Holiday Villas in France

Find yourself a great villa holiday

France is a highly diverse country with many beautiful regions to explore. Brits flock there for the amazing scenery, pretty villages, and great food – as well as some of the best wine in the world. Booking holiday villas in France is one of the best ways to experience both the bustling, historic cities and the laid back French countryside.

Why France?

Immerse yourself in culture, vineyards and great cuisine, all from the comfort of a French villa that you can get to by road if you wish.

Our nearest continental cousin is one of the most popular countries for Brits to rent a holiday home. From villas to gites in France, you are spoiled for choice – both in terms of destination and property type. From sun-soaked beaches and rolling hills to soaring mountain peaks, France offers a wealth of different holiday experiences.

And wherever you go you can enjoy superb food. From small cafes in quiet rustic towns to high-end restaurants in chic resorts, you can find a meal to suit your budget, and your taste buds. Buying food in the local markets and bakeries is all part of the fun of a French villa holiday, and with wineries across the country it’s also easy to sample the locally produced wines, champagnes and brandies.

Walking, biking and canoeing are also available across France, while beach lovers can choose between the warmth of the Med and the rolling Atlantic breakers in the west. There are also thousands of chateaux, historic sites, museums and cultural centres to explore.

Check out the tips on our villas page to help you book the French villa holiday of your dreams.

Where to head in France

The bulk of villas available for rent are in the south of France along the Cote d’Azur and in Provence. However, there is also a good range of gites further north.

The Mediterranean coast of the Cote d’Azur is one of the prime places for villa rental in France. From the exquisitely manicured beachfronts of Cannes or St Tropez to the quieter resorts of Frejus and Antibes, this is villa holidaying at its most glamorous.

Eating out is “de rigeur” in the huge range of local restaurants. And whether you head to a Michelin starred hotspot or a local eatery, you will find locally sourced foods on offer everywhere you go.

Inland from the coast you’ll find Provence with its mountainous scenery and lavender fields. Head towards St Remy, Callian, Beaumes de Venise or Merindol to escape the coastal crowds and lose yourself in rural France.

Villas in the South of France come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find everything from luxury villas to small simple properties that feel more like converted cottages.

Away from the south, meanwhile, look for gites in Brittany and Normandy – just a short distance from the UK – or travel a bit further to experience the Auvergne, Loire or Dordogne regions.

Getting around

If you are going to rent a villa in France, you will want to ensure you can get around easily to make the most of your break.

Unless you are going to take your own vehicle over the channel we would recommend car hire as the most convenient way of enjoying a villa holiday in France. Picking up a car at your arrival airport is the easiest way to both reach your villa and to explore the surrounding area. Many villa holidays come complete with vehicle rental; however do check prices before booking to ensure you are getting the best overall deal.

If you opt for a villa without car hire then you will need to ensure it has easy access to public transport or to a main resort where you can buy provisions and reach the attractions you want to visit. You can arrange a transfer to your villa from the airport to make arriving and departing a breeze.

Things to do

If you are looking for some inspiration on your break why not consider some of these options.

Shopping – from the local boulangerie selling freshly made French loaves and croissants to the market stalls present in every town and village, France is heaven for food shoppers. A trip to a French hypermarket is also excellent for stocking up on groceries as well as holiday essentials.

You can also browse local shops for everything from handmade soaps to artwork and clothing, or head to city centres for department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and designer boutiques.

Water sports – the coastal regions and rivers of France offer everything from water skiing to sailing, canoeing and kayaking. Surfing and wind surfing is popular on the Atlantic coasts in particular.

Culture – enjoying the food and drink in local bars and cafes is as much a part of French culture as visiting a museum rammed with Monet paintings or exploring an ancient chateaux. Each area has its own attractions so research these online before booking.

Entertainment – the resorts on the Med have nightlife in abundance; you will find nightclubs and bars aplenty along the coast. Head to Monaco and you could also enjoy a star-studded night at the glamorous casino.

Elsewhere, evening entertainment is lower key, apart from in the major cities. Evenings tend to revolve around eating out, and bar life and is often very family orientated.