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When we want to go elsewhere, our heart often leans towards the idyllic beaches of Ibiza or the blue and white scenery of the Cyclades... and we almost forget the countless summer holiday destinations in France. France is full of fabulous and varied landscapes, which have nothing to envy to Spain or Greece.
Discover our ideas for summer holiday destinations where you can meet up with family or friends.
WHAT ARE THE BEST SUMMER HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN FRANCE?
THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
In the south of France, we spend holidays between the sea and countryside. On the French Riviera, take advantage of the sun, lying in the deckchairs of a posh beach club in Ramatuelle, before heading to the pretty town of Saint Tropez for a game of petanque on the Place des Lices. In the countryside, we ride a bike between the lavender fields and the small perched villages of the Luberon or the Alpilles. These are some of the most beautiful summer destinations in the south of France to visit in summer.
Discover the Mediterranean coastline on the French Riviera
This will not surprise anyone: the French Riviera is the upscale destination for holidaymakers in search of the sun. It is enough to mention the names of Cannes or Saint-Tropez for images of chic beach bars or beach clubs to come to mind...
But the French Riviera has so much more to offer. Lazy afternoons in small confidential coves in the heart of the Calanques, hikes in the middle of the unspoilt nature of Cap Camarat, extraordinary cultural events or water sports (sailing and jet-skiing in mind!) you are spoiled selecting!
Find your dream home from our collection of luxury villas in the French Riviera and experience an unforgettable stay in this wonderful summer holiday destination in France.
Marvel at the colours of Provence
Ah, Provence... With its landscapes rich in colours, its singing cicadas and its bewitching scents, it is a dream destination for summer holidays in France. Nature lovers, enjoy a horseback ride in the breathtaking scenery of the Camargue; we let ourselves slide along the turquoise waters of the Gorges du Verdon; or we go hiking in the hills of the Alpilles or the Luberon, to discover the most beautiful Provençal villages.
Passionate about art and history? You will also find your happiness in these cities with a rich heritage. From the Palace of the Popes in Avignon to the narrow streets clinging to the mountainside of Les Baux de Provence, Provence is full of architectural treasures. All in a quiet and warm atmosphere, like a homecoming.
CORSICA
Only 1h30 by plane from the capital, the island of beauty is the most exotic destination we have ever seen in France. From north to south of the island, the natural and cultural heritage of this small piece of land lost in the middle of the Mediterranean is exceptional. Discover a land of character and create your tailor-made vacation in one of our luxury villas in Corsica.
Go to meet authentic Corsica in the north
A stay in North Corsica is an awakening of the senses. The ear is lulled by ancestral songs; the nose is tickled by the scent of the maquis; the tongue delights in local specialities: brocciu, figatellu, fresh fish or Cap Mattei... As for the eyes, they are amazed by the beauty of Calvi, Bastia, Saint-Florent or Ile Rousse, and their citadel leaning above above the waters.
Go on a road trip through Cap Corse, between sea and maquis, and discover its landscapes that look like the end of the world. Along the way, you will come across magnificent marinas, ancient Genoese towers or small typical villages. Let yourself be charmed by the Desert des Agriates and its miles of wild nature, and explore some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Corsica. They will take you along the coastal road to the Revelatta lighthouse or in the shade of the forests, between the natural pools of the Fango Valley.
Live the Dolce Vita in Corse-du-Sud
Long strips of fine sand, turquoise waters, dizzying cliffs, reserves and preserved forest, towns buzzing with life: southern Corsica has nothing to envy to its northern neighbour. It is moreover in the south of the island that one tastes best the idleness and the festive pleasures of the Corsican nights.
In Ajaccio, follow in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte and marvel at the sunset over the Sanguinaires Islands. In Bonifacio, we visit the citadel, the old port and the cliffs before leaving for a boat trip to the Lavezzi Islands. In the alleys of Porto-Vecchio, we go around the beautiful designer shops then we reach the most beautiful beaches in all of Corsica: Palombaggia, Santa Giulia or Roccapina...
SOUTH WEST OF FRANCE
The southwest is much more than a beautiful summer holiday destination in France. It's a true art of living, a lifestyle made up of days in the sand, tasting seafood with your feet in the water and water sports. Between a blue and white house on Île de Ré and a wooden cabin on Cap Ferret, the hardest part will be choosing...
Living with your feet in the water in Cap Ferret
With family or friends, a Cap Ferret stay is always a good idea. The peninsula is a compendium of everything that makes summer holidays so charming, and the days go by between water sports, idleness, gastronomy and beach-aperitif rituals. In short, Cap Ferret appears as obvious in our list of the best summer holiday destinations in France.
On one side: the ocean and its endless beaches where the waves break. It is the playground of surfers and lovers of long walks on horseback or on foot. On the other, there is the calm of the basin, its oyster huts, its emblematic lighthouse and its huts on stilts. Take to the skies by climbing on the Dune du Pilat or by flying above the clouds, to discover the basin from another perspective. Unless you prefer a sea trip, on one of the typical boats of the region.
Discover the "slow holidays" on the Île de Ré
A true marine paradise off La Rochelle, Île de Ré is one of the most beautiful summer holiday destinations in France, to visit with the family. We alternate between relaxing days on the beach, bike rides and water sports, all in an intimate and good-natured atmosphere, as if we had always been coming here.
In the morning, the children set sail while the kids explore the island's markets, loading their basket with fresh fish and sun-drenched vegetables. In the afternoon, we set off to explore the island by bike, pedaling along the coast, through the vineyards or the salt marshes, to the Phare des Baleines, in Saint-Clément. We climb its hundreds of steps to admire the breathtaking view of the sea. Going down, we visit its museum, which traces the history of the Navy and teaches us the basics of navigation. Inland, we linger in the villages and the natural reserve of Lilleau des Niges, on which the sunset leaves bronze reflections.
PARIS AND ITS REGION
Paris rarely appears at the top of the list of summer holiday destinations in France... Yet there are so many beautiful things to discover there, when the capital is deserted by the crowds that usually inhabit it. Capital of culture, gastronomy and the French art of living, it is home to many activities. In summer, we prefer to put down our suitcases in the countryside at the gates of the City of Light, for a peaceful holiday, shared between historical visits and outdoor activities.
Tour the charming villages around the capital
Around Paris, the countryside breathes the sweetness of life. Our country houses in Île de France have everything you need for peaceful family holidays. Sometimes, we take the car to go to Paris and tour the monuments and cultural highlights of the City of Light.
You can also opt for a visit to the gardens of the Château de Versailles or the pretty villages of Provins or Moret-sur-Loing. You can also take the route of the Châteaux de la Loire: Chambord, Chenonceaux and other jewels of French historical heritage... When the mood is idleness and tranquility, we stay in the garden of our luxury house, resting by the pool, while the children play hide and seek between the trees.
Have Paris all to yourself
In August, the effervescent capital regains some of its calm and serenity. It is therefore the ideal time to visit it and discover it in a new light. Each district brings lots of surprises and magic, like an endless playground, which unfolds for your eyes only.
The mornings are dedicated to visiting the capital's prestigious museums, alternating between history at the Carnavalet Museum, art at the Louvre Museum and science at the Natural History Museum. Lovers of contemporary art, don't miss the temporary exhibitions at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. At noon, when the sun is at its zenith, we take refuge in a park for a picnic while listening to the lapping of the fountains, before returning to stroll through the streets. Every turn, every corner reveals a new treasure: a designer boutique, an art gallery or a pastry shop with delicious specialties... Before returning to our luxury apartment in Paris, we stop for a drink on the roof-top of the Galeries Lafayette, from where we have a panoramic view of the rooftops of the capital, or board a barge for a dinner along the water.
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