From the lavender fields of Provence to the turquoise waters of Corsica and the peaks of the French Alps, France offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes. Discover eight of the most beautiful places in France for a summer holiday, from Mediterranean beaches to Atlantic villages and mountain lakes. Explore destinations where cultural discoveries, outdoor activities and regional traditions come together for a memorable stay with family or friends.
Provence is one of the most beautiful places in the South of France, known for its lavender fields, vineyards and hilltop villages. In the Luberon, Gordes and Roussillon reveal stone houses and ochre landscapes, while the Alpilles offer olive groves and limestone hills. Exploring Aix-en-Provence, with its fountains, markets and elegant streets, is one of the best things to do during a summer stay.
Our luxury villas in Provence, including Mas de la Soie and Maison Aubade, offer comfortable bases for exploring this part of France.
The French Riviera is among the best places to visit in France outside Paris for travellers seeking Mediterranean sunshine. Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Nice combine beaches, lively harbours and cultural attractions, while Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence offer picturesque streets and panoramic views. Discovering these coastal towns is one of the best things to do in the South of France.
For a summer holiday, explore our luxury villas on the French Riviera, including Villa Kailani in Hyères and Villa Meridiane in La Croix-Valmer.
Corsica is home to some of the most beautiful natural places in France, with turquoise bays, rugged mountains and traditional villages. Palombaggia is renowned for its sandy beach and clear waters, while Bonifacio stands above spectacular limestone cliffs. The island also offers hiking trails and opportunities to discover its distinctive culture.
Our luxury villas in Corsica, including Villa Delcampo near Ajaccio and Villa Ninu in Cap Corse, provide two different settings for exploring the island.
Île de Ré is particularly appealing for family holidays in France, thanks to its sandy beaches, salt marshes and extensive cycling routes. Visitors can explore Ars-en-Ré, Saint-Martin-de-Ré and the Phare des Baleines, stopping at local markets and oyster-farming villages along the way. Even a few days offer plenty of opportunities to discover the island.
Our luxury villas on Île de Ré include Villa Héméra and Villa Aurore, both situated in Les Portes-en-Ré.
Brittany offers some of the most beautiful places in north-west France, from the Pink Granite Coast to traditional fishing harbours. Its distinctive rock formations, coastal paths and historic villages make it an excellent destination for outdoor activities. Walking along the GR34 and discovering local seafood are among the best things to do during a stay.
For a holiday on Brittany's northern coast, Villanovo offers Villa Emeraude in Saint-Cast-le-Guildo and Villa Ker Eol in Dinard.
Normandy is one of the most beautiful regions in northern France, combining dramatic cliffs, historic landmarks and green countryside. The cliffs of Étretat, Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day landing beaches reveal different aspects of the region's natural and cultural heritage. A few days allow visitors to explore its seaside towns and historic sites.
Villanovo's collection includes Villa du Clos in Granville and Manoir Calisse in the Normandy countryside.
The Landes and French Basque Country are among the most beautiful places in south-west France for an Atlantic holiday. Hossegor and Seignosse attract surfers with their long sandy beaches, while pine forests provide shaded cycling routes. Further south, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Bidart offer fishing harbours, traditional Basque architecture and regional cuisine.
For a coastal stay, discover Villa Thétis in Hossegor and Maison Imilie in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
The French Alps are among the most beautiful mountain destinations in France, offering activities throughout the year. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling and swimming around Lake Annecy, while resorts such as Courchevel and Méribel provide access to alpine trails. Winter transforms the region into a renowned skiing destination.
Our luxury chalets in the French Alps include Arpont in Courchevel and Chalet Wicasa in Méribel.
One of the greatest advantages of visiting France is the opportunity to combine different landscapes and experiences within a single holiday. Travellers can spend a few days exploring historic villages, relaxing on Mediterranean beaches or discovering the countryside. The variety of destinations also makes France particularly appealing for families and couples.
The country's art de vivre is another reason to visit. Local markets, vineyard visits and regional cuisine offer opportunities to discover traditions specific to each area. From Provençal olive oil to Breton seafood and Basque specialities, food is an essential part of the travel experience.
For those planning a longer stay, exploring several regions is one of the best things to do in France, allowing travellers to experience the country's cultural and geographical diversity.
Villanovo offers a carefully selected collection of luxury villas and chalets across France, with properties suited to different holiday preferences. In Provence and the South of France, travellers can choose countryside homes with private pools and gardens, while the French Riviera and Corsica offer coastal villas with sea views or beach access, depending on the property.
Our collection also includes family homes on Île de Ré, properties along the Atlantic coast and mountain chalets in the French Alps. Each accommodation is selected for its location, character and quality of facilities, with options suited to couples, families and groups of friends.
Villanovo's personalised concierge service helps guests organise their stay before arrival and throughout their holiday. Depending on the destination, our team can arrange private chefs, airport transfers, childcare, boat excursions, guided cultural visits and outdoor activities.
Our concierge team can also share personalised recommendations, from local restaurants and markets to cultural attractions and activities suited to each guest's interests. Drawing on their local knowledge, they help travellers discover each destination and make the most of their stay in France.
