CÔTE D'AZUR REGION - FRENCH RIVIERA - FRANCE - SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY
RENTAL VILLAS & APARTMENTS

Family Touring Holidays In France
Golf Holidays in France - Where to Go
Holiday in Paris - The City of lights

Cote d'Azur Travel Guide:

Nice's Top Four Drives
Vacation Rentals In The South of France - Cannes

Vacation Rentals In The South of France - Cannes   by Richard Rspad

Located in the south of France, the beach town of Cannes is legendary. Vacation rentals in Cannes can be inexpensive unless you are trying to catch the famous film festival.

Vacation Rentals In The South of France - Cannes

When you hear the name Cannes, a beautiful southern French town on the Cote d'Azur, you might automatically think of the famous Cannes Film Festival. While this is a major event in Cannes, it is certainly not the only reason to take a trip here. Whether you want to experience the tranquil blue waters of the Rivera or the atmosphere of a small French town, Cannes is a great place to enjoy a vacation. Rentals in Cannes make it easy to spend as little time or as long as you would like in the village, and you can set up your own home away from home.
 

Mandelieu la Napoule is one of the unique places in Cannes. Frankly, it is a bit of a secret. The house is located up on the hills surrounding Cannes, which is nice when you need a bit of piece and quite. It has an open French charm, and sleeps four to six people. The key to the place is the pool and view, which is to die for as it overlooks the town and ocean. This is a great place to kick back and just take in the sunset with a cool drink. For those who like to party the night away, it is also a great place to watch sunrises! The rental will set you back between 300 and 600 Euros a night depending on the season. If you are interested in hobnobbing with the celebrities at the Cannes Film Festival, be sure to schedule your trip for the appropriate time - usually in May. (In 2007, the Festival will take place between May 17 and May 28). You will need to be credentialed as a film industry professional, however, to get into the events. Most of the screenings and other festivities are not open to the general public. Lodgings in Cannes are often booked well in advance of a trip, so make sure to consult your travel agent about the possibility of renting an open one. One such beautiful location that is available to rent is located only 50 meters from La Croisette, and its two bedrooms, dining room, living room, day room and more easily accommodates eight people.

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This style of lodging is common among those for rent in Cannes, and they can cost about 2900 Euros per week in the high season. Put another way, this is not the spot for the budget traveler.

Whenever you choose to visit the south of France, make sure to look into private rentals in Cannes. By staying for an extended period in one of these comfortable places, you can be sure to get a real feel for living in the south of France. The beauty and charm of Cannes is world-renowned, so making a trip here is definitely a luxury worth spending your money on!

Nice's Top Four Drives    by Fiona Hilliard

A short drive in any direction from Nice will take you to charming villages, unspoilt landscapes and dramatic scenery. What are you waiting for-pack up the hire car, roll out the map and hit the road!
 

1.Eze-y Does It The pretty medieval village of Eze can be reached within 11km of the city of Nice and boasts a range of interesting cultural and historical attractions. The village has a dramatic location, perched high above the Mediterranean on a rocky hilltop. A walking tour of the village gives visitors the chance to absorb remarkable feats of engineering and architecture. First stop should be the town's 12th century castle which sits on a narrow craggy peak. The castle was torn down during a turbulent era in the 17th century, but its attractive grounds survive to this day. Jardin Exotique is to be found in the grounds presently and offers visitors panoramic views of the coast from 429m high. The view doesn't come cheap however and a generous donation is expected.

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Visitors are encouraged to sample the sweet enterprise of the region at either Parfumerie Galimard or Parfumerie Fragonard perfumeries, both of which are situated in Eze village. The perfume factories offer guided tours, with special discount rates available to groups.

2. Picturesque Peillon

Heading 20km outside of Nice, you'll reach the fortified medieval village of Peillon, which is regarded by many to be the most beautiful village on the Cote d'Azur. The hill's clinging grey and white structures offer fantastic opportunities for photographs and it's well worth bringing your camera along for the journey.

The village is pedestrian-only, meaning you'll have to park your hire car at the plaza at the base of the village and make your way to the centre under your own steam. The stroll allows you to take advantage of stunning views of the village's stepped terraces and narrow winding streets.

As Peillon has not been subject to the usual tacky commercialisation, it's possible to purchase an authentic memento of your trip from the village's only gift shop 'La Maiouneta'. The shop is situated close to the fountain and sells local produce, as well as paintings and ceramic creations by local artists.

3. Gorge-ous Loup Gorges

The spectacular Gorges Du Loup is well worth a journey. This area of fragile natural beauty can be accessed 40km from Nice via the D2210 road, which runs along the Châteauneuf-Pré Du Lac close to nearby Grasse.

Follow the D6 at the bottom of the valley at Pont-du-Loup, where, if you look upwards through the ultra narrow gorge, you'll see the town of Gourdon perched on the cliffs high above, as well as the shattered, bomb-scarred pillars of the railway viaduct which sweeps cleanly around the valley.Driving another 4km on this route, allows you to catch a glimpse of the Cascade de Courmes waterfall, spraying craggy moss-dappled boulders and leafy undergrowth in its path. The waterfall then makes a deafening 40m plunge, well worth inspecting in person. Parking places are limited so it's best to leave the car at the exit of the first tunnel.

4. Magic Mougins

Mougins' pretty medieval charms have long attracted artists and dignitaries to this town. Spanish artist Pablo Picasso spent the last few years of his life in Mougins and visitors to Mougins will find many local exhibitions dedicated to the artist. . It's easy to while away a few hours browsing the village's studios and galleries. The Museum of Photography in Mougins is definitely worth a look. Here you'll find a fascinating permanent collection of Picasso portraits.

Mougins is renowned for its excellent cuisine and hungry day-trippers are guaranteed to find something to silence rumbling tummies; whether you opt for fine dining at the famous Michelin starred Moulin de Mougins restaurant or simple cheap local eats from one of the town's atmospheric cafés. The journey to Mougins also takes you through fragrant Grasse, regarded as the international capital of perfume.