Holidays in France should be at the top of our bucket list – it’s known as the top holiday destination in the world after all. Lucky for us Brits, France is close to home!
Despite recent industrial action and demonstrations across France we do have the freedom to travel there at our leisure. Just remember to view up-to-date travel information from your tour operator. Plus, the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) website.
When planning a holiday in France look out for something relaxing to enjoy. For instance, you could stay in an idyllic castle stay or book a beachside villa break. Also, you could head there during winter for a breath taking ski holiday.
To inspire you to craft your holiday in France here are some suggestions…
French chateau holidays
Give a nod to the country that’s renowned for romance. Find a romantic location to explore, surrounded by stunning scenery and superb cuisine, while staying in a historic hotel, quiet villa, or a charming castle…
A chateau holiday in France gives you the opportunity to step back in time, within an ancient castle visited by kings and queens of the past. Many are close to cities if they are not situated in breathtakingly scenic landscapes. Take your pick! Sleep in hand-carved four-poster beds and eat in grand, stone-walled restaurants. Or, just book a room and visit the local town, for the freedom to try the distinctive flavours of France.
Where are the best chateau holidays located in France?
- Within the hillside of Dordogne, find Chateau de Castel Novel in Varetz. Take a 15-minute walk to discover the natural beauty spot of Les Jardins de Colette. You will also find golf courses, canoeing, and cycling tracks nearby. Finish your trip with something sweet by visiting the Bovetti Chocolate Museum – a cultural highlight.
- Outside the historic city of Normandy, stay in Chateau La Cheneviere, which sits between the D-day landing beaches and Bayeux. Bayeux is known for the Bayeux tapestry that depicts the Norman conquest of England. However, you can also admire the medieval architecture outside the Notre Dame Cathedral, or stroll through the botanical gardens.
- Near Nice, relax in Chateau de Picomtal which overlooks the Serre-Poncon Lake, within the Hautes-Alpes. A 14th-16th century chateau with an extensive garden and orchard to explore. During your stay, join a tour to learn about the castle. For more action, cycle through The Ecrins National Park before visiting the Les Orres ski resort just 7.5 miles away.
To find more ski holidays in France and the rest of Europe, read our super snowy ski holidays blog. However, if you’re looking for somewhere to embrace the sun, you may want to go on a villa holiday in France…
Villa holidays in France
There are thousands of villas in France to choose from. Some of the best villas can be located in the south of France. Find yours near the sea to create a beautiful beach holiday in France! Whoever you choose to holiday with, take our Super Duper cover option, to be covered for End Supplier Failure Insurance. This will cover the losses if your accommodation provider comes into financial failure.
Where can I find top villas in France?
- In Hossegor, France which sits on the south coast of the Aquitaine region. Stay in a beach house, where you can enjoy a range of water sports, before tucking into oysters for lunch.
- Depart to Dordogne, where you’ll find a beautiful barn conversion within a scenic rural location in the Lot valley. To live like a local, go on a culinary journey to the gastronomic centre Agen. For a decent glass of wine visit Pujols.
- Within Côte d’Azur stay in a luxury French villa, along the French Rivera. French villas are known for being spacious, so one by the sea could provide a blissful setting for a gathering. As the sun sets, visit your private beach to feel the sand between your toes.
View our blog to find more inspiration if you wish to book a villa holiday. On the other hand, if you’d prefer a city break for a bit more buzz and glamour head to Paris.
Paris city breaks
A classic, cultural and charming city, Paris has a lot to offer if you go for a week or a short and sweet city break. It’s one of the most photographed cities in the world. So remember to take your camera! You can do so with peace of mind because gadget cover is standard on all Free Spirit policies.
What can I do during a Paris city break?
- Admire world-famous landmarks at nightfall, such as the Champs-Élysées, Jardins du Trocadéro, and the Eiffel Tower. Reach the top to view the entire city, then see the world’s largest museum: the Louvre the next day.
- A visit to the Musse du Louvre may inspire you to create a piece of art when returning home. Full of western civilisation’s most wonderful masterpieces; see the Mona Lisa in all its glory. Why not spend an afternoon there, after a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens?
- Go shopping – browse within vintage shops and designer stores at the Triangle d’Or. Then discover some Parisian department stores at The Boulevard Haussmann. To end the day, tuck into an impressive appetiser, such as escargot (cooked snails) before a fresh seafood plate or steak.
- Immerse yourself in Paris’s alluring charm by cruising along the river Seine, which weaves itself through the heart of the capital. Outside Paris, canal holidays in France are also an option.
Caravan and Camping Holidays in France
Explore the great outdoors (with better weather than you’d find in the UK), during a caravan or camping holiday in France. One of the benefits of travelling with Free Spirit is there’s no upper age limit. So everyone in your party will be covered, wherever you stay. You could head for the carefree countryside in Normandy, or the south of France to stay in a holiday park. Most come with a kids club, splashing water parks, cafes, and/or restaurants. To rest at the end of a busy day, rent a tent/caravan or bring your own.
Where are the best campsites in France?
- On Marseillan beach, along the Languedoc coast, you’ll find a lovely retreat. With lots of on-site activities to choose from and direct access to the beach, you won’t be short of things to do. To experience French cuisine here, regional specialties are served at the restaurant and local markets. To dive into more divine dishes, drive to Beziers or Montpellier. Outside the medieval city of Montpellier, find Le lac des Reves.
- Le lac des Reves is a great location to relax in the countryside – or admire it while in a swimming pool. For more action, head to Montpellier to shop. Then play along the Languedoc beaches before bed. For a day trip, explore the Camargue national park, where wild horses and flamingos live – the perfect location for wildlife watching.
- Another place to see stunning scenery is within the Pas-de-Calais region on the Opal Coast. Take in its coastal views, while staying within a high cliff-top setting, in the coastal town of le Portel. Nearby, there are lots of outdoor activities to keep you occupied too. For instance, you can go for a wander, cycle along the coast or the younger members of your party may enjoy windsurfing. Windsurfing is one of 100 activities included for free in our policy so feel free to try something different in Pas-de-Calais.
Pas-de-Calais is just a 28-mile drive from the ferry in Calais, which is one way to reach France to begin your holiday…
Visit France by train
France is within easy reach of the UK and deciding to pay a visit last minute by train is no problem. Plus, it boasts one of the most modern and efficient rail networks in Europe. Reach the country fondly referred to as l’Hexagon (“The Hexagon”) by rail from London, St Pancras train station. Book a trip the Eurostar and you’ll be in Paris in just over two hours. You can also reach Calais and Lille in less than two hours too. For holidays in Southern France, change trains in Paris. Or, join a different line to enjoy a unique train holiday in France.
Travel insurance for holidays in France
We hope we’ve provided you with enough inspiration to put France back on your bucket list. As you can see, it can still be one of the best locations for a holiday.
Just give yourself the freedom to plan your holiday in France any way you want. There are many ways to get there and top destinations to explore. Whatever you plan to do on your holiday to France, take Free Spirit for the trip – le France c’est fantastique!