Villas in the South of France
South of France Holidays
The South of France conjures up many different images to many different people – for some, it’s the foodie capital of the world, to others it’s a glamorous getaway in the French Riviera, a quaint historic retreat in the Dordogne or an adventure playground in the Camargue wilderness. It’s sometimes an overused phrase in travel – but here it really rings true – South of France villa holidays truly have something for everyone.
Why stay with us?
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked luxury villas in the South of France have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of South of France holiday villas, picking homesthat aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What’s more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, and have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
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Why visit the South of France
This sun-drenched corner of France is a quintessential summer getaway. The Côte d’Azur is laced with sultry beaches and glitzy seaside towns, while the cove-fringed coastline gives way to olive groves and forested mountains inland.
Rolling hills are combed with vines and rows of lavender, whose heady scent perfumes the air come June. Light pours from the sky and spreads across the hilltop villages like honey, stirring the imagination of artists – Matisse, Rénoir, Chagall, Cézanne, Picasso.
As well as a creative legacy of art studios and museums, the South of France has a historical legacy of Roman remnants. The region is scattered with remarkably well-preserved arenas and amphitheatres that nod to the time Provence was part of Roman Gaul. Languedoc has one of the most impressive Roman aqueducts around, as well as a sprinkling of Cathar castles.
Rent South of France villa and travel in luxury, perhaps with a pool, to put you in the heart of the action.
Food in the South of France
These diverse landscapes deliver a plethora of ingredients that creative chefs throw together in Michelin-starred restaurants – but you don’t have to spend a fortune to sample the delights.
Village bistros serve up bowls of steaming bouillabaisse and daube (beef stew), while weekly markets are laden with olives, vine peaches, plump aubergines, crusty baguettes, and wine and oil from local groves.
What Oliver loves
A mix of timeless glamour and natural beauty has long enticed the rich and famous to the South of France, and today it remains just as intoxicating.
Best time to visit
The South of France is blessed with balmy Mediterranean weather year-round, though the best time to visit is late spring to early autumn, when the temperature is warm but the main towns and beaches aren’t swarmed with tourists. Spring and autumn are perfect for outdoor pursuits such as hiking or kayaking.
Aim for before the European school holidays kick off (usually around 20 July) to avoid heavy crowds. Saying that, summer is a great time for festivals and the full bloom of lavender. Many people visit in July to catch the annual Avignon arts festival – the largest in France.
Top tips
- Visit from early July for the full bloom of lavender.
- While the Alps are, of course, a skiing hotspot, a network of signposted walking trails creates a great hiking destination once the snow melts.
- For a luxury home-from-home, bypass jam-packed hotels in favour of the South of France villas for rent.
- Many cities in the South of France, such as Aix-en-Provence, Arles and Avignon, offer museum passes.
