South of France Holidays: Hand-Picked Villas Across 7 Regions
Planning your holiday in the South of France means choosing between seven very different regions. From the glamorous Côte d'Azur to the quieter vineyards of the Languedoc, each corner of the South of France offers a distinct holiday experience. At South France Holiday Villas, we have hand-picked over 500 self-catering villas across all 7 regions to help you find the right home for your stay. This guide walks you through each region, the best times to visit, how to travel from the UK, and the most common questions our guests ask before they book.
Why Choose the South of France for Your Holiday
Expect warm, dry summers with temperatures averaging 27-30°C in July and August. Spring and autumn are pleasant shoulder seasons with daily highs of 20-25°C, fewer crowds and better villa availability. The landscape is extraordinarily varied: expect palm-lined beaches and glamour on the Côte d'Azur, lavender fields and olive groves in Provence, authentic wine growing villages and sandy beaches in the Languedoc, charming villages and wine country in the Dordogne, and wild mountains in the Pyrenees and the French Alps.
For UK travellers, the South of France offers something increasingly rare: short flight times (under two hours), a familiar European time zone and an infrastructure of English-friendly services without losing the authentic French atmosphere.
The Seven Regions of the South of France
The South of France is not a single destination but a collection of seven distinct regions, each with its own identity, landscapes, culture and cuisine. Below is a short guide to help you choose. Click each region for our full villa selection.
Cote d'Azur - French Riviera
The Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, stretches along the Mediterranean coast from the Italian border to the edge of Provence. It is home to some of the most famous resort towns in Europe: Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Menton, Antibes and the perched village of Eze. The Principality of Monaco sits within its borders.
This is the most glamorous part of the South of France, with a lively summer season, luxury yachts in Monaco, the Cannes Film Festival in May and year-round sunshine. Our Riviera villas range from beachfront properties with private pools to hillside estates with sea views.
Provence
Provence is the quintessential South of France: lavender fields, cypress trees, Roman ruins and medieval hilltop villages. The main cities are Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles and Marseille. The Luberon area, made famous by Peter Mayle, is especially popular with UK visitors.
Provence shines in late spring and early autumn when the lavender blooms in June-July and the vineyards in September. Key sights include the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, the Palais des Papes in Avignon and the Calanques National Park near Marseille. Our Provence villas include restored farmhouses (mas), village houses and contemporary properties with private pools.
Languedoc
The Languedoc stretches from the Rhône to the Spanish border and includes Montpellier, Béziers, Narbonne, Perpignan and the walled city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is France's largest wine-producing region and offers some of the country's best value holidays.
Expect long sandy beaches from Sète to Collioure, authentic Mediterranean villages and a rich Cathar history. The Languedoc is less crowded than the Côte d'Azur, making it a favourite for families seeking space and a slower pace.
Corsica
Corsica is a Mediterranean island 110 miles off the coast of the Côte d'Azur, often called the Île de Beauté (Island of Beauty). Its 600 miles of coastline include over 200 beaches, and its mountainous interior reaches 2,700 metres at Monte Cinto.
The main towns are Ajaccio (birthplace of Napoleon), Bastia, Calvi and Porto-Vecchio. Corsica is ideal for families, hikers and nature lovers. UK travellers typically fly via Nice, Marseille or Paris.
Dordogne & Lot
The Dordogne and Lot region is in South West France, famous for over 1,000 châteaux, medieval villages and prehistoric caves such as Lascaux. The main towns are Sarlat, Bergerac and Périgueux. The Dordogne River flows through the heart of the region.
This region has a strong and loyal UK following thanks to its food (truffles, foie gras, walnut oil), wine (Bergerac, Monbazillac) and gentle countryside. Our Dordogne villas include stone houses, restored manoirs and family-friendly properties with heated pools.
Aquitaine
Aquitaine borders the Atlantic Ocean and Spain. The regional capital is Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most famous wine regions (Saint-Émilion, Médoc, Sauternes). The coast, known as the Côte d'Argent, is renowned for surfing and long sandy beaches.
The Basque country, at the Spanish border, includes Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Aquitaine is a great choice for travellers looking to combine wine tourism, beach time and easy access from the UK (Bordeaux and Biarritz have direct flights).
Midi-Pyrenees
Midi-Pyrénées, now part of the Occitanie region, is one of the lesser-known parts of the South of France and that is precisely its charm. Toulouse, the Pink City, is the regional capital. The Pyrenees mountains offer both summer hiking and winter skiing.
Highlights include the medieval town of Albi (another UNESCO site), the pilgrimage destination of Lourdes, the spectacular Millau Viaduct (the tallest bridge in the world) and the wine regions of Gaillac and Cahors. A great choice for active holidays and authentic southern French experiences away from the tourist trail.
French Alps
The French Alps run along the borders with Italy and Switzerland. The southern Alps (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes) are less famous than the ski resorts of Savoie but offer some of the best walking, canyoning and summer holidays in France.
Notable sites include the Verdon Gorges (Europe's deepest canyon), Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Queyras natural park. In winter, the region hosts both well-known ski resorts and quieter family-friendly stations.
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When to Visit: Best Time by Season
The South of France is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience. Here is what you can expect month by month.
Spring (March to May): Temperatures rise from 15°C in March to 22°C in May. Fewer crowds, blooming countryside, perfect for sightseeing, cycling and walking. Cherry blossoms in April, iris fields in May. A favourite time for garden enthusiasts visiting Provence.
Summer (June to August): The high season. Average highs of 27-30°C, occasionally above 35°C in inland Provence. Warm sea, busy resorts, all attractions open. Lavender fields bloom from mid-June to mid-July, one of the most photographed moments of the year. Expect higher villa prices and to book 6 months ahead for July-August.
Autumn (September to October): Arguably the best time of year. September still offers 24-27°C and a warm sea. The grape harvest (vendanges) starts mid-September, making wine regions especially lively. October brings the first red vine leaves and a quieter atmosphere.
Winter (November to February): Mild on the coast (10-14°C average), colder inland and snowy in the Alps. Nice averages 240 hours of winter sunshine, more than many UK summers. Ideal for walking holidays, cultural tourism and, of course, skiing in the Alps.
How to Get There From the UK
The South of France is one of the most accessible continental destinations from the UK. Multiple options exist depending on your starting point and region of destination.
By plane: Direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and several regional UK airports serve Nice (Côte d'Azur), Marseille (Provence), Montpellier (Languedoc), Toulouse (Midi-Pyrénées), Bordeaux (Aquitaine) and Biarritz (Basque country). Flight times range from 1h45 to 2h15.
By train: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord (2h20), then TGV high-speed connections to Avignon (3h40), Aix-en-Provence (3h20), Marseille (5h), Montpellier (4h) or Nice (7h). A low-carbon option that often ends up faster than flying once you factor in airports.
By car and ferry: Ferries from Dover and Portsmouth, or Eurotunnel from Folkestone. A typical drive from Calais to Provence takes 10-11 hours, best split over two days. Worth the effort if you want your own car on arrival and plan to explore remote villages.
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Why Book With South France Holiday Villas
We are a small family business specialising exclusively in the South of France. This focus means we know every region personally, we have visited most of our properties in person, and we can match you with the right villa based on more than a tick-box search.
What sets us apart:
- 500+ hand-picked villas across 7 regions, personally inspected by our team
- English-speaking team based in France, available by phone and email
- No hidden fees — the price you see is the price you pay
- Secure payment protection on all bookings
- Dedicated collections including luxury, family-friendly, pet-friendly, beach, private pool and châteaux
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the South of France?
The best time to visit the South of France is from May to early October. Spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures of 20-25°C, fewer crowds and lower villa prices. July and August are the warmest months, averaging 27-30°C, but also the busiest. For lavender fields in bloom, aim for mid-June to mid-July. For vineyards and harvest season, September is ideal.
Which region of the South of France is best for families?
The Languedoc and the Dordogne are often considered the most family-friendly regions of the South of France. The Languedoc offers long sandy beaches, warm shallow waters and spacious villas at reasonable prices. The Dordogne is famed for its kid-friendly châteaux, prehistoric caves and river activities. Provence also has excellent family villas, especially in the Luberon area. The Côte d'Azur is great for families with older children who enjoy the buzz of resort towns.
How do I get to the South of France from the UK?
Direct flights from the UK land at Nice, Marseille, Montpellier, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Biarritz airports in under 2 hours. Alternatively, the Eurostar to Paris (2h20) connects with TGV high-speed trains reaching Avignon in 3h40, Aix-en-Provence in 3h20 or Marseille in 5h. Driving via Eurotunnel or Dover-Calais takes approximately 10-11 hours to Provence and is ideal if you want your own car for exploring.
Is the Côte d'Azur more expensive than Provence?
Yes, on average. The Côte d'Azur, especially around Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, has higher villa prices, dining costs and activity fees than inland Provence. Provence offers similar Mediterranean charm at 20-30% lower prices in most cases, especially in the Luberon, the Alpilles and the Var countryside. That said, both regions offer properties across all budgets.
Do I need to speak French to holiday in the South of France?
Not necessarily. In major tourist areas such as the Côte d'Azur and central Provence, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and attractions. In more rural areas like inland Languedoc, the Dordogne villages and the southern Alps, English is less common. A few polite French phrases (bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaît) go a long way and are always appreciated.
What's the weather like in the South of France in July?
July is the hottest month in most of the South of France, with average highs of 28-30°C on the coast and 32-35°C inland, especially in Provence and the Languedoc. Rain is rare (3-5 days average). The sea reaches 23-25°C, ideal for swimming. In the French Alps, July offers pleasant 22-25°C temperatures and is the peak season for hiking.
Can I rent a villa in the South of France with a private pool?
Yes. Around 70% of our 500+ villas come with a private pool. We have a dedicated Private Pools collection featuring properties where the pool is for the sole use of your party. Pool sizes range from plunge pools for couples to Olympic-sized pools for large family gatherings. Many pools are heated for use in spring and autumn.
How far in advance should I book my villa?
For July and August stays, we recommend booking 4 to 6 months in advance, as our most popular villas are reserved by January. For May, June and September, 2 to 3 months is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings are possible outside the high season, with better availability and sometimes reduced rates.
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