We would like to spend about a week in July this year somewhere warm and near the sea in a private villa with a pool. I've looked online and see many suggestions, but it's difficult to select from these choices. Does anyone know of a high-end, reliable agency that would have suitable villas in France or Italy? Thanks to all in advance!

Check out theparkercompany.com. They sent me a huge beautiful catalog of all their properties in Italy. We're planning a trip next June. Also, italianvillas.com looks pretty nice too.

Take a look at the properties at www.justfrance.com <BR>You can select properties by amenities (i.e., pool) as well as price and/or location. I have NOT used them nor do I have ANY ties, financial or otherwise, to their services, FYI. They seem to have a good range of properties that meet your requirements. IMO, I think their prices are high; perhaps they're justified by their quality/reliability. <BR>As always, research carefully. However, I believe you're a bit late to start looking for this July. Most of the better properties will be booked. You will be stuck with either undesirable leftovers, lucky breaks from cancelations, or properties with sky high prices. I think you'd be better off waiting to rent a villa next year. Bonne chance and caveat emptor! <BR>BTilke

Ellen, try http://www.barclayweb.com/index.htm

Try www.homeabroad.com. They handle properties in both France and Italy. I booked a place in Tuscany last year with them and it worked out fine.

We've booked a beautiful looking, reasonably priced villa with a pool from "www.specialtycruise.com" (click on "Italian Villas"). They've been good to deal with. We leave next week, so we'll find out!

Email [email protected]. She only rents houses she has visited and is very knowledgable about the south of France. Also try VRBO.com -- French homeowners renting their houses directly...no broker's fee.

Try this: <BR>http://www.vrbo.com/vrbo/2897.htm

For France, I have had good experiences with http://www.francevillas.com <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>