15 January 2026 | Pure France
Types of Holiday Properties in France
France offers one of the widest selections of holiday properties in Europe, making it an ideal destination for self-catering holidays of all kinds. From countryside villas and coastal homes to luxury estates and large group properties, there is a holiday property in France to suit every travel style and budget.
This guide explains the main types of holiday properties available in France, who they are best suited to, and how to choose the right option for your stay. It complements our broader overview of Holiday Properties in France: The Complete Guide, which explores regions, travel styles and practical planning considerations.
Quick Answers About Types of Holiday Properties in France
What are the main types of holiday properties in France?
The main types include villas, family-friendly homes, luxury properties, countryside homes, coastal homes, large group properties, and traditional French houses or farmhouses.
Which property type is best for families?
Family-friendly holiday properties and villas with enclosed outdoor space and multiple bathrooms are often the best choice for families.
What kind of holiday property is best for beach holidays?
Coastal holiday properties near seaside towns are ideal for beach-focused holidays.
Are luxury holiday properties in France worth it?
Luxury holiday properties focus on comfort and location, with high-end interiors, scenic setting and often added concierge-style services.
Holiday Villas in France
Holiday villas are the most popular type of holiday property in France, particularly in southern regions.
They typically offer:
Private swimming pools
Gardens and outdoor terraces
Spacious living areas
Multiple bedrooms
Best for: Travellers looking for privacy, outdoor space and flexible living, including families, groups of friends and multi-generational stays.
Family-Friendly Holiday Properties
Family-friendly holiday properties are designed with space, safety and practicality in mind.
Common features include:
Enclosed gardens
Child-safe pool options
Multiple bathrooms
Practical layouts
Best for: Families travelling with children who value space, practical layouts and features designed for comfort and safety.
Luxury Holiday Properties in France
Luxury holiday properties focus on comfort, location and overall quality of experience.
They often feature:
High-end interiors
Large private estates
Prestigious or scenic locations
Optional concierge or added services
Best for: Travellers prioritising comfort, quality, location and a refined holiday experience.
Countryside & Rural Holiday Properties
Countryside and rural holiday properties are typically located inland, surrounded by farmland, vineyards or open countryside.
What to expect:
Peaceful locations
Traditional architecture
Large gardens and outdoor space
Authentic local settings
Best for: Couples, families and travellers seeking a quieter pace, traditional surroundings and a relaxed rural setting.
Coastal Holiday Properties
Coastal holiday properties are located near the sea and are popular for relaxed, beach-focused holidays.
They often offer:
Easy access to beaches
Sea or coastal views
Proximity to seaside towns
Best for: Travellers who want easy access to the sea, coastal scenery and proximity to seaside towns.
Large Group & Multi-Generational Properties
These properties are designed to accommodate larger parties comfortably.
Common features include:
Six or more bedrooms
Large dining and living spaces
Extensive outdoor areas
Best for: Extended families, groups of friends or celebrations that require generous living space and multiple bedrooms.
Traditional French Houses & Farmhouses
Many holiday properties in France are traditional homes or converted farmhouses.
Typical characteristics include:
Stone architecture
Original character features
Spacious layouts
Best for: Travellers looking for character, authenticity and a strong sense of place in traditional French homes.
Traveller Types & Best Property Matches
Families
Best property types: Family-friendly properties, villas.
Why: Space, safety, practical layouts and outdoor areas.
Couples & Relaxed Breaks
Best property types: Countryside homes, traditional French houses.
Why: Quiet locations, charm and a slower pace.
Beach Lovers
Best property types: Coastal holiday properties.
Why: Easy access to beaches and seaside towns.
Large Groups & Celebrations
Best property types: Large group homes, estates.
Why: More bedrooms and social spaces for shared stays.
Luxury Stays
Best property types: Luxury holiday properties.
Why: High-quality interiors, prime locations and premium service.
How to Choose the Right Type of Holiday Property
When choosing a holiday property in France, consider:
Who you are travelling with
Whether you prefer coast or countryside
Your desired level of privacy
Your budget and time of year
Different property types suit different travel styles, and selecting the right one enhances the overall holiday experience. Regional location also plays an important role, as explored in Best Regions in France for Holiday Rentals.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Property Type
Think about group size — Larger homes, multi-bedroom estates or converted farmhouses give space and privacy for bigger groups.
Match style to holiday goal — Beach holidays suit coastal properties; countryside breaks pair perfectly with rural homes or traditional houses.
Consider facilities — Does your group need a pool, garden, air conditioning or easy walking access to amenities?
Check regional options — Some property types are more common in specific regions (e.g. villas in Provence).
Why Book Holiday Properties in France with a Specialist?
Booking through a specialist like Pure France offers:
Carefully selected holiday properties
Expertise across French regions and property types
Honest advice on suitability
Support before and during your stay
A specialist helps ensure travellers are matched with the right property type for how they want to holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a villa and a farmhouse?
Villas are often modern stand-alone homes with features like private pools and terraces, while farmhouses or traditional French houses often have rustic charm and may be set in countryside vineyards or farmland.
Can I find self-catering cottages in France?
Yes. Properties like gîtes—traditional self-catering cottages—are common across rural France and can range from cosy two-bedroom cottages to larger spaces for families.
Are there holiday properties suitable for large groups or celebrations?
Absolutely — you can find large holiday homes and estates designed to host multi-generational groups, friends, and celebrations with extensive living and social spaces.
Do luxury holiday properties offer extra services?
Many luxury properties offer additional amenities like concierge services, premium interiors, and scenic locations to create a refined holiday experience.
Is it best to book specific property types early?
Yes, particularly for popular property types like villas with pools or large group homes in peak summer weeks, early booking ensures the best choice.
Final Thoughts: Types of Holiday Properties in France
France’s wide variety of holiday properties is one of its greatest strengths. Whether you’re looking for a family villa, a luxury estate, a countryside retreat or a coastal home, France offers exceptional options for self-catering holidays.
Choosing the right property type is the foundation of a successful and enjoyable stay. For a broader overview of regions, property types and travel styles, see Holiday Properties in France: The Complete guide.
