Leading online travel resource Travelbite has posted a major feature on a stay at The Farmhouse, a luxurious  French Connections holiday rental property. Under the title, Pyrénées Atlantiques: A land of contrasts, the website’s manager Sarah Gibbons explains that she chose this rural idyll to be close to both the Pyrénées Mountains and the beaches of Biarritz.

‘From the very first glimpse of the pretty stone-built property complete with classic blue shutters, I knew I was going to enjoy my stay’ writes Sarah. ‘The owners had lovingly renovated it to the highest standard without losing the charm that comes with staying in such an old property…. I could see how cosy it would be in winter with its wood burning stove and homely interiors – an ideal winter refuge from which to explore the nearby ski centres of the Pyrénées.’

Sarah’s visit was in late summer and this period, along with spring and early summer, are an excellent time for hiking and cycling, while the Atlantic beaches are easily accessible for hot summer days. An all year round pleasure is exploring the local village of Navarrenx and the many picturesque small towns in this area of south-western France, which is not over developed for tourism yet offers some spectacular and contrasting scenery.

The article is full of suggestions for places to go and things to do, making it a really useful starting point for anyone who enjoys discovering a new region of France. Its enthusiasm will make you want to head straight for the Pyrénées Atlantiques.

The three bedroom Farmhouse sleeps up to eight people and is a particularly good destination for families with babies and young children, who can play safely in the half-acre garden. The owners – clearly experienced at holidaying with little ones – have provided all the facilities that parents might need, including booster seats, a bottle steriliser, toys, a paddling pool and much more. They can even arrange baby sitting to allow couples to enjoy a precious night out.

The Farmhouse is available for rental all year round and local airports are served by several low-cost airlines. The drive from the Channel ports is about 12 to 13 hours.

Read the Travelbite feature and see more about The Farmhouse and how to book