Family Celebration in France/Italy?
 

We're just starting to plan our father's big birthday and want to do something we've never done before. We'll be a group of appx. 10 (including young children) and will have about 10 days. Was thinking renting a house either in Provence or Tuscany. Having no real travel experience in Europe, I'd really like to get some suggestions from Fodorites who've done this before. I really want to do it right. We're open to anything. I should mention that we'll be traveling in April. I'm partial to ocean, but ideally want a beautiful place, a cook and some sort of town nearby. Also, any suggestions on companies that book these sorts of vacations is most appreciated. Thanks so much!

What's your budget? I know someone who has a gorgeous house in Provence, near Vaison-la-Romaine, and she rents it periodically. A cook is available.

To be honest, I'm not even sure. I don't know what the going rate is for something like this. This will be a once in a lifetime trip so we're prepared to spend a little more than we would on a typical vacation. I don't mean to sound naive, but do these types of homes rent for $5,000 US or $10,000+ US? for a week for 10 people? Does your friend have a website or pics to share? A gorgeous house in Provence sounds very good to me! Many thanks for your quick response!

I see these sort of packages offered on luxurylink.com for some great bids. You might want to check that out, too.

Also check out slowtrav.com, which has reviews of such rental properties. Have a great time!

Hi syd,

How many young children?

How young?

((I))

2 kids:
One will be 3 1/2, the other 8 mos.

Hi syd,

OK, planning a trip for 8 is a lot easier than for 10.

Have you ever gone as a large family group anywhere before?

((I))

Not like this. Not where we've stayed in the same place. But it's a good group. Some mixed interests so people will likely do their own thing during some days and then reconvene in the evenings. Do you think that we can find things to do with a 3 year old or is this a challenge? We can also wait until June if that'll allow for swimming.

Here's the link for the friend's house in Provence:

http://www.vrbo.com/48575

Hi syd,

>Do you think that we can find things to do with a 3 year old or is this a challenge?

Actually, I think that 3-yr olds are easier to deal with that 2 or 4-yr olds. In any case, the kid will be the kid, no matter where you are.

>We can also wait until June if that'll allow for swimming. <

April can be chilly. Early June would give you a greater probability of swimming weather.

((I))
When I was one I had just begun;
When I was two I was nearly new;
When I was three I was hardly me;
When I was four I was not much more;
When I was five I was just alive;
But now I am six and as clever as clever;
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever!

thanks everyone. Keep the ideas comin!

Underhill, I think we have friends in common...

And Syd1, it's a beautiful house.

Another alternative, special but pricey:
http://www.labastidedemarie.com/prop...k/accueil.html