Holiday houses & apartments in France

TUI Villas Holiday Apartments in France are a Cultural Feast

TUI Villa's holiday apartments in France give you access to some of Europe's most unforgettable destinations. Whether you are visiting the historic chateaus in the Loire valley, shopping in Paris or in search of the world's most famous cuisine, France has a lot to offer. If have a taste for Parisian eateries where the menus are Michelin-starred or for the superb local wine and cheese to be found in almost every village, France is also a mecca for the gastronomically inclined. The crisp peaks of the French Alps beckon fans of winter sports while the lush forests of Corsica are a Mecca for hikers.

Find France's most seductive experiences

The ultimate culinary tour of France would begin with a croissant in one of France's plush cafes. Finish your day in Brittany with warming Breton cuisine. Stop off in Bordeaux for wines so valuable that the grapes are guarded by electric fences. Fans of white wine will prefer wandering through the vines in the Loire Valley's picturesque Sancerre before dropping by Chavignol for the perfect cheese accompaniment. Swing by the Medieval seaside town of Troyes to enjoy some bubbling champagne as the surf rolls in. Feast on a supper of mussels teamed with apple cider and followed by flambeed galettes for dessert. Sumptuous seafood is also on the menu on the harbourside in Marseilles, where steaming vats of bouillabaisse are rich with fruits de mer.

Art and culture on the doorstep of your holiday home in France

Whether you are discovering the French Riviera for the first time, traversing the gleaming sands near Mont St-Michel, or gliding through the Alps in a cable car, France's diverse landscapes are all elegant. Skiing fans will be drawn to the slopes of Chamonix, while families can play all day on the exquisite lakes of Annecy and Sainte-Croix. Mont Blanc, the Alps' highest point, is a popular destination for climbers and you can take a tour by kayak beneath the emerald Gorges du Verdon for breathtaking views of the mountain landscape. Marvel at the views from the Col de Bavella in Corsica, which erupts into a display of wildflowers in the summertime. Visit Europe's tallest sand dune, Dune du Pilat, which towers over the coast of Bordeaux, attracting paragliders in the summer and even skiers in wintertime. Wander through Provence's famous lavender fields which unfold in violet as far as the eye can see. Galloping across the Camargue salt flats, you might just spot flamingoes.

Romantic day trips near holiday houses in France

France's romantic retreats extend beyond the city of love. Traverse the Pont des Amours in Annecy, where legend has it a single kiss will keep a couple together for life. The city has one Europe's clearest lakes, and Venetian-style canals compliment its Medieval streets. Linger in Lyon's furnicular atop the Fourviere hill and gaze down on the basilica and stunning city views. As you explore Lyon's quirky streets you come upon eclectic boutiques and boulangeries. Pore over the books in the second-hand book market in Lille's Vielle Bourse and return in the sizzling summer evenings for tango dancing. Follow a visit to the Palais des Beaux Arts with a glass of champagne at Lille's 17th century Couvent des Minimes. Recline on your own private beach off the coast of La Rochelle. The smile-shaped island of Ile d'Aix offers a combination of secluded coves and perfect Mediterranean beaches with offbeat museums. Finally, there are few more atmospheric experiences than a sumptuous dinner at one of Paris' luxurious restaurants, wandering through the flower market near Notre Dame or looking out on the city from pretty Montmartre's exquisite Sacre Coer (Sacred Heart).

Discover more of France

Brittany's spectacular coastline is crowned with dense forest and prehistoric ruins. Discover the proud Breton culture and the thrilling sail race that culminates in San Malo. The region's islands gleam invitingly like jewels off the coast. Aquitaine, with its capital city of Bordeaux is replete with history and was the seat of the Plantagenet kings of England. The rural Dordogne is known for its Unesco World Heritage protected Lascaux caves and foie-gras. Meanwhile, Bordeaux itself spans the Garonne river, which rushes through fields that nourish some of the world's most famous wines. Don't miss out on Old Aquitane, where more than two hundred kilometres known as the Silver Coast stretch all the way to Spain. Provence charmed the likes of Van Gough, Cezanne and Picasso, proof that the region's charm extends far beyond the famed haze of its lavender fields. Roman remains and Medieval abbeys throng in the towns of Nimes, Arles and Vaison-la-Romaine.

Getting to your holiday home in France

It couldn't be simpler to travel to your holiday apartment in France from the U.K. Direct flights depart from most major cities in Great Britain to France's major airports, including Charles de Gaulle, Toulouse, Nantes and the Cote d'Azur. You can also travel to holiday homes in France with ease and sophistication via train or car. The ferry connection between England and France makes driving yourself very convenient – the crossing from Dover to Calais only takes 30 minutes, and you are ready to head to your holiday home in France.

When to stay in holiday homes in France

If you are visiting the French capital the best time to come is in spring and autumn. Fewer crowds make for a far more pleasurable experience in this surreally beautiful city. July and August are best avoided if possible as the crowds become as intense as the heat and most Parisians leave town. The same rule applies to the rest of the country, although the skiing season runs between November and May. February's school holiday brings hundreds of more families to the slopes so, if possible, it is best to book outside of this period. Bear in mind that the Loire valley is significantly warmer than the north of the country and the Mediterranean coast fare more t-shirt friendly year-round.

Helpful tips for holidays France

Visitors from within the EU do not require visas to enter France, where the currency is the Euro. In the large urban centres, it's easy to be understood if you don't speak French, though if you can string a few sentences together you will get more out of your trip. The French love their pets but if you are bringing yours make sure that they have up to date vaccinations, a pet passport and a microchip.

Neighbouring countries France

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Switzerland
• Germany
• Spain
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• Netherlands