The region of Languedoc Roussillon is now fighting back against its long-endured reputation as producing wine that is somewhat rough around the edges. Languedoc Roussillon is located in the centre of the South of France and benefits from having acre upon acre of vineyards, which are the source of the largest supply of wine in France. However, the region is renowned for table wine sold at the cheaper end of the market, rather than expensive, fine wines. The different wines are made from a variety of local grapes, including syrah, mourvedre, viognier, carignan and grenache, as well as the lesser-known picpoul and mauzac. These are a perfect accompaniment to rich foods such as the local cassoulet.
Over the last few years, growers and vintners have taken measures to improve the quality of their wines. Replanting vines, improved tending and harvesting processes and choosing better sites have contributed to this, along with using a more modern and intensive approach to marketing their produce.
Now wine connoisseurs from far and wide can enjoy the taste of quality Languedoc Roussillon wine.
At Joie de Vivre we are aware that there are a number of holidaymakers who don’t necessarily want to take or hire a car. Amongst the properties we offer is an apartment in the very heart of the Bastide city of Carcassonne and just a short walk away from the turrets and walls of the medieval city. A car is not necessary as APARTMENT MARCOU is located close the central square ‘Place Carnot’ where you can enjoy the French ‘art de vivre’, markets and cafe culture at your leisure. The apartment sleeps 4 and has a broadband internet connection, ideal if you are property-hunting in the city or need to keep in touch with the family or work colleagues. Fly to Carcassonne from Stansted, East Midlands, Liverpool, or Leeds/Bradford, hop on the airport bus into Carcassonne and in less than 30 minutes you could be enjoying your first glass of wine or delicious French lunch! Contact us now for price and availability…
In recent years many Joie de Vivre clients have enjoyed holidays in the Languedoc especially the delights of the Minervois wine-producing region and it’s ‘capital’, the interesting town of OLONZAC. We have more local news for our keen ‘Tour de France’ supporters and cyclists who regularly holiday in the region!! Although the full details of the route of ‘Le Tour’ haven’t yet been published – Le Tour is coming to Olonzac! Preceded of course by the fantastically entertaining ‘caravane’!! Be in Olonzac around 1.00pm on Sunday 17th July 2011 for this great sporting event! For accommodation you might like to try GITE CHARMANT or MAISON D’OCor any of the great self-catering holiday accommodation we have in this area – BOOK SOON TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
Do you want to explore Provence but at your own leisurely pace? Then cycling in Provence could be for you. Provence is a region of unquestionable beauty so it so no good travelling from place to place cooped up in a car. Get yourself on a bicycle and journey around, taking in all the breathtaking scenery and enjoy a truly unique holiday.
There is so much to explore; from spectacular landscapes to quaint hilltop villages, you simply will not get bored in Provence. Take advantage of the warm, Mediterranean climate which the South of France is renowned for, as well as breathing in the fragrant perfume of the vast lavender fields. There is a choice of different routes to choose from in accordance with your ability, so do not worry about finding a cycling holiday impossible or unbearable. You can experience cycling in a way that suits you. Cyclists are usually treated with respect by French drivers so cycling on the roads in Provence is a safe pursuit.
Now that you have your leisure activities sussed out, you need somewhere to rest those weary heads after all that exercise. Do not despair, as we have a selection of luxurious holiday rentals in Provence for you to choose from.
You can now book your summer train journey on a direct train between the UK and the sunny south of France online. Eurostar Direct Avignon A train will leave every Saturday morning between July and September from Ashford or St Pancras and reach Avignon just in time for a late lunch. You are then less than hour away from most of our great holiday villas and gites so could be in the pool by mid afternoon! Have a look at our properties – jdvholidays.com
Christmas and New Year are a great opportunity to get together and spend time with family and good friends. As the weather conditions in the UK have left so many people ‘snowed in’ this year, it seemed that lots of people have been discussing and planning their escape to the sunshine of Provence, particularly those hoping to holiday as a larger group. As expected, the UK school holidays, 23 July to 3 September, are already the most popular weeks and some of the large villas with great gardens and pools are already getting booked up. Take a look our selection of villas with weeks still available during the summer school holiday and let us know if you’re tempted! Large Villas
The town of Carcassonne is made up of two different parts; the first being the walled Medieval town and the adjacent town which is inhabited by 45,000 people. Carcassonne is located in the region of Languedoc, in southwest France. An interesting fact to bear in mind when visiting Carcassonne is that it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it is protected in terms of cultural and natural heritage.
At Joie de Vivre, we have some fantastic Carcassonne apartments for visitors to stay in which are in great locations. All in quiet locations but within easy access of the town as well as being luxurious settings, they are the perfect accommodation for your stay in Carcassonne.
During your stay, take a stroll around the fortified town by entering the inner walls, which will take you about an hour. This will really give you a feel for the architecture and defences of the walls. Once inside the medieval town you can explore the shops, cafes and restaurants. The Place Marou is an excellent location for a large selection of restaurants.
There is also the Count’s Castle that can be added to the agenda which a fortified castle constructed in the 12th century. There is also the Basilique Saint-Nazaire, a Roman public building which is home to spectacular stained-glass windows from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Provence has a rich cultural history, with many icons relating to art, literature and music, having connections to the area. One such icon is Paul Cézanne, a French artist and Post-impressionist painter who was born in Aix-en-Provence on 19th January 1839. He also passed away in the city on 22nd October 0906. He is widely viewed as the artist who brought together late 19th century Impressionism and Cubism, the early 20th century’s new line of artistic enquiry.
Cézanne studied at the college Bourbon for six years, between the years 1852 and 1859. During this time he met and befriended the French writer; Emile Zola. Zola based the character of Claude Lantier in his work; Rougon-Macquart on Cézanne.
It is documented that painted Mont Sainte Victoire over 60 times. This is an east-west mountain ridge which is situated near Aix-en-Provence has long been popular with many painters as it is a very distinctive feature of the area. Cézanne painted many other local areas in Provence, his most notable creation being that of a location half way between Aix-en-Provence and the small village of Le Tholonet.
Are you looking for a holiday destination complete with glorious sandy beaches, a large selection of terrace cafes and restaurants and a historic old town then Villefranche-sur-Mer might just be for you. One of the main features of the town is the church and bell tower in the Place Félix Poullan square, in the centre of the town. Take a stroll towards the sea, making your way through the cobblestone streets of the medieval town.
Villefranche is full of vaulted passages which run beneath the houses. The most noteworthy is the Rue Obscura which lies near to the seafront. Nearly half of this is completely blocked and the only light comes from wire-gridded lamps above your head. These streets are reminiscent of the times when the locals needed shelter from bombardments. There are frequent bus and train services which make getting around the area a simple task.
Make your holiday complete with a stay in a luxury Villefranche villa with panoramic views over the beautiful coastline. You won’t be alone and may even spot some famous faces such as Tina Turner, who resides in a villa there for a weekend during each month.
Provence is a holiday must for all lovers of hiking. There is a vast array of choice when it comes to routes and trails, most notably those which are part of the “GR” system. GR stands for “chemin de grande randonnée” which translates as a long distance hiking trail. These paths are recognisable by red and white lines painted on to them.
The Luberon is a firm favourite walking location amongst avid hikers. You can discover a whole host of villages when following the numerous routes as they link villages to each other. Walk the way you want to by choosing with guided tours or choose your own route and go for it! Don’t think you will be left out if you have children with you as there are many which are accessible for even little legs. By walking around the countryside you can experience the true, natural beauty of Provence. One minute you could be walking through a beautiful little village and climbing a mountain the next. There is even a National Park surrounding the mountainous region so you can be assured that it is protected.
The best times to go hiking in the Luberon are during autumn, winter and spring. The summer months do get extremely hot so if you do choose to do so, try and go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Don’t forget to take water! Choose from a range of luxury accommodation to relax in after a strenuous day of hiking.
