Exciting Times for the South of France

Exciting Times for the South of France

France have had a very historical week adding to the already vibrant country of culture and sophistication. With the upcoming Cannes Film Festival and the summer months bringing glorious sunny weather, France is the place to be in 2017.

The country’s official tourism development agency, Atout France, embarked on a fantastic North American roadshow this year and that included a stop in Toronto, Canada. Canadians are particularly interested in visiting the South of France with there being a contrast in climate and their links to the country in general. Contributing to as much as 1.2 million overnight stays in the area in 2016, they comprise the region’s second international market outside of Europe with big name Canadian stars such as Justin Bieber deciding to holiday in the area. 

June will see direct services from Montreal to Nice or Marseilles allowing Canadians access to 14 weekly flights with two airlines bringing increased frequency to the region. 

Nice Airport; soon to be seeing lots of arriving flights from Montreal!

Ranking as the top French destination for international tourists seeking festivals, yachting or golf, the Cote d’Azur saw a 50% increase in stays during the summer and autumnal months. The destination is still well-known for its glamourous lifestyle and probably always will be however the tourism board are looking to promote an alternative side to appeal to wider audiences. 

The Cannes Yachting Festival

French gastronomy is known to produce some of the world’s finest cuisine and nature is a big part of the newer Cote d’Azur brand. 80 lush gardens can be found in the South of France and their first garden festival was launched earlier this year to celebrate them. 

2017 marks the first year of the 'Jardins de la Cote d'Azur' Festival

Sports tourism is being heavily pushed this year with the Cote d’Azur being home to Europe’s biggest indoor canyoning centre, the Vesubia Mountain Park as well as the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, the biggest tennis facility in Europe. 

The most famous sporting event in the French calendar is the Monaco Grand Prix, bringing in a host of big name stars, plenty of excitement and a buzz to the region.

The Monaco Grand Prix

France is definitely heading into an exciting and bright future with the mood and atmosphere never being more hopeful.

Our expert team of South of France luxury villa and apartment specialists are available to discuss our vast portfolio of world-class properties with you today and help inspire you to visit this beautiful part of the world for a truly unforgettable retreat. 

Contact them today:

+(0)1244 629963

enquiries@elegant-address.com

Top 5 Traditional French Dishes You Should Try

When people talk of French food and restaurants, they are normally referring to the fine food and wine, the sophistication and the excellent quality.
Not something simply from the supermarket, traditional and contemporary French dishes are chosen with exceptional knowledge and interest in the ingredients themselves from the quality to the origins.

Here are our Favourite Traditional French Dishes You Should Try

1. Bouillabaisse 

A stew flavoured with saffron, this beautifully warming dish is originally from the French Provencal region. Filled with a variety of shellfish and vegetables, it also includes at least four different types of fish; normally conger, scorpion fish and monkfish. Served with crusty French bread topped with rouille, a mayonnaise made with olive oil, saffron, garlic and cayenne. 

2. Piperade

A specialty in the South of France and Basque areas, Piperade takes advantage of the excess of rich tomatoes and colourful peppers in the area. Again served with crusty bread, baking eggs into the dish makes this meal super tasty.

3. Coq au Vin

One of the most famous French dishes, Coq au Vin varies slightly from each region like most French meals. Originally made with rooster but now more commonly with chicken, this dish is warming and hearty. The wine sauce again varies between different regions with regards to preparation but Burgandy is the widely used choice. 

4. Escargot

Most people find themselves turning their nose up at the very thought of eating snails but this dish is an incredibly famous and popular delicacy. Served as an appetiser, the snails are removed from their shells, cleaned and placed back in after being prepared with a garlic butter sauce. The dish even comes with its own utensil; a handy pair of tongs used to hold the shell.

5. Crepes

To end on a sweet note, crepes are a very traditional dessert eaten all over France. Very popular and normally eaten sweet, cafes and shops on every corner will be highly likely to serve crepes to their hungry customers. 

If you're looking to visit the South of France for an unforgettable retreat, contact one of our luxury villa specialists today!

+44 (0) 1244 629963 

enquiries@elegant-address.com

How to choose your perfect rental property

Finding your perfect villa rental for a holiday can be daunting, especially for a group of people. The array of locations and companies to choose from can get confusing and hard to sort through when trying to find the best choice. What do I need to ask? How do I decide where is best? We have created a helpful checklist to ensure a smooth and simple booking process before arriving at your dream villa. 

Pip-point what most important to you

Beautiful modern villa VF-VB terrace at night

Have a clear vision in your mind of what you want from your holiday experience. Would you prefer a quiet, private hideaway or a villa that is seafront? Are you looking for something with modern interiors and design or traditional features and charm?

If you need staff, drivers or private security it is best to let us know in advance so that they can be easily organised in good time before your holiday. It is important to communicate your needs as clearly as you can to a specialist rental company such as Elegant Address South of France, so that our experts can efficiently match you with your ideal rental property for the perfect holiday experience.

Location, Location, Location

ST-001 is a stunning beachfront villa in St Tropez

You may prefer to be ‘close to a beach’ but there are a few to choose from along the French Riviera coastline so you’ll need to be sure where you would prefer to be. People enjoy visiting particular areas for different reasons, for instance if you want to see the Grand Prix you need to be in, or near Monaco, and if you want to be close to beaches, shopping and glamour you would choose Cannes or St Tropez. Even if you prefer a more quiet and cultural trip there are beautiful medieval towns that will charm you and invite you back each year. There really is a place for every taste on the Cote d’Azur, just try to narrow it down to your top 3 to help rental specialists find your perfect villa.

Have a budget in mind

It can be difficult to create and set a specific budget, especially if this is your first time visiting this region. You don’t have to divulge this information straight away, but it is always a helpful indicator for the specialists to know the limits of what you are willing to spend for the level of villa and lifestyle that you are looking for. A price range will really help narrow down our search, helping us to give you a clear overview of the market and what we can offer.

Pick up the phone

The team viewing properties in May 2016

Browsing villas on an agent’s website can give you a good idea of the property with images and description, but to find out the finer details and inside knowledge it’s best to talk to a specialists – That’s what they are there for! We know the regions inside out. We pride ourselves in our unrivaled level of knowledge of each region on the French Riviera and can recommend villas first-hand and answer questions you might not have thought of such as “Where is the nearest grocery store? What is the best local restaurant? How long is it to drive to the nearest beach?” Our specialist consultants also has access to more rentals that are in our private portfolio or that are new to market that they can offer to you after your ideal property.

Take advantage of extras

Villa ST-VS has its own helicopter

There are many of our rental properties that offer additional services and luxurious extras such as private chef, helicopter transfer, personal driver or even sometimes a boat with the villa. When enquiring about a property it’s always useful to see whether there are any of these services included in the rental price or if the rental has any trusted companies they regularly use or could recommend at a fair price. We have a great team of trusted contacts on the ground, allowing us to organise concierge services or any special requests with ease and discretion, allowing you to sit back and relax, with the arrangements in place to allow you to focus on enjoying the very best of the French Riviera. 

8 reasons you need to visit France

1. It’s the European favourite

According to official statistics, tourism from within Europe accounts for more than 80 per cent of visitors to France. German’s are the biggest visitors with over 13 million a year, followed by Belgium and Italy. The Brits love it too though with 12.5 million of us jetting over a year!

2. Easy to get to

France shares its borders with eight different nations so it’s easy to ‘country-hop’ and make the make the most of your holiday, even if you just pop over for the day! It’s quick and (fairly) simple to arrive from the UK with the Eurostar and Eurotunnel as well as a fleet of ferries and of course airlines making multiple trips daily. 

3. The Weather

One of the most famous and favourable aspects of visiting the Cote d’Azur is the incredible weather. With bright blue skies, sparkling sunshine, hot summers and even enjoying mild climates during autumn, it’s no surprise that even the head to the sunny south on holiday. “Of the 60 per cent of French people who go away on holiday, some 80 per cent stay within their own country,” points out Anthony Peregrine, author of Telegraph Travel's Le Rosbif

4. The history and heritage

The French have a fantastic reputation for looking after their heritage and proudly promoting their history. They have a talent for keeping historical sites immaculate and interesting; making them relevant and exciting in the present as they were in their heyday. With war sites, historical colourful towns, chateaux’s and castles – You will find a great piece of history everywhere visit.

5. Incredible food

French food…..Enough said! It’s not all ‘escargot’, endless smelly cheese and baguettes (although we will never turn down a warm baguette fresh from the boulangerie) there are plenty of incredible foods to indulge in and dishes to try. Whether you prefer a family ran restaurant tucked away down a side street in a busy town or a Michelin star soiree with finest food imaginable, you will never go hungry – France is famous for its incredible culinary delights!

6. Fine wine 

Ever heard of a wonderful little thing called champagne? How about Claret or burgundy wine? These are all regions and marvelous types of wine that originate from France. There are 27,000 wineries in France and around 110,000 wine growers so there are plenty of famous wines and local ‘bring your own bottle to fill’ vineyards to try. Want to know the best wine bars on the French Riviera? Here is a local’s guide to their favourite wine bars in the region.

7. Perfect pit stop on a European road trip

If you are not one of the millions of people flying over to France then join the other many millions of visitors who pass through the country for a mini holiday on their way to another destination. It is well worth extending your holiday to spend a few nights on the fabulous Cote d’Azur, Paris or wine regions before heading to one of the country’s neighbours such as Spain or Italy. 

8. The mountains are calling

With its varied and incredible mountain ranges, France is one of the World’s biggest destinations for skiing. We love French skiing so much we set up a company that specialises in luxury chalets in the Alps! Whether you are looking for incredible Winter skiing or fantastic summer hiking and activities; there are plenty of stunning, popular resorts to explore and enjoy!

Do The French Have The Perfect Work-Life Balance?

Lunch Break: 1.5 – 2hrs

The French are famous for their leisurely long lunches and leaving the office early which makes us slightly jealous and left wondering whether stress exists in France.

 How many times have you sat at your desk on your lunch break, furiously eating a salad or squashed sandwich whilst on the phone to your bank or energy company at the same time as trying to write a well versed email?

The British are notoriously bad for not taking a lunch break. The most we step away from our desks is to pop across the road to pick up a takeaway sandwich from the local Pret A Manger, or at a push, squeeze in a sweaty spin class to try and relieve some stress. When was the last time you went for a wander or took your full lunch hour to catch up with a friend?  

The French live life a much simpler way. Your lunchtime may include a restful hour and a half in a local restaurant with a friend or reading your book in the sunshine by the beach under the cloudless sky. Lunch is very important to the French. Even ‘work lunches’ will consist of a starter, main, cheese course and dessert and if you have to slum it in the work canteen (which offers free meals) you can enjoy delicacies such as fresh sea bass and greens in a butter and caper sauce.

The French have a much better and healthier viewpoint on food and lunch in general compared to the Brits. Instead of seeing lunch as a time to ‘refuel’ they believe it is a time to maintain friendship and helps with productivity.

Working Week: 35 hours

France has the shortest working week in Europe with just 35 hours. French workers also get 50% of their transport costs covered each month, double pay at Christmas and some workers even having a ‘no emails after 6pm’ rule. Extra life celebration perks include receiving 4 days off for your wedding and 16 weeks maternity leave compared to the UK’s 6 weeks. Wouldn’t that be lovely?!

People can obviously choose to work a little longer if they wish but they will either receive overtime pay or the equivalent time off next month which could add up to two extra days off! Bob Hancké, associate professor of political economy at London School of Economics and Political Science explains. “France’s working week is officially limited to 35 hours. But local trade unions can negotiate arrangements that deviate, as long as the average annual working time is 35 hours,” he says. “What’s worked above that is in principle overtime and paid as such (usually at 100% extra).”

Does it make a difference?

“One of the positive things I’ve noticed about French working culture is that even when things are busy and people are putting in the hours, you still have a life,” says Louise Preston, 31, who’s spending a year working in Paris as head of curriculum development at a small start-up. “We work in a high-paced environment but my colleagues still all play sports, go to the cinema, eat out or visit art galleries during the week. Life isn’t just about work, and even if you finish late, you still make the effort to do something, like head to a late-night exhibition. There’s a real value to spending spare time wisely and I just don’t think that exists to the same extent in the UK.”

It’s no surprise, then, that research carried out by totaljobs.com has found that British workers suffer more stress and feel less able to deal with their workloads than the French. According to the 2014 research, only 13% of UK employees reported feeling no stress and “on top of their workload”. The French were among the least stressed, with 64% of employees reporting that they felt no stress at all at work and had no problem handling their workloads.

87% of UK employees feel stressed and can't handle their workload

 Although we have different working laws and longer working weeks, the French do seem to be onto something. They have a healthier view on a work-life balance, not letting it take over your personal time and development. Although we might not stop working at 6pm we will definitely start by treating ourselves to a lunch outside of the office today!

Top 5 Fabulous Places to Eat In Cannes

The Cote d’Azur offers a rich blue coastline, wonderful sunshine and delicious cuisine. With more than 300 restaurants in Cannes, ranging from Michelin-star eateries to intimate family run cafes you will be sure to find the perfect restaurant. Take a look at these five fabulous restaurants:

La Palme d’Or

One of the most famous restaurants in Cannes La Palme d’Or is a 2 Michelin star restaurant in the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez with modern Mediterranean cuisine. With large windows overlooking the Croisette from a gastronomic peak, the chef creates spectacular cuisine that is unique and creative while the atmosphere is enhanced by a wonderful view of the Bay of Cannes and the Mediterranean Sea. The entire restaurant team is focused to ensure excellent quality service and a memorable experience.

Fouquet’s Cannes

This restaurant promises flavourful, high quality cuisine, in  historic surroundings close to the Palais des Festivals. Fouquet is a traditional brasserie where you can enjoy authentic cuisine at any time. The menu is inventive with a twist, with a sumptuous Parisian style.  

The quality cuisine, and prestigious setting makes this restaurant truly irresistible.  

SeaSens

Dining in this 5th floor restaurant, you have panoramic views of the glamorous city with one of the most beautiful views of Cannes. The Seasens chefs mix French and Asian influences to create their wonderful cuisine, with a clever use of fresh products and spices inspired by the chefs travels around the world. 

L'Affable

This restaurant is a traditional French bistro, Where you can relax in the modern dining room and watch the chef work his magic in the adjacent kitchen. L'affable offers fantastic attentive service and a wonderful atmosphere. 

Coquillages Astoux et Brun 

This restaurant is know for having some of the best seafood in Cannes. The menu is of quality, fresh seafood including oysters and paella.  Coquillages Astoux et Brun is known as Cannes' most famous brasserie to indulge in delightful fresh shellfish, it's no surprise it's full every night, booking is a must! 

Bon Appetit!