Vive La France in August and September with One Off Places

Being the UK’s closest neighbour across the Channel has meant that France has always been a popular and easily accessible holiday destination, and on the simplest level there are few things as evocative as gathering together a baguette, some local cheese and glass or two of wine to make a lovely, lazy picnic lunch. Add to this the history, the cuisine, the markets, the culture and the huge range of scenery and natural attractions and you start to wonder – is this the perfect European holiday destination?

All of the following three properties still have availability for that late Summer / early Autumn period – the time of year when the sun still shines and the holiday season is still in full swing but perhaps without the frenetic edge of the real high season. The perfect time of year for a wonderfully memorable holiday in a One Off Place...

Lou Capitani
Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms. Rustic farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and peace...
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Provence-Cote-dAzur/Lou-Capitani.aspx
A perfect holiday villa with its own pool, Lou Capitani is a secluded 300 year-old Provençal 'mas' set in 2.5 acres on a hill in the midst of pines, olive trees and vineyards, with stupendous views south and west over unspoilt Bandol wine country and the Mediterranean. Lou Capitani is located in one of the most secluded and rural parts of Provence, and for wine buffs the wine produced in the area is highly prized which helps to preserve the natural but cared-for countryside and avoid the large-scale development of villas and secondary residences. The area also provides wonderful opportunities for hill, coastal and cross-country walks, as well as world-renowned beaches and creeks.
This villa is a wonderful base for exploring one of France’s most charismatic regions, and it is currently available for a rate of only €1700pw (£1400*) for bookings of 2 weeks or more from late August through to October (down from €2350 / £1990*). Further reductions may also be available for smaller groups.
Should you be prepared to travel from a regional airport then flights can be amazing value as well – Ryanair are currently offering early September returns to Toulon airport (40 mins away) from Bristol for as little as £20 return per adult including tax*.

Le Presbytere
Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. 19th century luxury with 21st century facilities...
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Poitou-Charentes/Le-Presbytere.aspx
Maison Brives sleeps up to 6 people in three luxurious double bedrooms and makes the perfect, 'tout confort' French holiday retreat. The antique furniture, rugs on the floor, curving elm staircase, traditional, stone carved chimney - all these conspire to offer the visitor a warm and inviting French country house experience. Maison Brives was the village presbytery built in 1830 during the reign of Napoleon the 2nd. An elegant stone built 1830 house with large stone terrace and extensive rural views in cognac vineyards, salt swimming pool 8x5m; large enclosed garden with old lime trees; roses and extensive parking. The house is elegantly furnished with antiques, very high-tech but country kitchen, 3 large double bedrooms (all en suite) and a winding elm staircase over 2 floors. Situated on the corner of a village, it lies between Cognac (12 minutes) and the picturesque town of Saintes (16 minutes away).
Spend 2 weeks here from 22nd August for only £1200 per week (down from £1600), plus the owners will leave everything for your first breakfast as well as a bottle of champagne in the fridge for the perfect start to your wonderful holiday...
Fly to La Rochelle (1 hour away) from London Stansted for only £140 return with Ryanair*.

Le Chalet
Sleeps 5 in 2 bedrooms. Mountain walks, clear air and stunning views round every corner.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Languedoc-Rousillon/Le-Chalet.aspx
The perfect "getaway" retreat, set in spectacular countryside in the South of France on the outskirts of a small village. Set in the Hautes Pyrenees the house is at 1000m altitude, enjoying beautiful sunshine in summer and snow in winter. The village is close by, and there are many beautiful walks and off-road cycling directly from the door. A number of ski resorts less than 1 hour’s drive away and cross-country skiing from the village. Close by are the Cathar castles and vineyards that the region is famous for. For those wishing more action, white water rafting on the Aude river is only 10km away.
There is still availability for weeks beginning the 22nd, 29th August and 5th Sept at the amazing rate of only €350pw (£295*), or €600 (£505*) for a fortnight – unbelievable value for such an idyllic location.
Fly to Perpignan (1 hour away) from London Stansted for only £140 return with Ryanair*.

Notes for editors:
One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request.
*All flight prices are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com and Skyscanner.net, and should be used for guidance only. Prices may have been converted from local currency – in this case at a market rate on 6th August 2009 – and again are a guide only. See property listing for more details.