How to Save Money on Your French Holiday Accommodation (Without Sacrificing the Fun)

Planning a holiday in France should feel exciting — not stressful or expensive. From countryside retreats and coastal escapes to ski adventures in the Alps, accommodation often takes the biggest chunk of the budget. The good news? With a few smart choices, you can save a significant amount while still enjoying comfort, space, and authentic French charm.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a trusted holiday rental portal like Rent-in-France.co.uk, which specialises in quality self-catering accommodation across France, often rented directly from owners. Let’s dive into how you can cut costs and still enjoy an unforgettable French holiday.

1. Skip hotels and choose self-catering accommodation

Hotels may seem convenient, but they’re rarely the most economical option — especially for families, groups, or longer stays. Self-catering properties give you more space, privacy, and flexibility, while allowing you to control food costs.

Searching for Self catering villas France on Rent-in-France.co.uk opens up a wide choice of villas, gîtes, and apartments equipped with kitchens, terraces, and often gardens or pools. Shopping at local markets and cooking a few meals at home can save hundreds of euros over the course of your stay.

2. Choose regions that offer better value

Some of France’s most beautiful regions are also surprisingly affordable. Instead of focusing only on headline destinations, consider areas known for charm and value.

For example, Holiday cottages Dordogne are ideal if you love rolling countryside, rivers, medieval villages, and excellent food. The region offers fantastic accommodation at prices far lower than many coastal hotspots.

Likewise, Gites for rental Brittany are perfect for travellers who enjoy dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches, and characterful towns — often at very reasonable weekly rates.

3. Travel outside peak season whenever possible

Timing can make a huge difference to your accommodation budget. July and August are peak months, especially for families and coastal locations. If you can travel in May, June, or September, you’ll often find the same properties at significantly lower prices.

Many listings on Rent-in-France.co.uk offer off-peak and shoulder-season discounts, and you’ll also benefit from quieter attractions, easier travel, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

4. Book direct through a specialist rental portal

Large booking platforms often add service fees and commissions that push prices up. Using a specialist site like Rent-in-France.co.uk allows you to deal directly with owners or local agents, which often means better value and more flexibility.

Owners may be open to offering discounts for longer stays, repeat visits, or off-season bookings — something that’s far easier to arrange when booking directly.

5. Stay longer and pay less per night

Weekly rentals are almost always better value than short stays. Many owners price their properties to encourage longer bookings, offering reduced nightly rates for 7, 10, or 14-night stays.

Whether you’re browsing Holiday cottages Dordogne or Self catering villas France, staying longer can dramatically reduce the cost per night — and give you more time to explore.

6. Share the cost with family or friends

Travelling as a group? Renting one larger property and sharing the cost can be far cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms. Villas and large gîtes are ideal for this, offering shared living spaces and private bedrooms.

This works particularly well when looking at Villas with pool Ile de Re. When split between several people, a villa with a pool suddenly becomes an affordable luxury rather than a splurge.


Vintage Townhouse in the Heart of Saint Martin De Re - Galathee

7. Be flexible with location

Staying right in the centre of a popular resort or beachfront location often comes at a premium. Moving just 15–30 minutes away can result in big savings — without sacrificing the overall experience.

For island holidays, for example, searching for Villas with pool Ile de Re slightly away from the busiest villages often delivers better value, more space, and a quieter setting.

8. Decide which extras really matter

Before booking, think carefully about which features you’ll actually use. Do you really need daily cleaning, or a luxury concierge service? Removing non-essential extras can significantly lower the price.

That said, if a pool is high on your wish list, focusing your search on Villas with pool Ile de Re allows you to compare properties and find the best value option for your budget.

9. Check the total cost, not just the nightly rate

Always review the full price before booking, including:

• Cleaning fees

• Linen and towel charges

• Security deposits

• Tourist taxes

Listings on Rent-in-France.co.uk are typically transparent about costs, making it easier to compare properties fairly and avoid unexpected charges.

10. Early booking or last-minute bargains

There are two proven ways to save:

• Book early for popular regions and peak travel periods

• Book late if your plans are flexible and you’re open to last-minute deals

Outside of school holidays, owners sometimes reduce prices to fill gaps — especially for self-catering properties.

11. Save money on French ski accommodation

Ski holidays don’t have to be expensive. Booking early, choosing smaller resorts, and opting for self-catering can make a huge difference.

Searching for Ski chalets France on a specialist rental portal gives you access to chalets with kitchens, good space, and better value than traditional ski packages — perfect for families and groups.

12. Live like a local and spend less

Once you’ve saved on accommodation, you can keep costs down during your stay by:

• Shopping at local markets and bakeries

• Enjoying free walks, beaches, and village events

• Asking owners for local tips on affordable restaurants and attractions

This is one of the biggest advantages of staying in self-catering accommodation — and one of the most rewarding ways to experience France.

Final thoughts

Saving money on your French holiday accommodation isn’t about missing out — it’s about booking smart. By using a trusted portal like Rent-in-France.co.uk, choosing the right region, and opting for self-catering properties, you can enjoy more space, more freedom, and far better value.

Whether you’re looking for Holiday cottages Dordogne, Gites for rental Brittany, Self catering villas France, Villas with pool Ile de Re, or Ski chalets France, a little planning goes a long way.

More savings, more comfort, and more room in the budget for wine, cheese, and unforgettable memories — that’s what a French holiday should be all about. 🇫🇷✨