One of our favorite, incredibly charming towns in the Aquitaine is St Emilion, which famously is nestled in the heart of Bordeaux wine country.  Here you have some of the world’s most reknowned wine makers such as Cheval Blanc and Chateau Petrus to name just two of the highest and mightiest.

St. Emilion

About 20 miles west of Bordeaux, in the midst of pastoral farmland, is the site at which an eighth century Benedictine monk named Emilian, came to live the reclusive life of a hermit.

His hermitage, a cave in the limestone that dominates the area, inspired the monks that followed to begin the 300-year task of excavating an underground church.

Today, Saint Emilion is a World Heritage Site. The Monolithic Church tempts pilgrims and visitors to this well-preserved medieval village. Situated among rolling hills, Saint Emilion is the oldest wine area in the region.

Visitors are drawn by the beauty of the countryside, the vibrant, ancient village of cobbles and church bells, the locally famous macaroons, the vineyards producing some of the world-famous Bordeaux wines, and, of course the foie gras.

Early springs, long hot summers, and mild winters make the region conducive to outdoor activities. The surrounding countryside is superb for walking and cycling. If you prefer a slower pace, there are inexpensive, easily accessible country golf courses.

Many luxury villa rentals in France are situated in these areas with access to all of these wonderful sights and sites.

In Saint Emilion, spend the day working up an appetite touring the historical sites of the Cave of St. Emilion, the Monolithic Church, and its bell tower. Atop the bell tower, gain a panoramic view of the village and the vineyards surrounding it.

When you get thirsty, visit the Cloitre des Cordiliers, part of an abandoned monastery, for a refreshing break at the adjascent wine bar. If that whets your appetite for more, there are many cellars in town from which to choose .

Pair a local dessert Bordeaux Sauternes, Muscat, or Tokay with foie-gras; the creamy, palate-pleasing specialty that originated here in the Southwest regions of France.

The distinctive ingredients in local cuisine are the undeniable full, rich flavors of duck and goose fat. No butter here (well, maybe a little). Every part of the duck is used in cooking, and this is the place to stretch your palate and try something new.

Dining choices abound and will fulfill the requirements of a quick pub meal, or an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you spend a day or a weekend in the relatively undisovered environs of Saint Emilion, your visit will be a feast for all of your senses.

Please visit our web site for more luxury villa rentals in the Aquitaine and other lovely regions of France.

Luxury villa rentals are not always products of such loving, hands on attention but in this case, the owners of Chateau Le Tour have had a hand in every last detail of the extensive renovation and redecorating process.

Built in 1700 and renovated between 2010 and 2012, Chateau le Tour sits just 12 kilometers (7 miles) outside St. Emilion, renowned home of many grand cru Bordeaux producers from Cheval Blanc to Petrus and many more.

Ch. Le Tour

With 6 bedrooms in the main chateau and 4 more in a guest house and tower, the chateau can sleep 19+ people very comfortably.

The chateau has recently finished a complete renovation and refurbishment in a simple yet refined style with comfort and amenities.

The owners are continually updating and reassessing to provide a greater level of comfort, serenity and beauty in the enviroment. The chateau may be rented with main part alone or with additional guest house and/or tower.

For those seeking luxury villas France is replete. However, the history in a chateau rental is something that adds a wonderful and exciting element to luxury villa rentals in France.

With the Olympics coming up this summer, this is a great opportunity for a spacious rental in a very desirable neighborhood.  This maisonette can accommodate up to 10 in style and comfort and in the summer there’s a garden with BBQ.

Holland Park Maisonette

Holland Park is a fabulous central location and one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods; a leafy gem with beautiful large Victorian townhouses and a wonderful history.

The area offers an abundance of restaurants, cafes and traditional public houses tucked away in quiet streets with beautiful and stately townhouses and leafy, green sidewalks.

Located minutes from many of the capital’s famous shopping areas Notting Hill, Holland Park Avenue, Westbourne Grove, Portobello Market, Bond and Oxford Streets this deluxe residence also borders Kensington with it’s famous High Street and Royal connections.

 Holland Park is a beautiful space covering 54 acres perfect for a leisurely walk or an early morning jog, and is considered one of London’s most peaceful and romantic parks.

Guests of this five bedroom maisonette can enjoy two living rooms, a formal dining room with table seating for eight, a modern kitchen, separate utility room and lovely private garden with alfresco dining area. Entertainment facilities include Lowe plasma TV, sky box, DVD, player, Bose sound system and a piano.

For this and many other excellent and exclusive luxury villa rentals, including luxury villa rentals in Italy and France, please contact us.

This property, Villa Plaisance, is located within 35 minutes of Bordeaux and the wine country, yet is right on the beach near the chic summer resorts of Cap Ferret and Arcachon.

There are very few luxury villa rentals in France, in this particular area, that measure up to the quality of this one. And we love the Southwest region of France, with all it’s variety from the lovely sand beaches to Pyranees mountains, including the Dordogne, Gironde and Basque Landes areas from Bordeaux to Biarritz.

Just west of Bordeaux, the tranquil Villa Plaisance, with her feet ‘tucked in the water’ is discretely situated in the heart of the serene Arcachon Bay and right on the white sand beach. 

The villa’s prestigious accommodation and exemplary services, in the reinvigorating atmosphere of marine life and pine forests,guarantee a deep feeling of well-being and promises guests a relaxing and beneficial time-out from their daily affairs. 

The villa is the perfect hideaway for; guests seeking time with their family or friends, physical and mental wellness, politicians in need of a change of environment to discuss their strategies, or even musicians/artists longing for the perfect location from which to compose their next masterpiece.

Villa Plaisance

In a region renowned for gastronomic delights – locally farmed oysters, fois gras, caviar and of course the finest of fine wines the world has to offer, guests can enjoy a journey of gastronomic discovery that sets the taste buds tingling, the palate sated. 

The Arcachon Bay is tidal by nature, the daily withdrawal of the Atlantic Ocean ensuring the release of health giving ions into the atmosphere from the depths of the sea bed and the replenishment of clean, fresh, invigorating waters.

One can while away several relaxing hours on her beautiful white sandy beaches and multitude of water sports available here. Or just put your feet up in one of the many lounging areas on the terraces or in the vast garden or by the pool.

As well the chef is ready to cook you amazing meals from all the local bounty as well as from the property’s organic vegetable garden.  Please contact us for more information on this or any other luxury villas France.

Yet we are mystified as to why as it is such a lovely area with miles and miles of glorious sand beaches, pine forest and perched villages as well as port towns. Admittedly, it is a hike to the most popular destinations in Tuscany such as Florence and Siena but it is within a day trip to these cities and within an hour of much else.

Here you can find villas in Tuscany that give you access to a great beach vacation and still reach the top tourist destinations and see many other interesting towns including Grosseto (inland), Bolgheri, and the Monte Argentario port towns of Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano, among many others.

Maremma Beach

As well this area is home to the famous Super Tuscan wines such as Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Masetto, just to name a few of the better known.  There are many, many wonderful local wines in this region.

The beaches of the coastline are backed by scrub and pine and have an earthy, untamed aspect to them, which is a lovely compliment to the gentle lapping waves of the Tyrrhenian sea.

One can find Italian villas for rent all over, however, we highly reccommend the Maremma for an adventure while at your luxury villa rentals in Italy.

 With a lovely, large garden, this Belgravia townhouse would be a great choice for summer rentals, especially for those attending the summer Olympics.

This classic, gorgeously decorated, Belgravia town house is in a privilged position within a short walk of all the shops, restaurants and amenities of Sloane Square (the King’s Road) and the exclusive Elizabeth Street.

The house is on 5 floors and is approximately 2900 square feet with a large garden and 4/5 bedrooms. With 4 double bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, this house is good for couples sharing.  

Belgravia Townhouse

However, as it has a playroom up top and an extra child’s room, it works well for families too. The large, lovely garden out back for lounging and dining, makes this an especially lovely choice in the late spring through fall months.

Many of our clients enjoy combining luxury villa rentals in Italy or France with a stay in luxury villa rentals in cities such as London, Paris or Rome.

1) The dollar has strengthened against the Euro so your money goes further.

2) A villa represents good value even at the highest echelons of luxury and cost as there are not the many add-ons of a hotel.

3) You and your family can all fit and have personal space, privacy and exclusivity.

4) There are so many fantastic new rental properties being added each year and in all flavors from historic chateau to fabulous mediterranean villas.

Chateau Julien - Normandy

5) You cannot beat the food and wine! Ooh la la!

So run, don’t walk, to your next vacation in luxury villa rentals In France.  You won’t be sorry and you’ll want to go back.

Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands for it’s fabulous topography as well as ease of access to travel to.

A half hour flight from Athens International Airport brings you to this paradise of whitewashed houses built into the cliff, warm sun and a cool summer breeze.

Familiar images of church domes against the blue sky, mules transporting goods and tourists from the Old Harbour up to the town, cats lying lazily in the sun…so classically Mediterranean and yet so different.

Some may feel humbled by the island’s energy, others elated, but Santorini will certainly never leave visitors unmoved.

A unique private property, Villa Imerovigli combines breathtaking views of the Caldera with spacious terraces and elegant interiors, while offering guests excellent service and a rare degree of privacy. 

View from Villa Imerovigli

World famous for its stunning views of the volcano and the surrounding islands, Santorini is one of the most photographed places in the world. 

Located in the most elegant and sought-after part of Santorini, at the highest point of the Caldera, the house boasts a stunning 180-degree view of the volcano and surrounding islands.

Lovingly re-built on the ruins of pre-existing structures, the villa consists of a constellation of hypóskapha, the cave-like structures characteristic of Santorini architecture, which have been converted into bedrooms and living rooms, each with a separate entrance.

These are spread out on three different levels, connected by large terraces and winding pathways, offering a unique level of privacy and neighbourliness at the same time.

Decoration is simple and elegant, and great attention has been given to comfort and detail, giving the villa the air of a relaxed family house.

Spacious terraces spread across multiple levels offering different lounging areas from which to enjoy the view, and a number of choices for drinking and dining.

The pool is the largest private pool on the Caldera, an excellent reason to stay at home during the busy days of August.

So when considering luxury villa rentals in Greece, Santorini and Villa imerovigli are a great start to a perfect vacation.

One of these is Villa Vista Mare, an amazing contemporary structure that is both dramatic as a work of art in and of itself, but which was also built to take advantage of the amazing position and dramatic sea views from Cap Ferrat.

In addition, every technological, state of the art modern convenience is available here from indoor pool, gym and spa to ipod docking stations, jet showers and tubs with color lighting preferences, just to name a few.

Villa Vista Mare is one of the most dramatic luxury villa rentals available on the Riviera.  It has been constructed with every luxury and comfort in mind and to completely perfect proportions and style.

Vista Mare - Evening from Sea Side

There are sweeping views from all angles and the drama of the views is brought into the interiors as well.  

The contemporary design is a work of art in itself complimented by the not too minimal yet highly stylish decor.

It is impossible to overstate the fabulous atmosphere and amenities of this special property. It includes an outdoor and indoor pool, gym, sauna and jet tubs with colored water.  

No expense has been spared nor luxury unthought of but really the best luxury is the location, privacy and views as well as the excellent manager and staff.

If you are in the market for 5 star luxury villa rentals in France please contact us for this lovely poperty or any luxury villa rentals on the Riviera, Provence, Southwest and all regions so we can provide you with first class service in first class villas.