Special holiday cottages amidst the nature of France: regions and tips!

France is a country exceptionally well known as a holiday destination for cyclists and hikers, and the many authentic villages with their charming narrow streets offer a lovely contrast to your visit to nature. How about a cycling tour along the Loire, where you will discover beautiful and diverse landscapes, such as vineyards interspersed with impressive castles? Staying in a holiday cottage somewhere in the middle of France is a fantastic way to spend your holiday in this versatile country. You often stay in the most beautiful spots in typical French gîtes or farmhouses. Because France has so much to offer, we have created an overview in this article of popular regions to stay in a holiday home, as well as a few tips to inspire you!

Holiday homes along the Loire

About a 9-hour drive from the Netherlands, you will reach the area through which France's longest river flows, the Loire. This region is characterised by diverse landscapes, such as wooded slopes, plains, but also areas with mountainous terrain in the east. Because the Loire region is a wonderful area for hikers and cyclists, you will also find a rich selection of unique holiday cottages here. If you want to discover this area, your holiday is actually not complete without an overnight stay in, for example, a French nature house. From the lush slopes, you overlook the beautiful Loire Valley, where during walks or bike rides you have plenty of opportunities to spontaneously come across a magnificent castle! Are you looking for a nature house in the wooded area of this department? Then the best option is to rent accommodation in the Le Pilat Nature Park. Here you are surrounded by various landscapes, ranging from pine forests to riverbanks covered with vineyards. Despite the rolling character of the Loire region, there are quite a few differences in elevation. For example, take a long walk from your nature house to viewpoints such as Crêt de la Perdrix!

Holiday cottages in Maine-et-Loire

Would you like to stay in a detached house amid an expansive landscape? In the Maine-et-Loire region, holiday cottages are waiting for you that offer both proximity to delightful forests and spots with beautiful views over the Meaulnes Valley. The accommodations vary from spacious group houses to cosy stone cottages, which are equipped with all necessary amenities and a welcoming fireplace. Even if you are travelling with a small group, you will often enjoy a generous property, such as a large enclosed garden, sometimes with a private swimming pool.

Stay on the grounds of a castle

Have you always dreamed of a holiday home near a castle? Since the Loire region has a high concentration of castles, there is a good chance you will stay in a holiday home close to a beautiful mansion or château. In these houses you will find all kinds of modern amenities while clearly sensing the atmosphere of bygone times. Sometimes you can enjoy the comfort of underfloor heating and, as if that weren’t enough, the separate rooms often have a private bathroom. Staying near a castle gives you the dreamlike feeling of spending your holiday in a royal way. Sometimes you even have a view of a castle and the surrounding estate from your backyard.

Holiday homes between Le Mans and Tours

Situated between Le Mans and Tours are rustic farmhouses that have been transformed into picturesque nature cottages. The interior of these accommodations, with wooden beams and an old-fashioned fireplace, often still shows clearly that you are staying in a former farmhouse. Everything is provided on the ground floor, such as a living room with dining area and a kitchen. To reach the holiday cottages, you often follow a country road, and upon arrival, you will be pleasantly surprised by the rustic setting and a spacious garden. Anyone who wants to enjoy peace and quiet in the middle of nature will be able to relax wonderfully in this area. For small families, the picturesque holiday homes in this region are an ideal holiday address! Couples also find their way to charming gîtes, and larger groups can stay in bigger country houses with a swimming pool.

Romantic holiday cottages in the Loire region

Something you often encounter at holiday cottages in France is the proximity of fruit trees from which you may pick freely. The Loire region is in many ways an attractive area for romantic accommodations in the middle of nature. Settle into a holiday cottage with a cosy interior and, after an active day, snuggle up by the fireplace! Within walking distance, you will usually find a small lake for recreation in nature, and often there is a barbecue and garden furniture available for a romantic barbecue evening for two.

Experience authentic times in stone holiday cottages

Typical in France are stone cottages, which you will find almost everywhere. Don't be surprised if these houses are located on an estate. And an estate often means the surrounding nature has everything to offer, such as forests, streams, and vineyards—a perfect area for hikers and cyclists.

You can choose between cosy or more spacious living rooms with an open kitchen. Although the stone cottages often don't look very large from the outside, there are often two or more bedrooms that can accommodate families or other groups.

Holiday Loire: sights

La Sologne

A nature park that deserves special mention as a holiday destination in the Loire region is the La Sologne nature area. Here you will find unique flora and fauna, and the area is known for wildlife spotting. Walk through the La Toubriere marsh on specially constructed boardwalks.

Cycling through the Muscadet wine region

The mild climate of the Loire region makes it an area where grape cultivation for wine production thrives. Because the surrounding landscape is gently rolling, this region has emerged as a favourite destination for cyclists. Enjoy the eye-catching charm of this area by bike, and interrupt your ride through the Muscadet wine region with a visit to a wine tasting.

Château de Chenonceau

Château de Chenonceau, also known as the Ladies' Castle, is an illustrious sight along the River Cher. Besides the imposing castle on the bank, there is also a beautiful bridge with a gallery on top. The castle garden is equally impressive with its many rose bushes and conifers.

Chambord

One of the most iconic attractions in the Loire region is the majestic Château de Chambord. The castle is located in the La Sologne area and was designed by Leonardo da Vinci at the request of King Francis I. The intention was for the castle to showcase the king's power, which you can sense not only in the impressive size but also in the abundance of turrets. Chambord is truly a gem among the castles of France, and a visit to the Loire region is not complete without seeing this castle!

Holiday in Pays-de-la-Loire by the coast

A holiday home in the Loire region is not only popular along the riverbanks but also among beach lovers. The Loire region runs for a large part along the southern French coast. During your holiday in the Loire-Atlantique, every coastal holiday home forms a great base to visit beautiful seaside resorts or the city of Nantes, and many seaside cottages offer direct access to charming cycling routes that lead you along the Atlantic coast through gently rolling landscapes. A suitable cycling route for families with young children is the Vélocéan, which takes you along wide sandy beaches. The Vélo Francette is a cycling route that connects the Atlantic coast with the inland Loire region and is a popular option for tourists who want to explore the Pays-de-la-Loire department in its entirety.

Holiday homes in Auvergne

Located centrally in France is the Auvergne department, a sparsely populated area with volcanic landscapes and lush nature. Staying in a nature house in Auvergne is particularly popular because the area is so unique and also very bike-friendly. The different sub-regions of Auvergne each have their own unique characteristics. For example, Allier is the best place to stay if you want to spot special birds and enjoy untouched nature. Hiking enthusiasts will be excited about the Cantal department. This area is flatter and ideal for hikers who want to enjoy nature in a relaxed way. By the way, if you love French cheese, you are also in the right place here! And wherever you stay in Auvergne, you will usually have a good chance of views over volcanic peaks!

Holiday homes in Parc des Volcans

A holiday home in Auvergne invites you to a comfortable stay with various amenities. In Parc des Volcans, you will find several special holiday homes, from luxury villas to nature cottages waiting for you.

In addition to an enclosed garden, you often also have a balcony with sun loungers inviting you to enjoy a wonderful view! A well-functioning internet connection is not always guaranteed in this area, but many homes have 4G network coverage, which is sufficient to use Wi-Fi. Half an hour's drive from your holiday home in Parc des Volcans will take you to major attractions such as the Chantal volcano and the medieval village of Murat. In this area, by the way, you are also close to the prominent ski resort of Lioran.

Staying in a French gîte

A cosy holiday cottage to enjoy the French atmosphere is a so-called gîte. These houses are characterised not only by their authentic ambiance but also by the access they provide to a beautiful rural environment. At the same time, you are usually within reach of various charming French villages such as Charroux and Chantelle. The accommodations often previously served a different purpose, which is still clearly noticeable. Arriving at a typical French gîte is already an atmospheric start to your holiday in France! All the amenities for a pleasant stay are available, and there is accommodation for small families. Are you travelling with a slightly larger group? Then you can also choose to camp on the spacious surrounding grounds. On-site, you often have beautiful views over a vast rolling landscape; an ideal spot to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the French countryside!

Holiday cottages near Puy de Dome

For anyone who loves to admire volcanic landscapes and enjoys wide views, a holiday cottage near the volcanoes of Puy de Dome is an excellent tip. Especially hikers will be grateful here, as the holiday cottages are usually located along beautiful hiking trails. The volcanoes are generally easy to reach from your holiday cottage. Accommodations in Auvergne often provide wonderful views while you have a cup of coffee or dinner. How French do you want it to be? The surrounding grounds of a holiday home are usually spacious, and you get the feeling you have the entire area to yourself, because at some cottages you will hardly encounter any passers-by.

Holiday cottages for large groups

Staying in the middle of nature in France is not only reserved for families or couples in small, cosy nature cottages with smoking chimneys. Even as a large group, you will easily find accommodation that can host at least 6 people. Often there are entire farmhouses that have been converted into atmospheric group accommodations. Staying in an old farmhouse sounds idyllic, and as soon as you cross the threshold of these rustic holiday cottages, you will wholeheartedly agree. In winter, you can stay snug by the wood stove, and in summer, you can sit comfortably in the green yard overlooking lush countryside or a babbling brook, where children can play to their hearts’ content. On the grounds of former farmhouses, you often have the feeling that you are in a remote location, but fortunately, there is usually a village nearby where you can buy croissants for a French breakfast!

Holiday Auvergne: sights

Lac Chambon

Small lakes in nature always have a special attraction, especially when they are surrounded by mountains. In the Auvergne department, these are not just any mountains, but dormant volcanoes. Along the lake, you can walk over the forested slopes that drop steeply into the water, giving you great chances of glimpses over the lake during a walk. To take in the impressive beauty of these volcanoes, it is even more fun to rent a boat and paddle quietly across the lake for magical views.

Clermont-Ferrand

The fact that there are many volcanoes in Auvergne is also evident in the area's architecture. For example, the cathedral of Clermont-Ferrand is built of lava stone. The stately mansions in the city are also accentuated by the dark rock. Be sure to visit Notre-Dame, a Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century. The church is mainly built of sandstone, but even here you will recognise the distinctive contrasts of lava stone, which give the building a special appearance.

Visit the medieval village of Salers

Anyone who comes to France and wants to fully experience the culture cannot miss visiting one of the picturesque villages. And no matter how secluded your holiday cottage in nature is, there is always a charming French village nearby. Auvergne is also rich in authentic villages, and one of them is even on the nomination list of France's most beautiful villages: the old village of Salers. Experience the charm of this village while walking along the cobbled streets, flanked on both sides by picturesque stone houses housing bakeries, restaurants, and cafes.

Holiday cottages in the Ardèche

Thinking about renting a holiday cottage in the Ardèche? Whether you are a seeker of peace or love to conquer the mountains, a holiday in the Ardèche offers an abundance of natural beauty to enjoy near your holiday home. Those who visit this southern department of France are greeted by impressive mountain landscapes, gorges, and rich flora and fauna. Did you know there are also remarkable caves to admire and natural spas where you can relax? But active holidaymakers will also find plenty to do in the Ardèche, as the region has an excellent reputation among tourists who love to explore deep into the woods on mountain bikes or kayak down the lively Ardèche River. After a day of adventure, a nature house in the Ardèche is the perfect retreat to end the day amid idyllic nature. Want to experience a successful holiday in the Ardèche? A holiday cottage is a great choice and a lovely base for discovering this magnificent region! If you go looking for accommodation, you will have plenty to choose from, as the offer of unique holiday cottages close to nature is vast and diverse.

Holiday cottages in the Haute Alpes

At the foothills of the Haute Alpes, you will find rustic cottages that now serve as holiday accommodations, where you can admire the green mountains from your private terrace. In hot summers, the nearby Drome River is the perfect place to cool off. Rafting or canoeing is also a popular activity here. The area looks peaceful, but there are enough facilities nearby to meet all your needs, and you can find some bustle at the market in the village of Chatillon.

Enjoy beautiful views from your holiday cottage in the Ardèche

Something you can often expect when booking a holiday cottage in the Ardèche is a location with magnificent views. For example, you can enjoy a wide view over the Jabron from a wooded slope. In the area around your cottage, both short and long walking trails are mapped out, making it a great area to hike with children. If you stay here in summer, children will have a fantastic time anyway, because on the grounds of your holiday home in the Ardèche, there is often also a swimming pool and a trampoline. Usually, your cottage is surrounded by a generous domain of peace and space with many trees providing the necessary shade. Water sources such as the Beaume River offer extra refreshment.

Staying in a yurt

A unique way to completely retreat into nature is to spend the night in a yurt. This special tent gives you the authentic feeling of camping while still enjoying a certain level of comfort thanks to solar-powered electricity. You usually have a fridge and a gas hob to cook on, and the yurt is situated so that you can optimally enjoy beautiful views of green mountains. When the temperature rises, a nearby river invites you to cool off!

A holiday home in the woods

Is a holiday home deep in the woods something for you? Then spend the night in a holiday cottage in the forest. What better way to experience a holiday in nature than to stay amid a fragrant pine forest? Inside is also delightful, not only thanks to the atmospheric furniture but also because the houses often consist of massive stone walls that insulate well against the heat. Directly from your holiday home, there are beautiful walking paths, and not far away, there are opportunities to swim or canoe.

Holiday Ardèche: sights

Vogüé and Balazuc

The Ardèche region impresses not only with mountainous and lush nature but also with its many characteristic villages. A village that certainly belongs on this list is Vogüé, which is situated along the Ardèche River. A massive castle towers above the village, and the cliffs in the background create an interesting decor of limestone. Another characteristic village is Balazuc, located on a steep bank of the Ardèche River. Visit the Romanesque church Eglise Saint-Marie and stroll through the tranquil streets.

Canoeing through the Gorges de l'Ardèche

An unforgettable experience that nature lovers shouldn't miss is a canoe trip through the river gorge of the Gorges de l'Ardèche. While you paddle along the river, you look up at magical whitish rock faces along the banks, covered with lush vegetation. It's worth admiring this unique natural beauty, and what better way to do it than from a canoe or kayak!

While exploring the river in this area, you will also come across one of the most famous natural attractions of the Ardèche: the Pont d'Arc stone arch bridge. This is a naturally formed bridge created by erosion. The result is a carved rock that over time has taken on impressive proportions.

Take a steam train ride through the Ardèche

Hiking, cycling, and kayaking are all popular activities to discover the nature of the Ardèche in all its diversity. But did you know there's a fun alternative way to fully enjoy the area's rich natural beauty? Let the landscape pass you by without any effort from an authentic steam train: the Train de l'Ardèche! This tourist train follows a railway track along the Doux, a tributary of the Rhône.

Holiday cottages in France by the water

A relaxing holiday is often associated with the proximity of a lake or river. Children can entertain themselves endlessly while you enjoy a good book by a babbling brook. Moreover, in the middle of summer, it is no luxury to stay in a holiday home that gives access to water-rich places for the necessary cooling down. Lakes and calm or lively rivers are often just a stone's throw away from a holiday cottage in France, and sometimes they even border directly on the surrounding grounds. For this reason, French gîtes are not only perfect for couples seeking romance but also a wonderful place for children!

A holiday home in France as a base for a cycling holiday

In the Loire region, there are also many other possibilities to book a holiday cottage by the water, both along the river and the coast. In coastal regions such as Pornic and Saint Michel, for example, you will find many holiday cottages close to the sea. If you rent a holiday home in the southern part of the Pays-de-la-Loire, the cycling stages towards the river are a bit longer, but if you stay more on the northern coast, an accommodation near the sea is an excellent base for combined cycling tours along the coast and the beautiful riverbanks.

Holiday cottages in France: how to make the right choice?

Have you already been convinced by the beauty and diversity of nature in France? The range of holiday homes is incredibly large, from cosy gîtes to atmospheric farmhouses where you can stay with large groups. Make a well-considered decision about which region in France will be your holiday destination and take the time to choose a holiday home that suits your wishes and planned activities. Are you mainly looking for nature with many height differences, deep gorges, and unspoiled landscapes? Then choose the Auvergne and Ardèche regions. These departments are very popular among active holidaymakers and people looking for peace and quiet in remote areas with rich flora and fauna.