Hidden Gems: Underrated French Villages with Beautiful Holiday Rentals

Discover Underrated French Villages for Your Next Holiday

France is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, famous for Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera. But beyond these well-known locations lies another France—authentic villages surrounded by vineyards, mountains, and countryside, where you’ll find charm, tranquillity, and beautiful homes to rent.

For families and groups of friends, staying in a holiday rental in France offers more space, comfort, and freedom than a hotel. Imagine a cosy French holiday cottage, a Provence villa with pool, or a Dordogne farmhouse where you can gather around the table with loved ones.

With Rent-in-France.co.uk, you can find your dream holiday home in all the most popular regions of France—from Normandy holiday cottages to villas in Provence and gîtes in the Loire Valley. Best of all, holidaymakers pay zero booking fees and can book directly with owners, ensuring both great value and a personal touch.


Award-winning Holiday Farmhouse in Verteillac, Perigord Vert, Dordogne

Why Choose a Holiday Rental in a French Village?

Holiday rentals in France offer something unique:

• Space and privacy – ideal for families or groups of friends.

• Self-catering freedom – shop at village markets, cook French meals, and enjoy long evenings on your terrace.

• Authentic experiences – live like a local in a village house, not a tourist resort.

• Better value – avoid extra charges with direct owner holiday rentals in France and no booking fees.

Whether you’re searching for family holiday rentals in France, group holiday homes, or a romantic countryside retreat, villages provide the perfect backdrop.

Hidden Gems: French Villages with Beautiful Holiday Homes

1. Riquewihr, Alsace – Stay Among Vineyards

Set on the Alsace wine route, Riquewihr is one of France’s prettiest villages, with timbered houses, cobbled streets, and floral displays.

• Holiday rental tip: On Rent-in-France.co.uk, you’ll find Alsace holiday cottages and homes overlooking vineyards—perfect for wine lovers.

2. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lot – Medieval Charm by the River

High above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a medieval gem with breathtaking views. Families can enjoy canoeing, hiking, and riverside picnics.

• Holiday rental tip: Rent a family-friendly holiday home in Dordogne and Lot with a terrace for alfresco dining.

3. Pérouges, Rhône-Alpes – Step Back in Time

This medieval walled village near Lyon offers cobbled streets, ivy-clad houses, and local delicacies like the galette.

• Holiday rental tip: Browse self-catering cottages in Rhône-Alpes for an authentic base close to Lyon.

4. Collonges-la-Rouge, Corrèze – The Village of Red Stone

Collonges-la-Rouge is famous for its striking red sandstone buildings. Less crowded than Sarlat, it’s a peaceful Dordogne alternative.

• Holiday rental tip: Choose a cottage in Dordogne and Corrèze for an affordable, authentic stay.

5. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence – Lavender and Lakes

At the gateway to the Verdon Gorge, Moustiers is framed by lavender fields and limestone cliffs—perfect for outdoor adventures.

• Holiday rental tip: Book a Provence villa with pool for the whole family or a group of friends.

6. Conques, Aveyron – Peace and Pilgrimage

Conques is a quiet pilgrimage village known for its Romanesque abbey and serene setting in the Aveyron countryside.

• Holiday rental tip: Look for rural holiday homes in Aveyron where you can relax in total tranquillity.

Why Rent-in-France.co.uk is the Best Place to Book

When planning your holiday, choosing the right rental is just as important as choosing the right village. Here’s why Rent-in-France.co.uk stands out:

1. Zero Booking Fees

Unlike other platforms, Rent-in-France.co.uk ensures holidaymakers pay no booking fees—saving you money to spend on food, wine, and excursions.

2. Book Direct with Owners

Enjoy a personal connection by booking directly with owners. Get insider tips on the best bakeries, markets, and local attractions.

3. Wide Choice Across Popular Regions

From Dordogne cottages, Normandy gîtes, and Brittany holiday homes to luxury villas in Provence, the site covers all of France’s most loved regions.

4. Perfect for Families and Friends

The platform is ideal for group holiday homes in France, family villas with pools, or romantic cottages for couples.

5. Authentic French Experience

Stay in charming village homes and experience the real France—markets, countryside, vineyards, and traditions.

Manara Chalet in Meribel - 6 Bedrooms with Mountain Views Over the 3 Vallees Slopes

Planning Your Perfect Village Holiday

When booking your dream French getaway:

• Pick the right region – Normandy for coastlines, Provence for sunshine, Dordogne for heritage, Alsace for wine.

• Travel in spring or autumn – great weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.

• Look for key features – pet-friendly homes, villas with pools, large group accommodation.

• Consider length of stay – a week allows you to live like a local in your chosen village.

Final Thoughts

France is full of hidden gems—villages rich in history, beauty, and tradition. Whether it’s sipping wine in Riquewihr, hiking in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, or relaxing in a Provençal villa, each destination offers something special.

For the best experience, choose a private holiday rental where you can relax, cook, and create memories with your loved ones. With Rent-in-France.co.uk, you’ll find:

• Holiday cottages, villas, gîtes, and farmhouses across the most popular French regions

• The ability to book direct with owners for a personal touch

• Zero booking fees for unbeatable value

So whether you’re planning a family holiday rental in France, a group villa with a pool, or a romantic cottage escape, Rent-in-France.co.uk is the perfect portal to make your dream holiday a reality.