13 January 2026 | Pure France
Holiday Properties in France: The Complete Guide
France is one of Europe’s most established and trusted destinations for holiday properties. From countryside villas and coastal homes to luxury estates and family-friendly houses, France offers exceptional choice, quality and value for self-catering holidays.
This complete guide explains the different types of holiday properties available in France, the best regions to stay, who France suits best and why it continues to be one of the most reliable destinations for self-catering holidays. For a detailed overview of accommodation options, see Types of Holiday Properties in France.
To explore where to stay and how different regions shape the holiday experience, see Best Regions in France for Holiday Rentals.
Quick Answers About Holiday Properties in France
What is a holiday property in France?
A holiday property is a privately owned home available for short-term rental. These can include villas with private pools, country houses and farmhouses, coastal homes, and luxury estates.
Why choose a holiday property instead of a hotel?
Holiday properties typically offer more space, privacy, and flexibility—especially for families, groups, and longer stays.
When is the best time to book?
Peak season (July and August) is highest demand. Shoulder season (May, June, September) often offers excellent weather with fewer crowds and better value, so booking early is recommended for popular regions and larger properties.
Who are holiday properties best for?
They’re ideal for families, groups of friends, multi-generational trips, celebrations, and travellers looking for a relaxed, self-catering holiday style.
What Are Holiday Properties in France?
Holiday properties in France are privately owned homes available for short-term rental. They include:
Villas with private pools
Country houses and farmhouses
Coastal holiday homes
Luxury properties and large estates
Compared to hotels, holiday properties offer more space, privacy, and flexibility, making them ideal for families, groups, and longer stays.
How to Choose the Right Holiday Property in France
Choose your region based on the holiday style you want (coast, countryside, villages, vineyards, or cooler northern coastline).
Pick the right property type (villa, family-friendly home, luxury property, large group house) based on your group and priorities.
Decide your must-have features (private pool, enclosed garden, air conditioning, walkable town, views, extra bathrooms).
Think about logistics: will you need a car, or do you want to stay near towns, beaches, and transport links
Match dates to demand: peak and school holiday weeks book fastest, so plan earlier if you have fixed dates.
For more detail, see Types of Holiday Properties in France and Best Regions in France for Holiday Rentals.
Why Choose France for a Holiday Property?
France remains a leading destination for holiday rentals because it combines:
Regional diversity
High-quality accommodation
Family-friendly culture
Excellent infrastructure
Strong value for money
Few countries offer such a wide range of holiday experiences within a single destination.
Types of Holiday Properties in France
Holiday Villas in France
Villas are the most popular type of holiday property, particularly in southern regions.
Typically offering:
Private swimming pools
Gardens and terraces
Spacious living areas
They are ideal for families, groups, and those seeking privacy.
Large groups & celebrations
Ideal property: Large group houses, farmhouses, or estates
Why it works: More bedrooms and communal space — often better value than multiple hotel rooms.
Beach breaks
Ideal property: Coastal holiday homes or villas
Why it works: Easy access to the coast and a classic self-catering summer holiday setup.
Luxury stays
Ideal property: Luxury villas and private estates
Why it works: Premium interiors, outstanding settings, and the option of added services.
Relaxed countryside escapes
Ideal property: Country houses and traditional properties
Why it works: A calmer pace, local markets and villages, and classic French countryside scenery.
Family-Friendly Holiday Properties
Family-focused properties usually include:
Enclosed gardens
Child-safe pool options
Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
Practical amenities
France is particularly well-suited to family villa holidays due to its relaxed attitude towards children.
Luxury Holiday Properties
Luxury holiday properties in France may feature:
Premium interiors and locations
Large private estates
Concierge or added services
Exceptional views or settings
Popular in Provence and on the Côte d’Azur.
Large Group Holiday Properties
Perfect for:
Multi-generational families
Groups of friends
Celebrations and special occasions
Sharing a large property often offers better value than multiple hotel rooms.
Best Holiday Properties by Travel Style
Family holidays
Family-friendly villas and houses
Space to relax, flexible mealtimes, and features such as enclosed gardens or child-safe pool options.
Large groups & celebrations
Large group houses, farmhouses, or estates
More bedrooms and generous communal space—often better value than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Beach breaks
Coastal holiday homes or villas
Easy access to the coast and a classic self-catering summer holiday setup.
Luxury stays
Luxury villas and private estates
Premium interiors, outstanding settings, and the option of added services.
Relaxed countryside escapes
Country houses and traditional properties
A slower pace, local markets and villages, and classic French countryside scenery.
Best Regions in France for Holiday Properties
France’s regions each offer a distinct holiday style.
France’s regions each offer a distinct holiday style. For a detailed comparison of locations and who each region suits best, see Best Regions in France for Holiday Rentals.
Provence
Sunny climate
Vineyards, lavender fields, and villages
Traditional stone villas
One of the most sought-after villa regions in France.
Dordogne
Peaceful countryside
Rivers, castles, and markets
Excellent value for families
A favourite for relaxed and family-friendly holidays.
Languedoc & Occitanie
Long sandy beaches
Countryside and vineyards
Relaxed, less crowded atmosphere
Often better value than more famous coastal regions.
Côte d’Azur
Mediterranean coastline
Glamorous resorts and beaches
Luxury villas and sea views
Ideal for coastal and high-end villa holidays.
Brittany & Normandy
Dramatic coastlines
Cooler summer temperatures
Traditional French charm
Perfect for active, cultural, and scenic holidays.
Are Holiday Properties in France Good for Families?
Yes — France is consistently one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe.
Holiday properties suit families because they offer:
Space for children to play
Flexible meal times
Safe and well-maintained environments
Easy access to activities and beaches
Many properties provide child-friendly features on request.
When Is the Best Time to Book Holiday Properties in France?
Peak Season
July and August
Warm weather and school holidays
Highest demand
Shoulder Season
May, June, September
Excellent weather
Fewer crowds and better value
Off-Season
Spring and autumn
Ideal for sightseeing and quieter stays
Early booking is recommended for popular regions and larger properties.
How Much Do Holiday Properties in France Cost?
Prices vary depending on:
Region
Property size
Time of year
Facilities such as private pools
In general, holiday properties in France offer:
Better value for families and groups
Competitive pricing compared to hotels
Excellent options in rural regions
Prices are typically better value per person than hotels for families and groups
Why Book Holiday Properties with a Specialist?
Booking with a specialist like Pure France provides:
Carefully selected properties
Deep regional knowledge
Honest advice on suitability
Support before and during your stay
Specialists focus on quality, location, and guest experience, not volume.
Are Holiday Properties Better Than Hotels?
For many travellers, holiday properties are a better choice than hotels — particularly for longer stays, families and groups.
Holiday properties offer more living space, privacy and flexibility, with separate bedrooms, outdoor areas and self-catering facilities. This makes them well suited to relaxed holidays where guests want to set their own pace rather than follow hotel schedules.
Hotels can work well for short breaks or city stays, but for countryside, coastal or family holidays in France, holiday properties often provide better comfort, value and a more immersive local experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are holiday properties in France good for families?
Yes. France is consistently family-friendly, and holiday properties work well because they offer more space, flexible meal times, and practical features—often including enclosed outdoor areas or child-friendly options on request.
When is the best time to book a holiday property in France?
It depends on your dates. Peak season (July and August) is highest demand. Shoulder season (May, June, September) often combines great weather with fewer crowds and better value—popular regions and larger properties are best booked early.
Are holiday properties better than hotels?
For many travellers, yes—especially for longer stays, families, or groups. Holiday properties usually provide more space, privacy, and flexibility around meals and routines.
Do holiday properties usually include linen and towels?
It varies by property. Always check what’s included in the listing and whether any optional extras apply.
Do I need a car for a holiday rental in France?
In many rural areas, a car makes exploring easier. If you want to stay without driving, prioritise locations near towns, beaches, and transport links, and check distances to shops and restaurants before booking.
What should I check before booking?
Confirm the exact location, included facilities, any rules (check-in/out), and whether there are additional charges (for example, cleaning or optional extras where applicable).
Final Thoughts: Choosing Holiday Properties in France
Holiday properties in France offer unmatched variety, quality and reliability. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a countryside escape or a luxury villa stay, France continues to be one of Europe’s best destinations for self-catering accommodation.
Choosing the right region — and the right specialist — ensures a memorable and stress-free holiday.
