Holiday homes & rentals in France

France is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason. This country offers everything you could want from a holiday, including rich history, world-class cities, beautiful vineyards, beaches and mountains. It boasts the most romantic capital in the world, charming countryside villages, and beautiful beaches – the country really has it all. However, most of all, France is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, with cheeses, bread, wine, and champagne.

With a holiday cottage in France, you’ll be able to explore the great sights of this European giant at your leisure, while also soaking up the joie de vivre that defines the laid-back yet sophisticated French lifestyle.

How to get to France

France is a large country, so how you get there will depend on which part of the country you wish to visit. Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris is the largest in France; other major airports include Nice, Lyon and Marseille. It's also possible to travel to London and take the Eurostar from there, if you prefer not to fly!

You can easily get around the country via train, but booking a hire car will give you easier access to some of the more out-of-the-way attractions.

France's cuisine: world heritage for gourmets

Gourmets get their money's worth on a vacation with a vacation home in France. While in Paris you will find luxurious star cuisine, fusion cuisine with creative ideas and international restaurants from countries like Vietnam and Morocco, in the different regions of the country it is mostly the food produced there that provides fascination. In Champagne, for example, you should try the high-quality sparkling wines and in Franche-Comté the cave cheese aged for two years. In Brittany, you are in turn served paper-thin "galette" pancakes baked from buckwheat flour with ham, cheese and egg, whereas Alsace is famous for its sauerkraut pans with hearty sausage.

Even though the big cities and Paris in particular are somewhat more expensive than Germany when it comes to restaurant prices - you can afford a menu without any problems and thus usually even get there cheaper than if you order à la carte. Menus consist of three to four courses, including regional dishes and cheese at the end of each meal. A no-no is to take too many slices at the cheese cart. Likewise, you should not simply look for a seat in the restaurant, but wait for the waiter to offer you a table.

Weather in France: Different climates

The weather really depends on where you book your holiday letting in France. If you’re in the south then you can expect hot summers and mild winters; in the north, you’ll get warm summers and chilly winters. Near the Alps you’ll be at the mercy of the mountains, which usually means snowy winters - perfect for skiing - and warm summers.

If you’re heading to the north, you’d be advised to take an umbrella with you. But don’t despair – a rainy stroll down the Paris Left Bank is just about one of the most idyllic scenes the country has to offer.

France's top sights

It’s impossible to do justice to the magnificence of France in just a few paragraphs. This is a country with many superb attractions and a broad range of different landscapes. The best advice is to base yourself at a comfortable holiday letting, then explore as much as possible from there.

Paris is the number one French destination. The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and Left Bank are all magnificent, must-visit sights, but the real joy is simply in strolling the streets and soaking up the atmosphere. Grab a coffee at one of the curbside cafés, relax and watch the world go by.

The French Riviera is another stunning part of the country, with plenty of holiday villas available to rent. This area, once a seasonal retreat for the rich and famous, has retained all of its character and charm. Côte d'Azur is a laid-back oasis with world-class amenities and exciting cities. Spend some time in Saint-Tropez or the beaches of Antibes, or get ritzy in Monaco.

Take a brief drive away from the major holiday hotspots and you’ll be in what locals might term “the real France”. The landscape is beautiful in itself, and the scattered villages and towns are charming. Rent a holiday cottage in the peaceful countryside, or load up the car with supplies and take a tour.

Pure culture during a vacation in France

Famous art museums, world-famous churches and magnificent palaces - such as the gigantic Musée du Louvre in Paris, the world-famous Gothic cathedral of Chartres or magnificent palaces like the Palace of Versailles - make France an important cultural nation. Dive into the French Middle Ages on a visit to the fortress of Carcassonne in France's south or to the Norman monastery island of Mont-Saint-Michel. A time travel into the prehistoric megalithic culture you undertake in Brittany.

On the traces of the French Impressionists you walk north of Paris, in the Île-de-France, or Normandy - or of course in southern France. Visit Monet's garden in Giverny, for example. Or let yourself be enchanted by the blooming landscape of Provence as Cézanne, Renoir or Van Gogh once were.

Family holidays in France

Whether it's skiing, frolicking in the sand right outside of your holiday villa, enjoying the sun at a peaceful French country cottage, or watching the flamingos overhead as you enjoy a canal cruise, France has something for every family.

Noirmoutier Associated by the French with a carefree seaside holiday, Noirmoutier allows you and your family to indulge in simple seaside activities, like digging for clams and riding the wild surf.

French Alps A ski trip fun for beginners and veterans alike is perfect for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Head back to your holiday cottage afterwards for hot chocolate.

Boating in South France The Southern scenery makes life on the water so serene. Make sure the family catches the sun as it dips into the horizon.

What part of France to visit

With diverse landscapes, cultures and cuisines, France offers something for everyone. On your next holiday, you can choose from its relaxed South coastline's stunning beaches, the country's buzzing cities, or island life.

Paris No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower, originally built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle. The 324-metre tower has since become a national symbol and attracts millions of visitors every year. Take the lift or walk up the stairs to the second floor to see the whole city. The third level is home to Alain Ducasse's Bar à Champagne, perfect for a romantic afternoon in the city of love.

South of France Known for its beautiful beaches, the South of France has a relaxed atmosphere ideal for young families looking to spend quality time soaking up the sun and walking amid the Calanques. The South is home to many culinary specialities worth trying, such as Marseille's fish soup, bouillabaisse. Staying at a holiday cottage on the French Rivera puts you close to the charming architecture and joie-de-vivre that have inspired local artists over the centuries.

Corsica The mountainous island of Corsica is a mix of coastal towns and dense forests nestled on clifftops. Head to this little paradise to discover its pristine beaches and hiking trails. When you're staying in a holiday villa here, make sure to ask the friendly locals for dining recommendations.

The best annual events in France

France hosts some of the leading annual events in a number of fields. For starters, there’s the internationally famous Cannes Film Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Tour de France, all of which have buzzing atmospheres.

There is also Bastille Day, the national day of celebration, which takes place on 14th July and is marked by fireworks and a carnival atmosphere. Also worth visiting is the Fete de la Musique, an annual event celebrating the very best of, well, music.

Of course, France is a highly cultural country, and there are myriad events taking place throughout the year. Whatever time you book a holiday letting in France, there will undoubtedly be some interesting events taking place nearby.

Self-catering in your France holiday letting

A holiday cottage in France will allow you to sink into the authentic French way of life. Whether it’s sourced from a local supermarket or a farmers' market, the quality of food across the country is simply staggering.

If you’re in the south of the country, buy some cheese, red wine and high-quality ingredients to enjoy a picnic in the sunshine around one of our France. In Paris, you’ll be visiting the nearest bakery to your holiday letting for croissants and pain (bread) - a typically French start to the day.

Family Beach Holidays in France

With miles of brilliant beaches and gorgeous seaside resorts, France is one of Europe's premier summer holiday destinations. Calanque d’en Vau Beach in Cassis is one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of France. The landscape is characterized by rocks and shimmering sandy shores, ideal for beachside walks with the whole family.

Located in south-eastern France, the portion of the Mediterranean coast knows as the French Riviera is the ultimate luxury beach holiday destination. Spectacular beach resorts like Cannes and Saint-Tropez are great for lounging in the sun and spotting celebrities. Explore the medieval hilltop village of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin or admire the magnificent gardens at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild with your family.

With its stunning sandy beaches and breathtaking natural vistas, the elegant beach resort of Biarritz attracts families from across the globe. The Grande Plage is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Biarritz. Take a leisurely walk along the promenade or enjoy a meal at one of the beach front cafes and restaurants.

The Cap d'Antibes is another popular beach, featuring numerous sandy beaches. Nestled on the Garoupe Bay, the beautiful Plage de la Garoupe is family-friendly beach with all the useful amenities, including showers and restrooms. Finally, Juan-les-Pins beach offers water activities like scuba diving and parasailing.

Frequently Asked Questions