11 February 2026 | Pure France
Why Choose a Holiday Home in France Instead of a Hotel?
Choosing the right accommodation is a key part of planning a trip, and understanding the different holiday properties in France can help travellers make the best choice. From countryside villas to coastal cottages, holiday rentals allow travellers to experience France at their own pace, with the comfort of a home rather than the structure of a hotel.
Many travellers choose holiday homes based on location, and exploring the best regions in France for holiday rentals can help narrow down the right area for your stay.
More space and privacy than a hotel
From apartments to large villas, understanding the different types of holiday properties in France can help travellers choose accommodation that best suits their needs.
Holiday rentals typically offer:
Separate bedrooms and comfortable living areas
Outdoor space such as gardens or terraces
In many cases, a private swimming pool
This additional space allows guests to relax fully, without shared corridors, lifts or communal facilities, making it particularly appealing for families and groups.
Better value for families and groups
For travellers holidaying together, holiday homes often represent better overall value than hotels.
With a holiday rental:
You pay for the property rather than per room
Costs are shared across the group
Self-catering reduces daily expenses
Over longer stays, this can make a significant difference compared with booking multiple hotel rooms.
A more authentic way to experience France
Many travellers choose holiday homes because they want a more local, immersive experience.
Staying in a rental property allows guests to:
Shop at local markets and bakeries
Cook with fresh regional produce
Stay in villages and neighbourhoods rather than tourist centres
This slower pace of travel is a key reason people return to holiday rentals in France.
Flexibility and freedom during your stay
Hotels are built around schedules. Holiday homes offer independence.
With a holiday rental, guests can:
Eat meals whenever they choose
Come and go without restrictions
Shape each day around their own routine
This flexibility is particularly valuable for families with children, groups with different interests or travellers who prefer a relaxed pace.
Ideal for longer stays in France
Holiday homes are especially well suited to longer trips.
They work particularly well for:
One- or two-week holidays
Extended summer breaks
Multi-week stays or remote working
With space to unpack, cook and settle in, holiday rentals are designed for living rather than just sleeping.
When a hotel may be the better option
A holiday home is not always the right choice.
A hotel may be more suitable if you are:
Staying for one or two nights only
Looking for daily housekeeping and on-site services
Visiting a city on a short, tightly planned itinerary
For longer holidays or countryside stays, holiday homes generally offer greater comfort and flexibility.
Frequently asked questions
Are holiday homes in France safe? Yes. When booked through reputable providers, holiday rentals in France are widely used, well-regulated and popular with both international visitors and local travellers.
Are holiday homes more expensive than hotels? Not usually for families or groups. For longer stays, holiday homes often provide better value per person than multiple hotel rooms.
Do holiday homes include modern amenities? Most holiday rentals clearly list amenities such as Wi-Fi, swimming pools, parking and outdoor space.
Final thoughts
Choosing a holiday home in France instead of a hotel is about more than accommodation — it’s about space, freedom and the way you want to experience your time away. For travellers who value privacy, flexibility and a more authentic connection to their surroundings, holiday rentals offer a comfortable and rewarding way to enjoy France.
