Sure there's Nice, Cannes, Provence and all the name brand places in the south of France. And then there's the Pays Basques in the southwest near Spain.
If you want to get away in beautiful country with rolling fields of sunflowers in the foothills of the Pyrenees, come here.
And stay at this house. The property is exactly as advertised. Our kids played for hours in the yard, jumping in and out of the pool while we lounged close by. When we wanted an outing, there was plenty to do, from evening dinners at fabulous restaurants in nearby Salies de Bearn and Sauveterre to day trips into Biarritz and San Sebastian. We could have done more (the Pyrenees are only about an hour away), but everyone was so happy we'd stayed close to home, exploring nearby villages and even the river behind the house with pools that even little swimmers can enjoy.
My husband and I traveled with our 8-year old son and rented the house together with friends who have a 5 and and 8-year old. There was really something for everyone, from the runners among us, to the loungers, readers, and swimmers.
Property owners can make all the difference with places like this. Vincent, the owner, is perfectly attentive without being intrusive. The place is beautifully maintained. And Vincent's a wonderful resource - willing to share restaurant ideas, to where to spa or find local markets to stock up on croissants.
This place is a real gem. Don't miss it.