Hi all-

A few years ago, my wife and I and another couple rented a villa in Tuscany and had a marvelous time. The company we worked with was wonderful but they are limited to Italy.

I was hoping someone on this board could recommend a reliable company who has nice properties that we could feel secure with. I would also appreciate guidance of what city or cities we should consider as our base.

Appreciate any help. Many thanks!

Steve

I don't know what luxury level you are looking for, but you could always start with Gites de France and Cl�vacances, reliable agencies. Also you could decide on a town/village and then contact the tourist office or town hall (Mairie) for information as they usually maintain accommodation lists for their patch, together with contact details.

For guidance as to where, we could do with more details such as whether you want to live in a village/town, in remote areas, up a mountain (not a joke) whether you want/need a pool, and whether you will be independently mobile (wheels not your state of health!). It also depends on when you want to come ... you've probably left it too late for this summer!

http://www.rentvillas.com/Browse.aspx?NavToMap=3004

Thanks-

We would like a home rather than an apartment. Would like a pool and would like to be 5-10 minute drive to a nice, small or larger town. We'll have a car.

We would probably be looking to do this in June, 2014.

Appreciate your kind help!

We rented a villa in 2011, a bit to the east of where you're looking (Nice-Menton area). Did all my searching on either VRBO or HomeAway. Wound up in Beaulieu-sur-Mer with a nice little place perched on a hill overlooking the Med. It's a lovely town. There were six of us and we fitted in no problem. No pool, but the beach was only a short walk away. 600 euros/week.

This year, we're renting again. There will be 9 or 10 of us, so I had to find a different place. Settled on La Turbie, just above Monaco. Room for up to 12, heated pool, plenty of parking, etc. 800 euros/week.

The area is well situated for sightseeing locally, and the bus/train/road situation is such that getting anywhere is fairly cheap and convenient. The ambience can't be beat, to say nothing about the weather.

I've been to La Turbie and you are indeed in for a treat. It's a lovely old town and convenient to many other places in the area. I don't know if you know it already, but you can find local transport information here: http://www.cg06.fr/fr/servir-les-hab...s-et-horaires/

I love La Turbie, high above the Med, great old Roman ruins, quaint center. But most folks don't consider this "Provence". This is the Riviera, a whole different feel and style from Provence, usually referring to the departements of Vaucluse and Var.

Yep, I knew that. Which is why I said...
And, he was open to other suggestions.
Everybody who's read Peter Mayle thinks Provence is the only place worth visiting in southern France.

I'm not a great believer in labels. Provence, Riviera, C�te d'Azur, they're all fine