Archive for 'Architectural Gems in France'

If you are a wine-lover, a vacation in France is ideal and there are certainly lots of different famous wine regions and areas to choose from for lazy days of exploring lush landscapes, visiting little towns, discovering wineries, and sampling the local vintages. There is, of course, the likes of Champagne and Burgundy, which are impossibly well-known wine regions that are synonymous with famous wine varieties. And then there is the gorgeous Languedoc-Roussillon, which boasts 300,000 hectares of vineyards, making it actually the largest wine producing region in France and, though perhaps less well-known internationally, it is one of the most beloved wine regions in the country. Browse our villas in Languedoc-Roussillon now and come see it for yourself!

Located on the Mediterranean coast between Spain and Provence and stretching from the Pyrénées to the Cevennes National Park, this wine region is not only jam-packed with incredible wineries but it also boasts a varied and gorgeous landscape, pretty medieval towns with ancient monuments, and modern seaside resorts that compete with the Azure while doing so at lower prices. Those, therefore, who are interested in a French getaway filled with beauty, great wine, lots to see and do, and more competitive price points would do well to browse our range of lovely vacation rentals in Languedoc-Roussillon.

You may have heard the name Nicolas Flamel mentioned in the Harry Potter books or films but he was in fact a real figure in history (though he probably did not actually obtain a Philosopher’s Stone, as the legends about him might claim) and you can even actually come and dine in his former home! One of Paris’ many wonderful oddities, the house that Flamel built for himself all the way back in 1407 on Montmorency Street still stands to this day and boasts the claim that it is the oldest stone house in the city. So, if you find a vacation rental in France, you are planning on coming to Paris for a day, and you are looking for a perfect spot with just a touch of seasonal spookiness in which to dine, then this is a must-see and truly an excellent place to drop into for lunch!

Located at 51 rue de Montmorency, Flamel’s home is marked by strange symbols that are carved into an exterior that has been left unchanged since the supposed alchemist lived there in the 15th century. A bookseller by profession, the stories of his life suggest that he managed to stumble across some mysterious arcane text that allowed him to learn how to turn ordinary metals to gold and that this was how he amassed a great fortune. 

Those who find a vacation rental in Brittany will quickly discover that the reputation of the region’s stunning coastline has not been exaggerated and, in fact, perhaps is even more impressive in real life. There are endless truly gorgeous beaches, views, towns, tourist attractions, and sights of unparalleled natural beauty to be discovered all across Brittany. However, even among this illustrious list of extraordinary gems, there are some particular stand-outs and Belle-île has to be one of the most notable. A beyond picturesque island, quite literally named for being a beautiful island, it makes for a brilliant day trip for anyone who decides to book a holiday rental in Brittany and begin delving into the immense loveliness of this land. And, with a mild climate year round, Belle-île is a brilliant place to visit no matter when you find yourself on vacation in Brittany. 

Exploring the windswept, beautiful, and dramatic landscape of the region is an absolute must for those who have found a vacation rental in Brittany. It is an utterly picturesque part of the world that rewards those who venture out without any real plan and simply drive or walk and take in all that is around them. However, if you prefer to know for certain what sorts of gorgeous scenes you might take in on your travels, then it is worth taking note of a few different landmarks in the area. There are many worth mentioning in this impossibly scenic part of France, of course, far too many to cover in any single article, but a particularly lovely spot that we think you should take in as you explore Brittany has to be the Phare du Petit Minou, or the Petit Minou Lighthouse, in the commune of Plouzané, facing the Fort du Petit Minou.

While there is no shortage of incredible fairytale castles in and around France, if you have found a vacation rental in Aquitaine then there is one particular example that is well worth seeking out; a magical gem that is so pretty it made the famous Josephine Baker fall in love with it...

Looking like a dollhouse or a drawing from a storybook, the Château des Milandes was built in 1489 and is a masterpiece of domestic Renaissance architecture in France with exquisite Gothic features, plush interiors, picture-perfect gardens to be explored, and a range of activities to enjoy from bird shows to simulated archaeological digs for kids to sipping a coffee or enjoying lunch on the sunny patio behind the castle. For those who want to soak up the atmosphere and beauty of pre-Revolutionary French life for the impossibly wealthy and titled folk of the land, to temporarily be transported back in time, then this is a definite must-see while on vacation in Aquitaine!