Albi on the Tarn River

News & Features

Sarkozy finds sex is better for his image than strikes The rules on what might loosely be described as “dating” for the occupants of the White House, No 10 Downing Street and the Elysée Palace have been generally restricted, in the case of the US and the UK, to “don’t get caught” and, so far as France is concerned, to “don’t worry, they [the press] will never dare print it”. Find out more >>

Still British A French plan to recapture the remains of their Emperor Napoléon from the British seems to have foundered in a sea of indifference, much to the frustration of Christian Estrosi, the Secretary of State for overseas territories, who wants them returned to France. Find out more >>

Pensive Propaganda Early next month Jean-Marie Le Pen, the infamous 79-year-old leader of the French far-right National Front, will hear whether he is to suffer imprisonment for up to a year for allegedly conspiring to justify Nazi war crimes. This is the 25th time he has been on trial for similar offences, ranging from the trivial to the serious. Find out more >>

From minesweeper to motion picture legend A class J-826 British minesweeper may soon be the unlikely star of a new marine exhibition at the Brittany port of Concarneau: the story of a sailor, far ahead of his time, who left the deck of his boat for the depths of the sea, and to become a legend. Find out more >>

Two for the price of one Snails, for anyone who does not know, are hermaphrodites, possessing male and female sex organs, so all can lay eggs. Some however have been working overtime to feed the palate of the discriminating French family at Christmas, with a new treat that rolls two delicacies into one. Find out more >>

It all adds up A heated debate on a French radio station at the end of the year about who deserved the title of the most boring living Frenchman unkindly focused on a bearded Reims post-graduate, 27-year-old Alexis Lemaire, who does not drink or smoke, does not have a girl friend, and has never been known to go on holiday. Find out more >>

La Maison Blanche, Ref LR20, Loire Valley >>

Sleeps 8 - 4 bedrooms - 4 bathrooms

This exceptional house cannot be compared to any other due to its unique style and wonderful location in Saumur, the jewel of the Loire Valley. The interior tastefully combines 19th century charm, modern facilities and comfortable furnishings.

Dominique says: A white haven of peace, full of style and character, located in a beautiful town.

2 week price range * £9610 in April to £9950 in August

Shops Marsilly 50m  Town La Rochelle 6km
Airport La Rochelle 11km Private pool Security alarm, corner steps, 8x5m

Sleeps 6 - 3 bedrooms - 2 bathrooms

Recently restored in a modern style, this small attractive villa is located in the village of Marsilly. The interior is simply furnished and brightly decorated with many nautical features.

Dominique says: Close to La Rochelle airport, many beaches, and to shops and restaurants, this recently restored house enjoys a very convenient location.

2 week price range * £1180 in April to £2900 in August

Sleeps 9 - 4 bedrooms - 3 bathrooms

This recently refurbished contemporary house is set in two hectares of grounds (apricot trees, vines, olive trees, lavender) surrounded by lovely rolling countryside and with panoramic views of Mont-Ventoux.The interior is very bright with Moroccan features.

Dominique says: A jewel of a house. The exterior harmonizes perfectly with the interior and there are fabulous views all around.

2 week price *  £5040 in August

Sleeps 8 - 4 bedrooms - 3 bathrooms

This spacious modern villa enjoys a wonderful position close to sandy beaches good for children and on the edge of a protected forest. The interior is very spacious and bright, furnished in a simple modern style.

Dominique says: A reasonably priced villa in a peaceful setting with beautiful views in a sought-after location a short drive to many beaches.

2 week price range * £3010 in April to £5600 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 >>