About France

Introduction

We are pleased to feature properties in different regions of France, each unique in flavour and character.

Across South West France, we focus on rural charm: swathes of orchards and vineyards punctuated by picturesque villages and châteaux. Weekly markets burgeon with fresh produce and there is always a local festival happening nearby.

In the heart of Provence, backdrops of lavender and olive groves contrast with dramatic mountains and gorges. Amonst the wonderful scenery, enjoy discovering typical hilltop towns and magnificent Roman architecture.

On the Côte d’Azur, an outstanding collection of art galleries and museums join the many attractions of this iconic coastline. Bustling Riviera towns with their golden bays, marinas and water sports can be enjoyed alongside the timeless allure of sleepy villages set slightly back from the coast.

The Languedoc's superb coastline boasts endless sandy beaches with excellent amenities, backed by a vine-covered hinterland dotted with pretty villages and fascinating historic towns. Moreover, the region's cuisine and wine are among the best France has to offer.

The Regions of France

If you're contemplating where to plant your roots during your holiday, here's a glimpse of the regions we've handpicked for our villa offerings:

Côte d'Azur (French Riviera)

Nestled in the southeastern corner of France and stretching along the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast, the Côte d'Azur gleams with glamour. Renowned for its turquoise seas, luxurious yachts, and the allure of film stars, it's the quintessential destination for those seeking sunbathing, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Cities like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Nice are the jewels of this region. While here, one must not miss the bustling Promenade des Anglais or the serene Lerins Islands. View our villas in Côte d'Azur.

Languedoc

Moving westward to the heart of southern France, Languedoc unfolds between the Mediterranean's azure coast and the rugged Cevennes mountains. This region is celebrated for its illustrious wines, the ancient Canal du Midi, and cities brimming with tales of old. Montpellier, with its elegant charm, the medieval fortress of Carcassonne, and the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, are but a few of the treasures waiting to be discovered. View our villas in Languedoc.

Provence

Bordering Italy and kissing the Mediterranean, Provence stands as a testament to nature's splendour and historical richness. Here, vast lavender fields dance under the Provençal sun, local markets buzz with activity, and ancient sites beckon. The cities of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence offer cultural forays, while the Luberon Valley and the breathtaking Verdon Gorge invite nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. View our villas in Provence.

South West France

Encompassing regions from Aquitaine to Gascony, South West France paints a picture of diversity. The silhouette of the Pyrenees stands tall against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. This region is renowned for its Bordeaux wines, the unique Basque culture, and its scattering of medieval castles. The vibrant city of Bordeaux, the surf haven of Biarritz, and the Dordogne Valley with its intricate network of prehistoric caves and resplendent châteaux are among its many attractions. View our villas in South West France.

Beaches

Starting in the French Riviera, this Mediterranean jewel offers some of the best beaches in France.
Cannes and Nice offer a luxurious beach experience, complete with promenades and azure waters, while smaller towns like Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer provide more secluded retreats. For those in search of nature's raw beauty, the Calanques National Park between Marseille and Cassis reveals hidden beaches nestled amidst dramatic rocky inlets.

Traditional Food & Drink

A nation celebrated for its culinary passion, France offers an exquisite journey for the palate, where each dish tells a story of tradition, terroir, and the tireless pursuit of perfection. From bustling urban markets to serene countryside orchards, every corner of the country brims with flavours waiting to be discovered.

One cannot speak of French cuisine without mentioning its crowning jewel: bread. The humble baguette, with its golden crust and soft interior, is an embodiment of French simplicity and excellence. And then, there's cheese. With over 400 varieties, including the soft brie from Île-de-France and the pungent Roquefort from the south, cheese is an art form in France, enjoyed with reverence.

Pastries and desserts from France have set a global standard. Delicacies like croissants, éclairs, and macarons are not just treats; they're expressions of craft and dedication. The crème brûlée with its caramelised surface hiding a velvety custard below is a lesson in contrasts, much like the nation itself.

Diving deeper into regional flavours, Provence beckons with its ratatouille, a symphony of stewed
vegetables that captures the essence of the Mediterranean sun and soil. In Languedoc, the robust
cassoulet stands out, a heart-warming casserole of meats and beans. Meanwhile, the refined kitchens of the Côte d'Azur offer bouillabaisse, a fish stew that sings of the sea, with every spoonful a taste of the azure coast.

Accompanying this culinary adventure is, of course, wine. From the light and crisp notes of a Loire Valley white to the deep and robust Bordeaux reds, French wines are an odyssey in themselves.

Exploring Landscapes

For those with an appetite for breathtaking landscapes, the Côte d'Azur offers the Esterel Massif's hiking trails amidst striking red rock formations. Then, the serene peninsula of Cap Ferrat invites with coastal paths weaving between nature and beautiful villas, overlooking the Mediterranean.

In South West France, the majesty of the Pyrenees is undeniable, beckoning travelers with its summer hiking trails and winter ski slopes. Not far off, the Arcachon Bay unveils the towering Dune du Pilat, an inviting challenge for sand dune climbers, and the bay itself becomes a haven for kayakers.

our destinations in france

French Riviera and Côte d’Azur are virtually interchangeable names for the coastline of the Var and Alpes-Maritimes ‘départements’, a stretch which includes the world famous resorts of Cannes and St Tropez, but also picturesque and timeless villages snugly nestled in breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery. A region very much in the modern age in some senses, but also one that is rooted in and proud of its ancient history, and with a rich cultural heritage to discover.

Lying on the Mediterranean midway between the Pyrenees and the Camargue, Languedoc offers miles of sandy beaches, with water sports and entertainments aplenty, and areas of natural beauty both inland and along the coast. Market produce and fresh seafood make for fabulous meals, accompanied by excellent wines as this is a major wine-growing area. Its romantic landscape of endless vines is dotted with villages and medieval fortified towns, including the incredibly restored citadel of Carcassonne with its fairytale castle turrets. The region can boast well preserved Roman monuments, such as the amphitheatre at Nîmes, as well as a fascinating medieval heritage, alongside modern cities which are animated year round.

Although South West France covers a large portion of the country, there are some running themes… A well preserved history and a strong culture can be discovered at every turn, with many superb museums and famous historical sites to explore. Spectacular scenery abounds, dominated by powerful rivers in the centre of the country and soaring mountains in the far south, ideal for outdoor pursuits. Last but not least, the verdant and fertile land and ideal climate of this region yields delicious fresh produce and excellent wines to enjoy.

A land of light, warmth and beauty, Provence awakens all the senses; the scent of lavender, the sound of cicadas in the pine trees, the taste of chilled rosé wine, the warmth of the sun on your back, and a kaleidoscope of colours that have inspired many an artist. This beautiful region in south-east France encompasses diverse landscapes ranging from cultivated vineyards to deep river canyons and dramatic cliffs, not to mention the unique habitat of the Camargue. Days can be spent exploring charming medieval villages, marvelling at Roman remains, admiring art and architecture, sampling the local cuisine, or just simply soaking up the Provençal atmosphere.