How to Choose the Perfect Holiday Rental in France

Planning a French escape is always exciting—whether you’re dreaming of lavender-scented mornings in Provence, bracing Alpine air on winter slopes, or lazy afternoons on a Brittany beach. But with such a huge range of accommodation options across France, finding the perfect holiday rental can feel overwhelming. Should you book a cosy countryside cottage or a modern city apartment? Is a villa better for families than a gîte? How do you know which region best suits the experience you want?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the ideal base for your French adventure. Throughout, we’ll also highlight how Rent-in-France.co.uk—a trusted specialist for holiday rentals and long-term stays—makes the whole process easy with hundreds of cottages, villas and apartment rentals in France.


Perfect Family Villa with 5 Bedrooms and Swimming Pool In La Croix-Valmer - Villa Medea

1. Start with the French Experience You Want

Before browsing listings, take a moment to picture your ideal holiday. France offers incredible variety, and each region creates a different mood and pace of life.

Do you want sun-soaked Mediterranean days?

Then explore French villa rentals in the south—particularly villas in Provence. This region is perfect for those who love outdoor markets, relaxed dining, and stunning scenery.

Craving rural charm and coastlines?

Consider cottages in Brittany. With rugged coastal paths, mediaeval towns and delicious seafood, Brittany is ideal for walkers, families and couples looking for tranquillity.

Food and culture at a slower pace?

The Dordogne delivers a dreamy mix of vineyards, quiet rivers, and picture-perfect villages. You’ll find plenty of self catering gîtes in the Dordogne, ideal for longer stays and culinary exploration.

Winter sports or mountain hiking?

Choose chalets in the French Alps, where high-altitude adventures and breathtaking landscapes attract skiers, snowboarders and summer hikers alike.

Coastal family fun?

Holiday rentals in Charente Maritime are known for sandy beaches, island life, seafood markets and cycling paths.

Once you know the experience you’re after, pinpointing the perfect rental becomes much easier.

2. Understand the Main Types of Holiday Rentals in France

France has a long tradition of holiday homes, ranging from simple countryside barns to luxury waterfront villas. Here’s a breakdown of the most common property types you’ll find on Rent-in-France.co.uk:

Villas

Ideal for groups, families or anyone wanting privacy and space. Many French villa rentals include private gardens, terraces, pools and views of vineyards or coastline. Villas are especially popular in Provence, the Côte d’Azur and Occitanie.

Best for: Family trips, groups of friends, longer stays, luxury getaways.

Cottages

France’s countryside is dotted with rustic, charming cottages—particularly in Brittany, Normandy and the Dordogne. Cottages in Brittany often have stone walls, wood burners and an authentic, homely feel.

Best for: Couples, small families, and anyone wanting peace and character.

Gîtes

A gîte is a self-catering holiday home, often part of a larger property or converted farmhouse. Self catering gîtes in the Dordogne are especially popular because they offer flexibility, comfort, and access to local food markets.

Best for: Longer stays, food lovers, travellers who enjoy cooking with local ingredients.

Chalets

A favourite in mountainous regions, particularly around Chamonix, Les Gets or Morzine. Chalets in the French Alps are perfect for ski holidays or summer hiking trips.

Best for: Skiers, adventurers, families needing easy access to slopes.


​Beautiful 5 Bedroom Fully Equipped Chalet With Stunning Views in Morzine - Chalet Solaurine

Apartments

Great for city breaks in Paris, Lyon, Nice or Bordeaux, or as affordable options in coastal resorts. Apartments are typically modern, convenient and situated close to attractions and transport links.

Best for: Solo travellers, couples, short stays, budget-friendly holidays.

By understanding the style of accommodation that suits your group, you’ll narrow your options significantly.

3. Match the Region to Your Travel Style

France is diverse—geographically, culturally and gastronomically. Here’s how to align your preferred region with your travel style, with suggestions from the wide selection on Rent-in-France.co.uk.

For Sun, Scenery & Provençal Charm: Provence

Famous for lavender fields, olive groves and hilltop towns, Provence offers quintessential Mediterranean living. Villas in Provence often come with private pools, shaded terraces and spectacular views.

Great for:

• Wine tasting

• Outdoor dining

• Cultural attractions like Avignon, Arles & Aix-en-Provence

• Warm weather almost year-round

For Coastlines, Cider & Celtic Heritage: Brittany

Cottages in Brittany give travellers access to rugged beaches, idyllic harbours and historic towns like Dinan or Vannes. Brittany is also one of France’s most family-friendly regions.

Great for:

• Beach holidays

• Coastal walks

• Seafood lovers

• Windy, cooler summers

For History, Food & River Valleys: Dordogne

The Dordogne is famous for prehistoric caves, medieval villages and outdoor markets. Self catering gîtes in Dordogne allow visitors to stock up on fresh produce and cook at home.

Great for:

• Food lovers

• Peaceful, scenic getaways

• Cycling, kayaking & river swims

For Snow Sports & Alpine Adventures: French Alps

In winter, the Alps become Europe’s skiing playground. In summer, they’re equally breathtaking with lakes, forests and mountain trails. Chalets in the French Alps offer direct access to nature and adventure.

Great for:

• Ski holidays

• Snowboarding

• Hiking

• Mountain biking

For Islands, Beaches & Gentle Summers: Charente Maritime

With its mild climate, sandy beaches and delicious seafood, Charente Maritime is a magnet for families. Holiday rentals in Charente Maritime are often close to cycling paths, marinas and islands like Île de Ré.

Great for:

• Family beach holidays

• Cycling

• Boat trips

• Summer events & festivals

Once you understand what each region offers, your choice of rental becomes much clearer.

4. Consider Practicalities: Space, Amenities & Accessibility

While scenery and atmosphere are crucial, don’t forget the practical details that will shape your daily comfort:

Size & Layout

• How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?

• Are any travellers elderly or mobility-restricted?

• Do children need separate rooms?

Kitchen Facilities

For self catering gîtes or cottages, check for:

• Oven & hob

• Dishwasher

• Outdoor cooking or BBQ areas

• Access to local shops or markets

Outdoor Space

In warmer regions—like Provence or Charente Maritime—outdoor living is a huge part of the experience. Villas often come with:

• Private pools

• Terraces and shaded dining areas

• Gardens or orchards

• Countryside or sea views

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

If you plan to work remotely or stream media, confirm the property has a stable connection—especially in rural areas.

Proximity to Activities

Ask yourself:

• How far is the nearest restaurant, bakery or market?

• Do you want to walk to the beach?

• Is skiing accessible without long transfers?

• Are you relying on public transport?

Websites like Rent-in-France.co.uk offer clear descriptions and filters that make it easy to compare amenities and choose a rental that fits every requirement.

5. Determine Whether You Need a Holiday Rental or Long-Term Stay

One of the advantages of browsing through Rent-in-France.co.uk is the variety of rental durations available.

Holiday rentals

Perfect for short breaks and week-long holidays. Choose a holiday rental if you want:

• A villa with a pool for the summer

• A cosy chalet for a ski week

• A romantic cottage for a long weekend

Long-term rentals

Ideal for:

• Remote workers

• Travellers spending a season abroad

• Families relocating

• Retirees exploring long-stay living in France

Many cottages, villas and apartments listed offer monthly pricing or off-season deals for extended stays.

6. Use a Trusted Platform to Book Safely

In a world of endless property listings, choosing a reliable platform matters. Rent-in-France.co.uk offers several advantages:

Direct communication

You deal directly with property owners—allowing you to ask questions, clarify details and get personalised tips about the area.

Large range of options

From French villa rentals to chalets in the French Alps and self catering gîtes in the Dordogne, the site covers every region and travel style.

Accurate property descriptions

Each listing includes photos, amenities and local information, helping you make an informed choice.

Trusted, long-established platform

With years of experience specialising in French holiday homes, the site is a go-to resource for English-speaking travellers looking for reliable accommodation.

7. Think About Timing & Seasonality

France’s seasons vary widely:

Summer (June–August)

• Peak time for villas in Provence, coastal rentals and cottages across Brittany.

• Book 6–12 months in advance.

Shoulder seasons (May, September, October)

• Cheaper rates, fewer crowds.

• Ideal for Dordogne, Provence and Charente Maritime.

Winter (December–February)

• Prime season for chalets in the French Alps.

• Early booking essential for Christmas and New Year.

Spring (March–April)

• Blossoming landscapes, great for rural regions and city breaks.

• Prices are typically moderate.

Booking early gives you access to the best properties—especially larger villas or unique cottages.

8. Read Reviews & Ask Questions

Before finalising your booking:

• Check previous guests’ reviews for insight on cleanliness, hosts and accuracy.

• Ask property owners about local attractions, nearest shops, and any specifics you’re unsure about.

• Confirm check-in times, parking arrangements and any additional fees (cleaning, linens, heating).

Hosts listed on Rent-in-France.co.uk are generally responsive and happy to help.

9. Final Tips for Choosing Your Perfect French Holiday Rental

• Plan around activities: If your holiday is about skiing, choose a chalet with quick access to lifts. For food markets, a gîte near a village centre is ideal.

• Consider travel logistics: Some countryside rentals require a car; others have excellent public transport.

• Look for authenticity: Staying in a traditional stone cottage or Provençal villa can elevate your cultural experience.

• Budget wisely: Pool villas and coastal homes cost more in peak months; rural gîtes offer excellent value year-round.

Your French Holiday Awaits

France is a country made for slow travel, good living and beautiful memories. Whether you want the rustic charm of cottages in Brittany, the elegance of villas in Provence, the culinary richness of the Dordogne, the adventure of the French Alps, or the coastal beauty of Charente Maritime, choosing the right rental is the key to a perfect holiday.

With its wide selection of villas, cottages, chalets, gîtes and apartments across every region, Rent-in-France.co.uk is an ideal place to begin your search—whether you’re planning a short holiday or a long-term stay.

Your perfect French escape is just a booking away. Bon voyage!