Enjoy France!

Dolphin surfing in western Brittany

2011-04-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to hear news of a visitor to the beautiful bay of Audierne on the western coast of Brittany - a dolphin has been spotted several times recently playing with the waves just near holiday property B616A, a superb spacious modern villa overlooking the sea. This is one of our favourite spots, with miles of white sandy beaches and clear turquoise sea. See our website susanparadise.co.uk for details on how to book your holiday in this stunning location.

Snow and sunshine in the south of France

2011-03-15T04:34:00.000-07:00

The variety of landscapes within a short distance in France never fails to astound me. Régine took these pictures this weekend at Auron, just over 100km north of Pégomas, where she and her family went to ski and “faire de la raquette” – walking in snowshoes. Auron is on the edge of the Parc National du Mercantour, a great favourite with nature-loving visitors to the Cote d’Azur. A holiday on the French Riviera offers so much more than lying on a beach in the Mediterranean sunshine; the climate allows plenty of opportunities for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, (the Parc du Mercantour has lots of waymarked paths)horse riding, cycling, watching the wildlife,(you may even see a Marmot) rock climbing, fishing…. In fact the possibilities are endless!

A day’s excitement on the snowy slopes does wonders to build up an appetite, and the mountain cuisine of southern France is nothing if not warming – Régine’s party enjoyed regional specialities such as Raclette and Tartiflette, (many of the recipes are based on delicious melted cheeses such as Reblochon, and finely sliced smoked ham, potatoes and cream) local charcuterie, and pierrade, where you cook your own thin strips of meat on a hot stone slab at your table – great fun!

Holiday villas and apartments are being booked up rapidly, so browse through the properties on our website www.susanparadise.co.uk or call us now on 01395 597759 to discuss your holiday requirements – we look forward to hearing from you.

A bientôt!

Régine's Restaurant Reviews - latest...

2011-03-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Régine's search for good places to eat out on the Cote d'Azur continues - last night she dined at the Sot l'y laisse, (apparently this means roughly 'the fool leaves it there' and it relates to a small patch of dark meat on a chicken....)1 Place Suzanne de Villeneuve, 06370 Mouans-Sartoux, France
Tel: 0493755450. There are several choices on the €21.50 menu, and Régine was delighted with the crème de carrotes followed by Dorade (sea bream) aux petits légumes and caramelised apples with ice cream. Truly a mouth-watering experience!

Bon weekend!

Régine's Restaurant Reviews

2011-03-01T03:13:00.000-08:00

The Big Wheel in Nice

Régine at Nice flower market

You're starting to dream of this year’s holiday on the Cote d’Azur, and your thoughts turn to all those fabulous opportunities to eat out. The trouble is, you're spoilt for choice - and this is when you can’t beat a bit of local up-to-the-minute knowledge! Our local agent Régine has very kindly been trying out some of the restaurants in the area, and this is what she says:

Le Petit Bouchon, 4 Rue de la République, Mouans Sartoux (the old part of the village). Telephone 04 93 75 65 43. Small restaurant, Lyonnaise cooking, very nice ambiance, good food, examples of meals -
blanquette de veau, filet de boeuf, magret de canard, etc... great “frites” and very good desserts. About €25 for a main meal, a dessert and a glass of wine.

La Merenda (this is the niçois word for a snack) 4 Rue Raoul Bosio in the old part of Nice. Tiny restaurant (easy to miss as you’re walking by) - no telephone, no reservations, and they don’t accept credit cards – cash only. Superb ambiance, and you can see the chef at work in the kitchen at the back. Excellent Niçoise dishes such as pissaladière (a Provençal onion tart with anchovies, olives and herbs)and Pates au Pistou, a distinctive speciality with green pasta with garlic and basil sauce, for which the chef is well known. Delicious desserts include tarte au citron and pears in wine. The dishes change from day to day according to what is fresh at the market. Main dishes - €10 – €20, dessert about €5.

La Merenda - don't miss it!

Self catering holidays in France - booking numbers up!

2011-01-31T03:11:00.000-08:00

Despite the relentless gloom-mongering of the media, we have had a busy January here at Susan Paradise, and bookings are ahead compared to this time in 2009 and 2010. We are delighted that nearly 40% of our bookings so far for 2011 come from clients who have been with us before, and have such happy holiday memories that they are coming back - it has to be a good sign! Remember to book early for the best choice of properties.....

Looking forward to the 2011 season, we have some new properties to offer in Brittany - one example is B768A (above) which is a delightful traditional holiday villa in our favourite part of Brittany, in a little hamlet called Pendruc, just 300m from the sea. The beaches around here are wonderful, long stretches of fine white sand - and yet the area remains incredibly uncommercialised. Check our Brittany holiday properties pages on the website for more superb holiday villas and cottages.
As well as a fantastic coastline, Brittany has something for everyone - great food, culture, family friendly destinations, sports facilities - why not make Brittany your holiday destination for 2011?

Bonne Année 2011

2011-01-04T03:28:00.000-08:00

We hope that you have had a happy and peaceful Christmas, and we wish you all the best for the coming year. Snow hit us hard here in Devon in December – while I was unable to get out to my French class due to the bad weather, Régine was enjoying her English lessons in her garden on the Cote d'Azur in short sleeves….
We are hoping it is behind us now, and are looking forward to spring flowers, longer days and, eventually, holidays! Book now for the best choice of our villas and apartments in France – take a look at the choice on our website – www.susanparadise.co.uk or phone us on 01395 597759 to talk through your requirements.

Bonne Année 2011!

Fireworks on the Cote d'Azur

2010-11-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

Calling all fireworks fans! Don’t miss this incredible event on the Cote d’Azur
After the fun and excitement of bonfire night in the UK, are you left yearning for more? How about planning a holiday in France in 2011 – the French really know how to do fireworks (although it’s likely you may be tucking into a glass of chilled champagne rather than hot soup as an accompaniment!)

Particularly memorable, our clients on holiday in the Cote d’Azur have told us, is the Festival Pyrotechnique de Cannes – the most sophisticated and up-to-the-minute fireworks are let off from barges moored in the stunning bay of Cannes accompanied by a musical extravaganza - the fireworks are reflected spectacularly in the water and the acoustics are amazing – the overall effect really has to be seen to be believed, and people come from all over the world to do so!

Dates for 2011 are 14th, 21st and 29th July and 7th, 15th and 24th August. See our website www.susanparadise.co.uk for holiday properties to rent on the Cote d’Azur or call us on 01397 597759 to discuss your requirements.

Photo by Felixco.Inc

Winter sunshine on the Côte d'Azur

2010-11-05T03:13:00.000-07:00

Winter breaks on the Cote d’Azur

It’s a tradition – the British have been getting their winter sunshine fix on the Cote d’Azur since the 1820s. Clear blue skies and palm-lined promenades give a touch of the exotic, yet you don’t have to spend hours in a plane to get there - the French Riviera is an easy flight from many UK airports, and you even have the option of going by train from St Pancras.

There’s much more to the Cote d’Azur than lounging on a beach; dozens of artists were inspired by the exceptional light and colours of the region and you will be spoilt for choice with art galleries and exhibitions.

Of course France is famous for its gastronomic delights, and restaurants are less crowded than in the summer months – if you thought you would be waiting until 2011 to dine al fresco, think again – today it’s 22°c and sunny on the Cote d’Azur…..

The public transport system along the coast is excellent – several of our clients this year have expressed their delight at the value for money and service on the trains and buses in the region, from St Raphael right across to Monaco and Ventimiglia in Italy. The Victorians may have missed out on the chance of touring Nice in an open top bus to take in all the sights, but there is nothing stopping you… To really blow away some cobwebs and get the sea breeze in your hair, why not borrow a ‘Vèlo Bleu’ from one of the collection points around Nice and explore by bike!

Give your spirits a lift and bring a bit of sparkle into the gloomy winter days with a break in the south of France. Here are some ideas for holiday properties on the Cote d’Azur which are ideal for a winter break - C336A Mandelieu la Napoule (sleeps 2); C115A, Nice (sleeps 5); C59A Pégomas near Grasse (sleeps 2), C381A Le Tignet near Grasse (sleeps 2)

Alternatively, browse our website www.susanparadise.co.uk or call us on 01395 597759 to discuss your requirements.

Time to book your next holiday in France!

2010-10-07T03:40:00.000-07:00

The bottle of pastis we brought back with us is now gone, the warm scarf I bought in 30° of blazing sunshine at Aix-en-Provence market is coming into regular use on early morning dog walks and the chirp of cicadas is but a distant memory…. So we thought, it’s time to book our next holiday in France. Last minute booking is all very well, but anyone booking early has a bigger choice of holiday properties – the favourites are always booked well in advance, and, for us, anticipation is all part of the pleasure – now we have put our deposit on our holiday cottage in Provence, we can start to dream and plan. France is such a varied country, and there are always so many things to see and do, no matter how often you visit. Visit the regional information pages on our website for some ideas, or browse through our holiday villas and apartments in France on the website www.susanparadise.co.uk - just the thing to banish those shorter day blues!

A bientôt, Provence!

2010-09-30T03:38:00.000-07:00

Back from holiday at beautiful peaceful P108A in the Pays de Forcalqiuer, Alpes de Haute Provence care of Susan Paradise holidays – all I can say is, it was complete bliss! Seven days of sunshine, swimming, walks, food and wine in the most heavenly countryside, is, to me, the key to complete relaxation.

Here is a small selection of the high points:

Star gazing at the Centre d’Astronomie, Saint Michel l’Observatoire, which is reputed to have the clearest sky in Europe. During the summer various events are held, including evening picnics and film nights. We listened to an introductory talk about the constellations, to give us an idea of what goes where, then it was outside to look at the real thing, which was quite stunning, especially the Milky Way. I’ve never used a telescope before, and I am captivated by it….

Forcalquier market – We loved the stall with kitchen implements. We did think that some of the more specialist produce was very expensive (but treated ourselves to some wonderful berger cheese and tapenade anyway…)

L’Auberge des Coupoles, Saint Michel l’Observatoire. We went twice, we enjoyed it so much! Friendly service, lovely food, beautifully presented – my favourite was the delicious gambas.

The breathtaking view from the citadel at Forcalquier, a steep walk in the blistering sun, but well worth it….

The Prieure de Salagon – the gardens are a paradise for plant enthusiasts, especially the contemporary garden with plants from all over the world with relevant uses to our modern lives, like tea and coffee… I didn’t realise that tapioca grew on trees!

The walks – especially through the Foret Dominiale behind Volx with views over the Durance valley to the mountains. Sturdy walking boots essential, and take plenty of water.

Le Bleuet bookshop at Banon; loads of little rooms all full of books and book lovers – I’ve never seen such a wide selection of recipe books.

I can’t wait for my next holiday in Provence – there is so much to see and do in the area. I miss the lovely morning view of the countryside from my bedroom window ...

and I bought a map with 14 walks from the tourist office, and there are still 13 walks that I haven’t done yet…. A la prochaine fois, Provence, je t'aime …..

2010-08-18T02:37:00.000-07:00

It seems such a long time since we last blogged…. Things have been very busy with a visit to look at properties in Brittany back in June, followed by a flood of last minute bookings, as the pound rallied against the euro, and the volcanic ash cloud became a distant memory.

June was unbelievably hot in Brittany, perfect for beach holidays, and for eating al fresco; maybe the temperatures were a little too high for car journeys around the region inspecting properties, but we can’t complain – you’re never far from a magnificent coastal landscape in Brittany, and the views were, as ever, superb with deep blue skies and clear, tropical-looking seas.

We have a particular passion for the area around the Pointe de Trevignon; it is so peaceful, and the beaches are breathtakingly beautiful, so we were delighted to take on two new properties there, both within easy walking distance of the sea. See B762A and B765A for more details.

After an especially busy morning around Concarneau and Benodet we stopped for lunch at the creperie Quartier d’été at La Forêt Fouesnant, at the side of the estuary with views across to the marina – what a lovely spot! A friendly welcome, delicious crepes and a great atmosphere – couldn’t ask for more.

More and more people are taking their pets on holiday to France with them (see our section on pet-friendly accommodation in France) and we enjoy seeing dogs happily accompanying their owners eating out at French restaurants. This little terrier sat so quietly on his owner’s lap at a restaurant in the Ville Close, Concarneau, that you would hardly have noticed he was there!

Régine has been as busy as ever on the Côte d’Azur, as you can see, the work never lets up in the summer season, even on a romantic stroll with Pat through the pretty little streets of Mougins, she is taking enquiries on the phone!

Now the peak holiday time is drawing to a close, and at the end of August it will be my turn! Winding down in Provence, relaxing by the pool, catching up with some reading, walking in the Luberon hills – I can hardly wait! I will report back on any new discoveries in the Pays de Forcalquier on my return. A bientôt…

Cannes film festival

2010-05-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

This morning Régine and Pat have been out soaking up the atmosphere of the Cannes film festival. They strolled along the length of the Croisette where preparations were well under way for some truly gourmand lunches, if the delicious aromas of fresh fish being grilled were anything to go by! The sea was calm in the warm May sunshine, boats were bobbing on the sparkling water in the harbour and everyone was full of bonhomie. After the hustle and bustle of Cannes in full celebration mode, back to the peace of Pégomas for lunch - a ‘pain bagnat’ from the wonderful Chez Ernest in Cannes, accompanied by a a glass of crisp chilled rosé – santé!
If you'd like to bask in the sun, fun and glamour of Cannes for a while, look at our holiday properties C75A (sleeps 5)which is just 2km from the centre of Cannes, yet has its own private pool and garden, or C385A, (sleeps 4) a lovely air conditioned apartment right at the centre of the action, just 150m from the beach. Or view our whole selection of self catering holiday accommodation in France at http://www.susanparadise.co.uk/index.htm

Festival de la Transhumance, Saint Rémy de Provence

2010-04-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

There was much excitement outside our office here in Devon yesterday, as a flock of sheep appeared, having escaped from a nearby field. Helping to round them up and return them to their rightful home gave us an excellent excuse to go out and enjoy the spring sunshine, and put us in mind of the upcoming Fête de la Transhumance in Saint Rémy de Provence. On May 24th, between 3000 and 4000 sheep will parade around the streets of this picturesque town, accompanied by goats, donkeys, sheepdogs and shepherds, before leaving for the high mountain pastures. In times gone by, this would mean a 10 day journey on foot, nowadays the sheep travel in a truck, but the moment is still celebrated in style at Saint Rémy, with music, dancing, feasting and lively street markets. It’s a lovely place to go at any time, with a choice of restaurants and individual shops, fascinating artistic and historical connections and lots of interesting things to see and do. We have several apartments with shared swimming pool within easy walking distance of Saint Rémy town centre, see P349A, P339A, P339B, P339C and P339D.
For the whole range of our holiday properties in Brittany, Provence and the Côte d'Azur, look at our website http://www.susanparadise.co.uk/
If you have experienced the Fête de la Transhumance, or if you have any recommendations of places to eat out in and around Saint Rémy de Provence, we would love to hear from you!

Special spring offer for the south of France

2010-03-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

As winter seems to be reappearing across Britain, and we hear that our colleagues in the south of France are lunching out of doors in just their shirt sleeves, we'd like to announce a very special offer for April and May.

The price of the delightful Maison Bleue at Pégomas near Grasse is now reduced from EUR 575 to EUR 475 per week in April, and from EUR 650 to EUR 575 per week in May. This is even lower than the prices way back in 2006, so it's a real bargain! You can walk to shops, bars, restaurants and the superb farmers' market from the property, stroll along the famous seafront - la Croisette - in Cannes, which is just 9km away, or catch a train along the coast for a day out in Italy!

Here is what some tenants have said about La Maison Bleue -
"Everything was absolutely perfect, a warm welcome, very convenient for Grasse, Cannes, Nice, it was heaven! Thank you for a most wonderfully relaxed holiday."

"The house was beautifully decorated and had everything practical to make it comfortable without too much stuff...Village within easy walking distance with all necessary shops and places to eat. Half an hour's drive from the sea. On good bus route to Cannes. Lots of other interesting villages and towns to explore nearby and fantastic scenery."

Call us on 01395 597759 to find out more, or visit our website http://www.susanparadise.co.uk/ to look at our full range of holiday properties in France

New - fabulous villa close to the beach on the Cote d'Azur!

2010-03-10T03:50:00.000-08:00

Last week Régine went to visit a beautiful villa close to the beach that we have recently taken on at La Napoule – see top photo - C393A (sleeps 8) has everything you could wish for in a holiday rental home; a private pool, a balcony with sea views, an enclosed garden, and in addition it’s in a peaceful position yet only 500m to the beach and 300m from shops, restaurants and bars.

The villa is right next to the beautiful Parc Départmental de San Peyre, so Régine took the opportunity to enjoy the lovely countryside, taking some photos along the way. The footpath ‘sentier botanique’ is just 100m from the villa, and zig zags gently up the hill. You can pause to read the story of the little church of Saint Pierre, which is now in ruins. At the top, at an altitude of 131m, you are rewarded by truly spectacular views across the sparkling blue Mediterranean, as you can see from the photos.

Take a look at our website www.susanparadise.co.uk/ for details of all our holiday villas in the south of France and Brittany, or phone us on 01395 597759 to chat about your particular requirements.

Two new holiday gites close to the beach in Brittany

2010-02-24T03:25:00.000-08:00

We have just taken on two superb family friendly gites in Brittany, which are available now to book for the summer holidays. Both have large gardens, fantastic for children (and grown-ups!) to play in, and both are a short walk from fabulous beaches.

B762A (sleeps 6) is on the Pointe de Trévignon, our favourite part of southern Brittany. This attractive holiday cottage is only 200m from the nearest white sandy beach, and an easy walk to a good creperie and café bar with sea views. More restaurants and shops are within a 7km drive at Trégunc, and Concarneau, with its famous old walled town in the harbour, is about 10km.

B763A (sleeps 12) is a spacious holiday villa at the southern entrance to the exceptionally beautiful Crozon Peninsula, just a 30 minute drive from Brest airport. It’s just 500m from Pentrez Plage; a great beach for all the family, with surf, shallows for paddling, rock pools to explore and huge stretches of sand perfect for beach games. The nearest shops and restaurants are just 2.5km away at Plomodiern, which also has a weekly market and one of the best folk festivals in Brittany every August.

Don’t delay – book now, we have availability at the moment because these two lovely holiday properties in Brittany are new to our collection, but they will soon be snapped up! Look at our website http://www.susanparadise.co.uk/ for more information, or call us on 01395 597759

Snow sensation on the Cote d'Azur!

2010-02-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

Now here's a sight you don't see very often! Those of you who have happy memories of baking sun on the pool terrace and refreshing dips in the lovely pool when on holiday at La Maison Bleue at Pégomas will hardly recognise the place from these photos taken last week showing several centimetres of snow on the Cote d'Azur - brrr!

For novelty value it was fun while it lasted - and we've never seen Régine wearing a hat and gloves before - but luckily things soon returned to normal; the sun came out, the mimosas are flowering and everyone is getting in the festive mood ready for Nice Carnival. Summer will be here before you know it - book your holiday villa in France now at http://www.susanparadise.co.uk/

Self catering walking holidays in Provence / Côte d'Azur

2010-02-09T01:36:00.000-08:00

Forget Paris in the springtime; you can’t beat the Provençal countryside as the season bursts into bloom and peace still reigns supreme on the French Riviera. Many visitors to the glamorous, buzzing resorts of the Côte d’Azur are unaware that just a short distance inland are hundreds of kilometres of waymarked footpaths with stunning mountain views and panoramic seascapes. Spring is the ideal time to slip on your walking boots and head for the clear blue skies and warm spring sunshine of south-eastern France. Nature is at its finest at this time of year, the wildflowers are opening to welcome the lengthening days, and the pace of life in the south of France is at its most restful.

A self-catering holiday villa in Provence / Côte d’Azur will give you the freedom to come and go as you choose, and a well equipped and comfortable base to return to after an energetic day’s walking.
For the really adventurous, the Mercantour National Park offers landscapes to rival the most rugged British wilderness, and you may get to see wild chamonix , marmots and ibex if you’re lucky! The highest point is Mont Gélas at 3,143m, but there are trails to suit all ages and abilities.
C70A (sleeps 3, pool shared with owner) has amazing views along the valley of the river Var, and several appealing walks right on the doorstep. From here it’s a short drive to the rugged Mercantour National Park, with 600km of superb hiking trails.

P348A (sleeps 6, private pool) is an ideal base for walkers keen to explore two of France’s regional natural parks; it is situated just north east of the beautiful Lubéron hills and within easy driving distance of the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon.. It’s also an easy walk to shops, bars and restaurants in the unspoilt local village of Reillanne.

For a bigger selection of rental villas and apartments perfect for a walking holiday in France, see our section Walking Holidays in France on the Susan Paradise website or call us on 01395 597759 to talk about your individual requirements.

Shopping in Cannes

2010-01-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

Cannes is well known as a shoppers’ paradise, and if you go even slightly off the beaten track, the prices are often very reasonable; who knows, you may even find a real bargain!

Régine, as a local, is in the know about these things, and she loves the small food shops that line the pedestrianised rue Meynadier (off the rue d’Antibes) in Cannes, which are well known for their delicious array of French and Provençal specialities. As you will see from her photos, they are a visual treat even before you start shopping…..

Rue Meynadier is close to the wonderful Forville market, which is open every morning except Monday. It is also very well placed, just behind the port, for a great selection of restaurants, which are open until late in the evening.

A self-catering holiday in France allows you the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy your food shopping, and the smaller specialist food shops ensure a truly cultural experience not to be missed. Don’t just take our word for it - to take full advantage of the best of Cannes shopping, we recommend staying at C385A (sleeps 2, right in the heart of Cannes) or C75A (sleeps 5, private pool, 2km Cannes centre).

Bon appetit!

Eco-friendly holidays in France

2010-01-25T07:18:00.000-08:00

France is a great choice for environmentally aware holidaymakers; an overseas destination you can reach by train if you wish, plenty of opportunity to support local events and buy regional produce, and you can hike and cycle (or even recycle!) to your heart’s content.

We are very keen to promote environmentally responsible living, both in our day-to-day work at the Susan Paradise office and in the holidays we offer. Here are some of the reasons why a Susan Paradise holiday in France is an eco-friendly choice:

· We supply information to help our clients support local concerns - small shops, markets, craftspeople, festivals etc - when on holiday in France.

· We give guidelines to our property owners to help our clients enjoy an environmentally friendly stay, for example by recycling, or using regional public transport where possible.

· France is a fantastic country for cycling and hiking; Brittany, Provence & Cote d’Azur – are home to numerous nature reserves and areas of natural beauty.

· Our office is in a redundant agricultural building which we rebuilt using reclaimed traditional materials. There are lots of nesting boxes and feeders for the birds all over the office grounds.

· No water cooler needed! Our office water supply comes from a deliciously cool spring, and is pumped by a water powered ram.

· We do not produce a brochure; our bookings and enquiries are handled by email wherever possible. Office paper, stamps, cartridges etc are recycled. Shredded documents go on our compost heap.

· We regularly support a number of charities – more information on the website.

Click through to the website to view our top eco-friendly self catering accommodation in France.

France - cheaper than you think!

2010-01-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

France – cheaper than you think!
Did you know that France is officially the most visited tourist destination in the world – and 79 million people can’t be wrong! You may have seen Fred Mawes’ article in the Telegraph this Sunday, where he points out that France probably works out to be the cheapest overseas country you can go to on holiday, as it’s inexpensive to get to, and many self-catering properties are the same price or even cheaper than last year. He particularly referred to Susan Paradise Ltd, and highlighted the Best Budget Buys section on our website. Above you will see photos of three of our favourite great value properties in this section, C174A (Grasse, sleeps 5), C166A (Antibes, sleeps 2) and C361A (Tourrettes sur Loup, sleeps 4).
Have you booked yet? Remember, the earlier you book, the better choice you will have of our superb range of holiday properties in France. Call us to discuss your individual requirements, fill in our Quick Enquiry form or take a look at our website www.susanparadise.co.uk. We look forward to talking to you.

Family friendly holidays in France

2010-01-13T02:25:00.000-08:00

If you are starting to plan your family holiday for 2010, don't forget that France is a great country in which to travel with children.
· It's right on our doorstep! Flight times are relatively short; well-planned train and ferry journeys can be a special treat and great fun for children.
· They are generally welcome everywhere, and young children and babies in particular are always made a fuss of.
· Despite being close, France has a whole different culture - a stimulating and educational experience for children.
· There are numerous family orientated theme parks with excellent facilities.
· Any tourist information office will have plenty of ideas for children's activities locally.
· It's a great chance for them to try out the French they've learnt at school, and find new friends.
· Children under 4 travel free on public transport in France and those aged between 4 and 12 pay half price.
· Museums, galleries etc are usually free to under 12s, and half price for children aged 12 - 18.
· Most restaurants have a children's menu.
· several of the seaside towns have received awards for their child-friendly facilities and attitude.

A self-catering holiday in France is a perfect option for families; more freedom, space and privacy than a hotel, a choice of travel options and plenty of opportunity to experience French culture and meet French people. Look at a selection of our family friendly properties on our website, or call us on 01395 597759 to discuss your individual requirements.

Sunny days ahead!

2010-01-12T03:01:00.000-08:00

The long cold spell that many of us are still enduring seems to be inspiring people to book their summer holidays – it’s a real boost, during these bleak dark days, to dream of the long sunny days ahead, and planning well in advance means that you can have the first choice of the best holiday homes available in France. Let our pictures transport you a few months on, when slippery pavements and greying snow are a distant memory, and you are feeling the warm soft sand of a Brittany beach between your toes, or sipping a chilled glass of rosé on a baking terrace of a Provençal café.... Anticipation is part of the fun of your holiday, so book now at http://www.susanparadise.co.uk/ then settle back and really look forward to your 2010 holiday in France.

Looking back and looking forward

2010-01-05T04:10:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful day here as we start the New Year, sunny but very cold outside. Our thoughts turn inevitably to warmer days to come, and holidays. Over Christmas my parents were reminiscing about our first family holiday to France, where we had a wonderful time in a very simple Provençal cottage near Fayence. I still haven’t forgotten the thrill of going to an outdoor restaurant, and having snails for the very first time! Or the pleasure of trying out my few words of French, and finding out it actually worked! We spent hours swimming and on pedalos at the Lac de Saint Cassien, learning to play Pétanque and exploring the beautiful countryside, loving the hot sun and the scent of rosemary and thyme in the air. It was all so exciting, and that sense of excitement and anticipation has never left me when it comes to trips to France – there is always something new to discover. Yet the memories of that first holiday are still very clear even after all these years, and I have a soft spot for the Fayence region to this day. Why not create some special memories for your family with a holiday to France in 2010? Call us to discuss your individual requirements, or browse through the properties on our website http://www.susanparadise.co.uk/
For a superb family friendly holiday home near Fayence, look at C386A (sleeps 10, private pool).

Mimosa time on the Côte d'Azur

2010-01-04T07:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!
As January moves towards February, Régine posts us a bit of Côte d’Azur sunshine in the form of a sprig of Mimosa flowers. They are a cheery bright yellow, and the perfume fills the air in the office as soon as they are out of their little parcel - it’s always a lovely reminder that spring is on its way, and reminds us that it is time for the Mimosa forest in the south east of France to come into full bloom – a spectacular sight and unforgettable scent, as this is the biggest Mimosa forest in Europe.
The French love to celebrate all sorts of occasions, and the annual blossoming of the Mimosa tree is no exception. Several of the towns and villages of the French Riviera have their own celebrations, but the little seaside town of Mandelieu-la-Napoule in particular comes alive with parades and all sorts of festivities between 12th and 21st February 2010. As well as watching the processions and enjoying the music and dancing, you can go for a guided hike in the Mimosa forest, or take a coach trip to follow the journey of the flowers from the plantation to the famous perfumeries in Grasse, where they are used in the manufacture of perfumes.
If you are tempted by the thought of February fun and flowers on the Cote d’Azur,
C59A at Pégomas is a great choice for a winter break, ideally placed for enjoying the Mimosa Festivals and all the other delights that the French Riviera has to offer. Or see our website, http://www.susanparadise.co.uk/ for more options.

Merry Christmas / joyeux Noel

2009-12-23T06:12:00.000-08:00

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2010.
From Susan, Ghislaine and Régine.
A bientôt!

Susan Paradise - favourite charities

2009-12-09T04:35:00.000-08:00

Here’s a little more background information on Susan Paradise Ltd. We regularly support several charities that are of special interest to us. These include:
Assohuma – a French humanitarian organisation providing help to women and children throughout the world.

Julian House - provides support to homeless people in Bath, north-east Somerset and west Wiltshire
Devon Wildlife Trust - conserves wildlife in Devon by managing nature reserves, safeguarding endangered species and environments and educating the public.

Please click on the links to find out more about our favourite charities at Susan Paradise.

Birthday celebrations on the Côte d'Azur

2009-12-07T02:48:00.000-08:00

This weekend Régine and Pat (and Titou of course) held a wonderful party at Pégomas for their friend Gilou’s 70th birthday, shellfish and champagne were enjoyed by all, followed by apple crumble and strawberries. Gilou was moved and delighted by his present of a photo album full of pictures and memories the friends have shared over the years. A votre santé, félicitations et bon anniversaire, Gilou!

If you have an occasion to celebrate with family and friends, why not make it truly memorable and do it in France?! Several of our previous clients have rented larger properties to make a birthday or anniversary a really extra special event – take a look at the More the Merrier on our website, or phone to speak to us about your particular holiday requirements.

Truffle time

2009-11-26T06:11:00.000-08:00

Attention – the truffle season is starting in the south of France, and continues until March. Truffles are underground mushrooms that grow around the roots of various plants, including oak trees, and sometimes lavender and thyme, and it is very big business, especially in the Provence / Cote d’Azur region, where most of France’s truffle production occurs. (I have to admit that I have never yet sampled a truffle, but am fascinated by the idea – apparently in 2006 £165,000 was paid for a white truffle weighing 1.5kg, presumably they must taste wonderful!)

Some truffles grow wild, and are hunted out by specially trained pigs or dogs, and some are cultivated – the cultivation of truffles is expanding greatly, and large numbers of truffle-friendly trees have been planted in south east France since the 1990s.

The famous truffle market at Le Rouret near Grasse is held on January 10th 2010, and it is rumoured that it may be possible to visit the experimental Black Truffle Farm (Champ d’Essai Trufficole) during the local truffle festival in January, although the whole operation is shrouded in secrecy.

Of course Provence and the Cote d’Azur have lots to offer besides truffles, sea, sun, superb countryside and an abundance of gastronomic delights which won’t break the bank! Visit our website to browse through some fabulous holiday homes in the Provence / Cote d’Azur region of France….

Winter sunshine on the Côte d'Azur

2009-11-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Régine, Pat and Titou lunched outdoors on the terrace in Pégomas (near Grasse on the Côte d’Azur) today, because they have glorious sunshine – it’s 23°c even in the shade!
Browse through a selection of our holiday properties in and around Grasse, and make your sunshine dreams come true!

Sunshine over Sidmouth

2009-11-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

The sun is beaming down on us this morning from a bright blue sky. We are lucky to work in such a beautiful place in the heart of the Devon countryside. The office is the converted barn you can see covered in climbing plants in the picture.

Outside there is no sound apart from the wild birds. There is usually some sort of activity going on around the bird feeders; our regular visitors include blue tits, long tailed tits, nuthatches, greenfinches, goldfinches and woodpeckers (both green and greater spotted). Pied wagtails are often to be seen strutting around outside the French windows (they like to nest in the wisteria) and the robin sits on the bench outside where he can keep an eye on us. Less welcome is the sparrowhawk, but I suppose it plays its part in the scheme of things just like all the others. There are often two or three buzzards circling over the valley as well. Now that it’s dark when I’m leaving the office after work, I’m accompanied by the calls of tawny owls echoing around the hillside. It’s a haven for wildlife with all the different habitats – woodland, hedges and fields, and there is an abundance of deer, rabbits, squirrels and badgers. One day we even saw a stoat carrying its prey past the office window. Nature always provides us with something to watch here.

However much we love this rural idyll, we know that such solitude isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time – all tastes vary, which is why we like to talk in person to our clients looking for a holiday in Brittany or the Cote d’Azur / Provence, find out exactly what they are looking for and do our best to find their ideal holiday property. For example, if you’re looking for a holiday in the tranquillity of a countryside retreat in Provence (but still an easy drive to restaurants and the market) click on P108B at St Michel l’Observatoire. See also our section on rural French holiday properties.

If, however, a break to take in the bright lights and vibrant nightlife of the French Riviera is more your scene, take a look at C385A in Cannes centre, just 150m from La Croisette.

Susan's visit to the World Travel Market

2009-11-17T02:15:00.000-08:00

Last week Susan went to the World Travel Market at Docklands. This is a vast international travel trade fair and the place was buzzing with agents from all over the world. Who says the travel industry is in demise!! The main reason for her visit was to meet with our colleagues from France-Favourites; we are a group of 7 small agencies specialising in self catering holidays in different regions of France. We know the resorts in our regions and the many activities you can enjoy. Plus we've developed our own networks of contacts in the area to help you plan and enjoy your holiday, whether it's booking a surf lesson or finding a good beach for the kids. We believe in ‘service as it used to be’ - we're all ‘small & friendly’ independent companies who've got to know their clients over the years. We're the antithesis of today's corporate call centre culture! No need to spend hours trawling the internet - France Favourites is your research shortcut. http://www.france-favourites.co.uk/

Christmas market in Provence

2009-11-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

We like to keep Christmas in its proper place, in December – having said that, some forward planning allows for a more relaxing celebration, so to get you in a mellow and festive mood, we recommend a visit to the Christmas market on the Place de l’Horloge in Avignon – from November 26th through until January 2nd. The streets are decorated with Christmas lights, Santa has his own little house, and there are about 60 chalets selling all manner of Christmas goodies and food. Why not make a real winter break of it with a stay in Saint Rémy de Provence (only about 30 minutes’ drive from Avignon) – look at our choice of garden apartments, P339A, P339B, P339C and P339D - all a short and pleasant walk from the centre of this attractive little town. Don’t miss this opportunity to shop in style – (maybe even under a blue sky!) and pick up some original and delightful Christmas presents .

Titou has a friend to stay

2009-11-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

Titou has been entertaining un petit ami - Pretty the dog. Here you see them making plans for the day, Titou teaching Pretty how to climb a tree, and both relaxing on the chaise longue after a exciting time.

Art exhibition at Valbonne

2009-11-02T04:12:00.000-08:00

After choosing the palm tree, a cycad which will have pride of place next to the swimming pool at La Maison Bleue, Régine and Cris went to Valbonne to look round an art exhibition at the Chapelle Saint Esprit, just next to the church. The abstract landscape paintings are by Genevieve Deroudilhe and the sculptures (strange animals) are by Jean Luc Mespoulet; Régine and Cris enjoyed it very much, and you can see their favourite pieces above. The exhibition continues until November 8th. France is excellent for all sorts of cultural events - see the events pages on our website for more ideas for things to see and do and places to go when you’re on holiday in Provence, the Cote d’Azur and Brittany.

Palm tree shopping on the Côte d'Azur

2009-11-02T03:37:00.000-08:00

Over on the Côte d’Azur, Régine has been shopping for a palm tree to grace the poolside area at C59A. She and her friend Cris went to the Pépinière Sainte Marguerite in Grasse, it is one of the best garden centres in the region and there is plenty of choice. The garden centres at the moment are full of huge colourful Chrysanthemums which the French like to use to decorate their houses, gardens, churches etc for the Toussaints (All Saints) festival on November 1st.

2009-10-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

We are animal lovers here at Susan Paradise Ltd, and we’d like to intoduce you to our pets.
Polly and Chloe are the two black cats often to be found hard at work here at our office here in the Devon countryside. Polly is, despite being considerably larger, Chloe’s daughter. She sees herself as a dab ‘paw’ at the keyboard, although her emails are generally quite unintelligible. Chloe’s main duty is to warm the seats in the office.

Napoleon, my lurcher, works from home in Honiton, guarding the house, but he enters into the spirit of things, and knows a few French words. He is a comfort seeking hound, and always opts for a self-catering cottage on holiday, as he really dislikes camping and cold weather.

Titou is our feline Côte d’Azur correspondent; he prefers snacking on foie gras and ice cream to doing any real work, but he is very sociable, and always gives us a warm welcome to the Côte d’Azur.

If you are thinking of taking your pets on holiday to France, call us to discuss our pet-friendly properties, or look at the Pets on holiday in France section on our website.

Gorgeous garden in Grasse

2009-10-21T07:01:00.001-07:00

Isn’t this Plumbago flower a fabulous colour? The owner of one of our French holiday properties ( see picture of house and pool above) just sent me this lovely picture; for me it really conjures up memories of the wonderful clear blue of the summer sky on the French Riviera. The property is a nineteenth century Provençal farmhouse 2km from the centre of Grasse and the garden is a 3500m² oasis of calm with exotic and tender Mediterranean plants and a large private swimming pool. For more details of how to rent this house, click on C174A. And for plant enthusiasts, click on the regional guides on our website for ideas of fascinating French gardens to visit.

Pigeonnier holiday in peaceful Provence

2009-10-21T04:13:00.000-07:00

P324D is a tastefully renovated pigeonnier for 4 people in a stunning location in the foothills of Haute Provence. It is part of a small private hamlet (consisting of an 18th century mill and a stone farmhouse) and there is a beautiful swimming pool which is shared with three other holiday properties and the French owners who occasionally occupy another cottage. We love the silence and the clear air here (it is claimed that this is the clearest sky in Europe, brilliant for star gazing, and the St Michel Observatory is situated just 20km away) – this one is strictly for lovers of the countryside. The owner takes a real pride in the sympathetic restoration of her properties, retaining the original features and carefully choosing colours and materials to create a warm atmosphere. The views are unbelievable; this is the perfect spot to get away from it all and completely relax. It’s ideal for walking or cycling, and the little village of Banon (which has food shops, a bookshop, a Tuesday market and a couple of restaurants) is only 4km away.

Holiday in St Rémy de Provence

2009-10-21T04:12:00.000-07:00

Our September visit to the south of France included two properties new on our books for 2010:P349A is a holiday bungalow for 2 in a great position; it is an easy 500m walk from the centre of St Rémy, which is one of our favourite places to stay in Provence – there is so much to do and see in this area. It is famous for its unique light which inspired many of the paintings of Vincent van Gogh, and you can follow in his footsteps and pause awhile in places where he actually painted. This wonderful little town at the foot of the Alpilles mountains is a also a haven for lovers of history (visit the beautifull preserved remains of the ancient Roman town at Glanum) and gastronomy (St Rémy boasts an excellent range of restaurants, a lively market and a superb choice of really original food shops ( where else could you find coffee roasted on the premises, locally reared snails and an exceptional variety of cheeses presented as a work of art…? ) After exploring you can return to the peace and quiet of the little private terrace and garden at the bungalow, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the large shared pool.

The farmers' market at Pégomas

2009-10-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of my working year is a trip to the south of France, especially a stay in Pégomas. This was my sixth year of visiting, and I still get that little shiver of anticipation as I stroll down through the village to the farmers’ market before a hard day’s villa inspection! There is nothing like the morning air in the hills of southern France, and I never tire of the sounds and smells of a waking French village…. The market itself is a real treat for the senses with the aroma of fresh Provençal herbs, fruit and vegetables filling the air. Although the smell of warm bread, newly baked croissants and pastries from the artisan baker is difficult to resist, a scented sun-soaked peach and a plump fresh fig are my essential purchases to start my day. On the morning before our return to the UK I need to stock up on a hoard of French memories to tide me over until our next visit; Martine’s delicatessen counter is just the thing for rich locally made tapenades, delicious cheeses and mouthwatering saucissons. Not to mention the regional wines, fruit juices and liquers. No wonder I can hardly lift my suitcase on the return journey!

Garden apartment, sleeps 2, walk to Pégomas market, shops and restaurants

Old Antibes - recommended Italian restaurant

2009-10-21T04:08:00.002-07:00

On Saturday evening Régine and her husband Pat ate out in the delightful old part of Antibes (le viel Antibes) in an Italian restaurant ‘Michelangelo’. During the Cannes Film Festival Régine had heard on a radio programme that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had been to Michelangelo for a pizza, so she was keen to see what the restaurant was like. She tells us that it is very nice; a warm atmosphere, chic surroundings for a pizzeria, attractive little round tables with pretty checked tablecloths. Very pleasant staff and delicious pizzas. The Italian wine is very good – and the desserts (tarte au citron, ice cream, tiramasu) are enormous! The walls are covered with a fascinating array of photos of the rich and famous who have dined here before – Régine recommends Michelangelo to anyone on holiday in the Côte d’Azur.

Holiday apartment in the centre of Old Antibes, sleeps 2, no need for a car!

The Côte d'Azur team

2009-10-21T04:08:00.001-07:00

Here is the Côte d'Azur team - Susan Paradise, Régine (our local agent for the Côte d'Azur holiday villas)and Ghislaine taking a well-earned break at the Grill de la Mourachonne, newly open in Pégomas, near Grasse. This lovely sunny terrace is the ideal spot for a refreshing cup of tea or 'Diabolo Menthe' and a moment's relaxation in a busy schedule of villa inspections. We took the chance for a quick peek at the spacious dining room downstairs where evening meals are served -it looked very appealing.

Welcome

2009-10-21T04:07:00.001-07:00

Welcome to 'Enjoy France!' This is the blog of Susan Paradise Ltd, a small independent agency for holiday villas in France. We have a real passion for France, and would like to share on our blog snippets on all things French, news from the other side of the channel, recommendations on places to go and things to do ....in fact anything we have found that would be of interest to our fellow Francophiles.

Are you looking for a family holiday by the beach in Brittany? Or a romantic break for two on the Côte d'Azur? A peaceful hideaway in rural Provence? You've come to the right place - visit our website http://www.susanparadise.co.uk/ for some fabulous holiday properties in Provence / Côte d'Azur and Brittany, or call us on 01395 597759 to discuss your holiday requirements.