June 2007


   Vendée

Vendée


 

e-newsletter
Edited by Roger Macdonald, the Guild of Travel Writers'
only listed expert on villa holidays
              
     
 
Welcome

The more you know about what is happening in France, the better your holiday. Each month we bring you a selection of news, views and attractive events from across the Channel. Plan your next trip to make the most of those occasions when the French are en fête. And take advantage of our VIlla Club reductions for your 2007 holidays.

   Baguettes  
 Fresh from the oven

 
 
   
 
 

News & Features

Rue de la Fleet

Cecilia LIST
Cécilia Sarkozy, wife of the new President of France, may not feel she has been altogether lucky in love, but she is extremely fortunate to be conducting her private life in public gaze on the French side of La Manche. Faced with a similar situation with Mrs Blair or Mrs Brown – although the idea of one of them abandoning their spouse while ensconced in Downing Street seems a lot more remote – the British press would have enjoyed a feeding frenzy.
Find out more >>  

 

The wrong side of the blanket

Chirac LIST
Only one story in France looks likely to push Cécilia Sarkozy out of the limelight: the future of outgoing president, Jacques Chirac, facing possible criminal proceedings. This reflects a sea change in media coverage, because in the past French presidents have enjoyed not just judicial immunity but also a news blanket on anything remotely scandalous.   
Find out more >>   

 

Bold words: but any crack troops?

Kouchner LIST
With Jack Straw widely tipped to become Foreign Secretary again in Gordon Brown’s first administration – proving that tenacity as well as talent is generally needed to recover one of the key ministries of state – the prospect of Margaret Beckett’s caravan being parked in the Quai d’Orsay this summer en route to her French summer holiday has significantly receded.
Find out more >> 

 

Let’s be Realistic

Réalisme Armand Arman Fragmentations LIST New Realism is actually rather old, at least among younger generations who tend to regard the so-called swinging sixties as a time closer to Joan of Arc than Segolène Royal. The sixties across the Channel were just as creative, making a significant if accidental contribution in France to the history of art out of the debris and detritus of everyday living.
Find out more >>

 

It’s the Pits

Le Mans LIST
Even the most famous endurance race in motor sport has been tinkered with this year, for what many see as a reason bordering on the banal. To enable as many as possible of the 220,000 spectators to vote in the second round of the French legislative elections, the start of the Le Mans 24-hour race has been brought forward to 1500 on 16 June.
Find out more >>

 

Over-heating the ardours of courting couples

St Jean 3 LIST

When the world was lit only by fire, the flames played a mystic role in everyday life. On the summer solstice, a bonfire had a role of many enchanting parts. A couple could not marry unless they were athletic enough to jump over a burning bonfire, or at least scorch themselves trying.

Find out more >>

 
 
    3 NEW PROPERTIES FOR 2007
 
PY23 Shops/restaurants Argelès-Gazost 5km
Restaurant In the village 500m
Main towns Lourdes 13km; Tarbes 34km
Airports Pau 74km; Toulouse 191km
Swimming pool Private, electric security cover, fenced-off, roman steps, heated min. 22 - 25°C, size 10x5m
Chez Chester, Ref PY23, Hautes-Pyrénées, Southwest

Sleeps 14 - 6 bedrooms - 6 bathrooms

Recently built to a very high standard, this stunning property enjoys a wonderful location in the hamlet of Salles (no shops; two restaurants 500m away) at the foot of the Pyrénées. A talented interior designer has beautifully decorated the interior with quality furniture and many charming touches.

Dominique says: This property has more facilities than any other in our collection. It is an ideal place for a group of adults who want to relax as well as participate in the many sports available in the area. The interior has been impeccably decorated and the views are breathtaking.

2 WEEK PRICES from * £8,390 in June to £9,990 in August

Find out more >>
 
 
DL10 Shops/restaurants Montpezat 2.5km
Main towns Villeneuve-sur-Lot 20km
Airports Bergerac 65km; Bordeaux 139km; Toulouse 147km
Swimming pool Private, security alarm, roman steps, size 10x6m
Le Caillou, Ref DL10, Lot-et-Garonne, Southwest

Sleeps 12 - 7 bedrooms - 4 bathrooms   

This late 18th century farmhouse has undergone a thorough and tasteful restoration. The property is set in large grounds opening onto surrounding fields, with splendid views of hilly countryside. All the original interior features have been maintained and combined with the best modern facilities.

Dominique says: An impeccable and stylish restoration combined with a lovely setting in a quiet but interesting area make this an ideal holiday property.

2 WEEK PRICES from * £3,990 in June to £5,340 in August

Find out more >>
 
 
CD29 Shops, restaurant  Grasse 4km
Airports Nice 40km
Swimming pool Private, fenced-off, roman steps, size 15x5m
La Tanière des Loups,  Ref CD29, Alpes-Maritimes, Southeast

Sleeps 10 - 6 bedrooms - 6 bathrooms   

This 1960s villa was completely renovated in 2002 to a high standard. It enjoys a wonderful position in the hills overlooking the town of Grasse, the valley beyond and the Mediteranean. The villa is set in 660sqm of lawns and terraces. There are fantastic views from the swimming pool area and the spacious ground floor terrace. The interior is very bright and spacious with beautiful views from most rooms.

Dominique says: A spacious splendid property in a sought-after location with fantastic views of Grasse and the sea.

2 WEEK PRICES from * £6,390 in June to £7,700 in August

Find out more >>
 
     

* PRICES quoted above are for two weeks and include one return short Channel crossing with P&O Ferries, SeaFrance, SpeedFerries or Eurotunnel (longer Channel routes also available - supplements apply according to crossing).

One, three and four week prices and villa only prices are available on the website.

 
   
 
   
 

You could save up to 12.5% in 2007

If you* have travelled with us since 2004 you are entitled to the following financial benefits:

  • A reduction of 5% on your 2007 booking
  • Plus another 2.5% if your first 2007 booking does not include
    the period between 30 June and 1 September 2007
  • A 5% reduction will apply as well to a second booking taken in any one season 

        * You qualify if you were a member of a party, not necessarily the person who booked

    Reductions apply to the villa portion only of the holiday
     
    Reductions do not apply to bookings made via Travel Agents

    More offers for our Villa Club members >>
   
     
 
  SPECIAL OFFERS
   
  From time to time we are able to offer our clients some very good prices - sometimes due to cancellations, sometimes due to our owners wanting to know well in advance that their villas will be booked. In all cases these are genuine reductions and great opportunities.

Here are some examples of currently reduced villas

 
CT27

La Gaitrie, ref. CT27
A classic charentaise farmhouse set in beautiful coutntryside, 19km from Jonzac and 44km from Cognac

Sleeps 14
6 bedrooms / 5 bathrooms / private pool

Save £200 per week in July

Find out more >>



 
LA61
Les Hauts du Gaubil, ref. LA61
Breathtaking views from this fantastic spot just 14km from Carcassonne

Sleeps 12
6 bedrooms / 5 bathrooms / private pool / private tennis court


Save £250 per week from 7 to 28 July

Find out more >>

 
 
DL28
La Fontaine, ref. DL28 
Between Bergerac and Périgueux at the heart of the Dordogne

Sleeps 12
5 bedrooms / 4 bathrooms / private pool


Save up to £350 per week from 23 June to 7 July

Find out more >>

See our full list >>
 
 
AITO
AITO Dominique's Villas , The Plough Brewery, 516 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 3JX, UK
Tel: 00 44 (0) 20 7738 8772 Fax: 00 44 (0) 20 7498 6014 Email info@dominiquesvillas.co.uk

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