We're planning a small family reunion next summer and are looking to rent a house in France (Dordogne or maybe Provence). We'll be seven adults and three small children, and we'd like some place relaxed but leaning towards luxury, with a swimming pool and also maid service (and maybe some cooking or babysitting) with horseback riding and golf nearby. Can anyone recommend a specific place for rent or a particularly good agency/website? I've already browsed a few and found fabulous sounding places, but nothing beats a personal recommendation ...

We didn't rent a chateau but we did rent a beautiful home from: <BR>http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/chateaux/index.html

Not sure if this meets your needs and if they have enough space - but we stayed at an absolutely wonderful chateau in the Dordogne - south of Brive. Chateau d'Arnac, you can do a search to find their web page. I would not call it luxury - but I loved it.

Many months ago a nice lady raved about a stay at a Loire Valley chateau. I bookmarked the website for future reference and I'm passing it on; http://www.chateau-saintpaterne.com/ <BR> <BR>Another site also posted http://www.chateauandcountry.com/index_en.html

I can strongly recommend a chateau (Provence) in Montauroux (40 minutes north of Cannes, btwn Grasse and Draguignan), but it might be overkill for your needs. 12 or 14 bedrooms, depending on how you count. 7 stunning doubles with en suite bath. Pool, tennis, on and on, etc. About $10,000 a week. <BR> <BR>I prefer to give details via e-mail. And since I see that you are in CH, I can give you the name of an acquaintance who who lives in Geneva; stayed there with me and others last fall. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex