10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a French Rental

Choosing the perfect place to stay in France—whether a Provence holiday villa, a Brittany holiday rental, a Normandy holiday house, or a seaside apartment on Île de Ré—can completely transform your time away. France offers an incredible selection of villas, gîtes, self-catering apartments, and luxury holiday homes, and platforms such as Rent-in-France.co.uk make it easier than ever to compare and book your ideal stay.

However, travellers often make simple mistakes that can lead to disappointment. To help you secure the best holiday rental in France, here are 10 common mistakes to avoid, with examples from popular regions including Provence, Brittany, Normandy, and Île de Ré.


275m2 Family House with 5 Double Bedrooms in La Flotte, Ile de Re

1. Not Checking the Exact Location Carefully

A listing may describe itself as a “beachside holiday rental in Brittany” or a “Provence villa near Aix-en-Provence”, but the actual location can tell a different story. Proximity to beaches, shops, cycle routes, and village centres varies widely.

This matters especially on Île de Ré, where staying in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, La Flotte, or Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré significantly changes accessibility, especially if you’re relying on cycling.

Avoid the mistake:
Check the map carefully, compare distances in the listing to reality, and read reviews that reference the location. When browsing properties on Rent-in-France.co.uk, always review the location descriptions closely to choose the right area.

2. Assuming All Holiday Rentals Have Air Conditioning

Many older or traditional properties—especially Provence villas, Normandy cottages, and Brittany holiday homes—do not have air conditioning. Likewise, heating may be limited outside the summer season.

Avoid the mistake:
Confirm whether the property has air conditioning, fans, or heating before booking. This is especially important for July and August stays in southern France.

3. Overlooking Linen, Towels, and Bedding Details

Many self-catering holiday rentals in France do not automatically provide linens or towels.
Some holiday apartments offer towels only at extra cost, Brittany cottages may expect guests to bring bedding, and larger Provence villas sometimes charge linen fees per person.

Avoid the mistake:
Always check:

• whether linen and towels are included

• whether the beds are made on arrival

• any extra linen charges listed on Rent-in-France.co.uk

4. Ignoring Strict Check-In and Check-Out Rules

A large number of French holiday villas and rental houses have fixed arrival days and specific check-in times. In peak season, especially in Provence and Île de Ré, Saturday-to-Saturday bookings are common.

Avoid the mistake:
Clarify arrival times, key collection details, and departure expectations before booking. Many listings on Rent-in-France.co.uk include this information clearly—so review it closely.


6 Bedroom Independent Villa with Outdoor Jacuzzi in Erdeven, Morbihan - Villa La Caravelle

5. Not Clarifying the Cleaning Policy

Cleaning expectations differ widely across holiday rentals in France.

• Luxury Provence villas may include housekeeping

• Normandy rental houses may require full guest cleaning

• Île de Ré apartments often charge a compulsory cleaning fee

Avoid the mistake:
Review the cleaning rules, fees, and expectations. Look for notes about departure cleaning on the property page at Rent-in-France.co.uk.

6. Booking Too Late—Especially for Popular Villas

Top holiday villas in Provence, Brittany coastal houses, Normandy cottages, and Île de Ré apartments can book out 6–12 months in advance. Properties with pools, sea views, or central village locations go quickly.

Avoid the mistake:
Book early to secure the best selection. Using a specialist portal such as Rent-in-France.co.uk helps you find availability and compare multiple properties easily.

7. Ignoring Hidden Extra Fees

Extra charges are common in France and can include:

• Tourist tax

• Pool heating for Provence villas

• Utilities during long stays in Normandy or Brittany

• Bike rental for Île de Ré holiday homes

• Linen and towel fees

Avoid the mistake:
Always check the “Fees” or “Additional Information” section on Rent-in-France.co.uk so you understand the full cost before confirming your booking.

8. Not Considering Transportation Logistics

Transport varies by region:

• Many Provence holiday homes require a car

• Île de Ré is best explored by bike and has limited parking

• Normandy countryside rentals may be far from public transport

• Brittany’s coastal villages can be rural and hard to reach without a vehicle

Avoid the mistake:
Check for parking, transport options, and bike facilities. Many listings on Rent-in-France.co.uk include details on car access, bike storage, and local transport links.

9. Skimming Reviews Instead of Reading Them Properly

Reviews often reveal essential details about French holiday homes, including:

• Wi-Fi strength

• Noise from nearby cafés or churches

• Mosquito presence in marshy areas

• Steep stairs or uneven floors in traditional stone houses

Avoid the mistake:
Read reviews carefully and look for repeat concerns. Reviews linked through Rent-in-France.co.uk can provide honest insight into real guest experiences.

10. Not Understanding the Rental Contract or Terms

French holiday rental contracts often include:

• Cancellation rules

• Damage deposit requirements

• Utility payment responsibilities

• Maximum occupancy

• Insurance expectations

This applies across Provence villas, Normandy houses, Brittany rentals, and Île de Ré apartments.

Avoid the mistake:
Read the contract thoroughly and ensure your travel insurance covers accidental damage. Many hosts advertising on Rent-in-France.co.uk provide clear, transparent rental terms.

Final Thoughts: Book Your French Holiday Rental With Confidence

Whether you're dreaming of a luxury Provence villa, a Brittany family holiday house, a Normandy countryside rental, or a modern apartment on Île de Ré, avoiding these common booking mistakes will ensure a stress-free, memorable stay.

Using a specialist platform like Rent-in-France.co.uk makes it easy to find trusted holiday homes, villas, houses and apartments in France, compare regions, and book with confidence.