Simpson Travel (020 8003 6557, simpsontravel.com), the independent, luxury specialist villa and boutique hotel operator, has launched its first ever French programme, featuring a handpicked collection of villas, chateaux, manor houses and cottages. Regions featured include the Loire, Dordogne, Vendee, Provence and Cote D'Azur and the properties range from a three bedroom house in Mediterranean style gardens in the Var to traditional farmhouses and cottages, luxurious houses, country retreats and chateaux sleeping up to 20 guests – perfect for a family gathering or special occasion. There is also a great choice of locations, including beach houses in the Vendee and Cote d'Azur, rural retreats surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Dordogne or Provence as well as stylish townhouses in the heart of the Loire.

Commenting on the launch, Graham Simpson, Managing Director, says 'I'm delighted to be launching Simpson Travel's first French collection, particularly as I know from feedback from our clients that this is a country they are keen for us to feature.  The properties are handpicked from the Dominique's Villas portfolio, a family run company with some 30 years of experience which we acquired in December 2015.  Whilst Dominique is continuing to offer her superb range of houses under the Dominique's Villas brand – we have handpicked a selection of properties to feature through Simpson Travel which we know our clients will love.'

The programme will operate slightly differently to other destinations within the Simpson Travel portfolio.  Firstly, properties will be offered on an accommodation only basis, in recognition of the fact that many clients will be choosing to take ferries, or make independent arrangements either side of their villa holiday.  Secondly, rather than a Simpson Travel representative, Simpson clients in France will be welcomed in by the owners, housekeepers or concierges of the property, who will also be their point of contact should they need any help or advice whilst they are staying.

In the Cote d'Azur, highlights include Villa d'Agay, a lovely 7 bedroom hilltop villa in the seaside village of Agay within walking distance of the beach. The village is located an hour or so west of Cannes, and is in a wonderful setting at the foot of the Esterel mountains, between a national forest and an expanse of sandy beach. With a private pool, the villa sleeps up to 12 guests and has sea views from its top floor, as well as being just a short stroll from the local market and village shops.    For those looking for a more quintessentially glamorous Cote d'Azur experience, Vue Mer is a slice of true French exclusivity, with stylish, contemporary interiors and a shady terrace with views across the Gulf of St Tropez.  Built on three levels into a hillside with beautiful landscaped gardens, every floor has direct access to the terraces outside, creating a sense of openness and making it ideal for older families or groups of friends who might want to have a little more independence and privacy.

In Provence, there is a diverse choice of properties ranging from traditional Mas to a luxurious country houses, grand chateaux and even a converted convent. Les Vistadines – the former convent - stands on a narrow street in the centre of Tarascon, a fortified medieval town nestled between the Alpilles Natural Regional Park and the Rhône. Now an elegant and comfortable house with a private pool, lawned courtyard and several terraces, it still brims with authentic features including solid stone walls and beams and original Gothic arches. Also rich in history, and rather more lavish in style, Les Plantanes – a Provencal style chateau - is a grand old family residence in the heart of Roman Provence, within easy reach of the most famous sites. With eight bedrooms, antiques sit alongside more contemporary furnishings to ensure a conformable stay and there is a private pool and summer kitchen in the beautiful grounds. With space for up to 17 guests, the château would make a brilliant base for a family celebration and the friendly caretakers, who live in a separate apartment, can arrange a helpful cook-and-clear-up service so as no-one gets stuck with the chores. Les Platanes is set in 750 acres of private grounds, making it both peaceful and secluded.

There are several more chateaux featured across the South West and Dordogne regions including the 13th century Chateau de la Garinie situated on the borders of Aveyron and the Lot; the 18th century Le Petit Chateau in Aquitaine and the elegant Renaissance style Chateau de la Malartrie – a veritable Dordogne landmark which, deceptively, was built by the current owner's father. On the edge of the Dordogne, there is also a property which has been in the Dominique's villa's portfolio since its inception 30 years ago – and is in many ways the epitome of what makes Dordogne such a perennial favourite with the British market.  Favreau is approached along a tree-lined drive, ivy-clad and flanked by two pretty dovecotes and comes complete with a vineyard, and orchards and a large pool. There's even a play barn for children.  The heart of the house is the big country-style kitchen/dining room, but if your idea of a holiday doesn't include cooking, the caretakers will happily provide a meal service if required.

In the Vendee and Loire regions, there is a great choice of properties which are well placed to make the most of the great Vendee beaches and the rich history and beautiful countryside of the Loire.  The Vendee Beach House is a contemporary villa surrounded by pine trees, with stylish beach-house chic interiors where all the bedrooms have direct access to the gardens.  It is in an amazing location, just a few minutes' walk from the beach, yet also has a sense of privacy with a landscaped garden, private pool and boules court.  Further north, in old residential area of the historic Loire town of Saumur, Le Manoir Blanc is a truly elegant townhouse.  Furnished entirely in white and cream, from the cream-coloured cobbles outside to the cool stone interior walls,  it's a beautifully creative space, adding contemporary comforts to 19th-century charm, providing  a tranquil retreat. The L-shaped home encloses a spacious courtyard and swimming pool, lined with day beds and flower-filled borders. A long list of optional extras come packaged with this beautiful property, from French lessons to cookery classes, a half-day château excursion to a private tour of the Cadre Noir – École Nationale d'Equitation, the world's finest equestrian centre.

For bookings call 0845 322 8767 or visit www.simpsontravel.com.

- Ends -

For further media information, please contact:

Sarah Bolam on 07714 337756 or email sarahbolamcommunications@gmail.com or Anthea Yabsley – 0208 578 6777 or email anthea.yabsley@ideal-pr.co.uk 

Notes to Editors

Simpson Travel was established in 2003, yet its heritage predates this by many years. Chairman Graham Simpson, a veteran of the travel industry, built up the highly successful Simply Travel in the 1970s with his Greek wife Yianna. From humble beginnings in a flat in Chiswick, it was built up to be one of the best respected independent travel companies of its time, renowned for offering authentic rather than 'packaged' holiday experiences, with carefully researched programmes, exceptional product knowledge and service.

In Simpson, he has recreated the original ethos of Simply Travel, offering a very personal service, with individually selected properties, expertise of each destination, a highly knowledgeable team of staff and excellent representatives in resort. Clients booking with Simpson can be safe in the knowledge that their holiday will have been created with their needs in mind, with each property matched to their individual tastes and requirements. They can also rest assured that they will be really well looked after by the excellent representatives on hand in each resort.

In Greece, destinations for villas and hotels include Corfu; Paxos; Anti Paxos, Kefalonia; Ithaca; Lefkada; Meganissi, Zakynthos; Sivota; Zagoria; Skopelos and Crete. In Turkey, there is a choice of villas and some hotels in Akakya; the Bozburun Peninsula; Dalyan; Fethiye and Faralya; Kaya Valley; Kalkan; Islamlar, Kaş and Göcek. In Mallorca, choose from villas in Pollença; Puerto Pollença; Fornalutx and Cala Pi, whilst in Corsica, there are properties in Porto Vecchio; Bonifacio; The Valinco; The West Coast; Calvi and The Balagne; central Corsica, St Florent and Cap Corse, as well as the private island of Cavallo.  The newest addition to the portfolio is France, with a selection of properties in Provence, Cote d'Azur, Loire and the Vendee and South West France and the Dordogne.