Welcome to the real France, bursting with simple pleasures; the warm smell of the morning boulangerie, the discovery of a delicious menu at a local restaurant, the bustling life of a colourful regional produce market, delightful hidden villages - it must be experienced to be believed. We have personally chosen our best French character properties - original holiday homes and gites where you can live like a local and truly immerse yourself in authentic France, whether in a traditional farmhouse in unspoilt Provence, a gite off the beaten track in uncommercialised Brittany or a genuine medieval house in a hilltop Cote d’Azur village.


Dreaming of getting away from it all and understanding the real French culture? Looking for a vacation with a difference where you can taste the real way of life in France? Click on the holiday property reference for a full description and more photos. They are listed below in order of sleeping capacity:

P324C, La Rochegiron, Provence

Sleeps: 2

EUR 400-700 per week

Beautifully restored windmill situated in the heart of rural Provence.

· Lively market in nearby village.
· Beautiful lavender-producing area.
· Short drive to a couple of inexpensive restaurants with excellent local produce.

B759A, Lechiagat, S. Brittany

Sleeps: 4

EUR 400 - 750 per week

Prettily restored fisherman’s cottage.

· Situated in a traditional Breton seaside village.
· Just 50m from the beach.
· Great for markets and seafood restaurants!

C157B, Saint Cezaire, Cote d'Azur

Sleeps: 4

EUR 500 - 1100 per week

Delightful stone cottage in extensive grounds with ancient olive trees.

· Large pool shared with owners.
· South facing terrace and shaded area for outdoor dining.
· Lovely area for walking with marked footpaths.

C43A, Biot, Cote d'Azur

Sleeps: 4

EUR 400-700 per week

Captivating 19th century town house in the narrow cobbled streets of Biot.

· Unique opportunity to experience life in a medieval village.
· Choice of restaurants and shops nearby.
· Easy access to the glamorous coastal resorts of the Côte d’Azur: Antibes, Cannes and Monaco.

P108A, St Michel l'Observatoire, Provence

Sleeps: 4

EUR 800-1500 per week

Cottage nestling in quiet hamlet with superb views over the surrounding countryside.

· Private pool.
· Tastefully furnished in traditional Provençal style.
· Perfectly placed for exploring ancient hilltop villages. (Don’t miss the breathtaking view from the observatory at St Michel, especially at sunset…)

P205K, Pierrevert, Provence

Sleeps: 4

EUR 1100 - 1400 per week

Delightful Provençal stone cottage, converted pigeonnier, in private hamlet.

· Shared pool (fenced).
· 2 km picturesque village with local shops.
· Great area for outdoor activities.

P324D, La Rochegiron, Provence

Sleeps: 4

EUR 450- 800 per week

Recently renovated pigeonnier with shared pool.

· Peaceful and beautiful rural setting.
· Lovely area for cycling and walking.
· Short drive to village with restaurants and market.

B502A, St Marc sur Mer, S. Brittany

Sleeps: 5

EUR 600-1200 per week

Charming cottage, typically French, beautifully decorated.

· Easy walk to sandy beaches.
· Level footpath into St Marc sur Mer, famous as the setting for the film ‘Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday’.
· 7km lively resort of La Baule.

C174A, Grasse, Cote d'Azur

Sleeps: 5

EUR 650 - 1200 per week

Charming 19th century traditional Provençal farmhouse.

· Set in a quiet residential quarter of Grasse, perfume capital of the world.
· Secluded position in its own delightful garden of 3500m².
· All the fun of the Côte d’Azur is right on your doorstep.

C179A, Valbonne, Cote d'Azur

Sleeps: 5

EUR 650 - 1700 per week

17th century Provençal ‘Mas’ set amongst olive groves.

· Shared pool.
· 2km lively village with shops, restaurants and excellent Friday market.
· Peace and quiet, yet easy drive to coastal resorts.

P335A, Merindol les Oliviers, Provence

Sleeps: 6

EUR 750-2300 per week

Tranquil 19th century farmhouse, full of character.

· Private pool.
· Set in 10,000m² of private grounds amongst sun-drenched vines, olives and fig trees.
· Truly atmospheric Provençal landscape in the unspoilt Drôme département.

P348A, Reillanne, Provence

Sleeps: 6

EUR 900 - 2800 per week

Brand new house in a lovely peaceful spot.

· Private pool in secluded garden.
· Just 1.5km from picturesque village in relatively undiscovered part of Provence.
· Ideal opportunity to join in with local life to the full, and walk home afterwards!

C340A, Villecroze, Cote d'Azur

Sleeps: 8

EUR 750-1850 per week

Contemporary villa, easy walk to the ancient village of Villecroze.

· Choice of restaurants in the shade of the plane trees in the village square.
· Discover the tiny winding streets of the enchanting medieval quarter.
· Private pool.

B603B, Le Pouldu, S. Brittany

Sleeps: 12

EUR 900 - 2100 per week

Originally a cider barn, this house actually featured in a Gauguin painting!

· Renovated with meticulous attention to detail.
· Within walking distance of the picturesque village of Le Pouldu and three different beaches.
· Excellent choice for a family holiday.