Now is the time to start planning your fabulous Christmas in France. Traditional celebrations, stylish decorations, hassle-free shopping, Christmas markets, gorgeous food and wine, Disneyland Paris. All these can make the French Noel a relaxing and memorable experience.

Celebrations are also shorter, starting on Christmas Eve and all over by Boxing Day, with life returning quickly to normal. This has great appeal both for visitors who want a quiet time with little fuss and those who like to get out and about once the main event is over. However, during the crucial few days, virtually all shops and restaurants close down, so that self-catering accommodation can mean exactly that – although some owners are happy to provide meals.

Choose from a family house, a romantic cottage or grand chateau, a cosy gite or a sociable B&B. And don’t forget to check out our special offers.

This week there’s a special rate of 750 euros a week for Christmas & New Year plus a free case of wine at the Ferme des Molles and its neighbouring cottage. Each sleeps six people and they lie in the heart of south-west France (ID 152886 and 163956). Or you can get 25% discount plus champagne at Villa la Perception, a superbly located five bedroom villa close to Nice airport and within easy walk of a hill village (ID148191).