From cottages to a castle. Book a holiday to France in September with Madame Vacances.
Although September is often seen as the month to go back to school or work, it’s an ideal time to go on holiday. Not only is the weather in Europe favourable – with much sun and warm temperatures – but, because many people have returned to their daily routine, tourist numbers decrease leading to cheaper prices, quieter roads and a very relaxed feel in the resorts.
Madame Vacances (a summer and ski accommodation provider) has an extensive portfolio of properties across France, ideal for couples, groups of friends or parents-and-baby breaks. And, with a week’s stay costing as little as £36 pp, it is wonderful value too.
Take a look at the varied options below:
NEW: Le Château de Candie in Chambéry, south-east France
New to Madame Vacances extensive portfolio, Le Château de Candie in Chambéry is an ideal destination for a grown-up getaway. Located just over three miles from the centre of Chambéry, in south-east France, the luxury four-star château is close to Italy and the French Riviera, and acts as a gateway to numerous ski resorts such as Courchevel, Pralognan-la-Vanoise and Valmeinier. On arrival, guests can admire the beautiful architecture, enjoy the exceptional views across the valley and make the most of the outdoor pool. Inside, the 25 luxury rooms (some accommodating up to four people) are all individually decorated, with features such as walk-in showers, claw-footed baths and tall windows. Plus, the private tower suite is ideal for couples after a quixotic stay. There’s plenty to do in Chambéry: watch amateur dramatics societies performing at the Musee des Charmettes (writer’s house museum) and admire the impressive Château des Ducs de Savoie. Plus summon up the courage to go sailing at Aix-les-Bains, or stroll (or roll on Segways) through sweet-smelling vineyards and sample local wine in Les Marches. Alternatively, stay at Le Château de Candie and enjoy a foot massage in the reflexology clinic. Or wander through the castle’s own vineyard that produces circa 6,000 bottles of wine each year. Dine at one of Le Château’s restaurants: La Cantine is a stylish bistro with a wide selection of local produce, and L’Orangerie is an elegant restaurant that attracts food connoisseurs from far and wide, keen to savour exquisite dishes, sample original amuse bouches and sip smooth wines recommended by the knowledgeable sommelier. A week’s stay, in September, costs from €488 pp / £430 pp (€975 / £859 total) for a double room with breakfast. For more information, visit: madamevacances.com.
Résidence Le Rivage, the Riveria, south-east France
Résidence Le Rivage is a perfect hideaway for adults who fancy a relaxing break following the summer holidays. Sleeping two to six people, the apartments showcase fully-equipped kitchens, a terrace or a balcony, and access to the shared outdoor pool. Le Rivage also has a private jetty, for those travelling around the beautiful French Riviera by boat. During the day, make the most of Cannes and Cote d’Azur, the well-known picturesque town of Mougins or Grasse: a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes considered the perfume capital. Or, stay closer to the accommodation and enjoy fishing, jet skiing, or sunbathing on the beach. A week’s stay, in September, costs from €131 / £115 pp (€524 / £459 total) for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four. For more information, visit: madamevacances.com.
Provence Country Club, south-east France
Nestled in the heart of the Luberon mountain range, between the spectacular riverside town of Isle sur la Sorgue and the historic, rural Saumane, the Residence Provence Country Club (sleeping two to eight people) is ideal for keen golfers wanting to practise their swing in the September sunshine. The self-catered apartments are light and airy, and all guests have access to a shared outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by loungers and deck chairs. Leave the apartments and walk to the Saumane golf club: created in 1989 by Jean Garaialde, the 18-hole golf course is surrounded by wooded hills and the blue mountains of Luberon, and is thought to be one of the finest in Europe. Alternatively, Avignon is just a 40-minute drive away, and Marseille is an hour’s journey. A week’s stay, in September, costs from €74 pp / £65 pp (€297 /£259 total) for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four. For more information, visit: madamevacances.com.
Villas La Prade in Moliets-et-Maa, south-west France
Located on the edge of the Moliets golf course, and surrounded by pine trees, the Villas La Prade (sleeping six to 12 people) offer a relaxing break to adults and young children alike. Inside, make the most of the comfortable living room, open-plan kitchen and sunny terrace, with beautiful views of the woodland. During the day, explore Moliets-et-Maa, comprising varied shops, bars and restaurants. Alternatively, adults can play a round of golf and a game of tennis, or simply stroll along the sandy beaches, enjoy the shady cycle paths through the pine forests or swim in the pool with their kids. And in the evening (once the children have gone to sleep), parents can sample delicious regional produce such as fresh oysters and Perigord truffles, not forgetting the local wines. A week’s stay, in September, costs from €94 pp / £83 pp (€561 / £499 total) for a two-bedroom villa sleeping six. For more information, visit: madamevacances.com.
Les Cottages de Valjoly, northern France
Situated on the banks of the largest lake in northern France, in the heart of the Avesnois National Park, Les Cottages de Valjoly offer parents with adventurous toddlers a perfect place to recharge and unwind. Each traditional wooden chalet (sleeping two to eight people) is designed to blend in with the landscape, and features a cosy living room, fully-equipped kitchen and a spacious terrace. Guests can make the most of the numerous water sports on offer (including sailing, windsurfing and canoeing) and splash around in the indoor water park (complete with a slides, rapids and jet sprays). The resort centre of this car free holiday complex has a selection of shops and restaurants, and many land based activities too including walking, cycling, horse-riding, fishing and Segways. Plus Les Cottages de Valjoly is only two hours from Lille and Reims, and Belgium’s capital city, Brussels. A week’s stay, in September, costs from €64 pp / £57 pp (€254 / £229 total) for a one-bedroom cottage sleeping four. For more information, visit: madamevacances.com.
Résidence Les Terrasses de la Plage, northern France
Convenience is key when staying at Résidence Les Terrasses de la Plage in northern France. Sitting opposite Cayeaux sur Mer’s shingle beach, and within close proximity of the town centre (the nearest supermarket is just 150 metres away, and there are a selection of restaurants within walking distance) Les Terrasses de la Plage is ideal for families with young children. The accommodation (sleeping four to eight people) consists of all the mod-cons, beautiful sea views, access to the indoor pool and a children’s area. Make the most of the surrounding area and head to nearby Hourdel fishing port, which is home to the largest colony of seals in France, or stay on the beach and enjoy a picnic, or a pony ride. A week’s stay, in September, costs from €64 pp /£57 pp (€254 / £229 total) for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four. For more information, visit: madamevacances.com.
To find out more call Madame Vacances on 01273 358 071 or visit www.madamevacances.co.uk.
