DanT

Hope you dont mind me posting back in reply to yours Fi... An agent has professional knowledge of rentals, including health and safety training, insurance, travel regulations and more. A private individual is always at risk from a claim, a complaint and more unless they know what they are doing. I was not suggesting a local agent also, but located in another country which gives marketing exposure in that country also. Holiday-rentals own Arbitel (France) and have upgrade packages available. They are part of the HomeAway group, this includes A1 vacations and many more sites under one banner. I reiterate again, they are biggest and best. To test that, try to imagine what someone searching on the internet would type in to find your property, then go and do it on Google. I put my money on the fact that holiday-rentals will appear on page 1 far more often than any other company... I do agree totally about laymyhat by the way. The best bit about the site is that the worse performing portals are often listed and discussed there.

I recommend the south of France. Depending on your budget, either the SW if you are watching the pennies, otherwise choose the Cote d'Azur for a little more opulence (and beaches).

I would recommend finding an agent, they will add a commission to your rental fee (so you know what amount you will get) and then market the accommodation for you. In addition, they will tell you whats wrong with the house (by fixing it you avoid problems and complaints), health and safety and more. After that, you may wish to adverise yourself on a website / portal. holiday-rentals.co.uk is the best by a country mile of any portals at the moment. Save yourself a lot of time and money and avoid the others and just use this (no I dont work for them by the way!)

I notice that ferry crossing prices are very low at the moment, one can almost park at the airport (if flying to France) for the same price as getting the ferry across.

Just reading these posts, I think Biarritz is the place, in fact I mean THE place. Some great surf in that area I understand...

Is there anyone here who might modify their travel plans this year in light of the threat (or perceived threat) of swine flu? Seems with the cases in the UK, it might be safer to go and enjoy a long holiday and come back when its all forgotten about! NB not to be confused with wine flu (consumption of a bad bottle)...

So I think the original poster has some good ideas then and everyone seems to agree the southwest is probably the place to be. Its also one of my favourite areas...

Hi, I have been working with France for a number of years and reading your criteria, as well as being a little like me (what I like from a holiday you describe well) I would head for the South West of France, Dordogne, Toulouse area etc. Its green, calm, traditional...good value...nice restuarants and places to eat, rarely getting crowded out. You can stroll sleepy villages and towns taking in the markets and shops at leisure, vineyards, golf and relaxation! Many small airports supply the area (e.g. Bergerac, Carcassone, etc ... all Ryanair served) and car hire / driving is a doddle (where I first drove on the continent). If you want sea food, you may of course want to move coastal, towards Biarritz etc. Good luck with what you find.  

I can understand those sentiments for sure. You can pay your respects without making a visit every time, that is also for sure. There are many people in the world, myself included, who will always be grateful for the sacrifices these people made for freedom. I hope what I write doesnt sound corny, it is genuine. I cant help feeling at the moment, the current conflicts (e.g. Iraq over oil) are not quite so honourable however...(nothing to do with the service men and women involved of course) but the governments involved intentions.  

ooops! I am very interested in the D Day Landings and anything war related...and I was totally unaware! I actually spent a whole evening last week glued to the television watching some anoraks dig up some WW1 trenches...I cant get enough of it. You should def make the trip...

I did, but did I miss something too?! D Day landings you mean?

Hi,   There are a number of hotels in the Bayeux area, maybe you should just google search the phrase? Even if not, there is the Novotel Bayeux...universal decent standard...  

I get that impression too. I think people want to escape the current world, even if for 5 minutes, just to get away from banks and toxic debt, unemployment and everything else!

sounds like you have it sorted! Where is your home in France?

Anyone here off to France this year that has chosen self catering (e.g. villa, cottage, gite etc) and where are you going? Did you choose self catering out of option or because you wanted to save money? Interested in anyones views.

I loved those pics...have you submitted them to any french websites or photo sites? I think people would like to use them!

I have to say I have never really studied Gites in the region, but I do know you have to research your accommodation very carefully in this area - there are some unfit abodes being offered.

Hi, Firstly, dont believe that going upmarket means less family friendly...you will probably find the opposite is true. Owners of property with more money tend to pay for pool protection, cover exposed wells and holes etc and generally be more aware of health and safety...as they can afford to be! Thats not to say other owners are not the same of course with less money, but this trend is generally true. There are a lot of specialist operators out there who manage family only villas or houses to rent. You just have to find them on the web or contact the French tourist board. If you find some apartments, not easy, but maybe on a complex, they will meet other families doing the same and mingle. Good luck with your search.  

Such an easy answer...Provence! Should be mild, but you can never tell, pack warm clothes and be prepared.   If you have not been before, though, I do recommend Provence first.

Hi, would recommend a google search for prices...lots of late deals if you look hard enough.

Hello, I would say if you pick somewhere in the country, to make sure they have a log fire (or you will freeze!) and electricity is so expensive! Dan www.qualityvillas.com    

It should really belong to Italy right?   www.qualityvillas.com

Thats very trusting of you!

Hi,   does anyone know any agencies that offer properties for rent (local to Brittany only) ie not international companies? Thanks.   www.qualityvillas.com

Amazing...how scary.