A villa holiday provides the ideal base for exploring a region at a more leisurely pace. It can also be surprisingly good value, with extended family or friends coming together to share the cost and the experience. With private pools, plenty of space to relax and the most scenic locations to discover on your doorstep, here’s our pick of some of the best value villas in France that offer the chance to have a holiday with a big group of friends or the whole family without breaking the bank.
La Colline Bleue, South West France
5 Bedrooms – Sleeps 12
An 18th-century farmhouse set within an ancient stone quarry, La Colline Bleue provides all the charm expected of a traditional French farmhouse against a truly distinct backdrop. Whether relaxing by the large, heated swimming pool or unwinding in the one hectare of meticulously maintained gardens, the villa promises days of unspoiled tranquillity. There are also several barbecue facilities, dining terraces, and even a pétanque court to keep guests occupied. La Colline Bleue is ideally situated for exploring the natural and historic delights of South West France, from St Émilion’s underground cellars, cloisters and monolithic churches, to the coastline’s undulating sand dune treks and appetising oyster shacks.
Domaine des Corbieres, South West France
8 Bedrooms – Sleeps 16
Despite feeling splendidly isolated, Domaine des Corbieres is just an hour from the coast and a short hop from Carcassonne, one of the most visited cities in South West France. The estate is surrounded by rolling landscapes and forests with beautiful walks and an abundance of wildlife on the doorstep. After spending a day outdoors by the pool, hiking or horse riding, retreat to the villa’s cinema room to relax and enjoy a movie together. With so much space indoors and out, this villa is ideal for a large group gathering.
Maison de Cales, South West France
5 Bedrooms – Sleeps 10
One of the great appeals of visiting south west France is making the most of its heavenly outdoors. With its five hectares of private walled gardens, comprising woodland, terraced lawns and flower beds of roses and lavender, Maison de Cales is one of the best villas from which to do this. A stroll through the gardens further reveals a large swimming pool and a plethora of calming picnic spots. The villa itself features high, beamed ceilings which make rooms feel extremely spacious and add copious amounts of personality. The same can be said for the elegant marble staircase. Up to 10 guests can enjoy the glamour of this excellent value villa.
La Colline Fleurie, Provence
12 Bedrooms – Sleeps 24
Located on the same estate as Villa Thyme, La Colline Fleurie benefits from the same excellent amenities. These include vineyard tours and sampling the estate’s 11 organic wines, as well as the chance to dine at the estate’s restaurant, La Terrace. The 20 hectares of surrounding Provencal landscape showcase the effortless natural beauty of the region and make La Colline Fleurie the ideal base to explore it, be it trekking, rock climbing, riding or golfing. There is also a yoga barn on-site for those seeking a more relaxing holiday.
Villa Thyme, Provence
11 Bedrooms – Sleeps 22
An excellent value property in the perfect location, Villa Thyme is perfectly poised for exploring the many wonders of Provence. With the historic villages of Bonnieux, Roussillon and Gordes all on the doorstep, as well as the breathtaking Luberon National Park, guests at Villa Thyme are easily immersed in both the rich heritage and untouched beauty of the region. The experience is only enhanced by the villa itself, which is set within a fantastic wine estate, which guests are welcome to tour. Equipped with two inviting swimming pools, a boules court and access to Provence’s famous lavender fields, there is plenty to keep you entertained. There is the option to include wellness activities such as massages and yoga sessions, as well as a private chef. Alternatively, visit the Estate’s own restaurant to sample the flavours of Provence, or have the meal delivered directly to your villa. Villa Thyme sleeps up to 22 guests, making it a great value choice for large groups.
Domaine des Côteaux, Provence
7 Bedrooms – Sleeps 17
A stunning Provencal villa, Domaine des Côteaux epitomises all the region has to offer. The villa’s stunning medieval façade houses seven bedrooms and plenty of plush living spaces. The ornate vaulted dining room is especially striking, and is made all the better by the delicious cuisine enjoyed here – all of which is whipped up by the villa’s in-house chef. Its award-winning wine estate also makes it ideal for oenophiles, with tastings and vineyard tours available to guests. There is also a large, private swimming pool, impressive home cinema and beautifully maintained tennis court to keep you busy during your stay here. Accommodating up to 17 guests, Domaine des Côteaux is an extremely affordable option for multi-gen families or large parties of friends.
La Bastide du Ciel, Côte d'Azur
6 Bedrooms – Sleeps 14
Just 10 minutes from Valbonne, this 18th-century stone villa offers stunning views towards the Bay of Cannes. Surrounded by olive trees and Mediterranean oak, La Bastide du Ciel features a 14-metre heated pool, pétanque court, summer kitchen and charming courtyard. Inside, you’ll find six air-conditioned bedrooms, a traditional AGA kitchen, and cosy living spaces all brimming with character. An additional two-bedroom cottage is available for larger groups. A great value villa for those seeking Provençal charm with plenty of outdoor space to unwind.
La Roulotte, Provence
6 Bedrooms – Sleeps 14
Few villas can match the immaculate and stunning gardens of La Roulotte. With fruit trees, vegetable patches, a gated swimming pool area, and shaded alfresco dining tables, you’ll struggle to tear yourself away. Inside, the floor-to-ceiling windows effortlessly blend the villa and its gardens, creating the feeling of total tranquillity both inside and out. The farmhouse and its two annexes host up to 14 guests at a time and are a great value option for large groups looking to unwind under the Provencal sun.
Le Pont Romain, Provence
6 Bedrooms – Sleeps 12
An 18th-century schoolhouse, Le Pont Romain exudes personality. Combined with the supreme levels of luxury added during its restoration, the villa perfectly fuses the traditional allure of Provence with the high standards of luxury now expected of the region. As such, Le Pont Romain is an excellent value villa for a family looking to make lasting memories of the region. Whether dining on the terrace shaded by a towering plane tree, or in the classic exposed stone wall kitchen, mealtimes here beautifully evoke the postcard picture of Provence. There is also an enticing swimming pool, perfect for those seeking to escape the afternoon heat or simply seeking a place to unwind with a good book.
Domaine de la Hille, South West France
8 Bedrooms – Sleeps 18
This property is steeped in history, and there are big rooms and tall ceilings throughout. You will rarely see a bedroom as spacious as the master suite. Domaine de la Hille has it all, from the tennis court to the big swimming pool to the immaculately maintained lawns and gardens. Guests can even arrive by helicopter if they wish, and everything is organised and taken care of by the Domaine’s dedicated team of staff. Domaine de la Hille is perfect for family reunions or for one of life’s landmarks.
Mas Bonnieux, Provence
5 Bedrooms – Sleeps 10
Basking under the Mediterranean sun is undoubtedly one of the great pleasures of visiting Provence, and Mas Bonnieux is the ideal villa to facilitate this. A peaceful courtyard with sprawling Provencal vistas is home to a heated swimming pool and spacious pool house. In the pool house, you’ll find a pleasant alfresco dining area and salon. The elegant bedrooms and indoor living spaces provide a pleasant space for those seeking a little shade. The five bedrooms sleep up to 10 guests, meaning it is an ideal villa for families looking to relish the sunshine.
