Guides

France is and always has been considered one of the top holiday destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year from every corner of the globe. With its diverse landscape, rich cultural heritage and a variety of climates, there is something for everyone. Markets, festivals and events No town in France would be complete without its special events. Steeped in tradition, street markets and festivals play an integral part of French life, with plenty of celebrations taking place all year round. One of the most exciting festivals is held in Quimper, Brittany. The nine-day Festival de Cornouaille is an amazing coming together of international artists in a celebration of perfor... Read more

Situated in the north west of France, Brittany is a beautiful and easy to reach holiday location which is perfect for families. There are a diverse selection of self-catering gites and villas in Brittany available to rent, offering holidaymakers the flexibility to eat in as well as venture out and experience some delicious cuisines available locally. For those travelling with children, Brittany has some exciting options for eating out. Restaurants Self-catering gites are great if you have a young family as it can be daunting to find family-friendly restaurants when staying away from home. Brittany, however, really does have its pick of them. As a prime location for families, l... Read more

With over 150 miles of Atlantic coastline and many more miles of coast if you count all the inlets and river mouths, Aquitaine is home to some of the best beaches in France. The coast is lined with many seaside resorts, varying in size, style and ambience and divided between four distinct districts: The Médoc, The Bay of Arcachon, The Landes and The Basque Coast. There are countless gites de France properties situated in this region, most within easy drive of the coast. The Médoc The Médoc peninsula is located to the nort and west of Bordeaux. Renowned for its world-famous wines - such as Pauillac, Margaux and Saint-Estèphe - the region also boasts around 60 miles of stunni... Read more

School's back for most British kids now but if you are planning a half-term holiday to Languedoc, or looking ahead to next Easter and summer, you may be looking for child-friendly day trip ideas. Gites and villas in France make for the perfect family getaway but to stop younger family members getting bored, it is a good idea to select a few day trips which are guaranteed to entertain kids and adults alike. The Languedoc region is a diverse area with a great range of attractions for kids, offering everything from child-friendly castle tours to huge water slides. La Bouscarasse and Aqualand Water Parks For younger children it is hard to beat La Bouscarasse. Smaller than most wate... Read more

The town of Rocamadour has attracted tourists for years and those staying in gites in the Midi-Pyrenees region will find it offers plenty of attractions for a daytrip. A great spot for a leisurely day out for adults and children alike, its scenic setting makes it a great spot for walking and taking photographs. Classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rocamadour's modest size belies the number of historical buildings and cultural sights the town is home to. Set in a gorge, Rocamadour itself is built on a cliff face and the sight of grand buildings apparently jutting out from the steep slopes makes for some dramatic vistas. Although the town has a very small population, it can ... Read more

One of the finest spirits in the world, Cognac dates back to the 17th Century when double distillation was first discovered. Named after the town of Cognac, the drink is now produced by over 20,000 people in the Charente department of the Poitou-Charentes region. In excess of 130 million bottles are sold around the world each year. Anyone staying in one of the many gites de France in the Charente department will find it difficult to avoid the region's best-known export but its interesting history is enough to hold the attention of even non-drinkers.The rich soils, temperate climate and influence of the Atlantic combine to produce the distinctive taste of Cognac. The Cognac gro... Read more

There can't be many other regions in France with the sheer variety of activities on offer as Aquitaine. The perfect destination for foodies, history-lovers and adventurers alike, Aquitaine really does have something for everyone. One of the benefits of holidaying in gites or villas in France is that you have the flexibility and freedom to do pretty much anything you like. If your holiday party includes a few active types, you'll find plenty to occupy them in Aquitaine. Golfing Holidays The famous 19th Century Pau Golf Club is located in a spectacularly scenic location at the base of the Pyrenees Mountains. The course is the oldest in Europe and boasts a lovely Victorian clubhous... Read more

Périgueux is a picturesque town in the Dordogne region of France. Popular with day-trippers, the town has a wealth of cultural attractions and offers many scenic, leisurely walks. Easily accessible by car or public transport to those staying in the gites of the Dordogne , Périgueux is a must-see for anyone interested in history or with a fondness for French culture and cuisine. The main sights of Périgueux are all easily walkable and you'll get to see lots of historical buildings and picturesque views as you move from one attraction to the next. One of the town's main attractions is the Vesunna Gallo-Roman museum with its spectacular glass-covered courtyard. The museum house... Read more

The picturesque towns and villages of the neighbouring regions of Lorraine and Alsace make this part of France the perfect holiday spot for those who prefer to spend their days out exploring their surroundings rather than lying on a beach for a week or two. All that sightseeing can make you hungry, though, so it's a good job the region is also known for its excellent cuisine and wine. If you're staying in a gite Lorraine and Alsace offer countless chances to sample the local dishes in eateries ranging from tiny village cafes to high-end restaurants.Alsace CuisineAlsace cuisine is unique in France and is heavily influenced by the fact that the region borders Germany. The most... Read more

The Loire Valley is one of the most "French" regions of France. Situated in the western part of the country, it has been the setting of many of the most important historical events to take place in France over the centuries. If you're thinking of staying in one of the many Loire Valley gites, you'll find this fascinating region has more than enough attractions to keep you occupied during your holiday. A must-see attraction for most visitors to the region is the Chhteau de Chenonceau. Located near the village of Chenonceaux, the castle dates back to some time before the eleventh century. Although the original castle was burnt down in the fifteenth century, it was rebuilt shortly ... Read more