Few destinations rival the charm of a French summer for those yearning for sun-soaked days, sparkling seas, and unforgettable escapes. For an unforgettable getaway, explore some of the most exquisite villas France has to offer. From the idyllic Villa Vanado in Provence to other properties waiting to be discovered, these luxurious rentals set the stage for a memorable summer week.
1. Villa Vanado – Château de Berne – Provence
Credit: Anthony Lanneretonne
This former stone farmhouse is a beautifully elegant space that respects Provençal architecture, with five bright en-suite bedrooms and a fully-equipped kitchen. Nestled in the heart of Provence, Villa Vanado is part of the five-star Relais & Châteaux Château de Berne estate, which includes six additional villas. Together, they perfectly combine the privacy of a private property with the luxury of premium hotel services. The villa’s refined interior showcases natural wood accents, warm tones, and abundant light. Surrounded by majestic pines and olive trees, the estate offers a heated pool and serene outdoor spaces designed for relaxation, promising unforgettable summer moments.
For rent starting at 20.000€/week
2. Casa Fazziò – Corsica
Imagine driving down to Bonifacio in Corsica, where you’ll uncover a calm paradise: Casa Fazziò, a haven with private access to a pristine beach. This enchanting retreat for eight travelers offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and majestic mountains, making it the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty during the summer. Once a humble sheepfold, Casa Fazziò has been thoughtfully transformed into a charming sanctuary with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Here, you’ll feel inspired to prepare a delightful lunch in the outdoor kitchen, enjoying an aperitif as the sun sets over the horizon, or unwinding in the serenity of shared and quiet moments. The hosts indicate that the stay at the villa can be personalized by booking airport transfers and adding a chef (the use of an adapted vehicle is recommended).
3. Villa O – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Credit: Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes
Villa O undoubtedly offers one of the most unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea and the port of Cap-Ferrat. Nestled on the hillside of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the property—part of the Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes collection—is a sanctuary of luxury. This recently renovated masterpiece boasts expansive windows that flood the interiors with natural light, framing the sea views from almost every room. The villa’s modern design perfectly blends sophistication and comfort in its spacious areas, including four individually decorated en-suite bedrooms furnished with sumptuous furniture, and private living areas. The master suite features its own terrace and study, and an additional bedroom is available for children or staff as needed. For relaxing evenings, enjoy the luxurious cinema room equipped with state-of-the-art technology. On the other hand, the open-plan kitchen and spacious dining room are perfect for hosting unforgettable gatherings.
4. Château de la Baie – La Seyne-sur-Mer
Château de la Baie is breathtaking as can be, as it is located right on the coast in the maritime town of La Seyne-sur-Mer. Built at the end of the 19th century, the property was completely renovated in 2020 to offer a contemporary seaside retreat. The château is set among extensive landscaped gardens, where pine and olive trees surround a magnificent infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean. Sun-filled terraces provide various outdoor dining options to enjoy the seaside setting. Inside the villa, the spacious reception rooms benefit from large windows that frame the sea views. Set over two floors connected by a newly installed elevator, there are five large bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom. This wonderful property with capacity for ten is the ideal place for an exclusive and historical stay, with a charming live-in staff to look after your every need.
5. Le Grand Jardin Cannes – Île Sainte-Marguerite
Credit: Mike Wolf
Everything in this villa has been restored to honor the rich biodiversity and historical significance of Île Sainte-Marguerite. Located among botanical gardens, Le Grand Jardin Cannes by Ultima Collection offers a fully-staffed property with twelve suites across seven buildings: the Governor’s House, three cottages, a guest house, and the Old Fortress Tower. The estate features an outdoor heated pool, a poolside bar, beach access, and a private spa with a hammam, sauna, and various treatment rooms offering therapies from wellness partners Augustinus Bader and Seed to Skin Tuscany. This captivating French escape is perfect for large gatherings or wedding parties, offering bespoke experiences tailored to your group’s interests, such as a private yacht to explore the French Riviera coastline or St Tropez, as well as open-air cinema experiences on-property.
6. Le Grenier à Sel – Ile de Ré
Praised by previous guests as a magical place, this seven-bedroom property, part of the prestigious Le Collectionist portfolio, offers direct access to the sand and the serene beauty of island life on Ile de Ré. From sipping your morning coffee on the terrace to taking a refreshing dip in the pool, every moment in Le Grenier à Sel is designed to delight. At sunset, picture yourself enjoying an al fresco dinner under the open sky, with the fading light casting golden hues over the sea. Combined with the exceptional kindness and professionalism of the Le Collectionist team, your stay will be extraordinary.
7. Villa d’architecte – Cap d’Antibes
Credit: Airbnb
This architect-designed villa with panoramic views of Cap d’Antibes is all about the attention to detail. Imagine a spacious and very bright living room thanks to the large windows that surround the entire villa, and a large marble dining table that can accommodate six to eight people. It’s its unique views and the rock-cut infinity pool with sun loungers that have made this Airbnb a spot on our shortlist, with capacity for eight people in its four bedrooms. Please note that the villa requires a minimum stay of fourteen days.
For rent from € 76.938 for two weeks
8. Le Mas des Prairies – Maussane les Alpilles
Days at Le Mas des Prairies are spent enjoying a large private pool, in the outdoor seating area after a game of pétanque or barbecue, exploring the villa, or contemplating the view of this countryside spot. This modern private home has seven sumptuous double bedrooms, all with stylish en-suite bathrooms. There is a spacious kitchen with a dining area for fourteen people, a lounge with a fireplace and projector for the cooler afternoons, and a bar and a billiard table where even the lamp screens are works of art. The villa is fully equipped with barbecue facilities, outdoor kitchen, wine cellar, pool / billiards table, gym equipment. Also, it has a chef available upon request.
9. Le Grand Chêne – Cairanne
Credit: Airbnb
Modern, elegant, and with views of the Dentelles de Montmirail, this Airbnb is ideal for those seeking tranquility in the South of France. This property, with a capacity of twelve beds, offers an idyllic setting for your next vacation. With six spacious bedrooms and five bathrooms, each guest is guaranteed maximum comfort and privacy. Wake up to the sound of the birds and enjoy breakfast on the terrace, surrounded by the peace of nature. Wine lovers will be delighted to know that Le Grand Chêne is nestled in the heart of the Rhône Valley, home to some of the world’s most celebrated appellations. Explore the vineyards of Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Plan de Dieu, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cairanne, and Séguret, all just a short drive away.
10. La Maison du Mûrier – Hautes-Alpes
Credit: Jason Hindley
This 17th century stone farmhouse, restored with modern architectural features, is located in the southwestern tip of the Hautes-Alpes department. Contemporary, spacious, and bright, yet with the warmth and history of an ancient stone farmhouse, the property is ideal for groups of friends or families. In fact, the option of renting the villa for a joint vacation has been very popular. La Maison du Mûrier consists of the principal terrace villa on the upper ground floor and a separate self-contained open-plan studio on the lower level. The terrace villa has five bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. Relax and unwind in the swimming pool or the bespoke concrete hot tub, while the expansive outdoor area invites you to soak up the sun with 8 sun loungers and 5 deck chairs.