OT: France

[starvenger]

ok so because of the Westjet to LGW promotion we bought tickets for summer 2016 to visit my wife's family in Birmingham. 4 hours away from Gatwick, but flights direct can be expensive and usually only serviced by Transat.

In any case we're looking at travelling with my SiL and her family to mainland Europe, and we've been looking at using VRBO or Airbnb or similar to rent a place in South France. likely spots include Marseille or Montpelier.

Wondering if any of my fellow Canucks have any thoughts/experiences they can share about he area?

 

[minnie56]

Can't help you specifically with those areas but I'm in the midst of planning a villa rental in the Côte d'Azur area.
I've been to Marseille but on a cruise so briefly.
Just be very careful with both Airbnb and Vrbo. So many scammers out there..be sure to call the listing person directly.

 

[starvenger]

Agreed. It never hurts to contact the listing person when it comes to house/condo rentals.

 

[minnie56]

Yes!! I actually noticed airbnb even red flagging that on their site also.
Bothers me that some listings in saw on vrbo showed up multiple times with multiple ' managers'
Buyer beware..have to be one step ahead!

 

[minnie mum]

I can't help with a specific recommendation, since we always stayed in a hotel or gite, but I did find a very good article that reviews the issues around renting houses or apartments in Europe. Rick Steve's books and website has always been our 'go to' when planning a Euro vacation.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sleeping-eating/vacation-apartment-rental-tips