It is no wonder that expats find it comforting to move here. They sell up back home buy a beautiful villa in pleasant surroundings and get to work in Nice, Monaco, or Sophia Antipolis very easily. But where do the kids go to school? One of the major problems with re-location is the children integrating into a new place with a new language. In Mougins, this is not a problem, with the Mougins International School being created in 1987 to look after children of expats moving to Mougins and the surrounding areas.

The Mougins International School enrolls 454 students from 35 nationalities, with all teaching in English. Subjects available include: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computing, English, French, Geography, German, History, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Spanish and Music. Facilities include : Library, 2 Art Studios, 3 Science Laboratories, Information Technology Centre, Gymnasium, synthetic football pitch, exterior sports court, Music Room, Performing Arts Hall, Examinations Room, Dining Room. Here children can take the AS and A level exams that they would have taken back home in the UK. As the teaching is in English and subjects are the same there is no real reason for problems of re-location when adults are searching for a better quality of life.

Thanks to the Mougins International School Mougins is becoming a sought after place to buy property in the South of France. Local Mougins immobilier have said people are actually searching for houses and villas for sale close to the Mougins International School. It is not surprising as families looking to re-locate to the South of France find it much easier in Mougins thanks to the fantastic location, amenities, culture, ease of getting to work, and an English school close by for the kids.

Group A
This group features: South Africa, Uruguay, France and Mexico

Game meetings:

South Africa v Mexico 11th June (Soccer City, Johannesburg)
France v Uruguay 11th June  (Cape Town Stadium)

South Africa v Uruguay 16th June (Lotus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria)
Mexico v France 17th June (Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane)

Mexico v Uruguay 22nd June (Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg)
South Africa v France 22nd June (The Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein)

Predicted to Qualify: France & Mexico

Group B
This group features: Argentina, Nigeria, Greece and South Korea

Game meetings:

South Korea v Greece 12th June (Nelson Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth)
Argentina v Nigeria 12th June (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

Argentina v South Korea 17th June (Soccer City, Johannesburg)
Greece v Nigeria 17th June (Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein)

Nigeria v South Korea 22nd June (Mabhida Stadium, Durban)
Argentina v Greece 22nd June (Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane)

Predicted to Qualify: Argentina and Greece.

Group C
This group features: England, USA, Slovenia and Algeria

Game meetings:

USA v England 12th June (Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg)
Algeria v Slovenia 13th June (Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane)

Slovenia v USA 18th June (Ellis Stadium, Johannesburg)
England v Algeria 18th June (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)

Slovenia v England 23rd June (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth)
USA v Algeria 23rd June (Lotus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria)

Predicted to qualify: USA and England.

Group D
This group features: Germany, Serbia, Ghana and Australia

Game meetings:

Serbia v Ghana, 13th June (Pretoria)
Germany v Australia 13th June (Durban)

Germany v Serbia 18th June (Port Elizabeth)
Australia v Ghana 19th June (Rustenberg)

Ghana v Germany 23rd June (Johannesberg)
Australia v Serbia 23rd June (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)

Predicted to qualify: Ghana and Germany

Group E
This group features: Holland, Denmark, Japan and Cameroon

Game meetings:

Holland v Denmark 14th June (Johannesburg)
Cameroon v Japan 14th June (Bloemfontein)

Japan v Holland 19th June (Durban)
Denmark v Cameroon 19th June (Pretoria)

Denmark v Japan 24th June (Rustenberg)
Cameroon v Holland 24th June (Cape Town)

Predicted to qualify: Cameroon and Holland

Group F
This group features: Slovakia, Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand

Game meetings:

Italy v Paraguay 14th June (Cape Town)
Slovakia v New Zealand 15h June (Rustenberg)

Slovakia v Paraguay 20th June (Bloemfontein)
New Zealand v Italy 20h June (Nelspruit)

Italy v Slovakia 24th June (Johannesburg)
Paraguay v New Zealand 24th June (Polokwane)

Predicted to qualify: Italy and Slovakia

Group G
This group features: Brazil, Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea

Game meetings:

Portugal v Ivory Coast, 15th June (Port Elizabeth)
North Korea v Brazil 15th June (Johannesburg)

Brazil v Ivory Coast 20th June (Johannesburg)
Portugal v North Korea 21st June (Cape Town)
Ivory Coast v North Korea 25th June (Nelspruit)
Brazil v Portugal 25th June (Durban)

Predicted to qualify: Brazil and Portugal

Group G
This group features: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.

Game meetings:

Honduras v Chile 16th June (Nelspruit)
Switzerland v Spain 16th June (Durban)

Chile v Switzerland 21st June (Port Elizabeth)
Spain v Honduras 21st June (Johannesburg)

Spain v Chile 25th June (Pretoria)
Switzerland v Honduras 25th June (Bloemfontein)

Predicted to qualify: Spain and Chile.

Read our next World Cup 2010 blog for information on the round of last 16 teams!

Hope you are looking forward to the 2010 South Africa World Cup as much as we are!  Obviously you are specifically travelling to the tournament to support your home nation, but with such a long haul destination you are bound to have some time to visit the wonderful South Africa attractions in the locality that you are staying in! 

The best way to discover the beauty of South Africa is to secure a top quality car rental so visit our Car Hire Cape Town page.

For more information on South Africa, check out our South Africa Travel Blogs page.

Unlike in England where it is standard practice to send in a chartered surveyor before you buy a property who can estimate the various costs of building repairs; this is not the case in France. You will need to ask a local builder, architect or a British chartered surveyor in France to check the structural state of the building and estimate what the repair costs will be before you buy. You should then add at least 25% for any hidden extras that the architect/surveyor may have missed. It is also very important that you are realistic about the time frame in which your house will be ready to move into. A job that you might expect to take six months in England will probably take a few months longer in France especially if you don’t speak the language as it will take some time to find builders who come recommended and whose work you approve of.

Once you have bought your quaint but dilapidated farmhouse in the south of France which you have chosen for its laid back atmosphere then don’t be surprised when your tradesmen adopt the same attitude in their work regime. You will have to keep on top of them at all times to ensure that the work is completed on schedule and that everyone is synchronised: if for example the electrician is booked to rewire the house within a certain time frame and he is delayed or does not turn up then other jobs such as plastering that follow will also have to be delayed and rescheduled. Rescheduling may not be viable for a few weeks which could in turn ruin the schedule of other jobs- patience is something you’ll have to learn!

For instance an English couple that relocated to the Rhone-Alps region in the south of France found that their project actually took two years rather than one year as predicted and spent the first few months cooking with camping gas and portable cooker while the kitchen was being built- so be prepared to rough it a little during your adventure! Not that it’s a bad thing: It can be incredibly fulfilling cooking and eating outdoors watching your hose slowly take shape after a hard day’s work. This particular couple actually spent the first few weeks living with their neighbours rather than staying in a hotel while the house was unlivable. The two of them simply went over to say hello and in a great gesture which you would find hard to come across in any part of the world, they were invited to stay for as long as they needed even though just moments before they were complete strangers!

The project was finally completed two years after they first bought the house and regardless of all the headache and hard work they put in if you ask them now they would say they really wouldn’t have done it any differently. The stone farmhouse has become a haven of tranquility and something that they can both be very proud of as every evening when they drink local wine and eat Provencal food in their scented, colourful courtyard they can look up at their house and truly say “We did that”.

The French Riviera’s diversity is not just limited to its cities, towns and villages. While each location has its own treasures to offer, the assortment extends even to the types of property for sale in the South of France. From apartments, condos and penthouses, to villas, mansions and manors, to even chateaux, castles and vineyards – the collection will leave you mind-boggled, if you’re not guided by a seasoned real estate agency that deals exclusively in luxury properties of these varieties in the south of France.

While comfort, sophistication, beauty and opulence are common across any type of property for sale in south of France, not all of them are the same. Therefore, regardless of the kind of preferences you have, you are sure to find a luxury home that is just right for you. For instance, if sun, sand, superstars and super-luxury are your thing, then there’s no place for you like St. Tropez; but if you’re looking for a place for your family vacation than Beaulieu with its beaches and water sports, tiny streets through charming old-world buildings and squares, and wonderful architecture is perfect.

Alternately luxury properties in the vibrant twin towns of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins will appeal to tourists who want to experience as much of the Cote d’Azur in as little time as possible. These twin towns are the cultural, historical and nature hub of the French Riviera, letting tourists experience a bit of French-everything. However, a businessman on a quiet holiday in France would definitely appreciate the beauty and charm of a peaceful village like Mougins, the home of many a famous artists and writers on the Riviera.

Confused already? Don’t be. The most wonderful aspect of any property for sale in South of France is that you don’t have to choose; you can actually have it all. With your own luxury villa on the French Riviera, you have the entire coastline, from Monaco to Nice, open to your enjoyment. Most of the well-known cities and villages on the French Riviera are close enough to each other, so that you don’t have to miss out on anything.

As with all investment, scrupulousness and an expert guidance are indispensible when buying property on the French Riviera. Professional and experienced agents can not only help you make the right choice, but offer a plethora of other services like financial and legal assistance, investment advice, property maintenance, servicing and valuation as well as additional services to augment your luxury real estate.

If staying in a hotel or renting a villa during your summer vacations at the Riviera is not really your thing, you can seriously consider buying property in the south of France. The towns, cities and villages along the coast offer a wide selection of luxury properties – from an apartment for a single person to 12-bedroom chateaux – to cater to the needs of sophisticated clients from all over the world. Whatever your requirement, in terms of amenities, location, budget or purpose, with the help of professional and knowledgeable agents, you will be able to find the perfect piece of real estate in South of France.

The cultural and natural variety in the towns and villages along the French Riviera is also reflected in the types of property you’ll find here. Therefore, no matter what your definition of luxury, you’ll find a place that personifies it exactly. Want a cosy villa tucked away behind small paved streets and away from the glamour and nightlife? You’ll find it in Mougins or Beaulieu. Want a swanky, high-end apartment in the hub of the Riviera’s activities? Cannes or Nice it is. Or how about a comfortable 12- bedroom chateau for a large family vacation? Then Cap Ferrat and Antibes are your best bets.

But that’s not all. Real estate in the south of France is not just limited to homes. Like the Mediterranean, possibilities are endless. You could buy a palatial manor, a bastide, even an entire castle. You could live in an old farmhouse made entirely of stone, but equipped with all the modern facilities, or a vineyard, for those who want to mix serious business investment with pleasurable and peaceful holidays. With the right real estate agents, it’s all possible.

However, the Riviera being what it is, an investment in property comes with a lot at stake. Therefore, finding the right intermediaries, who deal with sophisticated and elite clients, luxury real estate, and who are well versed with property transaction protocols in the south of France is just about as important as deciding on a house. The right kind of agents will not only aid you in making the right choice, but also with legal formalities, financial settlements, moving in, maintaining and caring for your property and also renting it out if you so desire. Therefore we suggest that you take as much time choosing your agents as you would choosing your property, ensuring great returns from your investment in every way.

The beautiful areas of southern France captivate and seduce travelers every year, and appeal to many who’ve yet to find the way over. However, trips to anywhere in Europe can be straining on the pocket book, especially in these difficult economic times.

What is a desperate traveler to do? First things first?investigate!

Take the time to find the best possible travel arrangements. On the web, sites such as South-of-France or France This Way are there to help with information on how and where to find the cheapest flights. Don’t rush into a ticket, and remember that commercial airlines may not necessarily have the best deals available.

But before you can find the best travel itinerary, do your research, and determine where it is you’d like to go. If visiting the south of France, try out these excellent locations as well as these affordable suggestions for building memories that will last you a lifetime.

Aquitaine

Follow its Atlantic coastline to the Spanish frontier and discover worlds of adventure. Visit medieval villages and castles, or spend all your time surfing or lounging on the beach, during the day. At night, take in authentic French restaurants and the fast-paced nightlife of Bordeaux and other major cities in the area.

Northern Languedoc

Take a stroll through the Gard department and visit some of the ruins of Rome. Explore the cosmopolitan town of Montpellier, or, if you’re a fan of French literature, check out Pezenas, a town that is a living shrine to the great writer Molieres. From Cathar castle country to the sea and mountains, this region continues a tradition common in the south of France?having something for everyone.

La Couvertoirade

One of the most beautiful villages in France, La Couvertoirade housed a chapter of the Knights Templar in the 13th Century. It boasts historical significance and natural beauty. While there, you may consider visiting the castle and its ramparts, which remain in good condition, despite hundreds of years having passed since its origin. In addition to this, there is the Saint-Christophe church, which dates back to the Knights of Saint John (14th century). If visited outside the peak of summer or early in the morning, a traveler can really get a sense of what this village was like ages ago. Highlight: a view from the watchtower gives travelers an excellent look at the community, and all its neighboring villages!

So pinpoint the south of France for your next destination. Do your research and planning. Use the tools that are available online, such as those discussed in this article, and a cheap holiday in France will be an adventure you’ll never forget!

Should you choose Languedoc – another important consideration is when to go is? Winters are brief and mercifully mild. Snow and frost is uncommon and even in December and January the sky is blue most of the time. Even in winter the temperatures rarely get cold for more than a few days and the season is remarkably short. From early February it usually quite pleasant and warm enough to sit out and in the height of the summer a good hat is often needed or perhaps a parasol and a cool glass of vin blanc!

Languedoc is especially noted for its magnificent beauty and its visitor attractions have attracted travel writers and numerous visitors for centuries. Most of the landscape is dominated by the Pyrenees Mountains. They are both high and snow covered for most of the year and Canigou is one of the most famous peaks at just under 10000 feet. The Canal du Midi bisects the region, connecting the Atlantic and Mediterranean. It’s used solely as a tourist attraction now, and it’s possible to hire boats on the canal and enjoy the landscape as the waterway meanders across the sun baked plain of southern Languedoc.

Ancient monasteries, vine covered hills and picturesque villages dominate the landscape and tourist attractions include the ancient city of Carcassonne. It is one of the highlights of any trip to France and to this day instils a sense of medieval history in visitors. Its turreted walls have made it one of the most visited tourist attractions in France and it’s easy to imagine the sound of clashing swords, frightened horses and gallant knights of old as one gazes up at the historic city.

Increasingly, many visitors travel to Languedoc to discover France as it used to be. This is an ideal way to get a real taste of what France has to offer. It’s a region that has managed to remain unspoilt for many years. Olive groves, sunny villages, orchards and of course some of the most extensive vineyards in the world are there to be explored.

For those interested in food and wine there are endless wineries and many are combined with excellent restaurants so you can sample all the local produce at the one sitting!

A further consideration is to decide what type of accommodation to look for? Holiday accommodation in Languedoc comprises a range of good standard hotels, bed and breakfasts and self catering accommodation ‘gites’ style accommodation. However, despite the growing popularity of the region with tourists, the area is not over endowed with quality accommodation. For example there are relatively few self catering villas with private pools that offer all en suite accommodation. Accommodation is increasingly chosen on-line with a wealth of websites to choose from. It’s always a good idea to have a particular destination in mind- the Canal du Midi for example or the lovely Minervois hills. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some villa accommodation is old but renovated property- these typically have more character than their more moder counterparts, but don’t always enjoy for example en-suite facilities.

One of my favourite places to stay in France is Villa La Cascade. This self catering villa with private pool is set at the edge of the old village of Durban Corbieres, complete with medieval castle. It’s only an hour or so from both Perpignan and Carcassonne airports. Within walking distance of the village and bakery it delivers high quality accommodation for up to six adults in three en suite bedrooms with magnificent views over the Corbieres hills. See http://www.rentvillalanguedoc.com

When renting a villa consider if it is convenient to the excellent French motorway network as for example many British visitors take cars on the Eurotunnel or the myriad of ferries and drive to Languedoc.

Nearby, the town of Narbonne has a great food market and is ideal for a leisurely stroll through the old streets- perhaps ending ones visit with a cafe au lait in the old main square, compete with Roman ruins.

All told, Languedoc deserves to be discovered so make a resolution to visit this still undiscovered treasure of Southern France.

But why spend a honeymoon in the south of France instead of Paris, for instance?  Paris is a beautiful and romantic city; there is no doubt about it.  However, the south of France is just as lovely.  Moreover, it is extremely suitable for a couple who wants to have a quiet honeymoon in the countryside.

What romantic adventures await a pair of newlyweds on their honeymoon in one of the lovely villa rentals in the south of France?  Below are just some of the delights that newlyweds can partake during their time in this cosy part of Europe.

Private Luxury

Honeymooning in one of the many villa rentals in the south of France is just like combining the comforts of home with the luxurious atmosphere of staying in a four- or five-star hotel.  The decor, the furnishings and the fixtures in the villa are sure to be elegant but with the little personal touches that create a homey atmosphere.

Many villas are also provided with their own in-house staff such as a housekeeper, chambermaid and cook.  The honeymooning couple will be free to enjoy their holiday without having to concern themselves with everyday tasks, their every need catered for by ever attentive staff.

Most of all, the couple’s privacy is assured when they stay in a rented villa.  The couple will be the only ones staying on the premises.  They will not be disturbed by other guests and so can fully enjoy each other’s company in a peaceful envronment.

Activities to Enjoy

Newlyweds go on honeymoon mainly to enjoy each other and to give their marriage a good start.  The honeymoon is also a time to bond and to lay out the dynamics that will make their partnership work smoothly in the long run.  By choosing to stay in a luxury villa in the south of France, they will open themselves to a great range of activities that they can enjoy together.

The bastide villages in the south of France have been there since the Middle Ages and are certainly worth exploring.  They can also stumble upon a good local restaurant and sample the great dishes that south of France is known for.

The honeymooners can also use the villa they are staying in as their home base for day trips.  They can visit the nearby wineries; south of France, after all, is biggest wine country in the world.  They can also go hiking or drive to the beach or go on a river cruise.

A honeymoon in a luxury villa in the south of France can give a newlywed couple a unique experience to remember.  It is a memory that they will definitely cherish for the rest of their lives.

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Things to Do:

While traveling to a foreign country, the first thing on your mind may be what you should do. Well first off let me tell you, Carcassonne’s main economy derives from tourism, so you can be sure that they have plenty to offer their main form of income! I highly advise you to visit the fortifications located around the city. This fortification was put up around this amazingly beautiful city during the Napoleon era. Later down the road, these fortifications fell into lack of repair and were almost destroyed! That was until 1849 when a decree was issued in order to immediately repair this historic building. And thankfully they did, because now we have fantastic monuments to enjoy for generations to come.

If you would rather take a nice relaxing cruise while enjoying the best Carcassonne has to offer, the Alouette and Clair de Lune both venture around the immaculate fortified walls of this historic yet beautiful city. If you tend to get seasick, you may of course adventure around by train. This train tour features the best sites around the city such as Medieval Cities Turrets as well as ramparts. So get a great view by touring in a Car, train, or even a boat. I can assure you that no matter what form of transportation you choose, your tour will never be a disappointment. The train leaves from Narbonnaise Gate. So if you ever find yourself in Carcassonne between the months of May through September, I highly advise you to experience this amazing tour for yourself.

Sports to Enjoy:

If you’re more a sports lover, then this city will never disappoint. It was actually the center hub for bicycling in 2004 and 2006 when it was featured as stages in the Tour de France. In 2006 it was featured as the finish line for the tour. Carcassonne is also a major location for a French rugby team. Their team is called AS Carcassonne which is of course one of Frances more successful rugby clubs.

Carcassonne could be your base for the South of France. Hiring a car means you can discover the entire region rather than just one city. Toulouse, Nice and Marseille are all within driving distance. Driving in these areas is something to enjoy rather than endure due to the beautiful scenery to be taken in along the way.