14 January 2026 | Pure France
Best Regions in France for Holiday Rentals
France offers one of the widest and most varied selections of holiday rentals in Europe. From sunny countryside villas to dramatic coastlines and historic villages, choosing the right region is one of the most important decisions when planning a stay.
This guide highlights the best regions in France for holiday rentals, explaining what each offers, who it suits best and how regional choice shapes the overall holiday experience. It forms part of our broader overview of Holiday Properties in France: The Complete Guide, which explores property types, regions and practical planning considerations.
Expert insight from Pure France:
Quick Answers About the Best Regions in France for Holiday Rentals
Which region in France is best for a family holiday rental?
The Dordogne and parts of Languedoc & Occitanie are excellent for families thanks to peaceful countryside, outdoor activities and good-value holiday rentals.
Where in France is best for beach holidays?
The Côte d’Azur and Languedoc & Occitanie offer extensive Mediterranean coastline, sandy beaches and coastal holiday rentals with easy sea access.
Which regions are ideal for cultural or historic stays?
Brittany & Normandy combine dramatic coastlines with historic sites, local heritage and scenic landscapes — ideal for culture lovers.
Where should I go for a relaxed countryside holiday?
Provence’s lavender fields, rolling hills and vineyard landscapes offer a classic slow-paced French countryside experience.
Why Region Choice Matters for Holiday Rentals in France
France’s regions vary widely in terms of climate, landscape, property style, pricing and pace of life.
Choosing the right region helps ensure your holiday rental matches your expectations — whether you’re looking for space and privacy, easy beach access, family-friendly activities, or a quieter countryside setting. Regional choice often has more impact on the overall holiday experience than the type of property alone.
Provence
Best for: Travellers seeking sunshine, countryside scenery, cultural richness and classic French character.
Provence remains one of the most popular regions in France for holiday rentals, particularly for those drawn to a timeless countryside experience.
Why choose Provence for a holiday rental:
Warm Mediterranean climate
Traditional stone villas and farmhouses
Vineyards, olive groves and hilltop villages
Excellent food markets and local cuisine
Provence offers a wide choice of countryside holiday rentals with private pools, well suited to relaxed, slow-paced villa holidays.
Dordogne
Best for: Families and groups looking for space, outdoor activities and good overall value.
The Dordogne is one of the most family-friendly regions in France for holiday rentals and is especially popular for longer stays.
Why choose the Dordogne:
Peaceful countryside and rivers
Castles, caves and outdoor activities
Spacious properties offering good value
Safe, relaxed atmosphere
It suits families and multi-generational groups who want flexibility, outdoor living and a calm pace.
Languedoc & Occitanie
Best for: Travellers looking for beaches, sunshine and a relaxed pace without heavy crowds.
Languedoc & Occitanie offer a diverse mix of coastline, vineyards and countryside, often at more accessible price points than some southern regions.
Why choose Languedoc & Occitanie:
Long sandy beaches
A less crowded, laid-back atmosphere
Good-value holiday rentals
Family-friendly villages and resorts
This region suits travellers who want space and sunshine without a high-pressure holiday environment.
Côte d’Azur
Best for: Travellers drawn to coastal scenery, Mediterranean beaches and a vibrant summer atmosphere.
The Côte d’Azur is known for its striking coastline and concentration of high-end holiday rentals along the coast.
Why choose the Côte d’Azur:
Sea views and beach access
Elegant coastal towns
Luxury holiday rentals
Lively summer atmosphere
It suits those who want coastal living combined with comfort, style and strong local energy.
Brittany & Normandy
Best for: Travellers seeking scenic coastlines, cultural depth and cooler summer temperatures.
Brittany and Normandy offer a distinct holiday rental experience shaped by dramatic landscapes and rich regional history.
Why choose Brittany & Normandy:
Rugged coastlines and sandy beaches
Mild summer temperatures
Strong local culture and heritage
Excellent walking and outdoor activities
These regions appeal to active travellers and those who enjoy traditional character and natural scenery.
Comparison of Key Regions in France
Provence
Best for: Countryside and culture Typical experience: Warm climate, vineyards, traditional villas and village markets.
Dordogne
Best for: Families & space
Typical experience: Rivers, castles, outdoor activities and a relaxed pace.
Languedoc & Occitanie
Best for: Beaches & value
Typical experience: Long sandy beaches, sunny weather and family-friendly resorts.
Côte d’Azur
Best for: Coastal luxury
Typical experience: Elegant seaside towns, luxury rentals and Mediterranean views.
Brittany & Normandy
Best for: Scenery & culture
Typical experience: Rugged coastline, mild summers and strong regional identity.
Best Regions in France by Travel Intent
Best for families: Dordogne, Languedoc & Occitanie — space, rivers and good value rentals.
Best for beaches: Côte d’Azur, Languedoc & Occitanie — Mediterranean coastlines and seaside vibes.
Best for luxury stays: Côte d’Azur and Provence — upscale holiday homes and coastal living.
Best for culture & history: Brittany & Normandy — dramatic coastlines, heritage towns and historic attractions.
Best for countryside and quiet escapes: Provence and rural Dordogne — vineyards, villages and scenic landscapes.
Best Regions in France by Season
Spring (April–June): Provence and Dordogne — pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Summer (July–August): Côte d’Azur and Languedoc — ideal for beach holidays and seaside rentals.
Autumn (September–October): Provence and Brittany & Normandy — gorgeous light, harvests and outdoor activities.
Off-Season (Winter): Normandy and Brittany — quieter stays with local culture and scenic winter coastlines.
How to Choose the Best Region for Your Holiday Rental
When deciding where to stay in France, consider:
Who you’re travelling with (families, couples or groups)
Whether you prefer countryside or coast
Your ideal climate
Your budget and time of year
Regional choice often goes hand in hand with the type of accommodation you prefer, from villas and countryside homes to larger group properties, as outlined in Types of Holiday Properties in France.
Why Use a Specialist for Regional Advice?
Choosing the right region can be as important as choosing the right property.
Working with a specialist like Pure France offers:
Honest, experience-based regional guidance
Carefully selected holiday rentals
Local knowledge of locations and travel styles
Support before and during your stay
This helps ensure the region you choose genuinely suits how you want to holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best region in France for a family holiday rental?
Regions like Dordogne and Languedoc & Occitanie offer spacious countryside, outdoor activities, and good value holiday rentals — making them ideal for families.
Which region in France is best for beach holidays?
The Côte d’Azur and Languedoc & Occitanie are top picks for beach lovers thanks to Mediterranean coastlines, seaside markets and coastal holiday homes.
Where should I go for a quiet countryside holiday in France?
Provence and Dordogne are excellent choices for peaceful rural escapes, wine country scenery and charming villages.
What region is best in France during autumn or shoulder season?
Provence and Brittany & Normandy are especially lovely in autumn, with harvests, crisp air and vibrant landscapes — great for slower holiday rentals.
Final Thoughts: Best Regions in France for Holiday Rentals
France’s regional diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Whether you’re drawn to Provence’s countryside, the Dordogne’s family-friendly charm, the beaches of Languedoc, the elegance of the Côte d’Azur or the dramatic coastlines of Brittany and Normandy, France offers outstanding options for holiday rentals.
Selecting the right region — and the right property — is the foundation of a successful and rewarding holiday. For a complete overview of regions, property types and travel styles, see Holiday Properties in France: The Complete Guide.
