Holiday homes & houses in Southern France

Southern France beckons travelers with its enchanting blend of Mediterranean coastlines, rolling vineyards, and historic villages. Holiday homes & houses in Southern France offer an authentic way to experience this captivating region, providing guests with spacious accommodations that showcase traditional French architecture and modern comfort. These properties range from converted fishermen's cottages along the Riviera to stone farmhouses nestled in vineyard-covered hillsides, each offering a unique glimpse into the French art of living.

The diverse landscape of Southern France creates perfect settings for various types of accommodations, from seaside villas with infinity pools overlooking the Mediterranean to mountain chalets with panoramic views of the Pyrenees. Many holiday homes & houses in Southern France feature authentic architectural elements such as exposed stone walls, terracotta roof tiles, and traditional shutters that frame windows overlooking lavender fields or azure waters.

Holiday accommodation in Southern France typically includes spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and private outdoor spaces that invite guests to embrace the region's outdoor lifestyle.

Guests can expect these distinctive amenities when booking their Southern France getaway:

• Private swimming pools with stunning sea or mountain views
• Pet-friendly policies allowing four-legged family members
• Air conditioning for comfort during warm Mediterranean summers
• High-speed internet connectivity for remote work or staying connected
• Private parking facilities and secure garage access
• Landscaped gardens with outdoor dining and barbecue areas
• Modern dishwashers and fully equipped kitchens
• Washing machines and laundry facilities
• Outdoor terraces and covered dining areas
• Traditional fireplaces for cozy winter evenings

Southern France appeals to a remarkable variety of travelers seeking different experiences throughout the year. Food enthusiasts will find paradise in the region's renowned culinary scene, from sampling fresh bouillabaisse in Marseille's old port to discovering local wine varieties in Provence's numerous vineyards.

Luxury holiday homes in Southern France provide the ideal base for gastronomic adventures, with many properties featuring gourmet kitchens where guests can prepare meals using ingredients from local farmers' markets. Beach lovers gravitate toward the French Riviera's glamorous coastline, where they can enjoy world-famous beaches like those in Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts explore the dramatic Calanques National Park or trek through the lavender-scented hills of Provence. Culture enthusiasts revel in the region's rich artistic heritage, visiting locations where famous painters like Van Gogh and Cézanne created their masterpieces, while history buffs explore ancient Roman ruins in Arles and medieval villages perched on hillsides. The optimal time to visit varies by preference: spring (April-May) offers mild temperatures averaging 68-72°F with excellent availability around 60 properties and reasonable prices from A$325 per night, while summer (July-August) provides peak beach weather at 77-84°F with prices reaching A$445 per night due to high demand, and autumn (September-October) delivers perfect conditions for wine harvest experiences with temperatures around 70-75°F and good availability at moderate prices of A$415 per night.

Southern France offers countless remarkable experiences, from ancient monuments to natural wonders that define this extraordinary region.

1. Calanques National Park
2. Palace of the Popes in Avignon
3. Gorges du Verdon
4. Pont du Gard
5. Provence Lavender Fields

Calanques National Park

This spectacular coastal park between Marseille and Cassis features dramatic white limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise Mediterranean waters, offering some of Europe's most breathtaking hiking trails and secluded beaches accessible only by foot or boat.

Palace of the Popes in Avignon

Europe's largest Gothic palace stands as a testament to Avignon's remarkable history when it served as the papal residence during the 14th century, now offering guided tours through its magnificent halls and chambers.

Gorges du Verdon

Known as Europe's Grand Canyon, this stunning river gorge provides world-class opportunities for kayaking, rock climbing, and scenic driving along winding roads that reveal panoramic vistas at every turn.

Pont du Gard

This ancient Roman aqueduct bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents one of the finest examples of Roman engineering and offers visitors insight into the sophisticated infrastructure of the Roman Empire.

Provence Lavender Fields

The iconic purple fields of Provence bloom from mid-June through August, creating Instagram-worthy landscapes around Valensole Plateau and providing opportunities to visit local lavender farms and distilleries.

Southern France's gastronomic reputation extends far beyond its famous wines, with exceptional restaurants earning recognition from both locals and international visitors.

• Brasserie Georges (4.4 stars, 23,818 reviews) - This historic Lyon institution serves traditional French cuisine in an elegant Art Nouveau setting, famous for its fresh seafood and classic brasserie atmosphere that has delighted diners for over a century.
• Carmelo (4.8 stars, 32,710 reviews) - An authentic Italian restaurant offering exceptional pizza and Mediterranean dishes in Lyon's heart, where the warm ambiance and fresh ingredients create an unforgettable dining experience.
• La Commune (4.4 stars, 6,040 reviews) - This innovative cultural center and restaurant combines excellent cuisine with artistic programming, providing guests with a unique dining experience that celebrates both culinary and cultural arts.

Understanding local customs and practical considerations enhances your Southern France experience significantly. Many property owners recommend bringing personal linens, as sheets and towels aren't always provided with rentals, though this varies by accommodation. Electricity charges may apply for usage exceeding daily allowances, typically around 8kWh per day, so guests should be mindful of air conditioning usage during peak summer months. Holiday homes to rent in Southern France often feature traditional markets nearby - the large Tuesday morning market in Prades offers exceptional local produce, artisanal goods, and regional specialties that allow guests to cook authentic Provençal meals in their rental kitchens. Wellness services like spa treatments, Nordic baths, or massage sessions require advance booking of 24-48 hours, so planning ahead ensures availability. Many properties include bike storage facilities, encouraging eco-friendly exploration of picturesque villages and countryside paths. The region's commitment to sustainability shows through solar-powered pools, rainwater collection systems, and organic gardens that some hosts maintain for guest use. Local dining typically follows Mediterranean schedules, with lunch served from noon to 2 PM and dinner starting around 8 PM, while many shops close during afternoon siesta hours from 2-5 PM. Understanding these rhythms helps visitors embrace the relaxed Southern French lifestyle. Consider booking pet-friendly holiday homes & houses in Southern France for travelers with four-legged companions, as many properties welcome pets and provide access to dog-friendly beaches and hiking trails throughout the region.