Holidays in France
Bordered by the English Channel, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic as well as a host of countries including Germany and Belgium in the north, and Spain and Italy in the south, France lies at the very heart of Europe. It's geographical location and vast choice of holiday opportunities means France is the world's most visited country, receiving more than 80 million visitors every year, therefore, it's no wonder self catering holidays in France are becoming increasingly popular.
France contains a vast array of geographical features, from the flat coastal plains of the northwest to its highest mountain Mont Blanc, in the southeast. At its heart is the Central Massif covering almost 20% of the country and the wine producing valleys of the Loire, Seine and Rhone, which sit above its southern coast.
France's climate is dictated by its geography and while the south enjoys Mediterranean weather, the north and west are more temperate with high rainfall, mild summers and cool winters. With an alpine climate, the Pyrenees and Alps mountain ranges have cold winters meaning France also boasts some of Europe's finest ski areas.
Excellent transport links to the rest of Europe mean regular visitors come from all over the continent to enjoy more than 5000km of coastline. Whether it is a villa in one of the sophisticated Mediterranean resorts like St Tropez or a secluded farmhouse cottage rental along its more rugged Atlantic coastline, summer in France is all about beach life. Indeed, visitors to many French cities during August are often disappointed to find them virtually empty, with the occupants preferring to escape the searing heat for their own favourite seaside destinations.
The emergence of budget airlines and improved rail links means that spring and autumn are great times to visit French cities like Toulouse and Lyon, where rental apartments allow you a chance to absorb French culture, its love of the arts and a heritage that includes Roman remains and Renaissance masterpieces. Paris, the city of light, continues to be one of France's biggest attractions with a year round stream of tourists seeking out the capital's architectural and artistic wonders, and choosing to stay in the wide pool of holiday rental accommodation in Paris, which is sure to suit every pocket.
Wherever you go in France, you are guaranteed to find great food and wine, for many visiting to the vineyards of the centre and south is becoming an increasingly popular holiday choice. Wine buffs head to regions including Champagne and Bordeaux where farmhouse rentals on the great estates allow you to immerse yourself in a rustic charm that has changed little over the centuries.
In the winter France's focus moves away from the coast to the mountain ranges of the Alps and Pyrenees, where cold winters make for some of Europe's best skiing. Winter sports are massively popular and many French people enjoy a week or two themselves in the early spring. Chalet rentals in Valle D'Isere offer the chance to explore Europe's largest single ski area, Les Trois Valles while renting an apartment in Chamonix means you will be close to the heart of the town's legendary après ski.
Impossible to define France attracts visitors from all over the world and its fans include almost anyone with a love of the arts, food, wine, beaches and sports. Not only is it impossible to define as a nation, but it also has something to attract just about everybody. Browse the range of France vacation rentals and book your perfect holiday in France today!
