Although there are times when you just need the do-nothing-but-veg vacation, travel can be infinitely more interesting when we make deeper connections with our destinations. Context Travel, who by their own words are a group of “architects, historians, and art historians who organize walking seminars for intellectually curious travelers,” helps people to make those deeper connections and come away from their vacations with a richer sense of place. (more…)

While the vision of smoke-filled cafes and bistros has always seemed, well, romantic, the reality of wading through all that smoke can be a bit trying. For one, there’s the way smoke just clings to your clothes. What it does to your lungs is even worse, and not too many of us want to inflict that on our children. As of January 1st, however, France has instituted a nationwide ban on smoking in cafes, restaurants and bars. For those with kids (and even many without), the ban will be a welcome change. Now the only thing hazardous about eating in France will be the danger of eating too much…

Villa Plein Sud, copyright Quality Villas

Looking for a family vacation villa near Cannes? Only twenty minutes away from the hotspot and its beaches you’ll find Villa Plein Sud, a child friendly villa near Valbonne and its artisan shops and quaint cafes. The villa, which has a pool, sleeps 8, with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms, and 2 powder rooms. Only one bedroom has A/C and oddly enought it’s not the master, but the master does have a terrace overlooking the pool and a distant sea view.

Villa Plein Sud kitchen, copyright Quality Villas

The living room has French doors leading to a large terrace and the swimming pool. The villa itself is well-furnished without being stuffy, unlike the sparse and boring furnishings that many villas promoting themselves as “child friendly” sport. Spacious enclosed grounds give children lots of room to explore and run while parents watch from the terrace, making this a perfect French vacation villa for families.

bedroom of Villa Plein Sud, copyright Quality Villas

This vacation villa can be rented through Quality Villas, a British agency. See more information about Villa Plein Sud here. Weekly rental rates from June 30 to September 1 are 2995 pounds ($6007US at current conversion rates), which includes 4 hours of maid service per week. For rates and availability after September 1, contact Quality Villas at +44 (0) 1442 870 055.