Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - South France July

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)

- Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)

- - South France July (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/south-france-july-159422/)

South France July

Family of four looking for charming place to stay in the Provence/Luberon area last week of June or first week of July. Somewhere in between $800 - $1,000 per week. Suggestions? my wife loves charm!

Hi, Steven. I'm not sure if you are looking for a hotel, a B&B, or a house rental. If the latter, check www.coquelicot.com We rented from them in October, 2000 and were pleased. If you're looking for a hotel or B&B try http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/avi/gb/pres/p1.htm Good luck!

Try: http://www.southoffrancevilla.com http://www.tarn-gites.com Paul

Sorry to burst your bubble, but I think you are really at the bottom of the price barrel. I'm not saying you can't find ANYthing - - but I would ask you - - take any desirable vacation destination in a 250 miles circle around where you live - - do you think you can find something like what you're seeking - - at that price? I did a quick search on www.francevillas.com for the weeks of 29 June or 6 July - - and at 1200 euros and under, I got one property only - - and I barely think it qualifies as "Provence" - - Ref # 5538 "Montboucher/Jabron" about midway between Orange and Valence (the very northern end of Provence in my mind). It's 800 euros, the week - - but you have to add a final cleaning fee of 53 euros PER person (ame fee whether you stay one week or two - - that's why it's separated from the rental fee). Raising the bar to 1500 euros per week only retrieved one more place - - ref# 5576 - - but this, at least is in St. Remy de Provence - - at 1550 euros per week. I'm not sure either qualifies as charming (i.e., they don't look like old farmhouses) - - and I certainly wouldn't want to imply that FranceVillas is the end-all/be-all in villa rental. And they do run a LITTLE higher priced because 90% of their properties have a pool (at least "available" on the premises). But I have used then with satsfaction - - and I think this quick search is indicative of what you will find at the price you seek. The suggestions to check out gites is also a good idea - - specifically www.gites-de-france.fr certainly has more modest choices. But there are a lot of other listings when you do a search on Yahoo for "Gites de France". Best wishes, Rex

One quick follow-up: just after I posted, I decided to look at www.coquelicot.com since Betty seems to really know France. and at first I felt really stupid, since there ARE some nice looking places listed there, in the price range you seek - - but here's one rub you're likely to find: the first seven places I looked at there all had two week minimums 29 Jun to 31 August.

Since we were there in October, I had forgotten Coquelicot's policy regarding "peak season" - "The minimum term of tenancy during the peak season is two weeks." However, since their middle season includes June 22-29, perhaps it would still work for you, Steven? Maybe I should clarify one other thing - these are not, for the most part, luxurious houses - as reflected in the low prices. We rented two houses from them and in both, one or two of the bedrooms were very sparsely furnished. One had absolutely no place to store clothing. But I still think they were good value for the money and charm does not necessarily equate to luxury in my book. If you do decide to rent from them, read the descriptions very carefully and ask about anything you are unsure of. They are very good about answering questions promptly by e-mail. I hope you find what you are looking for. And Rex, thanks for the compliment!

Steven--Guess I can add only one more web site to check out: try www.logis-de-france.com. This is a pretty big association of smaller, supposedly charming hotels in various locations. The prices of some seem to be in your ballpark. From the ones of which I have direct knowledge, they seem to be good value for the money.

You might also check with the Tourist Offices of villages that interest you... most of them have listings of properties for rent - and they're rated according to the amenities they have. eg. www.stremy-de-provence.com www.maussane.com www.aix-en-provence.com PB

Thanks everyone, It gives me a place to start. Steve

Steve, I would recommend the last week in June because July and August are the big French tourist months, and many French people head for those areas. I do know of a place in Goult (Luberon) where a family in a 17th century "bastide" has built 4 units in and out of the house. I think the suite for 4 pers. is outside. They are brand-new, w/TV, fridg. and kitchen privileges in the main house. There is also a swimming pool, spa and tennis courts. Last year the suite went for 700FF/night (just over $100). The only problem is that they just started last year, so don't have a website and may not take credit cards. The couple, Dominique and Fred, are nice as can be, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. (I met them through the lady whose apt. we rent in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and had drinks around the pool.) If you are interested, e-mail me for more info.

I forgot. You can also find weekly rentals and information about the region on www.provenceweb. And there are some good links at http://www.beyond.fr/links/hotels.html Good luck!