A long holiday in France might be just the thing to escape the winter weather. Or perhaps you’re thinking of checking out an area for a potential move to France. A long winter break gives you a great chance to do some house hunting, get to know a region and experience the way of life. It’s a great idea to go out of summer season, see it in the rain and the cold, and if you still love it, you know it’s right for you! An extended holiday might give you the chance to master French, or just time away for inspiration, to practice cooking, photography, learn a new hobby and a whole host of things.
Lots of holiday home owners offer cheaper rates for winter long lets in France from one to six months.
Grab a bargain long winter let in France
Most people head to the south of France for a long winter break, lured by the weather. Even in the winter months, it doesn’t get that cold in the far south. It’s possible to enjoy breakfast in the sun on the French Riviera and then head to the mountains for a spot of skiing in the afternoon! But there are plenty of other places in France that make for great long winter holiday.
Where to stay
Southwest France is also lovely in the winter though colder than the south. Take the Lot region, home to stunning Sarlat-la-Caneda and rocky Rocamadour. In peak visitor months, these places are swarming with tourists. In the winter the locals pretty much have the place to themselves and it’s a great time to experience the authenticity of the markets, festivals and daily life. You’re also within comfortable driving distance of Bordeaux, Toulouse.
Stay at: Camuzat Deux, a lovely comfy 2-bedroom farmhouse in Moncrabeau. Winter weeks have a great discount at this cosy home from home. Close to the medieval towns of Nerac, Condom and Camuzat, it makes for a relaxing stay and a great base to explore the area.
Stay at: Nicotania, this family-sized 4-bedroom country house is in beautiful countryside close to Sarlat, Rocamadour and Gourdon. Fabulously restored with original old beams, a fully equipped kitchen, the owners are experts on the local area, perfect for home seekers in the Dordogne.
Winter sun
With a similar climate to the Mediterranean resorts and clement throughout the year, Landes is a great place for a winter break. Mild temperatures in winter mean you can still enjoy days out and the region is very varied. There are the beaches of Biarritz and the white sands of the Atlantic coast, vineyards, galore and the glorious Armagac countryside which is where our choice is for a winter holiday.
Stay at: The House, in Labastide d’Armagnac on the edge of a perfectly preserved medieval village. Available as a barn or cottage or put them together and invite friends and family to come and enjoy this lovely area too. If you’re an Armagnac fan, you’ll be in heaven here, there are 4 internationally renowned produced just a few kilometres from the front door. There are shops and bars in the pickled in the past village of Labastide d’Armagnac but day trips to Bordeaux, Lourdes and even into Spain just 1.5 hours away will make this a great base for a winter break.
Check out all the long lets at French Connections, they’ve got a great variety of long stay holiday lets – making your dream holiday come true
