Guides

The French island of Corsica has excellent soil for wine producing and you will find many good red and white wines on offer in local restaurants, vineyards and retailers. The best region for wine is probably Patromonio, located on the north coast of Corsica where the clay soil and slightly cooler coastal climate create excellent conditions for growing grapes. Wherever you're staying in Corsica, if you're a keen wine buff, it's worth scheduling a day or two to explore this region. If you're staying in a gites de France Corsica property and have your own car or a hired vehicle you'll find plenty of wine producers offering tastings and tours to visitors. Patromonio's wine route i... Read more

Situated in the picturesque Loire Valley, the historical town of Saumur is a must for holidaymakers staying nearby. There is a lot to see and do in this charming town and it's a popular daytrip destination for those staying in one of the many Loire Valley gites. Much of the town's unique appearance and charm comes from the fact that most of the buildings were built using local Tuffeau stone. This beautiful, iridescent stone gives much of the town a fairty-tale-like appearance. The town's main attraction is its spectacular white chateau, situated high above the town. It's open all day in the summer months, with reduced hours in operation at other times of year. Built in the 14... Read more

Languedoc is one of the most popular French holiday destinations among Brits but the region is huge with a variety of landscapes so deciding where to stay can be difficult. There are enough gites in Languedoc to cater for all tastes and budgets but thinking about what you want from your holiday will help you choose the right part of this stunning region. Whether you want city lights and nightlife or complete peace and quiet in the countryside, Languedoc has it all. Nightlife If your holiday wouldn't be complete without several nights out spent in lively bars and sophisticated clubs, you'll need to be near one of Languedoc's main urban areas. Montpeilier and Toulouse probably h... Read more

The beautiful walled city of Guérande is situated in France's Pays de la Loire region and offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. As well as several fascinating museums, the city has an abundance of salt marshes and wetlands. If you want to stay in a self-catering gite Pays de la Loire is an excellent choice of holiday destination. As well as the city of Guérande, the region is also home to Nantes, Angers, Le Mans and many more towns and cities well worth a visit. Guérande dates back to the 11th century but didn't experience considerable growth until the 14th century. The Wars of Succession saw the town extended and fortified. Today Guérande remains walled and can be... Read more

The long, sunny summers and beautiful sandy beaches of Aquitaine make it a firm favourite with holidaymakers. There are countless gites in Aquitaine so there is something to suit every taste and budget. Whether you fancy a holiday in the deepest French countryside or something a stone's throw from the coast, Aquitaine has something for everyone. Here are five of the top things to do while you're there: Take a Trip to Cap Ferret Famous for its fantastic oysters and thriving restaurant scene, the upmarket resort of Cap Ferret is a wonderful place to head for a day out. Regular ferries leave Arachon to transport tourists the short distance to Cap Ferret and, although the headla... Read more

Most family holidays to northern France will involve a visit to Disneyland Paris. One of Europe's most popular attractions, this huge theme park is the focal point for many tourists. Although lots of families choose to stay in one of the Disney resort hotels, many stay in one of the relaxing gites in Champagne or other rural areas and drive to the park for just one day. If you simply intend to incorporate a day at Disneyland into your holiday rather than plan your whole trip around it and spend several days there, a little planning will ensure you get the most of your time there. Buy Tickets in Advance Tickets are cheaper when booked in advance and you'll save time queuing, to... Read more

Picardy is all too often ignored by holidaymakers who simply pass through the region on their way to the south of France but the area makes a great stop-off point to spend a few days at the start or end of your holiday. There are lots of gites in Picardy that will accept short-term bookings, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing break before driving onto your main holiday destination. The town of Abbeville is well-located for a short break and its proximity to the Bay of Somme attracts a lot of international visitors. Like much of the surrounding area, Abbeville was very heavily bombed during World War II so many of the important buildings and monuments have been restored and may... Read more

If you're lucky enough to be spending your holiday in one of the fantastic gites in Ile de France , you'll almost certainly be making a few trips into central Paris. Whether it's your first time in this magical city or your 40th, the Louvre is a must-see, even if you've been before. It takes many, many visits before you can fully appreciate all the treasures on show but if time is limited, make the most of your visit with a little planning. The Louvre is the world's largest museum and attracts around 9 million visitors each year. New works are added all the time and the museum is regularly updated and modified. It's easy to get lost in the multi-level galleries and exhibitio... Read more

The Provence region is famous for its fantastic food, traditional French way of life and its pretty villages. You will probably want to combine all three on a holiday to this beautiful area and staying in one of the many gites in Provence allows you the freedom to explore until your heart's content. Widely considered one of the prettiest villages in the whole of France, Les Baux de Provence has spectacular setting in the Alpilles Mountains. With a population of just 400, the locals are vastly outnumbered by tourists for most of the year but the village still retains its traditional French charm. The village's ruined castle affords wonderful views over the surrounding countrys... Read more

The Dordogne is one of the most popular regions of France with British holidaymakers and once you've been you'll find it easy to see why. This stunning region is simply full of dramatic valleys, scenic rivers and lush, green woods, making it ideal for a walking holiday. There are hundreds of walking routes in this part of France and, as one might expect, there are trails suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and ability. If you haven't walked in the Dordogne before, your best bet is probably to head to the nearest tourist information centre. Even the most rural gites de France properties will be situated within easy driving distance of a tourist information office and yo... Read more