Villas in France

• Villas for every style: From cosy wooden retreats in the Alps to elegant townhouses in the cities, French villas offer private gardens, fireplaces and pools to suit couples, families, and groups.
• Where to base yourself: Choose Brittany or the French Riviera for the coast, Bordeaux for wine country, or Provence for sunshine and unhurried village life.
• Top-rated guest favourites: Our most-loved villas sit largely in picturesque Brittany, and earn scores above 9.7 for their peaceful settings, generous space and warm, attentive hosts.
• Dining like a local: France is a foodie's dream, with 1,200 cheeses and celebrated wines. Indulge in regional dishes such as coq au vin and confit de canard.
• Culture, coast and cuisine: Fill your days with museums in Paris, relax on the Riviera's beaches, explore the medieval walls of Carcassonne and the vineyards of Bordeaux.

France's villas come in almost as many styles as its landscapes, from spacious family homes with private gardens and pools to traditional stone houses in the countryside and refined townhouses in the cities. Look for luxury options which will suit a couple in search of a romantic bolthole or a larger group in need of room to spread out. If a villa isn't quite the right fit, it's worth comparing the wider choice of holiday homes across France, self-catering apartments in the cities or characterful cottages in rural corners. Most villas come generously equipped, with the most popular features including:

• Private gardens and outdoor dining areas, made for long summer evenings
• A private pool. Look specifically for villas with a private pool if it is a must-have
• Fireplaces and cosy lounges for cooler autumn and winter stays
• Fully equipped kitchens for self-catering and relaxed family meals
• Sea views and beach access, especially among beachfront villas on the coast

Whatever your group size, there's a villa to match your pace, your budget and your idea of the perfect French holiday.

What are the best areas to stay in France?

The best area depends on what you are after: Brittany is hard to beat for its wild coast and calm atmosphere, whilst sun-seekers head south to Provence and the Riviera. The table below offers ideas of regions for specific intrests:

What do our guests say?

Don't just take our own word for it — let our guests do the talking. Villas across France regularly earn warm feedback for their peaceful settings, generous space and attentive, friendly hosts. In particular, the northern region of Brittany shines, with several homes scoring close to a perfect ten. Whether you're travelling with family or escaping for a romantic weekend, these reviews give a good sense of what to expect.

Here are our top-rated villas from the past year:

1. L'orée de la mer - 9.8+: A peaceful gîte in Roscoff on the Brittany coast, praised for its sunny terrace and enclosed garden — a quiet, peaceful base for exploring the area.
2. Zen - 9.7+: A much-loved retreat in Parigné with a pool, terrace and sauna; guests highlight the ample space, the calm setting and the welcoming host.
3. Le Courtil De Bourrien - 9.7+: A characterful holiday home in Languédias with a private terrace and reliable wifi, ideal for a quiet Brittany escape.

Stretching from the English Channel in the north to the Mediterranean in the south, France is a country of immense variety. Paris, the most visited city in Europe, offers the ultimate city break, while rural options range from the snow-capped Alps to sun-kissed beaches.

🥗Where to eat in France?

For centuries, France has been known for its cuisine. From formal fine dining restaurants to casual bistros, this is the perfect destination for foodies. You'll eat well wherever you go, but here are a few of our travel experts' top picks:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Charlotte and Henry recommend Le Chantecler in Nice: a refined, elegant dining room that made for an unforgettable anniversary dinner, with immaculate service and a superb wine list to complete their special evening.

1. Marvel at Paris's landmarks
2. Wander the old town of Lyon
3. Soak up the French Riviera
4. Step inside medieval Carcassonne
5. Sip your way through Bordeaux
6. Explore the beaches of Brittany
7. Discover Provence's villages and lavender

1. Marvel at Paris's landmarks

   Spend a day or two in the capital taking in the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, then wander the streets of Montmartre and the Latin Quarter. A cruise along the Seine is a lovely way to round off the evening in the City of Lights, a legendary global capital of art, fashion and fine dining.

2. Wander the old town of Lyon

   France's third-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon is a joy to explore on foot. Lose yourself in Vieux Lyon, the Renaissance old town. Admire the grand cathedral and city hall, then seek out the Roman amphitheatre for a step back in time. Lyon is also famed for its food, so leave plenty of room for a long, leisurely lunch.

3. Soak up the French Riviera

   The Côte d'Azur has long drawn visitors with its glamour and sunshine. Stroll the palm-lined promenades of Cannes and Saint-Tropez, swim in sandy coves and soak up the chic atmosphere of the coast. With high-end shops, excellent restaurants and warm Mediterranean waters, this is the south of France at its most polished.

4. Step inside medieval Carcassonne

   Step back in time at Carcassonne, a town with well-preserved medieval ramparts that have earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Wander the cobbled streets within the walled city, visit the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire and the château, and browse independent boutiques and delightful craft shops. Local markets brim with regional produce, making it an easy place to spend a slow, atmospheric day.

5. Sip your way through Bordeaux

   A treat for wine-lovers and history buffs alike, Bordeaux pairs world-class vineyards with handsome Gothic and neo-classical architecture. Join a wine tour to taste the region's celebrated Merlot and Cabernet, explore the lively shopping streets and admire the cathedral. When you've had your fill of culture, the Atlantic beaches are within easy reach.

6. Explore the beaches of Brittany

   With several of our top-rated villas based here, Brittany is well worth your time. Explore its rugged coastline, sandy beaches and pretty harbour towns such as Roscoff and Perros-Guirec. Sample fresh oysters and buttery crêpes, walk the windswept coastal paths and enjoy the region's quieter, unhurried pace — ideal for a relaxed family holiday that focuses on nature.

7. Discover Provence's villages and lavender

   Inland from the coast, Provence is a patchwork of lavender fields, hilltop villages and bustling markets. Wander medieval lanes, sample local olive oil and rosé, and breathe in the scent of the countryside in summer. It's the perfect setting for slow days spent between your villa's terrace and the nearest café.