Luxury Villas in France
With its fabulous cuisine, stunning landscapes and array of cultural highlights to experience, France is a fantastic destination for a villa holiday. I travel regularly to France and have a wonderful network of villa contacts who own or manage a variety of French villas. They range from high quality, luxury manor houses to more modest French villas with private pools, all in sublime rural and coastal settings. My mission is simply to guide you to the perfect villa for you.
Where in France are Rachel’s villas?
Provence in the south of France is where my French villa network began over 10 years ago. Through word of mouth and villa finding missions, I have got to know a number of villa owners, managers and expats there with access to a range of incredible holiday villas, many of which I have visited personally. My network now extends further west and along France’s gorgeous coastline.
Which region in France?
Each region of France has a unique character, landscape and cuisine to be discovered, but my best contacts are in rural Provence, the Cote D’Azur, South West France and the Ile de Re.
Provence
Picturesque and sunny with incredible cuisine, Provence is a magnet for foodies, artists and sun seekers. A pleasant mix of pretty villages, stunning scenery and authentic traditions set the scene for memorable holidays. Wander through colourful markets brimming with fresh produce, cycle or go hiking in the Luberon hills, sample the local wine and enjoy long lunches in bistros or Michelin star restaurants. Many of the holiday villas I recommend in Provence are beautifully converted farmhouses with lavender fields and private swimming pools which are ideal for a celebration with family or friends.
South West France
A popular region particularly with families, south west France is for those who love good food, sunshine and a gentle pace of life. Here you can explore pretty villages, bustling markets, sunflower fields and rolling hills on foot or bike. Head to long sandy beaches and surfing on the Atlantic coast or opt for river activities on the Dordogne river. My excellent contacts in south west France have a range of family friendly villas from impressive chateaux to characterful cottages and manor houses with private pools and staff.
The Cote D’Azur
Glamourous, warm and scenic with sandy beaches, picturesque villages and sophisticated style, the Cote D’Azur is idyllic for families and couples. My contacts on the Cote D’Azur have access to incredible beach villas, spacious estates and rural retreats. From Nice to St Tropez on the coast, to pretty villages in the hills, the quality is fantastic. Such is the popularity of the Cote D’Azur in summer, it is best to book your perfect villa well in advance to access the best.
Il de Re and the Vendée
I am often asked about villas near the beach in northern France, particularly by those who prefer a cooler summer climate or to be within easy reach of the UK by car or train. In response, I have discovered a beautiful collection of villas on the Ile de Re and Vendée, many of which are set up for family groups, with beach access, private pools and hot tubs . Here you can enjoy the simple pleasures of cycling to sandy beaches, interesting nature trails and delicious seafood.
What are the villas like?
Whatever the budget, taste and requirements of your party, all the villas I recommend share a few key features:
Location – the villas are located in regions of natural beauty, far removed from resorts catering for mass tourism.
Pool or coast – the majority have a private pool or are located on a beach.
Style – traditional or modern, quirky or luxurious, each villa has a sense of style in keeping with its character and surroundings.
Space – most of the villas have spacious rooms and private grounds.
Comfort – all the villas have a maid service and are supplied with fresh towels and linen, plus a groundsman to look after the gardens and pool.
Privacy – however stunning a villa is, if there is little privacy for guests when sitting by the pool or on the terrace, the villa will not make it to my shortlist.
If you are planning a villa holiday in France, please contact me about your plans and I will recommend the best villas for you.