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A truly exceptional eco village tucked into a pristine landscape of pine forests, rolling sand dunes and wide, open skies. Belle Dune is a delight. Just swing open the large patio doors and the sounds of nature will confirm – you're in the verdant heart of the French countryside. Smart apartments and Belle Epoque style houses cluster around two lakes, an indoor pool complex, sports facilities and a central square with bars and restaurants – the good life doesn't come much better than this.
Picardy's lush valleys and forests are home to peaceful nature reserves and quiet villages – but water is never far away, whether it's the ponds and rivers in the Valley of the Somme, or the magnificent beaches, just a short drive away. A really wonderful place to unwind, with a highly respected golf course and carefully selected programme of entertainment, Belle Dune will delight all your senses.
A modern marina created within a natural hook in Brittany's wild coastline, Port Du Crouesty should be high on the holiday list of those who love the sea: whether it's sailing, beachcombing, fishing or simply enjoying the fruits de la mer. From headland to harbour, Port Du Crouesty owes its very existence to the wild, unpredictable force of the Atlantic – sometimes bracing, often balmy, but always invigorating. But there is more here, too.
The dramatic, ancient landscapes of Brittany – its megalithic monuments, and patchwork of farms, are close enough to enjoy. At your resort, though, all is peaceful – boats jostle in the harbour, the smell of fresh croissants fills the morning air. In your Pierre & Vacances holiday village you can work off those buttery pastries with a swim in the pool. Your studio or apartment is carefully designed to offer maximum comfort, with good kitchenettes and most having balconies or terraces on which to enjoy the Breton air.
The Vendée region of France is still a secret to many. But, for those who've discovered its beguiling mix of pine forests and wide, spangly beaches, of traditional resorts and fair climate, it's a secret they're happy to keep. Port Bourgenay captures the best of the region, in a pedestrianised, low-rise cluster of architect designed holiday homes with a golf course and swimming pools set in verdant, safe countryside.
You can take your holiday at your own pace here – exploring the rock pools and coves of the coast, splashing about in the excellent pool complex of your holiday village, or seeking out thrills of a more widescreen variety at Futuroscope, France's award winning theme park of the moving image – a couple of hours' drive away. A true holiday village with enough on site to keep you, or your children, out of mischief, Port Bourgenay features a golf course, pitch and putt, and classes in everything from modern dancing to fencing. But do take the free minitrain to the coast, just a five minute chug away, for here lies the true appeal of this region - the fabulous beaches.
Aquitaine's soft and attractive countryside is all warm, wooded valleys and sun-dappled villages. At the coast, the pulse quickens slightly, with surfing, cycle tracks and swimming – in the sea, or the sheltered freshwater lake at Lacanau - on offer. You're never far from a vineyard here, too. Take a bottle back to your holiday home – a wood clad cottage or apartment near the relaxing pool. 14 kilometres of fine, golden sand means that, even in high season, Lacanau's beach has a generous amount of space to go around.
Ocean, lake and forest combine to offer plenty of healthy, outdoor pursuits – whether you want to try kitesurfing (hold on tight, or you could end up in America!), horseriding or golfing – and, in Lacanau, the gentler arts of shopping, eating and socialising are practised with equal enthusiasm. Within its core of pretty whitewashed, red-tiled buildings, Lacanau hosts a surprisingly vibrant array of casinos, nightclubs and bars to keep you active until the early hours.
Moliets is to French golf what St Andrews is to Scottish – an internationally renowned course offers a sea-splashed round or two for the golfer who loves a challenge. Moliets is a secluded little place, sheltered by the Landes pine forest – a perfect place for a stroll. At the forest's edge is Moliets-Plage, the 3 kilometre wide beach resort, developed sensitively, and with great charm. Gastronomes will discover the region is just one huge, open-air deli with its foie gras, conserves and pâtés. Hearty food demands hearty exercise – and you've got it here. From surfing to cycling, Moliets is outdoor living personified.
The holiday village at Moliets has to be one of your first choices if you're looking for an active family holiday set in tranquil surroundings. Sounds implausibly like wanting the best of both worlds, doesn't it? But, trust us, there are four swimming pools, a raft of sports to try, and all surrounded by the enchanting, forested coastline of southwest France.
In the sublime southern Ardèche region, between Provence and the maze of deep valleys and soaring mountains that make up the Cévennes lies this wonderfully situated holiday resort, within 80 hectares of landscaped grounds overlooking the peaks of southern France. The climate here is warm, with sunny afternoons and mild evenings making for long, carefree summer days. The summits of the Cévennes are made up of a succession of natural plateaux, sometimes green like the Mont Aigoual or criss-crossed by lakes and rivers.
The main square of your holiday village is where the fun is centred, with shops, bars and restaurants radiating outwards. At the foot of a striking terrace built of local stone there is an exhilarating complex of pools and waterchutes – there's even an artificial river - surrounded by your pastel coloured holiday apartments. Inventive children's clubs and first rate sports facilities make this a hard place to leave.
You're in the heart of Provence, you have a world renowned 18 hole golf course at your disposal, and you're in a traffic-free village with a huge wavepool complex. Does it, we wonder, get any better than this? Within this 180 hectare wonderland, deep within the folds of the Durance valley, lies a holiday home that you'll find hard to better anywhere in Provence.
So authentic you'd swear it's always been there, Pont Royal is a wonderfully realised Provençal vision – a network of pedestrianised avenues connecting apartments, village squares, pools and parasols – and all nestled within that intoxicating Provençal landscape, with its hilltop villages and wonderful cuisine. Tear yourself away for a day or two, and discover Avignon, Aix en Provence, Lacoste…their colourful markets, festivals and intoxicating architecture. A Year in Provence? You'll want to stay forever.
Les Restanques is situated in a truly exceptional spot, even for the south of France. Set in 25 acres of enclosed parkland, with mimosa trees and pine woods adding to your privacy, Les Restanques has wonderful panoramic views over the sea and the town of St Tropez. Just 3 kilometres from the Mediterranean beaches, this village is the ideal base to explore the innumerable charms of this part of the south of France. An exceptional pool complex with waterslide and wave pool surrounded by grassy slopes and a manmade beach. Accommodation of the highest standard, and an unrivalled choice of activities for all the family. And of course, that magical, south of France light. With St Tropez just a drive away, and walks to the Venetian-styled fishing village of Port Grimaud, it's hard to fault Les Restanques.
A rocky headland, carefully transformed into a patchwork of bright blue pools, lush green parkland and red-roofed holiday homes, that's Cap Esterel. Dramatic hills sweep down to a succession of emerald waters and sandy coves. Careful planning means that, away from the main artery in and out, there are plenty of traffic free spots to unwind and play.
Similarly smart is the design for this excellent holiday village divided into two distinct areas. The 'Quartier du Hameau' is situated between Cap Esterel's main beach, Dramont, and the centre of the village, while the 'Quartier du Village' is, essentially, golf-central! A shimmering mixture of sun kissed pools, bright, well-thought out accommodation and lawns sweeping down to the coast, Cap Esterel is a traffic-free haven where the accent is on safe, hassle-free quality time with your family. From pony riding to flying trapeze lessons, you'll have no excuse to laze around. Well, not all the time.
Set right in the heart of the Costa Dorada, Cambrils is a typical Mediterranean village with a long-standing fishing tradition. Its history dates back to Roman times, when it was known as Oleastrum, “the city of the oil”. It is a strategic bridge between different cultures and eras. Visitors to Cambrils can enjoy spacious, radiant beaches and its fishing and yachting harbour. The Pueblo Eldorado is set on the edge of Cambrils in a quiet location. Its unique beach front location is perfect for you to enjoy one of Europe’s most highly-rated beaches with first class quality sea water.
These fine sand beaches are an ideal place to spend a typically relaxing day with regular visits to the pool. There are a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Mediterranean and international cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, all of which are surrounded by gardens, very close to the sea and with excellent service. The sports facilities are supervised by qualified monitors who will help you improve your level or give you beginners’ coaching in whichever sport you choose. If you wish to take good care of your health and relax, the SPA centre offers you a wide range of therapeutic and beauty treatments.
Pretty waterfront villages, dramatic mountains and sandy coves make Lake Garda arguably the most beautiful of the Italian lakes. The landscape close to shore has all the allure of the Mediterranean, yet somehow the pace is gentler, and the sun is kinder. In the north, mountains rise steeply from the water forming the sunny southern foothills of the Alps.
The cuisine around Lake Garda is a mixture of Italian and German influences, hearty fare with the emphasis on simple ingredients cooked with precision. Our lakeside location couldn't be better - Sirmione, the pearl of Garda, is an enchanting, fortified town where every street is even more evocative than the last. For the sporty, Garda Village has its own 'animation' team, not to bring out the cartoonist in you, but to get you animated! So, if you've ever fancied volleyball, canoeing or windsurfing, now's your chance. Then again, lying by the pool must count as a spectator sport at least. Or, even better, take a stroll to the village's private slice of safe, sandy beach.
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New places to call home 
