This 18C Italianate villa has remained within the same family ownership over
many years, recently renovated with an eye for detail in a discreet style to the highest of standards
throughout. Only 9 km from Nice
airport, situated on a quiet hilltop bordering Villeneuve-Loubet village, views
stretch over umbrella pine and cork oak forest to the distant Alps. Just 3km
from Cagnes-sur-Mer beach.
The spacious Grand
Salon has comfortable seating with dining room and glass doors open onto a wide
balcony incorporating a further dining area.
Distinctive tiles of Provence enhance the decor, open fireplaces, house
heating and air conditioning ensure year round comfort. Bedrooms are all en
suite on three floors from garden level to 2nd floor master
suite.
Standing within 2 hectares
of landscaped garden and terraces with fantastic views, the secured swimming
pool (13m x 6.5m) has a large pool house with facilities incorporating summer
dining.
“Boules” is a general term that covers many different types of ball games – in France “boules” is often used to refer to petanque.
In the United States, bocce is played by many more people than petanque, so people are more familiar with it. When someone sees us playing petanque, the second question they usually ask (after: “What is that game?”) is: “What’s the difference between petanque and bocce?”
The two games are related. Bocce is Italian. Petanque is French. Some people think of petanque as “French bocce”.
There are differences in the equipment used, and in the way the games are played.
Petanque balls are hollow and made out of steel. Bocce balls are solid and made out of wood. Well… originally bocce balls were made of wood. Today they are typically made out of a hard epoxy resin, i.e. hard plastic.
Petanque balls are smaller than bocce balls, and, because they are hollow, are lighter than bocce balls. Petanque balls are about the size of an orange. Bocce balls are about the size of a grapefruit.
In bocce, the ball is rolled with an “open” hand. At the moment that the ball leaves the hand, the palm is up and the ball rolls off of the fingers onto the court. In petanque, the ball is thrown “back handed”. At the moment that the ball leaves the hand, the back of the hand is up, and the fingers are curled around the ball, holding it, then releasing it.
In petanque, balls are basically thrown. Bocce on the other hand — where the balls are bigger and heavier and the court is longer — has evolved into a game in which the balls are rolled rather than thrown.
It is possible to play one kind of bocce on a natural area (e.g. a lawn or grassy field). However, bocce is typically played on bocce court. A bocce court is rectangular and fairly long, with specially-marked areas in which the thrower must stand, the pallino (jack) must be thrown, and so forth. A petanque “court” (a terrain) is typically much shorter than a bocce court, and there are no marked areas — the throwing circle is moveable and can be placed anywhere on the terrain.
Because bocce is a rolling game — a bowling game, actually — it must be played on a relatively flat, smooth surface. Petanque, on the other hand, can be played almost anywhere, even on fairly rough ground. Gravel parking lots and park paths can make excellent petanque playing grounds.
The sides of bocce courts are typically enclosed by side and back boards, and play typically includes rolling (or bouncing) the ball along (or off of) the boards. On a petanque court, the out-of-bounds lines are traditionally indicated by strings laid out across the natural terrain. When petanque courts are enclosed by sideboards, the sideboards are out-of-bounds.
Because bocce needs a big, flat, smooth playing surface, a bocce court is usually much more expensive to build than a petanque court. And a bocce court requires much more regular, ongoing maintence to stay playable. All of this affects the “bottom line” — a bocce court is much more expensive to build and to maintain than a petanque court. This cost is something that public officials must consider when deciding whether or not to install a bocce or petanque court in a public park.
Finally, we should note that the rules of petanque are much more standardized than the rules of bocce. There are many variants of bocce — you could almost say that the term “bocce” covers a number of different games. There are two main variants of bocce — volo and raffa. In the USA, when people say “bocce” they are generally referring to raffa.
(via Quora: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-p%C3%A9tanque-boules-and-bocce) Photos Anthony Singleton and https://www.saint-pauldevence.com/en/loisirs/
As early as the 6th century BC the ancient Greeks are recorded to have played a game of tossing coins, then flat stones, and later stone balls, called spheristics, trying to have them go as far as possible. The ancient Romans modified the game by adding a target that had to be approached as closely as possible. This Roman variation was brought to Provence by Roman soldiers and sailors. A Roman sepulchre in Florence shows people playing this game, stooping down to measure the points.
After the Romans, the stone balls were replaced by wooden balls. In the Middle Ages, Erasmus referred to the game as globurum, but it became commonly known as boules (i.e. ‘balls’), and it was played throughout Europe. King Henry III of England banned the playing of the game by his archers — he wanted them to be practicing archery, not playing boules. In the 14th century, Charles IV and Charles V of France forbade the sport to commoners; only in the 17th century was the ban lifted.
By the 19th century, in England the game had become “bowls” or “lawn bowling”. In France it was known as boules and was played throughout the country. The French artist Meissonnier made two paintings showing people playing the game, and Honoré de Balzac described a match in La Comédie Humaine.
In the South of France the game evolved into jeu provençal (or boule lyonnaise), similar to today’s pétanque, except that the playing area was longer and players ran three steps before throwing the ball. The game was played in villages all over Provence, usually on squares of land in the shade of plane trees. Matches of jeu provençal around the start of the 20th century are memorably described in the memoirs of novelist Marcel Pagnol.
(via Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A9tanque – image Jean LeClerc [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons)
Rub shoulders with the very best in the film industry at this major award festival. Each night there are open air screenings which are open to all, at the beach cinema or an outdoor cinema.
Where to stay? Why not consider these properties in Alpes Martime/Cote D’Azur:
There are four Slam tennis championships, or Majors: Wimbledon, the US Open, Australian Open and French Open. The term Grand Slam means the victory in all four tournaments gained by a player or a doubles team in the same year. A Non-Calendar Year Grand Slam is four consecutive wins, but not in the same year; a Career Grand Slam is winning all four at some point of a player’s career.
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis competition and, without doubt, the most prestigious one. It first took place in 1877 with only twenty-two participants. Despite being a national championship, Wimbledon was always open to foreign players. Held every June and July at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, Wimbledon competition is often attended by royalty and celebrities who got official invitation from the Chairman of the Club.
The first Men’s U.S. National Championship was held at the Newport Casino in 1881. But the Open Era started in 1968 when five different competitions were combined into one US Open Championships, held at the West Side Tennis Club in Queens. 96 men and 63 women were competing, and the prize money equalled $100,000. Held annually in August and September over a two-week period, this is a hugely popular event with millions of fans worldwide and thousands of tickets for tennis sold each year.
The very first French tennis tournament was held in Paris in 1899. It was a poorly attended one-day national event. In 1925, the Open era started when professionals from all over the world were allowed to participate. The Rolland Garros stadium was built in 1927 as an answer to a pressing need for a site to hold the Davis Cup. The French Open men’s trophy is called the Musketeers Cup, and women compete for the Suzanne Lenglen Cup.
Australian Open is the youngest of the four Grand Slams. Its history goes back to 1905 when the first competition took place on the lawns of the Warehouseman’s Cricket Club. In 1927 tennis tournament became known as Australian Championships and only in 1969 it got its official title – Australian Open. The competition moved from location to location until 1988 when the Flinders Park in Melbourne became its permanent site due to the large capacity. This is also the only venue among the tennis Grand Slam tournaments that has a retractable roof, therefore weather conditions never get on the way of the match.
The first Wimbledon final in history had an audience of two hundred people who paid a shilling apiece to watch the game; to compare, the price of open 2010 tickets goes as high as $5500. And the popularity of this sport is constantly growing.
The origins of any game of racket and ball including tennis are traditionally credited to 11th or 12th century French game ‘paume’ which was played with the hand and later advanced into ‘jeu de paume’ with the use of rackets.
However, not all historians agree on this, there is a theory that the word tennis comes from the name of Tinnis, a town in ancient Egypt, and the word racket – from rahat, meaning ‘palm of the hand’ in Arabic. It is believed that different versions of the game were played in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, although there is no additional evidence to that.
The nobility learned the game from the monks, and some accounts report as many as 1,800 courts in France by the thirteenth century. The game became such a popular diversion, both the pope and Louis IV tried unsuccessfully to ban it. It soon spread to England, where both Henry VII and Henry VIII were avid players who promoted the building of more courts.
Tennis rackets and balls, as we know them today, weren’t invented overnight either. In the 13th century bare hands were found too uncomfortable, and players started using a glove, then a wooden paddle, and eventually a paddle with a handle. Only in 1500s the first frame racket with the strings made of sheep guts was created.
The game’s popularity dwindled almost to nothing during the 1700s, but in 1850, Charles Goodyear invented a vulcanization process for rubber, and during the 1850s, players began to experiment with using the bouncier rubber balls outdoors on grass courts. An outdoor game was, of course, completely different from an indoor game played off walls, so several new sets of rules were formulated.
Walter Clopton Wingfield is usually given credit for the invention of modern tennis. He actually patented the game in 1874, pronounced a new set of rules and moved tennis from indoors to outdoors. The same year first tennis courts appeared in the United States, and shortly after that in Russia, India, Canada and China.
The first tennis championship was held in 1877 in Wimbledon, and is still considered the most prestigious one. US Open came into being a while later in 1881. Now there are four Grand Slam tennis tournaments: US Open, French Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon. The US Open tennis tournament was borne from two distinct tournaments — US National Singles Championship for men and US Women’s National Singles Championship, which were combined and renamed into US Open in 1968. Since then tennis has become a huge commercial and entertaining event with tournament tickets for the public and various sponsors and advertisers.
The foods of Morocco take great advantage of the natural bounty of a country where eating is both a practical and social ritual. The cooks in the kitchens of the four royal cities (Fez, Meknes, Marrakech and Rabat) helped to refine Moroccan cuisine and create the basis for what we know as Moroccan cuisine today. The midday meal is the main meal, except during the holy month of Ramadan, and abundant servings are the norm. The meal usually begins with a series of hot and cold salads which are followed by a tagine, or stew. The heartiest plate, often a lamb or chicken dish, is next, followed by a heaping plate of couscous topped with meats and vegetables. A soothing cup of sweet mint tea is the grace note to this repast. It is not uncommon for Moroccans to eat using the first three fingers of a hand, and to use bread as a “utensil.”
The strong Arab influence found in two of the royal cities, Fez and Marrakech, contributed greatly to Moroccan cuisine, as did the Andalusian sensibilities of Tetuan and the Jewish traditions from the coastal city of Essaouira. Aspects of all of these cultures can be found in four of the best-loved Moroccan dishes: couscous, plumped semolina grains which are served with a variety of toppings; bisteeya, a delectable three-layer pie which is both savory and sweet and wrapped in the thinnest of pastry; mechoui, tender roasted lamb; and djej emshmel, succulent roasted chicken cooked with olives and lemon.
While spices have been imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many commonly-used raw ingredients are home-grown: mint and olives from Meknes, oranges and lemons from sunny Fez, prickly pear from Casablanca and shad from the Sebou river. Also cultivated in Morocco are pomegranates, almonds, dates, walnuts, chestnuts, honey, barley, cherries and melon. Seafood is abundant along the Atlantic coast while lamb and poultry are raised on higher ground.
Morocco displays a wealth of cultural aspects and age-old customs and traditions through the various festivals that take place throughout the year. The local people and the Moroccan cities are extremely lively and they love to make every celebration an important aspect.
Fez Festival of World Sacred Music
A 10-day magical festival that takes place in the royal city of Fez in the month of May. The festival was founded by Faouzi Skaliand, the famous scholar and was created to display major musical traditions, comprising of spiritual and sacred world music. The Fez Festival is unique and has its roots even in Sufi music that can be enjoyed after sundown at the Dar Tazi Gardens.
Gnaoua Music Festival
It’s mysterious and takes place in a UNESCO World Heritage seaside resort town of Essaouira! The Gnaoua Music Fest is celebrated each year in the month of June and since long, it has been considered as one of the finest anchorages of the Moroccan coast.
The festival attracts a cosmopolitan mass of 600,000 music lovers and offers a wonderful rich program to enjoy jazz music, local art displays, international musical groups and other budding artists. This festival also encourages the newer generations to adapt the essence of music and age-old traditions as well as keep the culture alive.
Timitar Music Festival in Agadir
Held in July each year, the Timitar festival is the leading festival showcasing Amazigh and African culture and traditions. Featuring approximately 50 artists and 500,000 spectators, this festival provides an amazing, well-rooted cultural event that promotes Souss Massa Draa culture.
What distinguishes Timitar from other musical festivals is its main focus on the Amazigh culture (Berbers or Amazighs are an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa. They occupy the area stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Siwa Oasis in Egypt, and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Niger River).
Imilchil Marriage Festival
The Imilchil is situated high up in the lake region of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. This peaceful village usually attracts people to it’s unique Imilchil Marriage Festival each September. Also known as ‘September Romance’, the festival also features an ancient culture where unmarried people gather and the women get to chose their husband.
Roughly, 40,000 people gather from the neighbouring mountains under the tents with their cattle. During this occasion, young girls dress up in their finest and dance for hours.
The men tend to nod and wink to show their interest and a friend accompanying the man helps to select the bride. The bride needs to say the magic words – “you have captured my liver or my liver pines for you”. This means the couple have found true love in each other and once they both agree, they can hold hands and continue the dance together.
Rose Festival
Hidden among the Oases of the Dades Valley, lies a heavenly town of El-Kelaa M’Gouna, commonly known as the Valley of the Roses. The town displays a landscape of famous pink Persian roses. These roses also produce other goods such as body soaps, oil, perfumes, creams as well as dried flowers.
During the month of May, a three-day Rose Festival takes place in the Valley of Roses, inviting travellers from all over the region to attend the frivolities and festivals. Apart from the aromatic roses all around, the festival also boasts delicious food along with tribal singing and dancing.
The goal of the celebration is for rose farmers to observe the year’s crops and to celebrate the beauty of creation. The Rose Festival is one of the prettiest and most popular celebrations in Morocco.
Morocco is a country which has many attractions, from culture to arts, historic monuments, clubbing, sightseeing, great food and wine. Morocco is also famous for its wonderful bazaars, beaches and palaces.
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. It is financial hub of the country with its booming business and is the major transport junction in the country. Rabat is one of the major Morocco tourist destinations.
Asilah is a beautiful beach town in Morocco. It has well preserved gates and ramparts. The houses are white-washed and the walls of the city are covered in colourful murals.
Marrakech known for its idyllic surroundings is situated at the foot of Atlas Mountains. The highlights of Marrakech include the Saadian Tombs, the Central Square of Djemma el Fna, Marjorelle Gardens and Souqs (bazaars).
Boulaouane Kasbah is located to the south of Casablanca city. It was built as a fortress in 1710 overlooking the Wadi Oum er-Rbia River. In order to view beautiful surrounding area, one has to take a long stairway to the top of ten meters high tower of Kasbah. The interior of Kasbah is beautifully decorated and has detailed mosaic designs. This site is considered as one of the important Morocco tourist destinations.
Fez is a medieval city of Arab world. For more than 400 years it was the capital of Morocco and is still considered the cultural and religious centre of the country. Some popular sites in Fez are the Royal Palace, Merenid tombs and the Mellah. Menara Gardens located in Marrakech was built in 12th century. Some significant features of Menara gardens are fruit trees, olive trees, palm trees, artificial lake and irrigation canals.
Chefchaouen is a small town situated in the Rif Mountains. It is a paradise for swimming in streams, hiking, enjoying the beauty of the white house’s with brightly painted doors and sipping a drink on the main square. Friouato Caves are the largest cave system in Northern Africa. It is home to several large chambers with beautiful formations, stalagmites and stalactites. These natural formations are one of the best Morocco tourist destinations.
Built in the 12th century, it wasn’t until the 14th century that Bertrand de Got, who owned it, developed it into a formidable fortress. His architectural plan bore the support of his uncle, Pope Clement V.
Just before the time of the Hundred Years War (1337-1453), the Durfort family took ownership of the castle, and during the war it was controlled first by the Duke of Aquitaine, then by King Henry II of England and finally by Louis VII the younger of France.
The Duras castle earned the Durfort family much respect, and at the close of the 17th century the castle was given the Duchy status. In time, it relinquished its intimidating aesthetic and morphed into a grand country estate. It had stables, fabulous gardens and an enviable area in which to receive guests. The Hall of the “Three Marshals”, the venue for ceremonious parties and gatherings, made the biggest statement, particularly because this was the time of the Age of Enlightenment and it suited the trend perfectly.
In 1798 the French Revolution brought tumultuous times and parts of the castle were destroyed. As a testament to the local community, however, in the 1960s the villagers bought the ruins at auction and today the castle is one of the treasures of this region of France.
The interior presented with style incorporates excellent facilities throughout with accommodation for 10 people in 5 double bedrooms. Well groomed gardens incorporate a heated swimming pool, a hard tennis court and prepared boules pitch.
A private and peaceful setting yet only a short drive from the hill town of La Garde-Freinet, Cogolin market town and costal Port Grimaud.
Cost of let per week 2017:
Low Season (remainder of year) €6,579 (+ electric)
Mid Season (Mar 13/June 30 & Sept) €7,895 (+ electric)
High Season (July & August) €9,869
Port Grimaud ~ The ‘Venice of Provence’ is a seaside village in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. With its bridges and canals, alleys and ‘fishermen’s houses’, each painted in a different colour, Port Grimaud offers plenty of charm. There is no better way to explore Port-Grimaud than by cruising the waters by boat and afterwards this beautiful town provides many restaurants and bars to relax in and watch the sunset.
La Garde-Freinet ~ This 11th century medieval mountain village is located in the Massif des Maures accessible by picturesque winding roads through forests of cork, oaks, and chestnuts. Full of character with its field stone houses, old fashioned street names, and a village square framed with restaurants and local art galleries.
FR117 HOUNT DESSUS, Le Gers
Standing within 220 hectares peace and relaxation radiates from Hount Dessus. The accommodation offers flexibility and privacy to family and friends, rented as one property but with the benefit of being split between three houses. Originally a farmstead cluster and now thoughtfully restored the three houses will sleep a maximum of 9 adults and 2 children.
Hount Dessus is located on the outskirts of La Sauvetat and only 5km from the village of St Puy with its popular restaurant. The Gers is at the heart of beautiful Gascony, this region is known for it’s good food with delicious specialities such as Armangnac, foie gras and Pastis Gascon.
An opportunity to enjoy Hount Dessus at a special discounted rate offering fantastic value.
Cost of let per week 2017:
Low Season (Oct 8/Mar 4) £2,750 (+ electric + heating) NOW £2,600
Mid Season (Mar 4/June 3 & Sept 9/Oct 7) £3,050 (+ heating)
High Season (June 3/Sept 9) £4,250 NOW £3,950 (+ heating)
July 2017 ~ Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac is the place to be for 4 days of Salsa celebrations. Featuring top artists from places such as Cuba, Venezuela and New York. www.tempo-latino.com
August 2017 ~ Jazz in Marciac This internationally famous festival has welcomed prestigious artists such as Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Coleman, Michel Petrucciani, Oscar Peterson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves and Wynton Marsalis. This year will be the 40th Anniversary of the festival and will see *Nora Jones opening the event. (*correct at time of going to press)
DON’T MISS OUT…..On recent price reductions:
IT501 LA MERIDIANA, Oliveto, Lazio
sleeps maximum 8 people (2 extra by arrangement)
Cost of let per week 2017:
Low Season – (Oct 8/Mar 4) £2,000 (+ electric + heating)
Mid Season – (Mar 4/June 3 & Sept 9/Oct 7) £4,000 NOW £3,600(+ heating)
High Season – (June 3/Sept 9) £5,000 NOW £4,600 (+ heating)
Cost of let per week 2017:
Low Season – (Oct 8/Mar 4) £3,000 (+ electric + heating)
Mid Season – (Mar 4/June 3 & Sept 9/Oct 7) ***SEASONAL DISCOUNT -20% now £3,200 (+ electric + heating)
High Season – (June 3/Sept 9) ***SEASONAL DISCOUNT -10% now £5,220
From the crispness of a light white to the rich boldness of ruby red, there is a French wine to suit every taste and every occasion. Midi wine falls under six regions and carries with it a vast array of experiences for both the seasoned and novice wine taster. If you’re looking to get started, follow this guide to Midi wine:
Bergerac: Bergerac territory falls in the northeast corner of the Midi region and includes a lighter taste of Midi wine. Known for its paleness and aromas of citrus fruits, it also possesses a tangy finish that is sure to please your taste buds long after the final taste.
Bordeaux: At its core, this bold red wine houses a deep berry fruit flavouring that sits atop fine-grained tannins and mixes well with a bite of pencil shavings and cassis. Bordeaux is one Midi wine that, while not quite as adventurous as others of its ilk, goes extremely well with grilled meats, small game such as quail and pheasant, and hard cheeses.
Cotes de Gascogne: This region is known for producing a wide range of Midi wine for any connoisseur of French wine. With its selection of whites, reds, and rose, a taste of the region cannot be clearly summed up in one succinct explanation. There is simply too much going on, from the crispness of its paler selections to the varying degrees of boldness that come in red and rose selections. The good thing about this region: no matter what you are having for dinner or dessert, chances are good that Cotes de Gascogne has a taste for the course.
Irouleguy: There may not be a region that is better engineered than the Irouleguy to produce top quality red, rose, and white wines, and that is exactly what they have accomplished. Thanks to Mother Nature’s blessing of vineyards that tower to the skies, this area is a wine-tasters paradise, though some of the selections can be a little heavy for first-timers. Cabernet Savignon and Cabernet France have managed to make these selections a little more accessible, but these are still stronger wines than you will typically find.
Jurancon: The Manseng Grape accounts for this vast selection of stunning white wines that will keep you engrossed with a variety of flavours within its broad category.
Monbazillac: Bearing close geographical relation to the Bergerac, the Monbazillac boasts a small but memorable selection of whites that mix well with its closest neighbour.
Whatever you’re looking for, be sure to keep your mind open, your taste buds ready and your sense of adventure percolating.
With stunning surroundings and wonderful gastronomy, France is a top destination for golfers. From Biarritz to Brittany, France can offer a great variety of golf courses, catering for the novice to the more experienced golfer. Some of the top-rated courses in Europe can be found in France, with numerous other excellent golf courses dotted all over the country virtually undiscovered, which can mean some inexpensive quality time for the golfer.
The South West of France, which has a varied landscape and culture is an ideal place to enjoy French food and wine. With beautiful chateaus, glorious beaches, vineyards, distilleries and museums, this area has so much to offer besides golf. With so much to see and do and around 90 golf courses to explore, no one in your holiday party will become bored.
Similarly the South East of France offers wonderful sightseeing with snow-capped mountains all year round and glorious beaches and with well over 100 golf courses to choose from, you will again be spoilt for choice in this region.
The Tarn et Garonne falls into five distinct areas. The Quercy Hills are to the north of the department. Places of note include the church and Roman apse at Valeilles, Lauzerte, a town dating from the Middle Ages and Montpezat de Quercy, once encircled by ramparts, with its covered square, many attractive old houses and the nearby leisure centre at Faillal.
In this region are many wine producers where you can taste the local wines, prune making establishments and also a hat maker renowned for the famous boaters of Maurice Chevalier. The variety of produce is extensive from apples, prunes, peaches, nectarines, cherries and kiwis, to garlic, especially l’ail de Lomagne. Not forgetting the black truffles, snails, patés, terrines, cassoulet and a variety of wonderful meat & fish, wines, and cheeses.
On the borders of the Quercy and the Rouergue, at the mouth of the gorges of the Aveyron, the fortified town of Bruniquel is in an exceptional setting, overlooking the River Aveyron. The original Chateau de Bruniquel was first built in the 6th century and was subsequently altered in the 12th, 13th, 17th and 19th centuries. Here it was that the film ‘le petit fusil’ was shot starring Romy Schneider and Philippe Noiret.
Montauban, the prefecture of the department, is where the celebrated artist Ingres was born in 1780. Known as the pinkest of the pink towns, Montauban has a fascinating history, best known of which is the origin of the ‘boulets de Montauban’ when, during a long siege by Louis 13th, he finally launched 400 rounds of cannon fire against the inhabitants of Montauban to try and break the siege.
During the night, they retaliated by manufacturing piles of black ‘sugared’ cannon balls which so scared the King he beat a hasty retreat, little realising that these presented no real threat, so convincing was their appearance. Today the ‘boulets’ are hazelnut sweets covered with chocolate with a hard sugar coating.
Luxury accommodation has an appeal in itself and the destination can almost be secondary. Great services, elegantly finished rooms, antique furnishings and beautiful grounds can make or break a holiday.
But then there are certain destinations that, no matter how much you appreciate your accommodation, have such an innately luxurious air in themselves and you feel like you are entering a world of high culture perfection. Tuscany is one such place.
The Fashion
There are few places on earth that have such a reputation for high culture as Tuscany. Villas here place you in the heartland of the Renaissance, which is, for many, the iconic foundation of all things decadent and elite. As such, you would come to expect the fashionable side of Florence or Siena to match or even outstrip the more fancied avenues of Paris or Milan. An evening strolling down the dusk-lit avenues of Florence to explore the mainstream and niche fashion establishments is a shopping experience right out of the glossiest magazine.
The Flavour
Fine dining equates to fine living, but even the most indulgent palates are aware that more money does not necessarily equate to higher quality cuisine. There is no substitute for class earned by tradition and devotion to the culinary arts. This is why the food and drink of the region beats at the very heart of Tuscany. Villas may well be stocked with the finest of local goods, but it is worth your while to expand your culinary tour and step out to explore the local vineyards, bakeries and restaurants. To sip on Chianti, to taste the truffles, or to try the Florentine beef is to learn how out of ages of simplicity, true luxury can be cultivated.
The Finery
At the heart of the sense of luxury in the region are the authentic traditions of Tuscany. Villas invoke memories of the Renaissance by their very existence and from the artwork created under the Medicis to the words of Dante and Petrarch, there is a celebration of life that is in evidence everywhere you look. Indeed, the fine cathedrals and churches are a testament to an age of finery that sought not to imitate but surpass their classical forbears.
The Festivity
In Tuscany, villas not only place you in a region famous for just the right amount of excess, but also one that tempts you let your hair down without losing the air of high culture. From the Viareggio Carnevale to the Scoppio del Carro in Florence, there are many festivals and events that proudly recall the renowned history of the region while embracing the modern community. It is an exciting and very “real” way to get in touch with the local culture.
What is one of the best destinations that come to mind when you think of a foodie holiday: somewhere where you can enjoy the fantastic scenery whilst daydreaming about your upcoming meal? Without a doubt, Italy will have crossed your mind the moment you asked yourself those two questions.
Starters
Italian starters tend to be delicious sharing platters, rather than individual plates. This is a wonderful way of transforming eating into a friendly social event where you can bond with your fellow travel companions whilst raving about the dishes in front of you. Lardo di Colonnata, pork lard cured in local marble, is a very popular starter, usually served with crostini, a thin, crusty, brittle bread that also features as the base of crostini toscani, on top of which there is chunky chicken liver pate.
Primis
Throughout Italy, primis are normally medium-sized pasta dishes. Flavoursome comfort food is one of Tuscany’s specialties. Some of the best examples are ribollita, a heart-warmingly robust potage made with leftover bread, cannellini beans, carrots, cabbage, and chard, among other seasonal vegetables, and panzanella, a lighter, more summery cold salad consisting of balsamic vinegar-soaked bread, fresh onions, tomatoes, and basil, dressed with stunning olive oil.
Secondis
In case you’re still hungry (as any proper Italian would be!), the secondis are the pinnacle of the meal. The renowned bistecca alla fiorentina (not for the squeamish, as it is beef steak served very rare accompanied by beans and roast potatoes) is perfect for sharing among friends, as it tends to weigh between three and four pounds. For the more adventurous, cinghiale in umido is a magnificent, thick wild boar stew that will leave you wanting more.
Desserts
In Tuscany, dessert is not quite the dish you’d expect. In fact, although there is at least one typical cake from the region (castagnaccio) made from chestnut flour, it is much more common to simply finish a meal with some cantucci: hard almond biscuits best known abroad as biscotti, and a glass of vin santo, a sweet dessert wine, to dip them in.
If you appreciate fine wines and fine dining, you’ll be in your element in Tuscany. Holidays revolving around food and drink are always a treat for dedicated gastrophiles. From the various Chianti vintages specific to their respective regions to the classic Tuscan dishes, such as Farro and Bistecca alla Fiorentina, you’re certain to find the perfect way to experience the region’s heart and soul through great dining experiences.
Walking and Cycling Routes
There is a wealth of natural and cultural beauty to be found in Tuscany. Holidays revolving around walking or cycling allow you experience this beauty up-close and personal. Popular choices include San Gimignano, San Querico, Siena and Val d’Orcia – the latter of which has been recognized by the UN as a World Heritage Site.
Hiking and Climbing Expeditions
The Apennines boast beautiful vistas reaching all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, and Vallone dell’Inferno and Pania della Croce are popular challenges. The determined hiker will find plenty to test their mettle against, especially those willing to go off the beaten path.
Anniversaries and Events
Tuscany is a great place to hold an event, from weddings and honeymoons to corporate retreats. The warm, tropical climate, friendly locals, delightful cuisine and rich cultural history of the region offer a lot to the curious traveller.
Have you thought about visiting Tuscany for your summer holidays this year?
When you consider how much fun, excitement, adventure, culture, nature and art is packed into this wonderful region of Italy, you’ll realise just how stunning the experience can be.
The Grand Tour
Villas in Tuscany have long been popular with visitors from other parts of Europe and around the world. It’s possible to have an interesting debate about when it all started. Taking a villa in this beautiful part of Italy was considered to be an essential part of the 18th century ‘Grand Tour’ so beloved by generations of wealthy aristocrats and considered to be an essential part of a “gentleman’s education”.
That tradition carried on well through much of the earlier 19th century and even continued during periods when Europe and the various Italian states were consumed by one war or another. The position changed somewhat in the latter 19th and earlier 20th century, but by the 1950s, tourism to Italy was very much back on the agenda. In fact, it’s often overlooked that mass tourism began in Italy long before it started in Spain or Greece.
Tuscany has been a favourite destination of travellers for centuries and there is still much to be discovered there.
Full of surprises
The major Tuscan towns like Florence, Siena, Pisa, Arezzo and Lucca are all world-famous centres of art, architecture and culture, but this part of Italy is more than just about ancient buildings and great works of art.
It is also all about experiencing the very best of the Italian lifestyle, which is why places such as Chianti, with its wine, and Pienza, with its Pecorino cheese, are important – because the region also has some of the best cuisine you’ll find anywhere in the world. You’ll even come across magnificent restaurants in small towns way off the normal tourist trails – and fabulous food is the norm rather than the exception.
It is possible to stay in villas in Tuscany right off the beaten track and find tiny hilltop villages that have hardly changed in centuries. Just spending a few hours sitting and watching the world go by is an experience not to be missed.
Italy has much to offer and this couldn’t be more evident than in the central region of Tuscany. A visit to Tuscany will be rewarded by delicious cuisine, stunning landscapes and plenty of culture, history and art; your only concern will be where to start?
Florence (Firenze) is the regional capital its famous museums, palaces and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.
The ancient city of Pisa with its leaning tower is full of surprises, explore Campo dei Miracoli and see the Duomo, Baptistry and Camposanto.
The lovely medieval city of Siena will not disappoint with The Campo being the centre of activity, this square is home to the Palio, bareback horse race, Italy’s most spectacular festival event.
With towns such as Montepulciano, Lucca, Cortona and Arezzo the list of places to visit will continue to grow, and so will your passion for Tuscany and everything it has to offer.
Private Properties Abroad have a range of luxury properties offering accommodation for 4 people to 30 people, our full portfolio and house details can be found on our website. Here are just a few to sample:
IT507 – Peccioli – Sophisticated comfort with 360̊ views of rolling landscape. (Sleeps 12 people).
IT510 – Siena – A peaceful retreat offering comfort throughout with breathtaking views over Monti del Chianti valley. (Sleeps 8 people)
IT511 – Cortona – Designed with an eye for detail and incorporating olive grove and vineyard, surrounded by undulating farmland of Val d’Chiana. (Sleeps 12 People)
IT506 – Pisa – Intimate and well appointed in tranquil and peaceful surroundings, only 4km from sandy Tyrrhenean beaches. (Sleeps 6 people)
Inspire your senses with a vacation in Morocco and visit the intoxicating holiday destination of Marrakech.
Marrakech’s Medina (Old City) is a bustling and exciting place to be with sights and sounds around every corner to enchant and excite its many visitors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Medina is steeped in tradition and culture with a history of hospitality.
With endless places to visit and things to do, this truly is an all year round destination. Shop for treasures in the Souqs where artisans can be found working, using techniques inherited from generations gone. Take a trip to the mountain villages in the hidden oasis of the High Atlas and the pre-Saharan desert. You may wish to sample a Moroccan spa treatment in a traditional Hamman before discovering the many culinary delights including seasonal tagines and slow roasted almond stuffed lamb. With many Moroccan, Mediterranean and Fusion restaurants, everyone should be happy.
Take a look at the fabulous accommodation available in these exceptional villas offered through Private Properties Abroad:
MO801 ~ beautifully designed and situated in the secure and exclusive Palmeraie area, only 15 minutes drive from Marrakech.
M0802 ~ Adjacent to MO801 offering the perfect honeymoon or special celebration destination.
MO804 ~ to the south of Marrakech find peace and relaxation in this long standing private family residence.
