Vacation Rentals in France
France is a popular tourist destination for many reasons (the food, the people, the beautiful beach and mountain areas) and it is full of great vacation rentals. Spend a week in an apartment in Paris, stay on a farm (gîte) in the countryside or rent a house in a village.
Where Do You Want to Go?
Click the map or links below to see our recommended vacation rentals, by area, in France.
Find Vacation Rentals in France
France is divided into 95 departments (not including overseas departments). These are then grouped into the official regions shown above. Sometimes vacation rental descriptions refer to the department and not to the region. For example, the Dordogne is a department within the Aquitaine region and Lot is a department within the Pyrenees region. We have grouped the official regions as shown below.
About Vacation Rentals in France: A few things that are unique to vacation rentals in France.
Cities in France
Paris: Spring in Paris - anytime in Paris! It is a vibrant city full of art, food, people, shops and parks. Regions - Paris and Ile-de-France
Northern France
Northern France: These regions on the border with Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany have historic cities and wine-producing areas. Regions - Le Nord (Nord-Pas de Calais), Picardy (Picardie), Champagne (Champagne-Ardenne), Lorraine and Alsace
Normandy - Brittany (Normandie - Bretagne): The northern Atlantic coast of France is a popular summer beach destination. Regions - Upper Normandy (Haute-Normandie), Lower Normandy (Basse-Normandie) and Brittany (Bretagne)
Central France
Loire/Centre (Pays de la Loire - Centre): Follow the château trail along the Loire Valley, visit the cities of Tours, Orléans and Chartres and the wine producing areas. Regions - Loire and Centre (Pays de la Loire - Centre)
Burgundy (Bourgogne): This area south east of Paris is rich in medieval history and famous for its food and wine. Regions - Burgundy (Bourgogne) and Franche-Comte
Rhone Valley and the French Alps (Rhône-Alpes): The Rhone River runs through the center of this region and the Alps run along the eastern part.
Southern France
Southwest France: A varied and mostly rural area which includes the Dordogne (also called Périgord) and Atlantic beach resorts. Regions - Poitou-Charentes, Limousin, Auvergne, Aquitaine, Pyrenees (Midi-Pyrenees)
Languedoc-Roussillon: From the foothills of the Pyrenees on the border with Spain, along the Mediterranean coast, to the Rhone River on the border with the region of Provence.
Provence: Rolling hills with olive trees, lavender fields and grape vines, mountains to the north, from the border with Italy to the Rhone River, Provence is a diverse region with much to see.
Côte d'Azur: From the chic beaches of Cannes, St Tropez and Nice to the perched small villages of the hinterlands, the Côte d'Azur or French Riviera has always been a favored destination.
Islands
Corsica (Corse): An island in the Mediterranean off the coast of central Italy, where they speak a dialect of Italian, but are part of France.
Resources
- Wikipedia - Regions of France | Wikipedia - Departments of France
- Gites de France: Map showing regions, departments and cities. Hover over departments to see name.
- Map of France: Click on the region to see a detailed map showing cities and towns.
- Flags of the World - Index of Departments: Find out which region a department is in.
Travel Articles on Slow Europe
- Vegetarian Restaurants in Paris: Pauline's list of vegetarian, vegan and Macrobiotic restaurants in Paris.
Slow Europe shows you how to find vacation rentals in Europe - villas, houses, cottages or apartments that you rent by the week.
What are Vacation Rentals?
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