New York Habitat Blog

Amateurs of live drama and medieval history, take note that one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious theater festivals is shaping up again in Avignon. Indeed, during the traditional three weeks in July, the 64th Festival d’Avignon will offer hundreds of shows presented as part of the official selection (“in”) or the alternative scene (“off”).

Pont Saint-Bénézet

All kinds of productions will spring up within the ancient city walls of Avignon, whether in the Papal Palace’s courtyard, in actual theaters, in temporary spaces or in the middle of the streets. Even the non-Francophiles can partake in the festivities by attending presentations in English, dance performances or pantomimes, so do not let the language barrier stop you. And if you are determined to watch a show in Molière’s tongue, a generous glass of local côtes du rhône wine will help you refresh your high-school French in no time!

Another worthy cultural event is the Avignon Film Festival which, like its New York twin, takes place in June. Aimed at encouraging independent film-makers in their out-of-the-box endeavors, this truly transatlantic affair gives an ever-needed boost to new and upcoming directors by organizing screenings, retrospectives, panel discussions and debates. Far from the exclusive atmosphere of the Cannes Film Festival, you will actually be able to exchanges ideas with the artists and later brag about it.

For either event, or if you’re just planning to take it easy in Avignon, we have here several apartment rental options that will not fail to please you.

If you’re coming by yourself or with a significant other, you cannot do better than our Avignon One Bedroom Vacation Rental Apartment (PR-988). Located in a blissfully quiet street right downtown, it has many modern features such as a flat-screen TV with cable, a DVD player and DSL.  

If you’re planning to stay in Avignon as part of a group, our Hosted Four-Bedroom Avignon Bed and Breakfast (PR-325) is just what you need, and we’re not just saying that because of its incredible terrace offering a priceless view over the nearby Papal Palace and the surrounding rooftops.

The reign of Avignon as the religious, political and cultural center of Christendom lasted only 68 years, but the magnificent Papal Palace still effortlessly dominates the city, a truly stunning monument to the immense power of the papacy in the Middle Ages. A visit to the city would not be complete without an exhaustive tour of its numerous rooms, but make sure to come early to beat the crowds, an easy enough move if you’re staying in one of our rentals nearby.

Not as imposing but definitely more entrenched in popular French culture, the 13th century Saint-Bénézet Bridge in Avignon is first and foremost famous for the 16th century song “Sur le pont d’Avignon” (“On the Avignon Bridge”), but also for its huge strategic importance back in the days as the only crossing over the Rhône river between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea and as a border post between the French territory and the Papal State. After several severe floods, only four arches remain, but it is still a favorite recreation spot.

No matter what you’re looking for, Avignon has something for you. Feel free to share your own experience of it in the comment section below.

Summer in Provence and live musical performances are two extremely attractive propositions in their own right. Together, they become a winning combination that can actually be enjoyed at Aix-en-Provence’s world-famous Festival of the Lyrical Art every July.

Aix-en-Provence photo

You’d better start planning now though, because this year promises to be an exceptional one with, among other temptations, a brand new production of Mozart’s masterpiece, Don Giovanni, the same opera that helped make the festival a true success in 1949, in its second year of existence.

Even if you are not particularly sensitive to the lyrical arts, you cannot go wrong by staying in Provence’s former capital, Aix-en-Provence. Whether you prefer the tiny streets and dignified squares of the Old Quarter or the attractive townhouses and tree-lined avenues of the 17th and 18th century district of Villeneuve, we have the right accommodation for you:

If you’re coming with a large group of friends or family, our 4-bedroom vacation rental in Aix en Provence (PR-919) and its private garden, just 50 meters from the city center, is what you need.

Going on your own for a long-delayed rest or with a special someone for quality time together, you cannot beat our studio apartment in Aix en Provence (PR-311) downtown, right next to city hall.

Whatever kind of company you’re keeping, there will be activities for everyone. Exploring Aix’s picturesque streets will immediately transport you back in time (all the way back to the Roman Empire in fact!) and one wonderful way to do it is to grab a map and go on… your own fountain tour! There are no fewer than 23 fountains proudly standing throughout the whole city, and leisurely strolling from one to another is likely to keep you busy all day, enthralled by the wide-ranging diversity and overall graciousness of these ubiquitous witnesses of times past.

Sooner or later, you will end up on majestic Cours Mirabeau, which boasts two remarkable fountains of its own, where you can cool off while walking under the shades of its giant trees or while enjoying a well-deserved drink in one of the lively cafés on the northern side. And do not forget to sample Aix’s almond-based signature treat, the calisson, for that extra sugar boost!

You can of course also decide to try your hand at centuries-old provençal cuisine by picking up fresh produce at the colorful Aix Market, which takes over the town’s old squares on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Since  our rentals feature fully equipped kitchens, you can easily work on your cooking skills with the perfect ingredients. It does not get more authentic than that!

It is almost impossible, of course, to think of Aix-en-Provence without evoking Cézanne. If you are the slightest interested in the master’s oeuvre, you will be able to check out his studio and its romantic garden, to have a quick look at his childhood home at 55 Cours Mirabeau, which has since become a shop, and, last but by no means least, to marvel at the impressive object of his obsession, the soaring Sainte Victoire mountain, which he painted no fewer than 60 times.   

Been there and done that? Why don’t you share your impressions of Aix-en-Provence with us in our comment section?

While Cannes is most well known for its international film festival in May, visiting this beautiful port city any time of year makes for an unforgettable vacation.  Because of its mild winter climate, now is the perfect time to discover this quaint Mediterranean town.  Without the summer crowds, wandering Cannes’ narrow streets and strolling along the azure shore will make you feel like you’re discovering part of the French Riviera that only a few know.

Photo of the Beaches of Cannes

Come with friends to our 4 Bedroom Furnished Vacation Rental in Cannes, French Riviera (PR-739).  Five minutes in a car or bus brings you to the center of town where you can explore Cannes’ main boulevard, La Croisette.  Along this two kilometer-long boardwalk hugging the sea, you can browse the nicest boutiques in Cannes and indulge in fabulous restaurants featuring regional French cuisine. Here in May, the Cannes Film Festival kicks off the season for music and art festivals that last all summer.

If you’re looking for a more cozy place to spend your vacation, consider this 1 Bedroom Furnished Vacation Rental in Cannes, French Riviera (PR-472). (With a Winter Discount until March 20, 2010!)  Located on Boulevard Jean Hibert, the apartment overlooks the Mediterranean with Les Iles de Lérins in view just off the coast.  A short boat ride from your lodging brings you to Ile Ste. Marguerite and Ile St. Honorat where the aromatic pine and eucalyptus trees complement the magnificent view of the French Mediterranean seashore.  On Ile Marguerite, you can visit the prison cell where The Man in the Iron Mask was held captive in during the 17th century at Fort Royal. From Marguerite, hop on a boat to the nearby Ile St. Honorat and notice the reverence that marks this land founded by monks in 400 AD.  Today on the island, you can visit many churches as well as a monastery that Cistercian monks have occupied since 1869. 

If you prefer to stay in a more lively part of town, look into the 1 Bedroom Furnished vacation rental in Cannes, French Riviera (PR-319) located in the Suquet quarter of Cannes.  Tuesday through Sunday, wander on foot and experience the French open-air market at the Marché de Forville.  This is the ideal place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, feast on local seafood, discover charming artisan shops and pick up great souvenirs to bring home to friends and family.  Don’t forget your camera! You’re sure to see lots of bright colors and get a real taste of the culture of the South of France.

Cannes Harbor

Only a short distance from the Marché de Forville is the Musée de la Castre, a museum inside a medieval castle seen upon the hills of Vieux Cannes.  You can enjoy its permanent collections of Mediterranean artifacts and indigenous art from Oceania, Africa and Asia; you can also opt to do a walking tour around Vieux Cannes to learn of its rich history and culture. 

Wherever you choose to stay in Cannes, you can be sure to truly experience the French Riviera in a lively town with limitless adventures. Browse our long list of rental possibilities in the South of France, take advantage of Winter deals, and discover Cannes for yourself!

Been to Cannes before?  What did you like?  What do you recommend?

Looking for the best deals on trips to the South of France? New York has all of the best offers on the South of France Travel Deals webpage. With apartments and villas throughout the French Riviera, Provence, the southern French Alps and the Montpellier region, New York Habitat has the best selection and deals on accommodations in the South of France.

South of France Travel Deals

Some of our current deals include:

• South of France Twitter Vacation Rental Specials: This promotion offers 2.5% off the price of select vacation rentals in Provence, the French Riviera, Alps and the Montpellier Region. You can find all of the offers on our Twitter micro blog or on the South of France Travel Deals Page

• Winter South of France Travel Deal: With the winter being a low season for travel to Provence, the French Riviera and the Montpellier region, many vacation rental owners offer fantastic deals on their accommodations. If you are looking for a great travel deal, consider a trip between January 4th and March 20th. Some vacation rentals have been discounted by as much as 30%.

With travel deals always changing, check back to the South of France Travel Deals webpage often to find the best rates. If you are interested in any of our accommodations in the South of France complete an accommodation request form or call us at +1 (212) 255-8018 to find the perfect apartment or villa in the South of France for your next trip.

Eager to get rid of that lingering winter blues with flair? Then Nice, France and its centuries-old but going-stronger-than-ever carnival are just what the doctor would order. The world-famous event’s parades and festivities quicken the pulse of the city for the last two weeks of February and end with a spectacular Battle of Flowers. Not in the mood for such rambunctious fun? Not a problem. France’s fifth largest city still offers myriads of irresistible options at any time of the year and will not let you leave without uplifted spirits… and a suntan.

Nice, French Riviera, France beaches Photo

One of the most ancient human settlements in the world, ideally located where the majestic Alps meet the scintillating Mediterranean sea, boasting a year-round mild climate and luxuriant vegetation, Nice is both a welcoming resort for the visitors anxious to just relax in its stunning setting and a vibrant hub for the ones in search of intellectual and physical stimulation. Either task can easily be accomplished by renting an apartment right in town.

If you want to take full advantage of the sun-drenched beach where you can spot die-hard Niçois dipping into the intensely blue sea every single day of the year, then an apartment on the much celebrated “Promenade des Anglais” is a must. Consider this 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental  in Nice, French Riviera - South France (PR-701)

If you prefer the excitement of city life, a vacation rental right downtown is waiting for you in this 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Nice,  French Riviera - South France (PR-936)

Just in case the natural beauty of the Bay of Angels is not enough, you can always indulge in Nice’s world-class art institutions. Beside the obligatory Chagall Museum and Matisse Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and Contemporary Art offers many examples of the “Ecole de Nice”, the artistic movement that was started by the local New Realists in the 1970s. Since the MAMAC is scheduled to reopen early February after the rehabilitation of its facades is completed, you’ll soon be able to check out its exterior’s spiffy new look as well!

Nice, French Riviera, France Photo

And it only gets better when you go for a leisurely walk in “Vieux Nice”, the remarkably well-preserved Old Town, undoubtedly one of the most popular spots on the entire French Riviera. There, locals and tourists indiscriminately rub shoulders with one another while enjoying a non-stop festival of sights, sounds and smells in which the city’s many foreign influences across the ages are on constant display. Baroque churches, exotic spices, colorful fabrics and unusual craftworks all compete for space in the narrow pedestrian streets.

Around the corner, the “Marché aux Fleurs”, Nice’s famed flower and produce market, on Cours Saleya awaits you every morning, except for Monday when it is replaced by an equally attractive flea market. The one hundred vendors never fail to enchant even the most blasé visitor and provide enough of a choice to make everybody happy. Feel free to grab some local fresh tomatoes, anchovies, herbs and olive oil to bring back to your vacation rental in Nice for an impromptu, delicious snack.

Share your favorite Nice, France carnival experience and winter events with us in the comments below?

There are any number of picturesque towns and villages throughout the South of France to use as a base for your travels throughout the region. But, how would you like to stay in a hilltop fortress town in Provence, population 22, which has been inhabited for eight millennia? 

Provence Vacation Rental 4 Bedroom in Les Baux (PR 248) "La Dame à la Licorne"

Les Baux de Provence, at the foothills of the Alpilles Provençal mountain chain, is set in white rock on a promontory, which is how it got its name (“baou” means rocky spur in the local dialect). Controlled by Celts, the Lords of Les Baux, the Masons des Comtes de Provence and finally Louis XIII, this stunning piece of French history is 45 minutes south of Avignon and just 10 minutes from Saint-Rémy de Provence.

The view from the old castle is amazing and the Cathédrale d’Images, set in a former stone quarry, offers wonderful exhibitions. Listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages In France,” Les Baux de Provence has a strong Roman heritage and is also the landscape of famous painters such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and Matisse, who came here to capture the extraordinary light and color of the region.

Standing among the old mansions, historic monuments and ruins of the Cité des Baux, New York Habitat’s exclusive hosted 3-bedroom in Les Baux de Provence (PR-248) offers exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the village from its windows and terraces, as it is one of the highest in the village.

What makes this apartment a Hidden Gem?

The house has an historical and cultural heritage that the owner perfectly knows how to keep alive. There are many things to discover in this family house, as well as among the narrow streets of this fascinating and timeless village that formerly belonged to the Grimaldi of Monaco.

Provence Accomodation 4 Bedroom Chateau in Les Baux (PR 248)

The first bedroom is known as “La Dame à la Licorne” and boasts a large window overlooking the village and the “Val d’Enfer,” providing light in the whole bedroom. “La Suite” has a master bedroom and another room with a balcony, which can be used either as a second bedroom or as a study and reminds us that all the houses of the village has been built against the roc itself, in the authentic troglodyte tradition of this village.

And finally, the third and unexpected guestroom is located on the top floor of the house: “Le Bijou.” A large French window gives access to a private terrace with one of the most beautiful view of the Cité des Baux.

For more information about the Chateau de Baux check out:

Chateau de Baux website

South of France Vacation Rental 4 Bedroom in Gigaro (PR 398)

The pristine beaches of St. Tropez, Nice and Cannes are rightly famous - but they can also be a bit intimidating to those of us who are not regularly featured in People magazine. However, the French Riviera has much more to offer than these playgrounds for the rich - and with miles of coastline and a little help from New York Habitat, you’re sure to find your own private oasis.

For example, try a studio vacation rental in Beaulieu sur Mer (PR-943) , a town about halfway between Nice and Monaco that measures less than 300 acres in total. Dating back to the Greek and then Roman era, it has gone through many resettlements dating back to the 3rd century AD. It features an early 20th century villa open to the public for tours, and a stunning port with a wide variety of marina services for boats of all sizes.

This 4-bedroom vacation rental in Gigaro - la Croix Valmer (PR-398) has a view of the sea and bougainvillea in full bloom for most of the year. Its white sand beaches are never overcrowded, and from the village experienced hikers can explore the miles of trails that go from the beach back to the rocky Col de Collebasse pass, almost 200 meters high.

The town of Bandol and its harbor are nearby offer all kinds of shopping, and of course there are many cafés and restaurants. Bandol’s reputation stems heavily from its wines, and the zoo and exotic gardens hosts Mediterranean and tropical plants and animals including a large bird collection. There’s even world-class scuba diving! And this 3-bedroom vacation rental in Bandol (PR-340) makes for a perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities of the French Riviera.

French Riviera

The historical village of Villefranche Sur Mer overlooks the busy harbor and crystal clear waters of Villefranche Bay, and is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the French Riviera. And this 2-bedroom rental in Villefranche sur Mer (PR-438) offers stunning views of it all! Don’t miss the Jean Cocteau murals in the 14th century Chapelle Saint-Pierre, the 16th century walled citadel, the hanging gardens in the Old Town, works of Picasso in the Goetz-Boumeester Collection, and the historic estates tucked away in the hills that slope up from the sea.

All of these cities are close to Nice, Monaco and the wonderful border towns of the Italian Riveria and are accessible by train and other public transportation, but offer a more relaxing alternative than the bigger cities.  New York Habitat highly recommends opting for the lesser-known gems like the towns and villages we’ve mentioned here for a truly unique vacation experience.

Do you prefer to be a little removed form the action, or do you prefer to be in the thick of it all when you’re on vacation?  Let us know in the comments!