Ideas for Unique Places to Stay in France
There are so many reasons why France is the ultimate holiday destination that it’s hard to know where to start. Its proximity to and easy access from the UK is certainly a plus, especially if you’re travelling with a large family in tow or if you don’t have a lot of time to spare. And there’s no question that the countryside is picture-postcard stunning - think vibrant sunflower fields and verdant vineyards dotted with stone chateaux and sleepy villages. Add to that the cosmopolitan cities, university towns, coastal resorts, river valleys, alpine slopes, blue flag beaches and the general sense of ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes it all so magical and you’ve got the recipe for a wonderful getaway!
We have a huge selection of French holiday rentals on One Off Places, so the only real issue is deciding which one to go for. In order to help you narrow it down we’ve picked 10 of our favourites…
If your mental image of a French holiday involves a group of good friends, a restored castle, an array of luxurious facilities and a well-stocked wine cellar then look no further than this beautiful house in Burgundy. With eight bedrooms, a golf course, a swimming pool, a tennis court and a 14 hectare estate, it’s the perfect setting for a weekend of fun and relaxation.
You may be looking for something rather more intimate, and if so then these quirky semi-transparent domes in Languedoc-Roussillon will be just the ticket. Can you imagine anything more romantic than snuggling up under a sky full of brilliant stars? These magical little bubbles bring a whole new meaning to the term ‘glamping’.
There are plenty of chic little One Off Places to be found in an urban setting, not least this arty loft apartment in the heart of Paris. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in style, and with some of the city’s most famous landmarks just a 5 minute walk away the location is truly exceptional.
Another diminutive yet utterly inimitable choice would be a rustic windmill in the Vendee region. Peaceful, private and full of character, this would be a truly memorable destination for a honeymoon (or perhaps a proposal?).
What about something coastal? Some of the most unique places to stay in France are by the sea, not least this villa in Provence which offers the most exquisite panorama along the Cote d’Azur. The views from the saltwater pool are really something to write home about!
And don’t forget about Corsica. With its white sand beaches and turquoise waters you could easily be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere much more exotic, and there’s nowhere better to base yourself than this sumptuous seafront villa with its own vineyard.
Another oft-forgotten but gorgeous French holiday destination is the Ile-de-Re, where you can easily while away the days cycling through narrow streets and eating fresh seafood by the water. A townhouse in St Martin would put you right in the beating heart of things.
Those in search of mountainous pursuits, whether snow or sunshine based, need look no further than this chalet in the Rhone Alps. Its cosy old-school interiors and glorious scenery make it an excellent choice for a skiing or climbing trip.
And if fishing, kayaking and waterside living are more your cup of tea then how about a chic but unpretentious wooden chalet by a river in Finistere? The atmosphere is serene and the views over the water are spectacular.
Last but by no means least, this lakeside cabin on a private lake in the Dordogne, surrounded by forest is a wonderful off grid escape. Wildlife and tranquility all around, or hire bikes and explore the surrounding area.
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in France then this collection is a good start - but there’s plenty more where that came from