France Attractions

The UK property market is a sorry, unpredictable state - many properties have been repossessed and the numbers are rising, the market is unpredictable and who knows when it will stop shrinking? But there are ways of making a return on your investment in the property market without having a bit of a punt. One way is to look elsewhere, shun the UK and search further afield. Maybe even somewhere a bit exotic... OK, that may not eliminate the risk. What about just across the pond? That's right; France is the place to look to if you want to invest in property at the present time.

French leaseback is becoming increasingly popular with UK residents, mainly because it is straightforward and largely risk free, unlike investing in other parts of the world, even other EU countries. For a start there is much less red tape to slow the process down, which also saves on extortionate solicitors fees. In layman's terms a French leaseback property in essence is a freehold buy to let property which compares favorably with a buy to let property in the UK. Not just because of the location culture, and if you're lucky enough to purchase a property in the south of France, the sunnier climate, but because a French leaseback property offers the very tempting advantage of a full VAT rebate of 19.6 per cent on the purchase of the property.

A French leaseback property is also guaranteed to bring in a tax free rental income, so the occupancy concerns are eliminated and you will begin to recoup on your investment almost as soon as you sign the papers. Add to that the stability of the French housing market, especially in comparison to the UK property market. And where else would you invest your money at the moment? Do you really trust the UK banks? And even so, interest rates are at 1 per cent! That's a paltry return on your savings. And as for the stock market, that really is a gamble these days, even if you profess to know what you're doing. Wall Street is at its lowest for 12 years and who knows when this economic downturn will eventually come to a close.

The other advantage of buying a French leaseback property is that France is of course in the EU which means that UK citizens do not have to apply for visas or permits to visit, stay, live or work in France so effectively a French leaseback property could become your second home - a holiday home. And this is what many people are doing. By obtaining a French leaseback property you can let it for, say 9 months of the year and live in it for the remaining three months. The possibilities are endless and all with the minimum of fuss and risk.

As stated, you receive a guaranteed tax free rental income and a VAT cashback payment, plus there is the added benefit of the French banking system which is far more confident than in the UK given that banks in France have been much more responsible with their lending - no 100 per cent mortgages banded about as in the UK - resulting in a property market that is still resilient and healthy. And you do not even have to reside in France in order to own a French leaseback property. The pros very much outweigh the cons, so what are you waiting for? Utilise your idle savings straight away.

The South of France boasts a variety fabulous accommodation. Luxury hotels in France generally manage to be the perfect blend of style, comfort and service and, as a rule the 4 Star Luxe rating (there is no 5 star rating in France) guarantees the best of conditions. However, if you travel to the South of France and fancy a change, there are some independent luxury hotels which deserve special mention…Thee hidden gems.

Here are the top 5 hidden gems in the South of the country. Each one of these boutique hotels in France offer superb service and an unforgettable stay in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe.

1. Domain des Grages du Bosquet, Provence

Tucked away at the end of a secluded lane, this beautiful stone-built hamlet has been converted into a peaceful guesthouse. It’s made up of several independent buildings, mostly three bedroom accommodations. The surroundings feature olive trees, lavender, pines and acacias. If your idea of bliss is warm sunshine, relaxing by the pool and being surrounded typical Provence flora, then this is the South of France luxury hotel for you.

2. Jardin Secrets, Nimes

The first thing you’ll notice upon approaching Jardin Secrets is its resemblance to a Tuscan villa rather than an independent luxury hotel. Hidden behind rows of olive trees and with a red clay façade, it would be easy to think you had taken a wrong turn. Inside, however, you are treated to furnishings and decorations more closely associated with 18th-Century France with ornate beds, antiques and traditional roll-top baths. Despite its secluded, peaceful feel, the centre of Nimes is actually just a 10 minute walk away. That is if you ever manage to pull yourself away – the 14 rooms are all crammed with character, the beautiful outdoor swimming pool is an oasis of serenity, and the hotel even boasts a recently-opened spa. A perfect way to recharge and enjoy the fantastic sights of Nimes.

3. Villa Marie, Saint Tropez

Technically not a luxury hotel but a private villa in the south of France, the Villa Marie in Saint Tropez really is something out of the ordinary. Located in the hillside village of Ramatuelle, you get wonderful views of the Bay of Pampelonne and are in close proximity to the colourful village of Saint Tropez with its famous bars, brasseries, shops and market. The owners of this South of France villa have personalised all 38 bedrooms, the restaurant, gardens and spa…It’s an adult fairyland. If you’re looking for the high-life with a charming twist, look no further.

4. Hotel Le Mas de Peint, Le Sambuc, Camargue

It doesn’t get much more idyllic than this luxury hotel in France. In the very heart of Camargue, the Hotel Le Mas de Peint offers a very warm welcome and is ideal for exploring the calm, beautiful and unique surroundings of the Camargue. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, you’ll spend hours taking in the sights – whether on foot, bicycle or stunning horses. This boutique hotel in the South of France is cosy and welcoming with the owners treating each guest as an old friend and the food is traditional Provencal. Superb.

5. Hotel La Bastide de Marie, Menerbes

Tucked away at the foot of Menerbes – one of France’s most beautiful villages – and surrounded by its own vineyard, the Hotel La Bastide de Marie is a hidden gem of an independent luxury hotel in every possible sense! With only 16 rooms, book with us well in advance to guarantee availability. With 15 hectares of vineyards, an outdoor swimming pool and terraces to hide away on. With cakes, aperitifs and home-made wines available throughout the day, La Bastide de Marie really is a great way to get the best out of Provence’s beautiful countryside. Lastly (and certainly not least), Chef prepares brilliant food with local ingredients. One of the finest luxury hotels in the South of France.

If you are planning a trip to the south of France in a boutique hotel (or a luxury villa) you can’t go wrong by consulting this list. Bon voyage!

France is one of the most popular family holiday destinations for families staying in holiday villas and self catering apartments. France is located in Western Europe. The country is famous for fashion, art, music, cinemas and food. The climate differs from region to region. The northern and north western region of France have a temperate climate. On the other hand, the south east region experiences the Mediterranean climate. Inland places face harsh weather with less rain, stormy and hot summers and colder winters. The mountainous areas are covered with snow for the majority of the year.

The Alps are one of Europ's most popular skiing resorts. Albertville, Grenoble and Chamonix are the most popular places to stay for winter sports. Here you will find ski chalets and self catering apartments available to rent direct from the home owners. In the summer tourists come to the Alps for the hiking. There are numerous things which can be enjoyed while holidaying in France. It is the most famous tourist destination in the world. The country attracts tourists through the dozens of tourist attractions such as Paris, Atlantic beaches, winter sports in the Alps and various castles. You can indulge into the diversified culture of France.

Paris is the most visited city in the world. Also known as the city of lights, the capital city of France has lots of attractive things for the tourists to see. The beautiful city of Paris is a famous spot for couples on their honeymoon. It is considered the most romantic city of all. While there you can stay in one of the many luxury self catering apartments or holiday villas in the capital. The best way to find out all about Paris is to visit one or several of its museums, consisting of more than seventy. You can purchase one single ticket that allows entry to all of them. The Eiffel Tower is the most popular landmark in Paris. Apart from this, Paris is visited for the Lachaise Cemetery, Catacombs, Sainte Chappelle, Chateau de Versailles and Grande Arche de la Defense. Paris hosts a number of major fashion and sports events throughout the year. Many tourists rent a holiday villa or self catering apartment and use this as a base to explore the locals towns and museums.

The Tour de France is the infamous cycling tournament that takes place that covers most areas of France. The cyclists cover more than 3,000 kilometers. Hundreds of tourists come to France especially to witness the greatest racing event. There are luxurious holiday villas, apartments and cottages all available to rent in France. Cannes is famous for hosting the annual Cannes Film Festival. Thousands of tourists and local residents gather in the city to get a glimpse of their favorite film star. Every evening during the film festival, film stars from around the world walk the red carpet.

Besides the film festival, Cannes is also famous for its beaches. So, even if you don't get to see the film stars, you can relax on one of the enchanting beaches instead. Iles de Lerins is a place with two beautiful beaches in Cannes. Dotted along the coastline you will find numerous self catering apartments and holiday villas with swimming pools available for rent.

Nice Carnival is yet another exciting event worth visiting. The 10 day festival takes place in Nice every year. It is the combination of parades, street theaters, concerts and food stalls. The carnival has been taking place in France since the middle ages. This is the largest carnival out of them all.

Every August the South of France fills up as the rest of France arrives. Motorways can be horrible and the traffic near the beaches even worse. But the reputation, while sometimes deserved, is overdone. With a little homework, even in August it is still possible to find your own place in a villa with a pool in the sun far from the crowds.

A quick geographical tour of some of the areas of interest:

The Cote d'Azur: is the area stretching West as far as Menton. The scenery is beautiful. It is here that the foothills of the Alps fall off at the coast. This dramatic combination of scenery and sea views is one of the things that makes the area so famous. Villas that are a little way inland are generally the best value for money in the area: you will find some very comfortable holiday villas for about half of what one pays closer to the coast. For most people, this area has the ideal combination of pretty villages and easy driving distance to the sea when one is so inclined. Villas in the area are in the areas around Valbonne, Opio and Tourrettes-sur-Loup. A little further West, in the areas around Grasse are the villas with the most spectacular views in the South of France.

The stretch to the East of Nice that includes Monaco, Cap Ferrat and going as far as the Italian border is the home of serious money. One of the reasons for this is of course the beauty of the scenery and the quality of the building. Rents for villa holidays are similarly breathtaking, either impressive or wasteful depending on how you see the world. The Var is a very popular spot for vacations in the area around the Gulf of St Tropez. St Tropez proper is a stylish suntrap which came to prominence in the 50s when Brigitte Bardot and others graced the then undeveloped sands. The development of the town has come on some way since then and it is packed in the summer, but it retains a certain exclusivity: celebrity spotting is not hard in St Tropez.

Villa holidays in St Tropez proper are not cheap, but as you get further inland so the scenery improves with spectacular views over the Gulf of St Tropez, and the villa rents go down. Around the Gulf at Beauvallon are a number of charming villas for about one third of what one pays a few kilometres closer to the so-called 'action'. There are also a some attractive and realistically priced villas near the charming village of Grimaud. 

The style of villas in the St Tropez area is dictated by local government, and must be in a Provencal style. Further West, towards Grasse, a more modern style of villa can be found alongside the traditional Mas Provencal. Some practical considerations: Tradition in France dictates that some villa owners insist on minimum two-week bookings in villas during peak periods. The airports for the areas mentioned are at Nice and Toulon.

Doppler has aggregated and collated the collective wisdom of the travelers who use it, creating a unique resource for travel planning that's packed with useful, up-to-date information. Here are some interesting things Doppler knows about Paris.

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France is a very popular holiday destination but there are very many aspects to the type of holiday you could choose. There's the holiday where you pack the kids and all your belongings into a taxi, drag it all onto a ferry or train, arrive in France hot and stressed, take another taxi to your hotel in the centre of Paris that you've paid an extortionate fee for, unpack and try to pacify the kids. You then spend the next fortnight experiencing the delights of modern Parisian public transport. Jostling along with all the other holiday makers as well as commuters, you're only other option is taxi cab but this can get expensive. You rush from one sight that you just have to see to another, trying to cram in as much as possible.

At the end of the two weeks you can safely claim to have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower and inspected the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum among other expected things to have done in France. You've met numerous English people who don't actually live that far from you in Britain and sampled the delights of the French interpretation of English food. You arrive home as exhausted and stressed as before you left. Alternatively, you could try this. Using car hire in France, take a leisurely drive down to Provence, in the South of France. Rent out a private cottage in a sleepy little village where the kids have unlimited space and fresh air. Get up when you're ready and indulge in a laid back breakfast of local fayre.

Warm croissants, fresh butter, local speciality cheeses and pastries along with honey, fruits and deli meats can all be purchased from your local village shop. This area of France is known for its outdoor markets which serve as much as a social function as a place to buy things. Life is taken at a relaxed pace and afternoon siestas are still observed between 12.30pm and 2.30. Hill top towns are best reached with car hire and here you will get ample chance to mix with the friendly locals and get a real taste of the simple French life rather than the slices of what is portrayed to holiday makers.

If this is a little too laid back for your tastes, take your hire car and make the most of all France has to offer. By all means, visit Paris to see the famous landmarks but stop along the way. Visit the innumerable flea markets in Lille, Northern France and test your knowledge of antiques, maybe picking up a bargain or two. If your taste is history and castles, drive you hire car to the Loire Valley, just south of Paris, where there are over 120 chateaux open to the public. There is the Burgundy region of France to satisfy the taste buds of wine enthusiasts everywhere with its abundance of vineyards. Wine tasting is an essential part of holidaying in France. Wine tasting is essential, full stop!

A drive to Limoges will be well worth the fee of car hire in France by itself. Birthplace of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, take a stroll through the city streets and imagine what life would have been like for him there. Look around and take a guess at what would have inspired Renoir to produce some of his paintings. Pick up some perfectly different souvenirs in the form of the famous porcelain that comes from this area of France. For botanical enthusiasts, try Montpellier in the South of France. The country's first botanical garden was planted here in 1593. The University of Montpellier was the study place of famous prophesier Nostradamus.

However you wish to spend your holiday in France, car hire is a great way to get around. It puts you in charge of your own itinerary and allows you to savour all the aspects of France that you would miss out on if you sat in Paris for two weeks.

All manner of trip can be referred to as activity holidays; all have fun and activity at their core. France offers the tourist much in terms of activity holidays and thanks to its wide and varied scenery will entertain all comers. The mountain ranges in the south of France are some of the most beautiful in the world and while the winter sees them fill with skiers and snowboarders the summer months see travelers come for the adrenaline rush of extreme sports. One of area of France that is famed for its white water is the Tarn Gorge. Activity holidays in this region are heavily water based and tourists, whether expert or amateur, excitement is only around the next bend in the river. 

For those who like to kayak, France is the perfect destination; getting a group together and going on a trip is sheer bliss. The ability to camp by the riverside and reach destinations that are simply untouched by civilization is a must for nature lovers while white water sections will make sure experienced paddlers find a challenge. As well as kayaking, other activity holidays include white water rafting. Usually done as part of a tourist service this is a great bonding experience for families, friends and even work colleagues. The amazing beauty of the region will have you open jawed as you purview the river banks and striking canyon walls that surround you. At dawn the chance to see some of the most fascinating wildlife France has to offer is too good a chance to miss.

That is not to say that all activity holidays in France are water based, there is so much to do there is no way of fitting it all in during a single trip. For those who love to climb France has some brilliant rock faces to test your skills. For the sheer feeling of achievement as you have assailed a monster cliff, it is an activity that all should try at least once in their life. For those who want holidays that will enable them to fell free as a bird, France has a number of activities that will suffice. Hot air ballooning allows travelers to get a birds-eye view of the country in a serene and tranquil atmosphere. What could be better than champagne thousands of feet in the air? For those who prefer a little more activity to their holidays; micro-lights and para-gliders are available for hire, training to use this equipment however is essential for your own safety.

France has some of the most stunning scenery in Europe and for those who prefer a more sedate activity holiday walking and horse riding are two of the best ways to experience the best of the French countryside. With many public footpaths and riding centres dotted throughout France there are definitely amenities there for those who like to take it easy. Activity holidays however are not just about being in the outdoors. Being one of the gastronomic capitals of the world France offers budding chefs the chance to perfect their craft and learn from the masters. France is also famed for its long history of producing fine wines and touring the vineyards makes a brilliant journey; the opportunity to stop off and sample the local tipple is always a welcome distraction when on the road.

France is certainly a destination that is more than just Paris and the Eiffel Tower. The French countryside offers travelers stunning views and experiences that are hard to rival anywhere in the world. Seemingly every type of activity is available; from the high adrenaline water sports and mountaineering to soaring majestically in a hot air balloon. Add to this the sumptuous cuisine and the exquisite wines and your trip really will be an experience of a lifetime.

For years I had thought about traveling to France, using a car hire service and touring the battlefields of the First World War. My family like many in Britain lost loved ones in this senseless power struggle which is why my advice to anyone would be to visit the battlefields and cemeteries to get an idea of the sheer scale of the slaughter that occurred ninety years ago. The best way to do this is to hire a car and tour at your own rate, there are many organized tours of the sites but if you are after a truly unique experience, car hire is the way to go.

One major reason you should hire a car is because you may have to go to a specific cemetery. It is always worth doing the research before you embark on your trip to France; finding the names of your family members and locating which of the cemeteries they are lying in will save time and effort. It is always revealing to research your ancestors and find out a little about their last moments, in many cases, harrowing tales of comradeship and pointless death become apparent.

If you had any relatives who were at the battle of the Somme, there is little doubt that they lay in France. The battlefield itself now has a chilling memorial to the hundreds of thousands who lost their lives. The use of a hire car is especially useful here as it allows the traveller to navigate this area of France with ease; if taking elderly relatives it is a necessity to use car hire services as mobility issues can arise without your own transport.

A sense of eerie massacre surrounds these battlefields; it may not sound like the best idea of a family holiday to France but in my opinion it is vital to teach children about this period. Maybe extremely young children may not enjoy traveling around in a hire car visiting what must be seen as just fields with slabs in, but older children should definitely be involved. If the younger generations do not realize the sacrifices that were made in order for them to live freely, by their own ancestors, the world will go to rack and ruin.

With so many lives lost in the conflict it is a poignant reminder of how violent the world can be. It has been sixty years since the last major world war so younger generations have no idea of how much families once had to sacrifice. Some families lost all of their male members and it is crucial to recognize this fact. A hire car tour of the battlefields is perfect way to illustrate the point.

Traveling to France and finding the final resting place of an ancestor is a humbling experience for all who undertake it. But you do not have to solely spend your time delving into this morbidity. The use of a hire car allows tourists to visit some of the quintessential villages of France. With their quiet village life, they offer a great chance to relax, and of course like much of France, the cuisine is something to savor.

Making a trip to the battlefields of France is a great educational trip and if timed well can coincide with children's school syllabuses. This added education can help students get a feel for the subject in a physical way and add an element away from the textbook. Most teachers will advocate the benefits of this type of learning and raising your own children's grades must be what all parents would like.

I myself have used hire car services and toured the French battlefields and found my ancestor's graves; although it is seemingly a rather morbid experience it is well worth undertaking. Reminding ourselves of the sacrifices of past generations is an educational element that should be a part of everyone's learning.

The growth of the self catering holiday has been greatly helped by the growth of the internet. It is now so easy to look up self catering holidays on the internet and then decide where you would like to stay.

Self catering holidays are very popular with holiday makers going on a family holiday. The great thing about looking for a holiday that is self catering is that they are available in most countries around the world.

One of the most popular holiday destinations for self catering holidays is Ireland. Many holiday makers choose to go on a family holiday to Ireland and choose self catering accommodation. Ireland is so popular with holiday makers on self catering holidays as it is a country full of warm welcoming people and has some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe.

While on a self catering holiday to Ireland families feel that they get to experience the real Ireland. They can sample the world famous Irish beer and also try some of the mouth watering local cuisine that they would not have got the opportunity to try if they had not been on a self catering holiday.

France is another favourite holiday destination for self catering holidays. Families go to France and choose a self catering holiday as they feel that it helps them experience the real way of life in France. By choosing self catering on a holiday in France, families can choose to eat out in local bars and restaurants. This enables them to get a true feel of the local culture and really appreciate the French cuisine. It is also fun to shop in the local markets and shops and then take the produce back to your self catering accommodation to cook.

By going on a self catering holiday to France enables you to try different foods that you would not try on a normal holiday. Normandy is a popular destination with holiday makers going on a self catering holiday to France. Many families go back year after year to France on self catering holidays as they fall in love with the flavour of the local food. By selecting a self catering holiday, tourists to France are able to experience the many mouthwatering foods specific to individual regions.

Scotland is another popular self catering holiday destination. Tourists are attracted to Scotland by its stunning scenery and warm and friendly people. Self catering holidays are so popular in Scotland as it can work our to be a very good value money. By choosing a self catering holiday you are able to choose when you want to eat and also where you want to eat. Scotland is famous for having some mouth watering food and whisky and holiday makers have the choice of eating out or back in their self catering holiday home.

In England some of the most popular self catering holidays are in Devon and Cornwall. Many families like to take self catering holidays in Devon and Cornwall and go there for the beautiful beaches and stunning views out over the sea. Self catering holidays are also popular in Devon and Cornwall as they help to reduce the price of the holiday.

Many lovers of the great out doors go on self catering holidays to the Lake District. They are so popular here because holiday makers like to go on long walks and explore the local mountains. They are then not restricted by meal times and can spend a full day out on the beautiful mountains in the Lake District.