of the Garonne river. As well as its famous appellations, the city is also a magnificent example of 18th century grandeur with ancient quarters, wide avenues and numerous historical monuments, such as the elegant Grand Théatre (Bordeaux Opera House). It also has a vibrant nightlife and a lively university community of around 60,000 students. Throughout the region, the imposing outline of 'bastides' are a reminder of the royal battles between France and England. These fortified villages, surrounded by ramparts, were often built on cliff tops, of which Monpazier is a fine example. One of the most charming ways to see the area is from the watery perspective of a houseboat or barge. These can be hired on many of the waterways in the area including the famous Garonne river and its lateral canal linking the Mediterranean canal and river system with the Atlantic. Sarlat, a picturesque town in the Dordogne, is one of France's best preserved examples of Medieval architecture. Particularly worth a visit are the Château de Purmartin, where you can even spend the night in one of its two guest rooms, the Jardins du Manoir d'Eyignac, considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in France, and the hilltop Chateau de Temniac. Towards the southern end of the region, beaches give way to a steep coast full of inlets and cliffs, with the silhouette of the Pyrénées as a backdrop. This is Basque country, where seaside resorts sport traditional white houses with red or green shutters and fishing harbours bustle with brightly coloured boats. Spa resorts and thalossotherapy (water therapy) centres pepper the foothills of the Pyrénées. Reputed to be able to cure rheumatism, back ailments and circulatory problems, there are even thalossotherapy centres which claim to be able to eradicate tobacco-dependency, stress and excess weight. The town of Dax is renowned for the health-giving effects of its warm spa waters and its mud baths. The most famous of these is a warm water fountain known as the Fountain of Nehe, where the Romans came to recover their health and relax. With a discharge of 2600m3 of spring water at 63-degrees, it is the largest source of hot spring water in France. Nothing, however, heals the soul quite as effectively as a view over the Pyrénées, a towering mass of misty blue peaks and lush green foothills. The Pyrénées National Park is one gigantic mass of waterfalls, huge forests and high mountain lakes and of course some of the world's most famous ski-ing resorts. To be among the slopes dividing France and Spain is one of the most humbling experiences in the world. MIDI PYRENEE & LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON IN SOUTH EAST FRANCESelf catering holiday homes in the Herault, Gites in the Languedoc-Roussillon, Holiday houses in the Tarn et GaronneSelf-catering French holidays in Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses in France.With its long, sandy beaches, rugged mountain peaks and medieval hilltop villages, the Languedoc-Roussillon boasts one of France's most diverse landscapes. Officially the sunniest region in the country, it is also France's wine growing capital and the largest wine-growing area in the world.Bordered by the Spanish Pyrénées, the lavender fields of Provence and the rocky Massif Central to the north, the area is noted for its relaxed pace of life and is a popular hideaway for those seeking peace and ranquillity. Few French regions are more steeped in history than the Languedoc, home of the heretical Cathars. The walled city of Carcassonne, the largest fortress in Europe, and the towering ramparts of Aigues Mortes, recall the area's crusading past. The region has its own ancient language, Occitan (from which Languedoc gets its name - literally 'Langue d'Oc', language of Occitan) and Catalan is spoken in many towns close to the Spanish border. The city of Nîmes, with its perfectly preserved Roman arena, is the best example of a Roman town outside Italy. A few kilometres away, the Pont du Gard a spectacular Roman aqueduct spanning the river Gardon - is popular with bathers and canoeists. Further west, the university town of Montpellier is one of France's most thriving and dynamic cities. Its huge pedestrianised centre is filled with cafes and an ideal place to sit and watch the world go by. A labyrinth of winding back streets, filled with boutiques and restaurants, form the city's historic centre. A few miles east lies the peculiar beauty of the Camargues - a vast, low-lying area of 37 salt-water lakes. On these marshy lagoons, flocks of pink flamingos are a common sight, as are the white horses and black bulls which used to roam wild on this flat, watery landscape. Just north of the Camargues is the town of Arles, famous for its association with the artist Van Gogh, who is reputed to have cut off his ear during a row with fellow painter Gaugin while living here. For beach lovers, the stretch of coastline between the Camargues and the Spanish border offers some of the best bathing in the country. Over 175km of virtually uninterrupted sandy beaches and secluded coves hug the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. Several purpose-built resorts bustle with summer visitors, including the futuristic-looking La Grande Motte and Cap d'Agde, Europe's largest naturist area. If it's local charm you are after rather than sun, sea and sand, there is no shortage of picturesque fishing villages in this laid-back corner of France. For delicious seafood fresh from the nets, the ports of Collioure, Palavas and Sète provide some of the region's finest cuisine. Try the regional speciality, 'bouillebaisse' (fish soup). If, on the other hand, you've come to fill your wine trolley, the area is full of pleasant surprises. The vast tracts of vineyards a few miles inland from the coast produce an abundance of excellent, if under-rated wines, such as Corbières, Minervois and Côtes du Roussillon. A self-conducted tour of the area's wineries ('caves') is an enjoyable way to see the area and, with bottles priced as low as 95p a litre, could almost pay for your trip in savings alone! The highlight of village life here is the August 'fête vôtive' a five-day festival dominated by the black bull of the Camargue. The striking sight of a dozen white horses their riders wearing the traditional brightly-coloured shirts and flat black hats chasing a charging bull through the streets, lingers in the memory along with the hypnotic song of the ever-present cicadas. For nature lovers, the dense, green peaks of the Cévennes national park is a hill-walker's paradise. Its pine and chestnut-tree covered slopes, dry stone terraces, isolated hamlets and wealth of animal and bird life, can all be discovered from its 300 looped footpaths. The local goats' cheese, 'pélardons', is second to none. To the west, the emerald waters of the Tarn Gorge are among the best in Europe for watersports, attracting hordes of canoeists and fans of kayaking and white water rafting to the town of Millau each summer. Toulouse, France's fourth largest city, is a modern, thriving metropolis with an excellent shopping centre. Its nickname is 'la ville rose' (the pink city), due to the fact that most older buildings in the city centre are in rose-red brick. Nearby, the town of Albi is famous as the home of the diminutive artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, whose paintings and sketches of Paris's colourful nightlife took the Impressionist art world by storm in the late 1800s. It is also home to the largest brick building in the world, the Cathédrale Saint-Cécile, built in the 12th century. Apart from being big, it is one of the most striking examples of Gothic architecture in France. Riding a slow barge along the Canal du Midi, a 200km waterway linking the Mediterannean with Toulouse, is one of the highlights of any visit to the Midi-Pyrénées. It can also be travelled by foot or bike and is one of the best ways to savour the area's lush green countryside. If your prefer to travel by boat rather than barge, the Lot river is one of the prettiest in France. Winding through the old province of Gascony (dubbed France's answer to Tuscany), its glassy waters carve a path through limestone cliffs, dotted with the occasional château or village nestling precariously on an overhanging crag. The dramatic beauty of the Pyrénées peaks are home to around 35 ski resorts. Several thousand feet below, the rolling foothills are noted for their numerous spa towns. The thermal springs of Bagnères-de-Luchon can allegedly cure a multitude of ailments including sterility in women! If it's street parties you're after, the city of Perpignan is one of the best places to bop till you drop. Just as much Spanish as French, it is the third largest Catalan city after Barcelona and Lleida in Spain. As such, it has a lively calendar of fiestas many of them featuring the Sardane, a high-spirited Catalan dance. The city is surrounded by a mosaic of vineyards, olive and fig groves and vegetable fields. Local specialities include olive pâté ('tapénade'), bull stew, paella and every seafood you could possibly imagine. Like the rest of south-west France, a feast for all the senses. ALPS, PROVENCE & COTE d'AZUR in south-east FranceSelf catering holiday villas in Provence, holiday homes on the Cote 'd Azur, Holiday chalets in the AlpsSelf-catering French holidays in Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses in France.Provençe... the name conjures up images of billowing lavender fields, dazzling sunshine and quaint, flower-covered limestone houses, with blue shutters and creepers trailing from the windowsills. But this is no tourist board fiction. It's what life is really like in this south west corner of France.With a near-perfect climate (warm summers, mild winters) and a deep sense of history in every Medieval village and town, it is obvious why Peter Mayle's book 'A Year in Provence' was a best-seller. The author, who wrote of his trials to restore a dilapidated farmhouse in the Lubéron Valley, fell in love with the area's traditions and its people. It's not surprising he has penned three books to date about life in the region's sleepy backwaters: Provençe is a feast for all the senses. From the all-pervading scent of lavender in the summer to its perfume industry (the nearby town of Grasse is France's perfume capital), from its garlic marinated olives to its colourful garden blooms, the warm soils of Provençe stir the imagination. Its warm, intense light, reflected by the waters of the Mediterannean, inspired painters such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and Picasso to create some of their finest work here. The French know how to take it easy and nowhere is this more evident than in the south. Locals spend a great deal of their lives outdoors, sipping 'pastis' (a liquorice flavoured aperitif) in cafés or playing 'pétanque' (French bowls) in the shade of the plane trees. Villages, many of them perched unfeasibly on steep hillsides, are a mass of red tiled roofs and church steeples, surrounded by olive trees and almond groves. The celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards are also found here. This is a land where people know how to enjoy themselves. The region practically overflows with festivals and cultural events. The world-famous Avignon Festival attracts tens of thousands of people to the 300 events held each day during the four weeks it takes over the city from early July to early August. Outside festival time, this walled city does not lose its buzz. With its famous bridge (actually only half a bridge the other half washed away in the mid-1600s) and the majestic Rhône river flowing through its centre, it makes an enticing destination for a day trip. A boat trip down the Rhône to Arles with its huge bullfighting arena is one of the more enjoyable ways to soak up the atmosphere. Aix-en-Provence (usually referred to as 'Aix') is one of France's most graceful cities and an important market town. Sit and watch the world go by from a cafe on one of its ornate public squares or stand back and gaze in awe at the 200 odd Renaissance mansions which line the city's avenues. The fusion of colours, sounds and smells of a Provençale market will stay with you long after your holiday is over. Seek out local specialities like truffles, olives (prepared in 101 different ways) and lavender marmalade. Marseille is a thriving and cosmopolitan city as well as an important seaport with a daily fresh fish market. Founded by the Greeks in 600BC, it is also France's oldest city. Further east on the Côte d'Azur (the name is taken from the coastline's brilliant blue waters), also known as the French Riviera, the coast fills up with glamorous, upmarket resorts. Cannes, site of the international film festival, is the place to go if you want to see how the other half live. A good vantage point from which to do this is its long, sandy beaches. Or take a stroll along Boulevard de la Croisette and ogle at the five star hotels and exclusive boutiques, then head for the harbour to gawp at yachts as big as ocean liners. The former fishing village of St Tropez, immortalised by Brigitte Bardot in the film 'And God Created Woman', and the tiny principality of Monaco, are equally exclusive. If after all that people-watching you want to let your hair down, Nice is the place to party. This fashionable but relaxed city, the capital of the Riviera, has a young population and an emphasis on fun and nightlife. In the background, the Alpes rise like an overblown picture postcard. Rich in scenic hiking trails, they come alive in the winter months when skiers head for some of the best slopes in the world. Outdoor enthusiasts in this part of France have no shortage of opportunities to flex their muscles. The Lubéron hills boast some superb walking trails and excellent biking routes. You could even poke your head into the village of Ménèrbes, where Peter Mayle wrote his famous book, though he no longer lives there. Further north, the Vaucluse is a mass of wild herbs, lavender and vines, set against a backdrop of Provence's highest peak, Mont Ventoux (1909m). If you're nervous of heights, take someone's hand when you visit the Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe. Slicing through limestone plateaux, the green waters of this 25km gorge reach up to 700m deep. Its waters can be visited only on foot or by raft, but everyone else can enjoy the spectacular - if dizzying views from the cliff-side roads. The mountainous Rhône-Alpes ranks among France's most beautiful areas with dense forests, lush pastures, fast-flowing rivers, huge lakes and spectacular mountain scenery. It's a land made for climbing, hiking, canoeing and white water rafting. In winter, it reveals some of the best ski resorts in the world - Chamonix, Courchevel and Val d'Isère are all here. To see this river at its finest, sail down the Rhône to Vienne, a Roman city with a legendary jazz festival held at the end of June in the city's open-air amphitheatre. The region's capital city of Lyons is huge and sprawling but it also boasts a beautiful Medieval quarter and a curious maze of underground passages called 'traboules' made for the transport of silk in the 19th century. This is also France's gastronomic capital veal sausages, 'quenelles' dumplings filled with pike, and 'cervelle de canut', a cream cheese mixed with chives and garlic, all originate here. The hilly Beaujolais region, 40km north of Lyons, is best known for its wines. But it is also worth exploring for the views of its terraced vineyards occupying a narrow 60km strip along the right bank of the Saône. Alternatively, ride the fenicular railway up Fourvière hill for a eye-popping panorama of the city and the French Alps. Then sit back and sip on that bottle of pastis you saved from your visit to Provence as you watch the evening sun go down. Self-catering French holidays in Gites, holiday cottages and holiday houses in France. |
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