Combine that with a visit in the spring time and you'll also find that a vacation rental out of the peak season is far more reasonable than you might have thought!

In spring, the beaches on the French Riviera are almost empty, the sun is still warm and the welcome is friendly.

Booking yourself a holiday in the south of France in the spring time is just what you need to chase away the cold grey days of winter. You'll

The pretty hill town of Bormes-Les-Mimosa typifies what is just so perfect about France in the spring. The Mimosa trees are in full bloom with a perfect yellow blossom. The pavement cafes are open and you can take a seat and enjoy a view out across the hills to the Mediterranean sea in the distance. Browsing around the village shops you'll find jewellery stores, stores selling limoncello (a local drink made from lemons), fresh olives, olive oil flavoured with basilic and cushions filled with fragrant lavender. It's well worth the winding drive up the hillside to see this pretty village.

At this time of year not only are the road and beaches empty but the restaurant owners are pleased to see you and have plenty of time to serve you and make your time there enjoyable.

Even the renowned St Tropez wakes up quiet and sleepy on a spring morning and you can find a waterfront seat in one of the cafes overlooking the harbour. If you get there early enough you can browse the designer shops in the little backstreets before enjoying your croissant or petit pain with a hot chocolate or coffee in one of the many pavement cafes.

If you have children, they'll relish the opportunity to dig alone in the clean sand whilst you lie back and enjoy the sight of the sun glittering on the sea.

With little competition you can also enjoy the delicacies created by the local bakeries, in particular the gateau and confectioneries that are often snapped up quickly during the summer months.

With the arrival of Easter, the French are on vacation but there is still plenty of room for everyone. You have time to visit the shores of La Lavandou, the wide beaches at La Cavaliere, the delightful shops at Le Rayol.

With access from Nice Airport direct on to the autoroute (motorway) you can be at your holiday destination within an hour or two of landing on the runway.

Vacation Rentals are often cheaper than their counterparts in the U.K. and combined with the very cheap airfares now available to all European locations, you could treat yourself to a week in the warm French sun for about the same as a week in Padstow in the drizzle.

Out of season, villa rentals are fairly reasonable, but if you are on a budget then renting an apartment can be very well priced. You'll also find adapted accommodation suitable for the disabled at well below the price of it's equivalent in the UK.

Of course, you'll also be the envy of all your friends and work colleagues when you return looking slightly bronzed and very relaxed from your holiday in the Cote d'Azur!

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This article was submitted by Jen Carter, she is owner of the website.