Millau Bridge

    
 Mardi Gras

News & Features

Le Rogue Trader When Nick Leeson brought about the collapse of Baring’s Bank in 1995, Société Générale, one of France’s most prestigious financial institutions, was among the many organisations that introduced rigorous checks and balances to prevent anything similar happening to them. Find out more >>

Another inconvenient truth Production has begun in Brazil of Luc Besson’s new film about the environment, “Boomerang”, scheduled for release on June 5 next year, World Environment Day.  Inspired by the images shot by French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand for his book, “The Earth from the Air”, “Boomerang” will show more than fifty countries exclusively from the sky. Find out more >>

The barbarian Fauvist The missing works of French painter Maurice de Vlaminck are worth a fortune, which is one of the reasons why amateur art collectors scour the antique shops in the back streets of Paris. Vlaminck began to paint seriously in 1893, when he was seventeen, but none of the dozens of pictures he completed before the turn of the century have ever been discovered. Find out more >>

In perfect harmony with Piaf The 32-year-old Parisian Marion Cotillard could add an Oscar to her recent Golden Globe award and BAFTA (a first for France) for best actress in a leading role. She was chosen from hundreds of hopefuls to play the most famous of all French singers, Edith Piaf, in the highly successful 2007 film, La Vie en Rose. Find out more >>

Return of the wolf Wolves, since the 1930s almost extinct in France, again roam the Alpine ranges, protected by the 1979 Berne convention, which forbids the killing of the bear, the lynx and the wolf. The presence of more than 100 wolves in the mountains has forced the sheep breeders to revert to tried and tested methods to protect their sheep and lambs.  Find out more >>

The "witch's" windfall  Next month the newly elected mayor of Pellevoisin, a tiny village in the Loire valley, will sit down with his councillors to decide how to spend a windfall. Not a disagreeable task, one would think but the money comes with a catch: a list of conditions imposed by their benefactor, the late Hélène Louart. Find out more >>

Les Brondes, Ref PR15, Provence >>

Sleeps 8 - 4 bedrooms - 2 bathrooms

This beautiful old farmhouse enjoys a wonderful location with panoramic views over Mont-Ventoux. The house has been very tastefully restored with original materials in keeping with the local provençal style.  

Dominique says: A beautiful property in a magical setting with a wonderful sense of space and great views all around.

2 week price range * £2790 in April to £5310 in August

Shops Augignac 3km, Piégut 6km, Nontron 9km  Airports Limoges 71km, Bergerac 111km, Bordeaux 186km Private pool Fenced-off, 11x5m Private tennis court

Sleeps 15 - 6 bedrooms - 5 bathrooms

Located in a beautiful part of the northern Dordogne, this spectacular Château dates back to the 9th and 12th centuries. It boasts 35 hectares of magnificent land with various lakes which can be used for boating, fishing and swimming.

Dominique says: The extensive grounds are quite marvellous and the Château a true gem in a magnificent setting. A sense of history pervades.

2 week price range * £4990 in April to £9990 in August

Sleeps 8 - 4 bedrooms - 2 bathrooms

This charming 18th century stone built house is located in a small quiet hamlet on the borders of the Corrèze and the Lot. The comfortable spacious interior has been restored to a good standard and combines antique, rustic and modern stylish furnishings. 

Dominique says: A charming house tucked away in one of the most stunning parts of France. There are many beautiful picturesque villages to visit nearby. A pool is planned for 2009.

2 week price range * £1340 in April to £1890 in August

Enjoy 5% off any future villa holiday
if you (or any member of your party)
have travelled with us since 2004

Reductions apply to the villa portion only of the holiday 
If you are booking via a Travel Agent the reduction may not automatically apply

Reductions are also available on many books and holiday items >>