Why A French Vacation Rental Should Be Your First Pick

For our family, a French vacation rental is our number one pick when visiting France. There are a number options when choosing a place to stay. Hotels, hostels, or other accommodations might suite some people, and we do choose those on occasion.

But, the majority of the time, we chose to rent an authentic French property over these. Here, I will go over the reasons why.

What Are Vacation Rentals?

First, let’s talk about what they are.

Vacation rentals are typically a house, apartment, village house, or a separate extension of someone’s home, that is self contained.

At minimum, they typically consist of any number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a living area. So, its like your own little home away from home.

The Opportunity To Be Surrounded By History

In my opinion, the best French vacation rental is one that is in an old authentic building. Just being surrounding by walls that are centuries old adds so much to the ambiance, and the entire experience.

You can’t help but appreciate how much history France has a country.

Here are a few more reasons why we love them, and why I think that you will too!

You’ll Have The Benefit Of A Local Host

One of the best perks to a vacation rental in the France, is the availability of the owner themselves, or the property manager, to help guide you. Typically, you will be in contact with them throughout the check in process.

More often then not, they will have a book or brochures at the location, with recommendations on what to visit, what to see, where to eat, and when the market days will be.

They can also be a huge resource for other information such as the location of nearby gas stations, emergency services, grocery stores, car parks, etc. They know the area well, and are usually very eager to tell you all about it, and to help out with local recommendations!

The Bedrooms Are Separate From The Common Area

Even if it is just the two of you, it is really nice to have a bedroom separate from the common area. Early risers don’t have to worry about disturbing the sleepy heads, and the night owls can stay up as late as they want without irritating anyone else.

Because we are a family of five, cramming us all into one hotel room is nearly impossible, not to mention, undesirable. Our kids are still too small to get a hotel room that is separate from us.

A vacation rental with multiple bedrooms allows the kids to have their own room. They can go to bed on time, and my husband and I have the opportunity to hang out together without disturbing their sleep. It sure does beat a hotel room where you have to hang out in the bathroom just to stay up a little later because the kids are asleep (we have seriously had to do this in the past).

You Have Access To Your Own Kitchen

Vacation rentals nearly always include a kitchen. This really cuts down on spending. Eating out for three meals a day, can add up very fast. Multiply that by two, or in our case five, and you’ve already spent a small fortune.

Having access to a kitchen where you can cook and store food allows you to keep your food budget in check while still experiencing the local foods and flavors of the region.

Here’s a tip: right after you arrive at your rental, and check in, look around to see what is provided. Sometimes things like olive oil and laundry detergent are provided. Then, make a grocery run for food staples, along with a few other things that you will need for your stay.

For us, this usually consists of bread, fruit, milk, cheese, and wine (olive oil and laundry detergent if not provided). Then, we supplement our grocery run with any foods that interest us from the local village markets.

We really enjoy cooking fresh food and trying out new things from the area. But, even if you choose not to cook, local cheeses, wine and pate are all things that you’ll you can store in a refrigerator.

You Can Wash Your Clothes

Okay, let’s talk laundry. Vacation rentals with a washer/dryer are a life saver. It really helps to cut down on packing, and ultimately, the number of bags that you have to drag around!

You can just imagine how daunting it is to have to look after five checked bags, five carryons, and five human beings in a busy airport or train station.

Being able to do laundry at a vacation rental allows you to pack fewer things, and wash when needed!

If you are someone who doesn’t mind battling the bags, think about how much souvenir space you’d have in your suitcase by cutting out the extra clothes, and doing laundry instead!

More Privacy

Another reason we like having a French vacation rental is because of the privacy. We also don’t have to worry about the kids disturbing other hotel guests. We have the place to ourselves. So, if they get a little silly, and are making noise, its okay, no one else has to be bothered by it.

The opposite is also true. Because we are in our own separate space, we aren’t bothered by other people’s late night parties, or loud televisions, like we have experienced in hotel rooms in the past.

Vacation Rentals Are Comfortable

Most vacation rentals are set up to be comfortable. The owners want good reviews, and for people to keep coming back. A lot of them actually use the vacation rentals themselves for part of the year. So, we have found that most of them are very comfortable.

Some also have small terraces and green spaces. So, you can enjoy being outside while sipping on your wine, and listening to the cicadas sing while relaxing in your own space. It is also the perfect space to enjoy your afternoon goûter.

Find Your Perfect French Vacation Rental!

Now that you have heard all of the great reasons to choose a French vacation rental, here are a few recommendations that you can use to search for the perfect home away from home!

Vacation Rentals In the South of France:

Luxury Vacation Rentals In The South of France:

Have you stayed in a French Vacation Rental Before?

What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below!

À bientôt!