THE SEASON AHEAD
I couldn’t be more excited about the start of the new season in South West France. I start travelling here from late spring onwards, when the vineyards of Bordeaux are bursting into vibrant green, and the first signs of grape clusters are forming on the vines. Wine estates open their doors for intimate tastings, making this the perfect time to discover world-famous appellations, from Margaux to Saint-Émilion. I vary my time between inspecting our existing portfolio of villas, sourcing new properties, and investigating the best things to do in the surrounding areas.
If I’m staying in the Dordogne on my own holidays, I love a morning stroll into the nearest village to pick up fresh bread (and maybe some pastries…). I’ll then remain in the square for a while with a coffee, watching the world go by. As summer progresses, I find myself increasingly drawn to the coast, enjoying leisurely lunches at the oyster shacks of Cap Ferret and refreshing dips from the Atlantic beaches. There are still things that draw me back inland though, even in the height of summer. The Bordeaux Wine Festival. The Dordogne’s summer night markets. The Carcassone music festival in July. Essentially, once you’ve gained a taste of the delights of South West France, you’ll quickly discover that just one visit is never quite enough!
Victoria – February 2025
WHERE & WHEN
Where are the best areas for villa rentals in South West France?
The region of South West France is vast and diverse, which brings you plenty of choice for a villa stay. On the far west coast, beachfront villas around Cap Ferret and the Bay of Arcachon deliver an authentically French coastal experience for those in the know. Travelling inland, Bordeaux vineyard villas will delight wine lovers, as well as those seeking serenity in nature. We particularly recommend those located around beautiful Saint Emilion.
The Dordogne also offers secluded countryside villas and a wonderfully relaxed pace of life. Here, pristine gorges and pretty riverside villages take centre stage. Travelling south towards the Mediterranean, luxurious rural hideaways located close to Carcassonne present the opportunity to delve into the region’s rich and multi-layered history and cuisine. Finally, as you get closer to the Mediterranean coast itself, a villa rental near Perpignan provides access to the foothills of the Pyrenees and lovely sheltered beaches within easy reach.
When is the best time to visit South West France?
Given the cultural attractions of South West France, this really is a place that can be visited year-round. You can explore the region’s picturesque towns, villages, and resplendent chateaux at any time of year, as well as enjoying fabulous seasonal cuisine.
If you are hoping to spend most of your time outside, we recommend renting a villa between May and September. In May, the weather is getting drier and warmer, with temperatures reaching 20 – 22C (68 – 71F) on average. This is a particularly good time for enjoying activities such as hiking in the foothills of the Pyrenees, kayaking in the Dordogne, or exploring historic sites such as Carcassonne without the peak summer crowds. June provides all of this and more, with the increasing temperatures making visits to the beach and outdoor dining even more and enjoyable.
July and August are the most popular times to visit South West France, particularly if you are looking to spend time on the beach. Expect long sunny days, and average temperatures of 28C (82F), sometimes higher. Even though there are more visitors at this time, a luxury villa rental will ensure if you have complete peace and privacy.
With the approach of September, you can bask in South West France in all its glory – but with fewer visitors. Temperatures sit at around 24C (75F), and the sea is perfect for swimming. The start of the wine harvest adds another special dimension to autumn visits to the region.
