Tuesday 15 October 2013

Que font-ils dans le village de Biot?

 Bachettes  ou  pas Bachettes 

À l'entrée du chemin des Bachettes, sur l'ex-propriété Guirard, des travaux commencent. Contrairement à ce que la communication municipale cherche à faire croire, ce n'est pas le début de la réalisation du projet des Bachettes.

Ces travaux permettront d'améliorer l’accès aux parkings existants. Ils font, de longue date, partie des projets des municipalités successives et sont unanimement souhaités. 

La voie communale à double sens reliant la route de Valbonne au chemin des Combes est une toute autre opération. Pour le moment, personne n'en maîtrise ni le tracé (il est récemment passé d'un coté du secteur à l'autre...), ni la réalisation technique, et encore moins le coût.

Ne nous démobilisons pas. Nous avons déposé au Tribunal Administratif de Nice de nombreux recours relevant de manière très argumentée les différentes malfaçons et, de fait, ils bloquent la réalisation du projet. Depuis décembre 2011, dans chaque "Biot info", monsieur Dermit nous annonce le début du chantier pour le mois prochain. Nous voyons bien qu'il n'en est rien. 

Monsieur Dermit en est réduit à la réalisation du seul point qui fait consensus : l'élargissement, sur quelques dizaines de mètres, de la voie reliant la route de Valbonne à la planche supérieure de l'actuel parking des Bachettes. 14-10-13


Friday 13 September 2013

For nearly the price of a fine tarte apricot at Valbonne you can advertise your holiday rental at jml villas

A couple of Fridays ago it was a hot sunny day in Valbonne in the south of France.

After visiting the Friday market, we bought this fine apricot tart. So fine and tasty was it that before I had time to take a photo a section had gone.

The price €10. Great value. However this superb item from the local bakery was soon gone and had not been for the photo forgotten.

For just a little more money, probably on today's exchange rate around €15 for GBP £12.50 including VAT an owner of a self catering holiday rental in Valbonne, other parts of France or even many countries in the world could be advertising their holiday home at jmlvillas.com. Unlike this fine delicacy on the left it would not be gone in a few hours or a couple of days max. It would be there for an entire year. 

It would also be seen by man,many, many more people than would have seen this fine object even had it been displayed in a pâtisserie in the centre of Cannes.

The advertiser who has their holiday home on the site has a six photos, prices plenty of details and of course a link to their own personal website. Not bad value for £12.50.

To find out more visit the low cost villa advertising service here

Don't leave your holiday rental empty or with void periods in 2014, book your advertisement now.

is promoted  in Living Spain Magazine and Destination France Magazine
  

Friday 19 July 2013

Sting and Ibrahim Maalouf at the Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival 2013


I went to see Ibrahim Maalouf  and Sting play at the Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival last night. It was a sell out performance with additional standing space included because of Sting's appearance.

Thunder storms had been forecast, however fortunately there were not any as all the spectators are out in the open in the Pinède Gould (pine grove) overlooking the bay and Mediterranean.
At the entrance security staff were searching people for cameras. They would not let me take in my small Panasonic Lumix camera and it had to be left with crash helmets and other objects not permitted.
I know that the Festival has strict rules about taking photos and having had a page at http://www.cotedazurrental.com/Juan_les_pins_Jazz_festival.htm for a number of years only permitted photos with the photographer's name can be used. The Office de Tourisme & des Congrès at Juan Les Pins has supplied authorised photos over the years  for Cotedazur rental.com that cannot be used on other sites without their consent. I was told that "the English do not realise that it is French law not that stops people bringing in cameras".

Once the event started out came the mobile phones. When Sting was performing there must have been several hundred filming and taking photos of the performance. The rule on cameras seems rather outdated when so many people have mobiles now that take pictures.

Ibrahim Maalouf 's performance was very good and his "North African" touch of music to jazz is excellent.

The second part of the evening featured Sting. His music in my opinion could not be  described as jazz, however he pulled in the crowds for the evening. In one of the final numbers Ibrahim Maalouf came back on with his trumpet and these two artistes performed together. Sting had a great backing group and the performance finished off just after midnight following several encores.  

Last night was my third visit to the festival and will certainly be back again next year. I expect the camera rule will still be in force!

The festival is now in it's 53rd year and is held in July each year. It is running till the 21st July this year and for any major artist appearing it is well worth booking in advance.

Find out more here

Update 6th August 2013

I made my comments to my contact at the Service Communication Office de Tourisme d'Antibes Juan-les-Pins about having my camera removed and all those mobiles taking photos and videos. I received this reply "We have a contract with the artists and the contract says : no photos  (and all the artists refused photos).So, we have to check and forbid the cameras, it’s our duty. Phones are not cameras so we can’t forbid them. People are informed that photos are forbidden, they don’t respect the wishes of the artists performing and if they use them on web or other means, they do do so at their own risk because of copyright issues."

This is indeed a very fair comment that the organisers are making. At Cotedazurrental.com we have now been provided with authorised photos by  Gilles Lefrancq of Ibrahim Maalouf and Sting-


See them here and click on the images to enlargee----------------------------

Friday 12 April 2013

Maison Christine Vayres 40 minutes from Limoges Airport Featured Holiday Rental

If you have ever fancied visiting Rural France or following the Richard the Lionheart route? Then this is the holiday rental  for you..............

Are you any of the following: a keen cyclist, a fisherman, love the countryside, like mixing with the locals, love peace and quiet, love history, enjoy fine wines, a writer or photographer, interested in chateau's or churches? Again this self catering holiday letting is the one to choose.

Situated in the Limousin / Haute Vienne region of France - Maison Christine is ideal for couples or families. It sleeps 2 - 4 people and comprises of two bedrooms, bathroom, large lounge and kitchen/diner.

There are two Floors with stairs therefore not suitable for wheelchairs or for people who are unable to climb stairs.

It does not have any land attached but there is a childrens playground close by. The village has two bakers, butcher, Clinic, hairdresser, post office and an authentic Frrench village pub / cafe.This property is ideal as a base to visit the surrounding areas as it is in the central part of the village near the ancient church. More information about the local area further down this page.

The master bedroom has a double bed is decorated tastefully in cream and has a fitted wardrobe. DVD Player with a small selection of DVDs

The second bedroom has twin beds and a nice view of the sunset every evening. This also has a small fitted wardrobe and a chest of drawers/dressing table with DVD player.

The lounge is spacious with a sunny feel it has comfortable seating for 3-4 people plus a DVD player and board games. It has soft side lights and pictures of the locality on the walls. The sofa in this room can be used as an extra bed if required.

The kitchen/diner is on the ground floor and has gas cooker +microwave, toaster etc. A pine table with 4 chairs. The door opens onto the street although it is a very quiet side one. The bathroom has a shower plus toilet and sink.

There are also bicycles avaible for hire if required for 4 people and a price to be arranged, which is really good with so much local countryside to explore.

Close by there  are fishing lakes and swimming lakes within an 8 km range. There are two main swimming lakes nearby both have beaches and cafe/snack bars.

Videix has a pedaloes and small rowing boats on one side of the lake. On the opposite side there are sailing boats and horse riding.

At St Mathieu there are also boats for hire with a restuarant and snack bar. It also has a camp site with toilet facilities. There are changing huts and Showers on both beaches.

There is an exercise challenge course all around the lake at St Mathieu. It is also a fishing Lake. At the small town of Rochechouart there is also a fishing lake, if you are coming for a fishing holiday you are in the right place there is plenty of choice but a fishing licence is required. If you require it done for you then please let the owners know at the time of booking.

It is 40 minutes from Limoges Airport or Train Station. Car Hire is available at the airport and can be booked at the same time as your flight. Ferry ports are approx 500 kms from your destination. The approximate time from  the port is 12 -14 hours.

To find out more go to jmlvillas self catering holiday rentals site here.

Friday 5 April 2013

London Luton Airport increases drop off fees by 100%

I arrived back at Luton Airport late last night and whilst waiting for the off site car parking courtesy bus noticed that the drop off fees had increased by 100% from £1 to £2. We do not have galloping inflation in Britain, however Luton Airport that seems to try anything to bring in more revenue is making the users of the airport pay even more.

After just leaving Nice airoprt in France where they have their "Kiss and Fly" drop of zone and even free parking in the car parks adjoining the terminals for a few minutes, it is a culture shock at Luton and probably not a very nice welcome or departure from England.

Anyone being dropped off at Luton Airport had to pay £1 GBP and if the driver attempted to drop anyone off without going into the zone, risked being filmed and having a large fine of £80.

According to the Luton Airport website, with effect from the 2nd April 2013 "  Priority Set Down - Drop Off and Pick Up. £2.00 for up to 15 minutes. Cars must not be left unattended. 2 minute walk to the terminal, or Short Term Car Park - Drop Off, Pick Up and Parking £3.80 for 30 minutes, 4 minute walk to the terminal." (From experience unless you pay cash or by debit card there are fees for credit cards as well.

Finally "Mid Term Car Park - FREE Drop Off, FREE Pick Up and FREE Parking for up to 30 minutes. 2 minute FREE bus ride to the terminal"  This is all very well, however when you take someone to the airport, like you do at London Heathrow for example you like to get them as close to the terminal as possible.

So even with the new £2 fee, the passenger still has a 2 minute walk to the terminal building and the majority of this is nor under a covered walkway. You would think of all of these £2s they are now collecting they could at least build a covered walkway. If you stay longer than your 15 mins you can be fined £80.


Seat Removal

It looks like there are fewer seats for people waiting for flights now at the airport. There used to be three areas for the public to sit in. Since my last visit in January one section has been removed and space rented out to another eating operation. This means that there is only the area near Starbucks coffee (pictured left) and near Pret á Manger. Will this mean it will be standing room only when the airport is very busy or there are flight delays? Probably yes.

I also noticed I could no longer get free Wifi. Maybe it was just my iPhone, but it would not surprise me that it is something else they are making customers pay for. After all Luton is one of the few airports whereby you put money in for a trolley, but don't get it back again.  What will they think of next?  No doubt the drop off fee will be increased again and every time it is, the price of a taxi journey will have to go up as well.

The airport has to make a profit for the Spanish company managing it, but is this really the right way?

Sunday 24 March 2013

Casa Gigli magical stay in the heart of Rome now at jmlvillas.com

Casa Gigli - Arts Lodge self catering holiday rental in Rome, Italy


Wonderful location in the heart of Rome at a walking distance from the main attractions of the Eternal City such as the Vatican, Navona and People’s Square, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant’Angelo or the Spanish Steps. Ideal for a family or a group of friends in lovely suites with design bathrooms and free use of the kitchen to feel as at home.

In splendida posizione nel cuore di Roma a pochi passi dalle principali attrazioni della Città Eterna come il Vaticano, Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, il Pantheon, Fontana di Trevi, Castel Sant'Angelo e Piazza di Spagna. Ideale per una famiglia o un gruppo di amici in magnifiche suite con bagni in uso privato ed uso gratuito della cucina per sentirsi come a casa.


Appartement très élégant dans le centre historique de Rome à pied du Vatican, Place del Popolo, Place de Espagne, Place Navona et la Fontaine de Trevi. C'est idéal pour une famille oubien des amis voyageant ensemble. Il a des chambres très larges avec salles de bains privées et usage gratuit de la cuisine. Une atmosphère de luxe et de charme pour se sentir comme chez-soi.

Una ubicación maravillosa en el corazón de Roma a poca distancia andando de los principales atractivos de la Ciudad Eterna, como el Vaticano, Navona y la Plaza del Pueblo, el Panteón, la Fuente de Trevi, Castel Sant'Angelo o Plaza de España. Ideal para una familia o un grupo de amigos en hermosas suites con baños de diseño y uso gratuito de la cocina para sentirse como en casa.

Elegante und komfortable Wohnung im historischen Zentrum von Rom nur wenige Gehminuten vom Vatikan, der Piazza del Popolo, der Spanischen Treppe, der Piazza Navona und dem Trevi-Brunnen entfernt. Ideal für eine kleine Gruppe (3/4 Personen) . Großen Suiten mit zwei Design-Bädern und freie Benutzung der Küche. Wohlfuehlen in charmanter Atmosphäre, wie zu Hause fühlen. Inklusive Wi-Fi-Anschluss, Klimaanlage, tägliche Zimmerreinigung und touristische Informationen bei Ankunft.


Wir heissen Sie in der Casa Gigli Willkommen ... Ihr magischer Aufenthalt im Herzen von Rom!

Whatever language you say it in, it is a delux and charming flat with all comforts: FREE wifi connection, FREE use of the kitchen and FREE daily maid service. Twin or double rooms with private bathrooms, air/conditioning and a very quiet atmosphere to rest at the end of the day. Two subway stops, Lepanto and Flaminio, serve the area and also the direct shuttle bus from Fiumicino Airport stops near-by. Better is impossible to enjoy Rome at leisure and on foot. Casa Gigli accommodation is recommended by "WalksInsideRome" Tour Guides who offer private guided tours at special rates for our guests and by "Cross-Pollinate Agency" with highly curated guesthouses and apartments in some of Europe's most fascinating cities.

Find out more here at jmlvillas.com Self Catering Holiday Rentals



Monday 18 March 2013

Grab a great Dream Ireland Easter break in Ireland

Had an enewsletter from Dream Ireland over the weekend encouraging visitors to Ireland to book a great Easter break at one of their holiday rentals.

St Patrick's day is over and the bank holiday following it almost gone, however Ireland is only 3 months into The Gathering 2013 and a great excuse to take a self catering holiday in Ireland.

The Dream Ireland flyer to the left as a real spring theme, something we have not experienced yet with the prolonged winter, however hopefully it will all change for Easter,

Dream Ireland have been advertising many of their self catering holiday lets at the jmlvillas.com website for many years now.

They have a great selection of holiday rentals at popular locations in Ireland. 
You can fly there and hire a car from a number of airports in Ireland or take your own car from various crossing points in England, France, Scotland and Wales. Go to Ireland page at jmlvillas.com Here and find a Dream Ireland Holiday Rental today for Easter or later this year and enjoy The Gatering - Ireland 2013. 

Saturday 16 February 2013

Large villa to rent at Carvoeiro Portugal for holidays

This self catering holiday rentals was added to the jmlvillas.com site on Thursday.

If you are planning a holiday in the Algarve in Portugal this could be your ideal choice. It can accommodate up to 18 people in eight bedrooms. So it will be ideal for a large group of holiday makers or a two or three families.

 Villa Mato at Carvoeiro is a villa of the highest quality and standard with splendid ocean and coastal views. Situated in the charming fishing village of Carvoeiro in central west Algarve.  It is in an elevated position just ten minutes walk to the main square and beach of Carvoeiro.

It offers: 8 bedrooms -  6 bathrooms - Kitchen with Dishwasher - Washing machine - Microwave and naturally has Satellite TV, Air conditioning,  Internet access Wifi a Private pool and there is a Beach nearby and also shops, bars and restaurants and being in the Algareve Golf .



The beds are all twin-extra-long (also known as extra long single) 99 cm x 203 cm with mattresses are of excellent quality. Beds are separate but can quickly be joined to make a king size bed. The garden has a beautiful swimming pool, sun loungers, shades and BBQ. Situated in the calm and peaceful residential area of Mato Serrao — Quinta do Sol consists of a few luxury villas, also in the vicinity there are a choice of restaurants.   Find out more here at the jmlvillas website

Friday 1 February 2013

It is now the time to book your self catering holiday rental at jmlvillas.com

January has been a very busy month at jml Villas.com with numerous enquiries being emailed to owners of holiday rentals. A few examples are published below with the enquirer's name delated. 
  • hello - can you please give me availability and price for 3 adults one week 22 - 29 May?
  • Is this villa free from 29 july 2013 till 17 august and what is the price
  • Hello - Have you an apartment with full marina view like we stayed in last time available from 7 - 14 April. Please get back asap as I have booked flights
  • Availability and price for 11th May for 1 week or 18th May for 1 week. Also is the tennis court for sole use of this villa? What is the condition of the tennis court  and what kind of surface? Could you supply more photographs please.
  • Evening, just found your property for hire on the JML website £1200 per week for July/August. Is this still available? And what other costs are involved? Looking at arrival 27th July for two weeks
  • Hi, we are interested in renting your property for 2 weeks from 27th July 2013, could you confirm availability and price please.
  • We are interested in renting for Christmas week 2013. Please can you advise us availability and cost. Thank you.
That is just a very small selection. If you are looking for a self catering holiday rental whereby you book direct with the owners and saving money on agency fees and make all arrangements direct then you need to follow this link to our search facility. http://www.jmlvillas.com/advsearch.php 

Properties are being filled up and jml villas.com is really great value. It costs just GBP£12.50 A YEAR to advertise your self catering holiday rental. You can link your own website so the enquiries go straight to you or use our FREE email forwarding service for the initial enquiry.

What else can you buy for £12.50? Dinner and a couple of beers at the local pub. 10 days payment of your daily newspaper! So take a look at our advertising information page at  http://www.jmlvillas.com/page/advertise  You can pay by card via the Paypal sytem which is very straightforward and add all your own property details and what is more you can change them whenever you like as you are totally in control.

Don't risk leaving that holiday home empty this year, advertise it on the the low cost villa advertising service

Thursday 17 January 2013

La Torre Golf Resort Costa Calida Spain - Holiday letting

On a cold frozen day in England what a pleasant thought a game of golf on Spain's Costa Calida. 

 This fabulous self catering holiday rental is  on the Jack Nicklaus Golf trail, great for families or golfing groups. It has swimming pools, full air con, British TV, Playstation, Wii, bikes, indoor and outdoor dining.  

The site has 3 restaurants, bars, supermarket and golf course, driving range and the Intercontinental Hotel.

It is a two bedroom ground floor apartment  that sleeps up to five people and as it is on the ground floor so could be accessed by a wheelchair straight from the underground parking, but it is not modified.


The beautiful calm beaches of La Manga and Mar Menor are 20 minutes away by car.  

There is a beautiful tapas bar which offers horse riding is about 10 minutes away.  There are a variety of golf courses within a 15 minute drive including Peraleja Golf and Hacienda Riquelma.

You can picked up from Murcia airport for $30 each way or Alicante for $100 each way. If you are there for a week you would probably not need a car but for longer and to enjoy the area you would. It is a great destination for a long weekend as Murcia airport is very quick to get through and you are usually at the apt within an hour of landing!

To book your place and to find out more visit jmlvillas at this page