Archive for 'Pretty Views in France'

Cannes – glamour, movies, celebrities, perfect beaches – it is one of those destinations that people long to see at least once in their lifetime and in lots of ways, it really does live up to the hype. Costs can be high and tourist crowds are to be expected during the peak holiday months of the summer but a trip to Cannes is totally doable even if you are a normal person. Here is a selection of some of our favourites among our wonderful properties in Cannes that won’t quite break the bank while also letting you enjoy the best of the glamour the city without skimping on style, relaxation, or charm. Take a look at these gems and get planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip to the famous French Riviera today...

France boasts a landscape that is varied, lovely, and often rather dramatic and, for those who like to walk and hike, it is a perfect holiday destination. A vacation rental in Brittany, in particular, among all of the regions of France, is ideal if you want to blow away the cobwebs, stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh sea air, take in some incredible coastal views, and really enjoy the curative and therapeutic effects of stunning surroundings while on holiday. With a long and wild coastline dotted by dramatic cliffs and pretty beaches and impressive rock formations, it is a place that has no shortage of excellent hiking destinations but it is without a doubt that one of the most beautiful among them has to be the Cap de la Chèvre.

The Cap de la Chèvre is located in the west of Brittany, in the southernmost point of the Crozon peninsula. Facing the north side of Cap Sizun and closing off the Baie de Douarnenez, it is a picturesque part of the world with rocky cliff sides covered in heath, heather, and maritime pines, long beaches, and a wild and majestic appearance. This is further heightened by the charming little old fishing villages of stone-built houses that are clustered in the area and the wonderful panoramas out across the Baie de Douarnenez, the Pointe du Raz, and the various other capes and islands that are dotted along this part of the coast. The contrast between the Mediterranean-like eastern side of the peninsula and the wilder Atlantic nature of the western shore, is also extremely appealing and further heightens the interest and aesthetic value of a ramble through this especially striking and memorable part of the coast of Brittany. If you have found a villa in Brittany and are looking for the most scenic places to hike and explore, this gem of a destination surely tops any lists that you might find!

There are some experiences that are so magical that they make a whole vacation, the kind of thing that you and your fellow travellers will remember and reminisce over fondly for the rest of your lives. If you're after just such an experience and you happen to have found a vacation rental in Midi-Pyrénées then you should definitely set aside some time to make the journey up to the Pic du Midi Observatory.

While there is absolutely no shortage of truly sensational views and viewpoints in this part of the world – you can drive, hike, paraglide, take trains, cycle, and more to take them in – the view from the Pic du Midi Observatory is something altogether different and more special and memorable. It is, altogether, quite unlike anything else you're likely to experience in France.

A vacation in Paris can often be a rather expensive thing. Those wandering the centre of the city will regularly find themselves alarmed at the price of a bottle of water in a corner shop or discover that the cheapest thing on the menu in a restaurant is still not very cost-effective. However, there are, of course, ways to avoid such pitfalls by being clever, avoiding serious tourist traps when possible, doing your research, and saving money where possible. So, if you're on a budget, it doesn't mean a lovely holiday in the city is impossible, it just means being prepared. One great way of doing this is by having some activities in your itinerary that are either inexpensive or completely free of charge, which will leave you with more of a budget to enjoy other things. For example, if you want to visit a wonderful museum in a very picturesque setting that has some great works of art and is free to enter while you are exploring Paris, then be sure to plan a visit to the Musée de la Vie Romantique.

Provence is famous for her lavender and sunflowers and lush rolling fields, for the Alps towering comfortingly in the background and meadows full of wildflowers between snow-capped peaks, for impossibly blue waters lapping gorgeous beaches and framed by fragrant Mediterranean greenery. The region is home to endless historic homes and excellent parks and wonderful gardens, in addition to this amazing natural and agricultural bounty that blankets the area. Among all of the gardens of Provence, however, the Domaine du Rayol stands out as one of the more unique and special examples of this wonderful marriage of manmade and natural beauty. If you are a fan of gardens or pretty views (or great food) and you have found a holiday rental in Provence, then it is certainly a must-see!

Domaine du Rayol (also known as the Jardin botanique du Rayol and the Parc botanique à Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer) is a botanical garden and arboretum that is located in the commune of Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, right on the coast. Listed as a Remarkable Garden of France by the Committee of Parks and Gardens of the Ministry of Culture of France, it is the most famous attraction in the area and a wonderful place to spend some time, wandering around, admiring plants from all over the globe in one destination while on holiday in Provence.