New York Habitat Blog

In America, the 4th of July means celebrating the birth of the nation. But in France this year, they’ll be celebrating on July 4th as well - when the 96th Tour de France kicks off in Monte Carlo, Monaco.  Why not come on over, rent a New York Habitat vacation apartment and watch the riders whiz by?

South of France: Vacation Rental 1-bedroom in Menerbes, Provence France (PR-905) photo

Towns actually apply to be included in the route, and for this year there were 252 applicants to choose from. The commissioners of the Tour de France visit each town to measure, gauge, and survey every potential inch of the roads - as well as try to determine if the town is able to sustain riders, their crew, the press, and the many tourists who descend on the start and finish lines of each day’s race.

There are some exciting features to this year’s Tour de France. It will be the first time six countries are involved in the route, with Monaco, France, Andorra, Spain, Italy and Switzerland hosting portions of the race. And the South of France plays a prominent role!

Be there when it all begins, on July 4th in Monaco, just a short hop from this 2 bedroom rental in Beausoleil (PR-632).  Beausoleil is a charming town typical of the ones that dot the French Riviera, and much more affordable than the expensive condos in Monte Carlo proper. You can enjoy the kickoff and be back in time for lunch by the sea - or try your luck, or just do your best imitation of James Bond, at the world-famous casino!

Montpellier is a great spot for watching the race, as the Tour’s only team time trial will start and finish there on the same day, July 7.  So, why not take advantage of the close proximity of this 2 bedroom rental in Montpellier (PR-297)., located in the Antigone complex, just steps away from the start and finish line?  You can catch the departure, have a nice day of shopping, and then cheer the teams as they return!

South of France Accommodation: 2-bedroom rental in Beausoleil, French Riviera (PR-632) Pict

Or, you can chose a central location - like this 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Ménerbes, Provence Luberon (PR-905) - and take day trips to see the starts in Monaco, Marseille and Montelmar, and the finishes in Brignoles, Mont Ventoux and La Grande Motte.

New York Habitat has these and many more vacation rentals along the route of the race. This is your chance to see Lance Armstrong come out of retirement to try winning his eighth Tour de France championship. So, be where the action is, this July in the South of France!  And if you’ve ever seen the Tour de France in person, let us know your experience in the comments!

Every year, France celebrates the summer solstice with a nation-wide block party that goes until the wee hours and features free music, delicious food and drinks on practically every corner. It’s called the Fête de la Musique - and New York Habitat wants to help you have a front-row seat to the action.

South France Bed and Breakfast in Toulon (PR-730) photo

Fête de la Musique features music of every possible variety.  From huge music venues to cafés to parks, squares and street corners, you’ll find live performances of jazz, rock, reggae, classical, swing, folk - you name it, someone’s playing it.  And DJs get into the spirit of the festival as well, lining up to spin the night away using their best samples and most cutting-edge techniques. There are organized events, spontaneous jam sessions and even music school recitals filling out the bill.

But, the Fête de la Musique is not only limited to the larger cities - or even the mid-size towns. If the place has a name and a postal code, anyone can come and play music, for free, on the 21st of June.  Tiny hamlets are transformed into open-air music halls; normally busy streets in Paris, Lyon and Nice are closed to allow the bands to set up and enjoy the crowds.

Want to join the fun? If you’re into a younger, funkier vibe, check out this Hosted 2 Bedroom in Montpellier (PR-86).  And we’re not only talking about the music! From its Moroccan-themes bathroom to its treasures and souvenirs from five continents to its inviting pool, this place will make you feel like a rock star.

Or, stay at this Hosted 3 Bedroom in Toulon (PR-730) and get a feel for some laid-back Mediterranean sounds in this lovely, sleepy town. This one is perfect for families, with a fun bedroom set up just for kids and breathtaking sea views for Mom and Dad. Use Toulon as a base as you explore the whole French Riviera - you’re almost dead center between the thriving cities of Marseilles and Nice!

South of France: Bed and Breakfast in Cavaillon - Avignon (PR-158) pict

To capture the original community feel of the Fête de la Musique, check into this Hosted 3 Bedroom in Cavaillon (PR-158), just south of Avignon, and take advantage of the French country life before heading out to see traditional folk bands in either Cavaillon or Avignon. Although with its gorgeous pool, garden dining areas and park surroundings, you might never want to leave the house!

The French and foreigners alike have made the Fête de la Musique a wonderful summertime tradition, particularly in the beach culture of the South of France. There are many open-air concerts, festivals and all manner of outdoor fun for the whole family, all summer long.  Do you have any summertime traditions with your family?  Let us know in the comments!

As we continue our look at summer festivals in the South of France, we’re going to focus on two notable Jazz festivals this week. The cities of Nice and Avignon each play host to their own excellent jazz music festivals. Luckily, they do not overlap but instead are held one right after the other. And with top-rate vacation rentals from New York Habitat, it couldn’t be easier to attend them both!

South of France vacation rental: Nice Apartment (pr-67)

Nice kicks off its festival on July 19th and runs through July 26th. Celebrating its sixtieth year, the Nice Jazz Festival offers outdoor concerts at three different venues each night. Each concert highlights two artists. This year, the festival will feature such notable, and international, artists as: Rufus Wainwright, Diana Krall, Leonard Cohen, Pink Martini, and Joan Baez, among others. What could be better than spending your days along the sunny Mediterranean beaches and your night listening to world class music?

New York Habitat also has some world class accommodations in Nice. This one bedroom apartment rental in Nice, France (PR-675) is located in the medieval neighborhood of Vieux Nice but has been thoroughly updated to include all the modern conveniences. This three bedroom apartment rental in Nice, France (PR-600) is located in town but within walking distance of both Vieux Nice and the Promenade des Anglais and the beach. Past renters have said that this apartment made them feel like a local in Nice. This one bedroom rental in Nice (PR-67) is right on the Promenade des Anglais and steps from the beach and the Mediterranean. It also features a beautiful garden for mealtime or naptime!

After the festival in Nice, leisurely make your way over to Avignon. Le Tremplin Jazz d’Avignon Festival will be held from July 29th to August 2nd of this year. Created in 1992, this festival features jazz combos and includes a juried competition. Though it is a smaller affair than the jazz festival in Nice, Avignon is still able to attract some big names, like award-winning French jazz pianist Baptiste Trotignon. And there is plenty to do, see, and eat in and around Avignon when you’re not enjoying some great music.

South of France Apartment:Nice vacation rental (pr-600)

For your trip to Avignon, you may want to stay in this one bedroom rental in Avignon (PR-617). Located in the heart of the historic area of town, this sunny, open apartment features a modern kitchen and bath and some amazing views of the city from its rooftop terrace. Past renters have described it as “superb at every level”! If you need some more space, you should look into this two bedroom rental (PR-137). Recently renovated, this apartment still features exposed beams to give it that Old World charm. It is beautifully decorated and will make you feel right at home in Avignon!

If your jazz aficionado, or just appreciate live music, then the jazz festivals in Nice and Avignon, in the South of France, are not to be missed. Not only will you see some A-list musicians perform, you’ll also be able to explore two wonderful French cities. A rental apartment from New York Habitat would just be icing on the cake of this vacation!

For more on Nice and Avignon, see our past articles: Top Towns to visit in the South of France: Nice, French Riviera: #4, Nice is getting nicer and a vacation rental from New York Habitat is the nicest!, and Top towns in the South of France: #2 Avignon, Provence.

Do these festivals peak your interest? Are there any jazz artists that you’re dying to see live? Please share your thoughts with us in our comments section below.

Every July, the sports world focuses its eyes on France to witness the longest, toughest, most renowned bicycle race in the world, the Tour de France. This year, the race begins on July 5th in Brittany and will end, as always, down the Champs-Elysees in Paris on July 27th, while the cyclists face the mountains and plains of France (and with a quick stopover in Italy) in between. You can see the race for yourself as it travels through the South of France and ends in Paris with accommodations from New York Habitat.

Tour de France

The race enters the South of France on Friday July 18th, as the cyclists travel from Narbonne to Nimes. Arrive a few days early and enjoy some time in this 4 bedroom rental in Beaucaire, Avignon Region (PR-107), just minutes away from the center of Nimes. This beautifully-decorated large house offers sunny, open living spaces and recently renovated kitchen and bathrooms. The outdoor space, featuring a garden, patio, and pool provide a relaxing vacation spot before the excitement of the race invades the South. The town of Beaucaire itself, located on the Rhone river, is a picturesque small Provincial town but still near the larger cities, like Nimes.

The cyclists will only be in Nimes for a day; they leave and head for Digne-Les-Bains on Saturday. Stay in this studio in Digne Les Bains, Upper Provence (PR-568) for a few days and catch more of the race. After Digne, the cyclists will head to Italy but will return to the area by way of Embrun, located near Digne on Wednesday July 23rd, before heading north towards Paris. But don’t despair, Digne offers plenty to do in the meantime. Home to a thermal spa resort and a national park, this town offers something for everyone while also conveniently near some of the larger towns and cities of Provence.

Paris Accommodation 1-bedroom Apartment (PA-3448)

After watching the Tour de France loop through the south, hop on the TGV and head to Paris to wait for the grand finish down the Champs Elysees. Spend a few days shopping and eating as you wait for the cyclists. Stay in this fabulous 1 bedroom rental in Champs Elysees (PA-3448), located on Rue Balzac, just off the Champs Elysees. This lovely modern apartment features hardwood floors throughout, updated kitchen and bathroom, and a balcony. Take advantage of the washing machine, internet connection and parking space that come with the apartment! And on the morning of July 27th, all you have to do is walk a few feet for a front-row view of the exciting finish of the race.

If you’ve always wanted to see the Tour de France in person, now is your chance. New York Habitat offers great accommodations to catch many portions of the race or just to go sight-seeing around the region. Either way, it’s sure to be a great trip.

Do you follow competitive cycling? Have you even been to see the Tour de France yourself? Do you have any ideas on who will win the race this year? Please share with us in the comments section.

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious Formula One races. Part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport (along with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans), this race differs from them by one very compelling trait: the cars race through the city streets of Monaco, past the luxury casinos and alongside the beautiful Mediterranean beaches. If you are a racing or car enthusiast, this is one race you have to see in person and you can make your experience complete by staying a furnished vacation rental from New York Habitat.

Monaco

This year, the Monoco racing festivities will take place from May 22nd to May 25th, the day of the race itself. The preceding days are full of practices and parades that only add to the spectacle of the weekend. Race day is the most exciting day of course. The narrow streets of Monaco, full of tight turns and changing elevations, challenge the drivers like no other course and lead to a slow race. The average speed of the 78 lap race, (which totals 260.52 km or almost 162 miles), is usually around 150 km/hr or approximately 93 mph, compared with conventional track speeds well in excess of 100 mph. However, these slower speeds do not detract from the excitement of being at the race yourself.

When you go to the Monaco, stay with New York Habitat in one of our furnished vacation rentals in Beausoleil, France. Literally meaning ‘beautiful sun’ this town on the border of Monaco and France will be shining brightly from all the sun brought on by the wonderful May weather. And you’ll be able to take in as much sun as you want from this one bedroom rental in Beausoleil, French Riviera (PR 751). This apartment is tastefully decorated and can accommodate up to four people. The kitchen and bathroom are modern and well-equipped. The best features of this apartment are the remarkable views from the living room and the 10 minute walk to the casinos or 15 minute walk to the beach, both of which are on the race course!

French Riviera accommodation: Studio in Eze sur Mer (PR-806)

If you’d prefer to stay a bit farther from all the action, then you’ll want to see this studio apartment in Eze sur Mer, French Riviera, (PR 806). Able to accommodate up to six people, this studio has a spacious living area and a lofted sleeping area over the kitchen. The pièce de resistance, however, is the large teak deck with amazing views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy the sun and sand in this quite beach town and then take the short drive into Monaco for the race!

The excitement and the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix are not to be missed. And staying in a furnished vacation rental from New York Habitat will only make your experience better!

For more information, go to the Monaco Grand Prix Official Website.

Have you ever been to the Monaco Grand Prix? Do you follow Formula One racing? Please share and discuss in our comments section.

Every May, the city of Cannes, on the French Riviera, plays host to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals, which makes it the perfect time to visit and stay in your own vacation rental from New York Habitat.  For over sixty years, actors, directors, and other film professionals from around the world have descended on the town for two weeks of films and ‘fêtes’, while wondering which film will win the ‘Palme d’Or’ (past winners include Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” and even “Fahrenheit 9/11” by Michael Moore).  This is your chance to vacation among the Hollywood elite.

Cannes, Franch Rivierea, South of France

Cannes itself is an ideal location for the festival.  In May, the weather is sure to be warm, with the sun glistening off the blue Mediterranean Sea.  If you can’t get into a film showing, a day on the beach will not disappoint.

This year, the festival will run from May 14th until the 25th. Over the years, approximately forty percent of attendees have been newcomers, so if you’ve never been but always wanted to go, now is the time!  And whether this is your first or fifth Cannes film festival, New York Habitat has a vacation rental accommodation for you.

This furnished alcove studio rental in Cannes, French Riviera (PR 175), located in a beautiful 19th century building, is perfect for one or two people.  A separate living room area lets you entertain small groups of friends between film showings, and the pass-through bar to the kitchen is an ideal serving area.  The kitchen itself is well-equipped.  The sleeping area has a Murphy bed that can be folded way during the day to save space.  The marble tiled bathroom is modern and spacious.  The best part of this apartment has got to be the view.  From your balcony, you can see all the way to the Mediterranean!

If you’re looking for a lot more space, then this 4 bedroom villa accommodaiton, also in Cannes, French Riviera (PR 739)

Provence villa: 4 bedroom rental in Cannes, South of France (PR-739)

, with enough room for eight people, is for you.  This beautifully furnished home has a large living room and modern kitchen with all the amenities.  All four bedrooms are large and sunny.  With three marble-tiled modern bathrooms, there will never be a wait for a shower in the morning!  There is also a covered terrace and a shared swimming pool to complete your French Riviera experience.

Staying in one of these furnished vacation rental apartments in the South of France, or one of the many others New York Habitat has to offer [perhaps link to South of France search page?], is sure to make your Cannes Film Festival experience unforgettable.

For more about the festival, be sure to check out the official siteof the Cannes Film Festival.

For more about Cannes, read Top Towns in the South of France: #1 Cannes, French Riviera.

Have you been to the Cannes Film Festival before?  Do you have a favorite restaurant or café in the city?  Please share with us in the comments below.

Excitement is building in the French Riviera as the final preparations for the Cannes and Monaco Boat Shows fall into place. Combined, over 78,000 people are expected to attend and peruse some of the world’s finest boats and yachts.

New York Habitat offers many apartments in/near Cannes and Monaco. We encourage you to travel to the South of France and witness firsthand two of the most prestigious boat shows in the world.

Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show:

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show. More than 200 new models were presented in preview at the 2006 boat show with even more expected for visitors to admire at this year’s event. There will also be exhibitors presenting the latest in all things necessary to decorate a boat: furniture, tableware, textiles, audio/video equipment, and more.

Cannes has many established restaurants that line the shore. However, the Cannes Boat and Yacht Show will also introduce the brand new Riviera Restaurant in the much-renowned Espace Riviera area.

When: September 12th-17th, 10am – 7pm everyday
Where: Cannes Vieux Port & Port Pierre Canto
Price: 15€ for one day, free admission for children under 12 years of age

For more information: www.salonnautiquecannes.com

New York Habitat has an array of villas near Cannes, as well as apartments available in the city:

• This one-bedroom loft apartment (PR-611) can accommodate up to 4 people and is a short five-minute drive to the beach.
• Or, if travelling with a large group or family, this four-bedroom villa (PR-739) located in the private hills above Cannes may be more appropriate.

Monaco Yacht Show:

In its 17th consecutive year, the Monaco Yacht Show promises to present the elite of the yachting industry. This show is the only international show to exclusively present luxury yachts. Over 23,000 visitors are expected to attend this year and view the 91 luxury yachts on display.

When: September 19th-22nd, 10am – 6:30pm

Where: Port Hercules, Principality of Monaco
Price: 50€ for one day, free admission for children under 12 years of age

For more information: http://www.monacoyachtshow.com/

New York Habitat offers many apartments near Monaco:

• This two-bedroom rental in Cap d’Ail near Monaco (PR-92) is very serene and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
• Also available is this studio apartment (PR-806) which also features a stunning view of the sea and is a ten-minute drive from Monaco.

Read more on Cannes and the French Riviera here:

• Hidden Gem: Three-Bedroom Villa in the French Riviera
• Apartment Rental Tips: Family-sized accommodations
• Cannes Film Festival Accommodations

Have you ever visited the Cannes or Monaco Boat Shows? Write about your experience.