getaway

May 30, 2006 2:10 PM

Getaway Askmefi: Can you find us a beautiful retreat in France, Spain or Italy?

My girlfriend and I are hoping to get away for ten days or so in August. Ideally we'd like a self-catering cottage in France, Italy or Spain, with no neighbours, warm weather, a view and, if possible, a touch of the romantic. We live in the UK and our budget isn't too prohibitive. We just want to read books, drink wine and eat good food far from the madding crowd. Postcard and a bottle of good local wine to the best suggestion. Thanks in advance.

posted by brautigan to travel & transportation (11 comments total)

Not sure it'll fit all your requirements, but you might want to check out this place.
posted by dobbs at 2:18 PM on May 30, 2006

I spent a very relaxing 2 weeks in Cucuron once. Very quiet village, nice walks, enough people that it is self contained (bakery, butcher, cheesemonger, wine) but not very big and a lot of it is stairs only so no vehicles. If you got a house that had a private patio you would be pretty far from the madding crowd, though not entirely away from it.
posted by Rumple at 2:31 PM on May 30, 2006

Don't know if this place is available but you might try this house in france.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 2:57 PM on May 30, 2006

Not a place, but a guidebook recommendation; have you tried looking through Alistair Sawday's Special Places To Stay? There are editions for all three countries you name.
posted by randomination at 3:35 PM on May 30, 2006

Luxury Retreats rents all sorts of villas in Europe.
posted by Lord_Pall at 3:35 PM on May 30, 2006

Portugal is also nice, if you didn't have enough options already. Which brings up the question, do you want water in that view, or no?
posted by smackfu at 4:08 PM on May 30, 2006

Try Summers Leases for great places for two in Italy - maybe this one?
Have stayed at three different properties and they have all been amazing...
posted by janecr at 4:34 PM on May 30, 2006

Try SlowTravel?
posted by lilboo at 6:36 PM on May 30, 2006

My wife and I stayed here last summer and it was wonderful. The Bearn - as that region of France is known - is amazing and vastly underrated.
Also, for France, it is very affordable and has something for everyone (beaches, mountains, shopping, culture, etc.)

Good luck!
posted by JpMaxMan at 6:46 PM on May 30, 2006

Thanks all, good shouts each and every one. We're going to try and book here. Janecr, red or white?!
posted by brautigan at 9:32 AM on May 31, 2006

Oooh - red, please! Stayed at Podere La Rota there last year, highly recommended - and a great restaurant up the road. I think you can get 5% discount if you come via a recommendation, so I can email you my details if you like. Have a great time and watch out for the wild boar...
posted by janecr at 1:22 AM on June 1, 2006