Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Hey! Ho! Let's Go (Skiing)!

To paraphrase one of Lagrange's preferred protagonists, the ever relevant Cher Horowitz of 'Clueless', this summer's sunshine has been somewhat sporadic, short-lived and downright unreliable. So, like all good snow bunnies, we are going to cast our minds to fresh powder slopes, sweeping Alpine panoramas and après-ski beers (the latter in moderation, of course) and talk about all things S-K-I instead for a few minutes...
If this mere mention of all things winter-y has you reaching for your salopettes, then fear not! We have cut the ribbon, smashed the bottle against the side of the cruise liner and popped the champagne corks and our ski bookings are now open. And, because we really are THAT generous, we thought we would share a few hints and highlights from our 2012/13 programme. Read on, and prepare to set your appetite to whetted....

A not-very-old favourite.... 
For sunny skiing, sweeping views and sumptuous spas, make your way to Serre Chevalier, nestled in the southern Alps a hop, skip and a ski jump from the Italian border. A firm favourite chez Lagrange, if the excellent slopes and charming mediaeval villages aren't quite enough to entice you back year after year then the warm local welcome certainly will be! In the well-preserved village of Chantemerle, our Lagrange Prestige apartments Le Hameau du Rocher Blanc are a tantalising 200m from the ski lifts and ESF Ecole de Ski Francais ski school meeting point - ideal for both skiers itching to hit the slopes ASAP and those in need of a little encouragement. With super early booking discounts, and short breaks and flexible arrival days over selected dates, it's not hard to see why we keep coming back to Serre Che (as the locals might say)....

http://www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk/holidays-rental-sea-mountain,accommodation-isere-et-alpes-du-sud,serre-chevalier-SERCHE-L-HAME-residence.html#residence


Something NEW....!
Families and cross-country enthusiasts alike should make their way to Les Saisies in the Espace Diamant for tree-lined slopes, off piste trails through gasp-inducing Alpine landscapes and some brand spanking new apartments courtesy of. Lagrange. Yes, if all goes to plan (and so far, so good our sources inform us), the Les Chalets d' Emeraude will be welcoming skiers into their warm, chalet-style bosom for winter 2012/2013. A mere 500 to 600m from the ski lifts and with a very tempting 15% off for bookings made before August 6th, these apartments are an expansion of our Lagrange Prestige empire in one of the Alps' finest hidden gems...

http://www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk/holidays-rental-sea-mountain,accommodation-alpes-savoie,les-saisies-SAISIE-L-CHAL-residence.html#station

And now for something a little bit different...
If a hidden gem tucked amongst the usual suspects is on your hit list for this winter, head to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville in the Three Valleys. Avoid the crowds found in the big name resorts without sacrificing excellent slopes by exploring one of the Alps' better-kept secrets....Les Chalets du Gypse are nestled cosily at the foot of the slopes, and offer seriously smart with a capital 'WOW' accommodation. Plus, the residence has just 30 apartments - ideal for those skiers looking for something a little bit more intimate this winter.

http://www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk/holidays-rental-sea-mountain,accommodation-alpes-savoie,st-martin-de-belleville-MARTIN-L-CHAL-residence.html#residence

So, now we have firmly planted thoughts of ski in your marvellous minds there is one and one thing alone left to do...GIVE US A CALL! Our delightful Reservations team are charm personified so call 020 7371 6111 any time between 9am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday to pick their brains, order yourself a brochure or two and generally be won over by their dulcet tones....

Monday, 23 April 2012

My Boss Gave Me An Extra-Long Bank Holiday And All I Got Was This Cheeky Weekend Break To France....

Exhausted by Olympic build-up fever? Right royally ticked off by the Jubilee? Never fear, Lagrange is here to help soothe you into summer, and all without a string of bunting or flaming torch in sight. "How?", we hear you cry (we hear it, loud and clear). With a holiday of course! Yes, we thought we would put together a selection of hot spots and top tips to help you make the most if the bumper bank holiday weekend and avoid the street parties....

The single best way to make the most of a four day bank holiday bonanza weekend is, without a doubt, with an indulgent European city break. First stop should be lively Lyon, just a mere hop, step and a jump (via Paris or Lille) on the Eurostar from London and the ideal destination for both culture vultures and serious foodies...


With at least (at the very least!) two full days in Lyon up your stylish sleeve, make like Nancy Sinartra and take some boots made for walking, as the best way to really soak up the sights and sounds of the city is on foot. Stroll through the old town to see just why Lyon has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status and crane your neck to take in the hidden architectural gems tucked on the window ledges and upper reaches of the city's medievael Jewish district, the rue Juiverie. For a slightly more structured approach to culture, head to the Musée des Beaux Arts and set your face to 'chin stroke' as the museum houses one of the most impressive art collections in France. Take a moment or five to enjoy a post-art coffee and stroll in the museum's cloisters garden before carrying on your explorations of the city.


Once you've spent an afternoon or two appreciating Lyon's cultural highlights, it's time to start sampling it's gastronomic gems. A veritable gourmet hotspot and a serious foodie's dream, the city's Michelin-starred restaurants happily rub shoulders with more the traditional (and dare we say it, more fun) bouchon - restaurants serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine with a generous side order of a warm, raucous welcome. Be sure to sample the wide and delicious range of local specialities served throughout Lyon, although vegetarians may wish to look away now as pork (and pork products - tripe, anyone?) feature heavily on many a menu...


When all this eating and culture is done, you'll need somewhere to rest weary feet and full tummies. No problem, you can stay with us! Yes indeed, just in time for summer 2012, we have a super Lagrange City Aparthotel opening in Lyon's historic Montplaisir district and just a quick metro ride form the city centre itself. Intrigued? See for yourselves...

If imposing Gothic grandeur is more your thasse du thé,  make your way to Strasbourg in the fascinating Alsace region for a weekend of  gob-smacking architecture - a stylish melange of the modern and the medieval in one of France's most unique cities... 


Jump in feet first with an afternoon stroll around the city's charming and impossibly well-preserved Petite France - home to medieval craftsmen and full to bursting with weaving walks through narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses, canals, locks and more hidden gems that you can shake a baguette at. We also challenge anyone (ANYONE) to visit Strasbourg and not be totally overwhelmed and awe-struck by the city's towering yet delicate Cathédrale Notre Dame, a veritable Gothic masterpiece. Brace yourselves - it's pretty awesome. 


OK, so you can now quite happily say that you have seen some of France's finest medieval architecture, the next and most logical step is to head to Strasbourg's modern marvels - the seat of the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights. Time your visit (or future visit, if you're so inclined) to coincide with one of the Parliament's four day sessions to sit in on a debate and live out your Paxman fantasies...Or, y'know, just quietly enjoy seeing some real life political debate in action, whatever floats your boat...


All this walking and jaw-dropping is certainly bound to work up an appetite (I know I'm getting peckish just thinking about it!) and, as with any of France's cities/towns/collection of houses, no trip to Strasbourg is complete with sampling a dish or three of the local and regional cuisine. For a taste of totally typical Alsatian food, head to a winstub for regional specialities such as choucroute plus a selection of delicious cheeses and charcuterie. Don't forget to wash it all down with a glass or two of of the region's renowned (and thirst-quenching) pinot...Bon appetit! 


Once all you have explored every inch of the city, be our guest and stay at the Lagrange City Aparthotel - perfectly placed in Strasbourg's city centre and just a fifteen minute stroll from the Petite France. Basically, the perfect base for your Alsatian adventures! Have a little look here for more juicy deets...
http://www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk/holidays-rental-sea-mountain,accommodation-alsace,strasbourg-STRASB-L-CITY-residence.html#residence

Hopefully all this talk of city breaks, indulgent local cuisine and breathtaking architecture will have suitably whetted your collective appetites and put you in the mood for a trip across the Channel for an anti-Jubilee (or simply alternative) weekend away. Of course,if you still need some extra coaxing and persuading, our eternally glamourous Reservations team are always on hand to answer questions and offer advice....Just call 020 7371 6111 to pick their brains!


Thursday, 8 March 2012

Let's Talk About Summer, Baby...

Spring is springing, the sun is shining (sort of) and the weather is warming up! Yes, now that the weird winter weather seems to have been banished (warm, cold, snowy, muggy - make up your mind!), we are getting seriously excited about the prospect of long, light evenings, ice cream as a viable main course option and summer holiday planning. After all, what better way to while away an afternoon or five than by contemplating the where, when and who with of your summer jaunt across the Channel?

If this has you reaching for your passport quicker than you can say 'make mine a croissant', then look no further as we have put together a few of our favourite resorts to give you some destination inspiration....

Tucked away from the dramatic coastal winds at the mouth of Brittany's Odet river, Bendot is a real Breton charm. Perfect for anyone in need of a nostalgic week or two by the seaside, the resorts sandy beaches and picture-perfect marina are crying out for a long afternoon exploring their hidden charms and unspoilt scenery. And, if all that nautical charm wasn't enough for you (or if the Brittany weather turns out to be a 'reliable' as Britain's...), make your way to one of the resort's crêperies for some pancake-based goodness. For extra Breton brownie points, make your's a Calvados-doused crêpe suzette. Bon Appetit indeed!
The newly built Les Jardins d'Arvor, in the very centre of Benodet, are the ideal base for anyone with their heart set on exploring this idyllic corner of France this summer. Plus, we still have a mighty tempting 5% early booking discount on selected dates until March 16th...

If being buffeted by Brittany's coastal breeze is perhaps not quite your idea of holiday heaven, make like the Arctic Tern and head south! Serious sun seekers should find that the lively town of Sainte-Maxime on the Cote d'Azur has everything their heart desires and more, thanks to crystal clear waters, glorious Riveria sunshine and damn fine people watching courtesy of the many millionaire's yachts jostling for space in the harbour and the jaw-dropping villas in the town itself. Live the film star life for an afternoon or two by indulging by taking a trip to nearby Saint Tropez or Cannes. Well, if you can't feel like a million bucks whilst you're holiday, when can you, eh?
Whether your budget stretches to Champagne or just plain ol' sparkling wine, Lagrange has summer accommodation in Sainte-Maxime sorted. From smart self-catered apartments with a shared pool (Port Marine) located just 150m from the beach, to villas with private pools complete with totally tantalising early booking discounts on offer until 16/04 (Le Carre Beauchene), we have something to put a smile on everyone's face...

Sometimes, Lagrange just needs to get away from it all for a moment's relaxation and the chance to gather our thoughts. To do this, we head to Provence (naturally, none of this lounging on the sofa in track pants business here...) , take a deep breath and revel in the intoxicating aroma of lavender, olives and fresh Provençal air. Fab-u-lous. For a summer getaway that just oozes pure escapism and indulgence, Saint-Trinit ticks all the right boxes - warm weather, stunning scenery and a whole host of regional specialities just waiting to be sampled.
The picture-perfect Le Claux du Puits in Saint-Trinit is the ideal base for a week or two of Provençal living - a handful of self-catered apartments and holiday homes clustered together offering impressive views over Mont Ventoux. Plus, we still have early booking discounts in place until mid-April so there are still plenty bargains to be had!

Don't forget, there is always a friendly member of the Lagrange reservations team at the other end of the phone if you need some more advice or holiday hints! Call 020 7371 6111 if you fancy a chat...


Wednesday, 15 June 2011

One, Two, Three...Ski!

As you may or may not know (and if not, why not? Hmm? Hmm?!), our 2011/2012 ski bookings are now open. Obviously, the very keen and the very organised amongst you have already managed to get your grubby mitts on your mountain getaway but we suspect that most skiers out there are still mulling over the where, the when and the 'how much?!' for next year's foray on the slopes, especially if you are tied to holidays outside term time dates. If this is all ringing a bell, then deliberate no longer because help is at hand and that hand is being outstretched by Lagrange. Intrigued? Of course you are....

Perfectly timed to catch the best of the season's snow fall (fingers crossed) and almost two months after the Christmas holidays, the February half term week is the ideal time to grab your nearest and dearest, bundle up the layers and hit the slopes. However, it seems that everyone else in Europe has got wise to this, meaning that the period can be over-priced and over-crowded. Not so this season. The UK half term week for 2012 (11th February) is a whole week before the busiest holiday week in France and across Europe, which means that accommodation prices are scandalously low. And we mean scandalously. If they were a Victorian table leg, they would need to be covered up, tout suite...But we digress.

Thanks to this miracle in modern school holiday planning, Lagrange can proudly boast that our half term accommodation prices are between a 'hey that's pretty good' £100 and a 'wow, seriously? no way!' £400 LESS than the equivalent week in 2011 (19th February). And we have a great range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets so you can really make the most of these savings so there really is no excuse not to book that all-important breath of fresh air. For those you who need a little bit of inspiration, why not have a gander at some of our personal favorites....?

If you like to avoid the crowds and want to sample an authentic slice of mountain life, why not make your way to the pretty Savoyard village of Samoens for your half term trip? Nestled in the Grand Massif and just a hop, skip and a jump from Geneva airport, Samoens is perfect for families and beginners. A two bedroom apartment for six people in Les Fermes de Samoens is £1125 for the 2012 half term, a whopping £295 cheaper than in 2011!

Maybe you'd prefer the luxury of accommodation with ski-in/ski-out access and a nice, big snowy playground, head to Plagne 1800 in the heart of the La Plagne ski domaine. This year, the half term week in a 2 bedroom apartment in Les Chalets Edelweiss will set you back £1880, not too bad when you compare it to last year's price of £2295...Plus, our very own marketing gal Rebecca visited Plagne 1800 last year and she declared it to be pretty darn fab.

Or, if you still need to be budget-conscious this year, why not head to Brides-les-Bains in the Meribal Valley? One bedroom alcove apartments in the Residence Cybele are just £776 for the 2012 half term week, an impressive £288 less than our 2011 price and perfect for anyone with champagne tastes but a lemonade budget this winter! Plus, Brides-les-Bains is perfectly placed for those of you hoping to ski the Three Valleys (or some of the Three Valleys, a week isn't infinite after all) but avoid the crowds and high prices of bigger name resorts.

Finally, for something a little bit different this winter, Lagrange will be offering a brand new residence in lovely Les Gets, 'Les Fermes Emiguy'. This will be the 42nd addition to our Lagrange Prestige rosta and a two bedroom apartment for six people will set you and your friends and/or family back a mere £1390 for the February half term week. We're really excited about having this brand spanking new residence as part of our ski 2012 programme, so make sure you shake a leg and think fast if the idea of half term (or Christmas or New Year or Easter or mid-March...) in Les Gets appeals to you, because we have feeling that this one could prove to be mighty popular!

Now you have some all important vacation inspiration and we have hopefully whetted your appetite for the forthcoming ski season, so make sure you keep an ear to the ground and your eyes peeled for news on super early booking discounts for select residences and resorts...! And, as always, we're just a click (www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk) or a call (020 7371 6111) away!

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

Lovely Loire Valley Deal of the Week (thanks, The Independent!)

Toot! That was indeed the sound of Lagrange blowing their own trumpet, as, like so many others before them, the good folks at The Independent clearly know a great deal when they see one, as our lovely Loire Valley residence 'Les Jardins de Renaissance' in Azay-le-Rideau is their 'Deal of the Week'! So, what is the fabulous deal, we hear you cry....Well, just cast your peepers down the page and see..!

A week in a two bedroom self-catered holiday home sleeping between 4 and 6 people in the Lagrange Prestige residence Les Jardins de Renaissance in Azay-le-Rideau costs from just £382 in total for accommodation only. This price applies to a week's stay up to the week commencing 18/06, so you had better get your skates on if you want to beat the summer holiday crowds and spend a week or two relaxing in the beautiful surroundings of France's Loire Valley!

For those of you who need slightly more persausion than the seal of approval from a broadsheet newspaper, Azay-le-Rideau is a great base to explore the Loire Valley's impressive landscape and famous Chateaux from. Azay itself boasts an awe-inspiring, excellently preserved 16th-century chateau set in the heart of a romantic park, ideal for handheld strolls at dusk. Aaaah. The Chateau is also on the UNESCO World Heritge list, and once you have craned your neck to gaze up at the turrets and towers, you will definitely see why!

For those of you who may be feeling more energetic this summer, why not get on your bike and exlpore the Loire on two wheels? The area has miles and miles of cycle routes to chose from, and what better way to build up an appetite than a day's cycling? Plus, all those fair weather cyclists out there will be no doubt delighted to hear that the Loire Valley is lovely and flat. For the most part, anyway (hey, no judgement here, it is still a holiday after all...).

So - great price, great accommodation, great big Chateaux, great power thighs from a week spent atop your bike....what are you waiting for?! Check out www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk or call our lovely London-based reservations team on 020 7371 6111 for more details, information and to make your booking!

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

Eggs-cellent Easter Deals...

If you're still smarting because Kate 'n' Wills left you off the invite list, sulking because the Easter bunny won't be bringing you that lifetime supply of Creme Eggs you were hoping for, or if just feel like you deserve more than a weekend of spring sunshine, then we have some cracking last minute Easter offers to put a smile back on your face... For bookings made by the end of the day on April 14th, we are offering self-catering apartments and holiday homes in Mimizan-Plagne, Toreilles-Plage and Cajarc for a mere £192 for the week commencing April 16th! This super generous price is based on 6 people sharing on an accommodation only basis, and applies to 1 bedroom alcove apartments in 'Les Jardins de l' Oyat' in Mimizan-Plage, and 2 bedroom holiday homes in 'Le Village Marin Catalan' in Torreilles-Plage and the 'Domaine des Cazelles' in Cajarc. So, if you know 5 friends who are hoping to hot foot it across the Channel for a week this Easter then now is the time to give them (and us) a call! And, if you need a little more persausion, here are the details...

  • Mimizan-Plage, 'Les Jardins de l' Oyat':

If you want to feel sand between your toes or fancy "hanging ten" like a pro then head to Mimizan-Plage, where the long sandy beaches and perfect waves will have even the most hardened landlovers pulling on their wetsuits and dipping a toe or ten into the perfect blues seas. The 'Les Jardins de l' Oyat' self-catering apartments are just 50m from the beach and we are offering 1 bedroom alcove apartments sleeping up to 6 people for £192 per apartment per week for the week commencing April 16th.



  • Torreilles-Plage, 'Le Village Marin Catalan':

Those of you who prefer a gentler pace during your holiday should head to Torreilles-Plage in the Languedoc Roussillon region. This traditional Catalan village is the ideal base for exploring the area around Perpignan and the Spanish border, with the route des vins providing some light refreshment along the way! Add a fabulous stretch of Medittareanan coastline, and you've got the perfect holiday for everyone. The 'Le Village Marin Catalan' self-catering holiday homes and apartments are a mere 900m from the beach, and 2 bedroom holiday homes sleeping 6/7 people are just £192 per holiday home per week for the week commencing April 16th!



  • Cajarc, 'Domaine des Cazelles':

If sand in your saussicon isn't quite your thing, then why not head to Cajarc in the Dordogne and soak up the culture in this picturesque mediaeval village? Resting on the banks of the river Lot and just under 30 miles from the vineyards in Cahors, Cajarc is the perfect place for some real R and R this Easter. We have 2 bedroom split-level holiday homes sleeping 6 people for just £192 per holiday home per week in the 'Domaine des Cazelles' for the week commencing April 16th!


So, if sandy beachs, surfing and stunning scenary sound like your tasse du thé, then check out our last minute deals for a speedy Easter getaway by heading to www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk for more details...These prices are all based on accommodation only, but for anyone who fancies really exploring France this Easter, we can also offer self-drive packages to include Eurotunnel or Sea France ferry crossings. So, what are you waiting for?!


Friday, 8 April 2011

Summer in Saint-Gervais...



Anyone still pondering the where and when for their summer holiday should look no further than Lagrange Holidays, as we are offering 5% off self-catering apartments in Saint-Gervais until the end of April. So, if you are need of a breath of fresh, mountain air, why not explore this beautiful Haute-Savoie resort instead of spending yet another holiday jostling for space on the sun loungers? Need more persausion? OK then....

We have two residences in Saint-Gervais, the Prestige standard Les Fermes de Saint-Gervais and the Confort + residence Les Arolles, so there really is something to suit all budgets and tastes as the super generous 5% discount applies to BOTH, yes both, properties! I know, I know, we are just too good to you...

Saint-Gervais is the ideal location for anyone hoping to explore the picturesque towns and villages of the Mont Blanc region, as the town is nestled halfway between Chamonix and Megève making it the perfect base for a week discovering hidden gems, as well as these tourist hot spots. Plus, the area offers moutain walks and the impressive views of the Mont Blanc a sure to inspire even the most fair-weather walkers to pull on their hiking boots and take to the hills! And, for those of you who prefer rest and relaxation to rambling and roaming, this 19th century spa town is famous for it's thermal spas so you can make time to a little 'me time'... So, if you fancy an Alpine retreat this summer, why not check out our website for more details plus prices and availability?