22 August 2024

Discover the cities and regions of France

With almost 35,000 municipalities, 101 departments and over 18 regions, France is one of Europe's largest holiday countries. Not surprisingly, there is a lot of choice when it comes to finding the right holiday destination for your France holiday home. 

Whether you go for a lovely beach holiday at the Cote d'Azur, explore the inland in the Dordogne, dive into the rich history of Normandy or spend your holiday on the French islands: every region has its own character and atmosphere, and France has everything you are looking for. 

Still not sure in which region you want to spend your holidays? We have listed all the regions for your holiday home in France so that you can find your dream holiday as easily as possible. Bon voyage! 

The most popular holiday regions France

Enjoy the Cote d'Azur

The Cote d'Azur is a stunning region that could be straight out of a painting. Marvel at the clear blue waters, rich sunny life, vast coastlines with endless sandy beaches and a real holiday atmosphere. For a sun and beach holiday, this is the place to be. In the big cities you can easily adopt the relaxed lifestyle. On the French Riviera you will not be short of anything.

De populairste vakantiestreken Frankrijk Genieten aan de Cote d’Azur

Flowering Provence 

You cannot escape it in Provence: the famous flowering purple lavender fields and landscapes in this area will leave you amazed every time. The well-known lavender region has plenty of souvenirs to take home, such as scented candles, soaps and oils that will remind you of the region back home. But the area is much more than just lavender. How about local rosé wines, for instance? Or charming French towns? Be amazed by the beauty of Provence.

De bloeiende Provence

The history of Normandy

A piece of France's history can be found in Normandy. Think D-day and special memorial sites that will make you pause for a moment. Not only is the region's history impressive, so are its landscapes. Famous Norman cliffs and rocky coasts show the region's resilience. One of the highlights is the ancient pilgrimage site of Mont Saint-Michel, a rocky island surrounded by water that is also called the ‘Wonder of the West’. But a visit to the cosy cities like Le Havre and Rouen should not be missed either. 

Het verleden van Normandië

The magic of Brittany 

Pink-coloured rocks, endless coastlines and ancient castles make up the region of Brittany. The region has something mysterious about it, if only because of the myths and legends that have developed there. Think, for example, of the story of King Arthur and the sword Excalibur. The port towns and cliffs are magical and the ancient castles, prehistoric menhirs and charming towns make the region diverse and unique. Brittany has it all.

De magie van Bretagne

Dive into the history of Dordogne

Dive into the interior of the Dordogne and discover this active region. Along the river that runs through the region, you will find plenty of activities to do. Dordogne has the most castles in France. If you love history, this region is the place to be. Historical highlights, old villages and impressive nature: you will not easily get bored in the Dordogne.

Duik in de geschiedenis van de Dordogne

Active in the Ardèche

Are you looking for an adventurous holiday? Then you are definitely in the right place in the lively Ardeche! There is plenty to do in this rugged region with its impressive gorges and caves. The watery region is perfect for water sports. A canoe trip is a must. In addition to high rocks and waterfalls, you can sail towards the famous Pont d'Arc in the Gorges de l'Ardèche gorge. The Ardèche is the perfect base for active holidays.

Actief in de Ardèche

Even more regions France

The diversity of Pays de la Loire

Pays de la Loire is a diverse region on the banks of the river Loire of the same name. The region is known for its castles, gardens and beautiful landscapes. It is a mix of historic cities, rich history and peaceful nature. The Loire region is home to a number of interesting cities, such as the capital Nantes and the rich history of Angers. Furthermore, the region has a popular wine region: in the Loire Valley, you will find numerous wines in the more than three hundred wine cellars. 

Pays de la Loire

Fairytale Alsace

Located on the border with Germany, the colourful region of Alsace has a mix of both German and French influences. The region has surprising cities like Colmar and Strasbourg, with fairytale-like half-timbered houses and cosy canals. The region is also popular with hiking and cycling enthusiasts, due to its vast vineyards and several picturesque villages. Alsace is the ideal region to explore, whether you take a short trip or stay in the region for a longer period of time.

Sprookjesachtig Elzas

Noble Picardy

A lesser-known region of nobility is the Picardy region. Castles and cathedrals abound here, and bombastic details and the well-known Renaissance style can be seen everywhere. A highlight is Pierrefonds Castle, a huge castle with a rich past. Did you know that Picardy has a unique coastline of up to 60 kilometres long? So you can easily combine your castle visits with a day by the sea. 

Adellijk Picardië

The charming Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc-Roussillon is known for its many historical highlights, stalactite caves and vineyards. The region has a bit of everything: hills, mountains, beaches and picturesque (fishing) villages. It is therefore the perfect region to do something different every day. Be sure to visit the larger cities of Montpellier and Nîmes for a slice of French charm and history, and sample the region's tastiest produce on the terraces.

Het charmante Languedoc-Roussillon

Natural beauty in Aquitaine

Aquitaine is a large and diverse region in south-western France that includes the popular Dordogne department and the famous city of Bordeaux. The region has beautiful sandy beaches, with perhaps the most beautiful being the Dune du Pyla. This is the highest dune in Europe and is a large stretched sandy beach surrounded by forest and the sea. Apart from the beaches and cities, Aquitaine has a beautiful hinterland and offers a mix of culture and nature.

Natuurlijk schoon in Aquitaine

The bubbles of Champagne-Ardenne

Anyone talking about the Champagne-Ardenne region is undoubtedly talking about the many vineyards, and of course the champagne! Even if you are not a champagne lover, if you really want to taste the region, definitely have a glass with us. The Champagne-Ardenne region has a green hilly landscape on one side and the champagne region on the other. You will find many champagne houses where you can taste the tastiest bubbles and enjoy the beautiful landscape at the same time.

De bubbels van de Champagne-Ardennen

Volcanic Auvergne

The Auvergne region is a unique volcanic region; one you would not easily expect to find in France. Auvergne is home to pristine nature and a volcanic green landscape with numerous river gorges and crater lakes. The former volcanic activity in this high altitude area, also known as the Massif Central, has given the region a unique character. The region's volcanic mountains are currently no longer active. Get ready for this impressive region, packed with hiking trails and natural beauty.

De vulkanische Auvergne

The holiday feeling in Corsica

Located between France and Italy, the beautiful island of Corsica is a jewel of France. Corsica is not nicknamed Ile le Beauté for nothing, and this is reflected throughout the island. Sandy white beaches, clear waters and idyllic villages: Corsica gives you an instant holiday feeling. Not only for a beach holiday, you will also find extraordinary nature and fascinating history. Drive along the winding roads that lead you along the coast, past red rocks, pine trees and impressive mountains, stopping along the way at the authentic villages of this lovely island.

Het vakantiegevoel op Corsica

The nature reserves of Poitou-Charentes

In the French region of Poitou-Charentes, you will find many pleasant surprises. Part of the region consists of marshlands, such as the beautiful natural areas of Charente-Maritime with special lakes, bays and diverse flora and fauna. Moreover, there are many surprising (peninsular) islands around this area, similar to the Wadden Islands. If you come for sun, sea and beaches, Poitou-Charentes is the place to be. But you are also at the right place for cosy port towns like La Rochelle and Royan. Don't forget to try the famous cognac, for which the region is famous.

De natuurgebieden van Poitou-Charentes

Tasting in Burgundy

Test your taste buds in Burgundy! This region is where foodies gather for good food and drink. The region's most famous delicacy is Dijon mustard, which is used in the most delicious dishes. But the region is also good for wine: sweet and fruity wines abound here. And what about the many meat and fish dishes, or delicious fromage? Burgundy is the place to be. In between all that eating and drinking, you can taste the culture of the medieval villages and the natural beauties of the region.

Proeven in de Bourgogne

Prosperous Île-de-France

The Île-de-France region is perhaps France's most popular, if only because of the romance of capital Paris. Paris is a popular destination due to its rich history and typical architecture found throughout the city. But there is much more to discover in the Île-de-France region, such as the gardens and castles of Versailles. Here you imagine yourself in royal spheres and learn more about the country's history. Nature also shows its charms, for instance you will find colourful rose gardens just outside Paris, and - surprisingly - the region also has a lot of untouched nature.

Welvarend Île-de-France

The mountains of the Rhone Alps

France's high mountains make up the Rhône-Alps region. In both winter and summer, this is the perfect destination for an active holiday. Whiz down one of the many slopes during the ski season and stay in cosy snowy villages nearby. In summer, you can go hiking through mountains and hills, with beautiful views of rivers and lakes, such as Lake Annecy. The most famous mountains in this alpine region, Alpe d'Huez and Mont Ventoux, are a fun challenge for trained cycling enthusiasts. In short, you can hardly sit still in this region!

De bergen van de Rhône-Alpen

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