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French Connections

Find Holiday accommodation in France

Between the coast of southern France and Italy, Corsica lies in the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. With its sunny climate and diverse landscape, the island lures some 3 million visitors a year thanks to its reputation for the best beaches in Europe, historic cities, unique gastronomy and mountainous interior.

Reach it by ferry from mainland France or by air.

Where to go in Corsica

Corsica is part of the continental alpine system and is broadly divided into two parts. The dividing line between these two main parts runs roughly from St. Florent in the north, southwards to Corte, then southeast to Solenzara and the eastern coast. The island has two departments Haute-Corse and Corse du Sud.

If you’re after a beach holiday, you’re really spoiled for choice in Corsica. 1000km of coastline, some 200 beaches, white sandy bays, secluded coves, fishing villages, swanky resorts, sun-bleached cliffs and pretty pebble beaches that are perfect for a sunset stroll.

We love Palombaggia beach with its white dunes and background of shady pines, turquoise water tempting you in for a swim. And Calvi beach which has wonderful views across the bay. And Lozari beach which the locals love. There are just so many to choose from.

What to see and do

Lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty to keep them happy here. Hiking, cycling, golfing, horse riding and diving - you’ll never be bored. And for thrill seekers, there’s paragliding, kite surfing, rock climbing and even canyoning.

And for those days when you just want to chill, the alure of sunbeds at your villa or the sandy beaches await, or take a boat ride out to the Lavezzi Islands, a little paradise that many visitors miss.

The island’s stunning interior can be wild and dramatic, peppered with tiny hamlets and hilltop villages like medieval Sant’Antonino, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Dsicover UNESCO listed Piana and photogenic Bonifacio, the historic village perched on a cliff, world-famous for its exquisite views over Sardinia.

There are cycle routes galore, and the GR20 hiking route is exceptional, its stages along a 200km trail take you through forests, alongside lakes and over mountains. Though you might not want to walk the entire length, a day on the trail will reveal some of the beauty of this magical island.

Or visit the Parc Naturel Régionel de Corse, with its tumbling streams and deep gorges

Culture vultures are not forgotten. The prehistoric site of Filitosa is fascinating with its carefully preserved 8000 year old standing stones. There are museums in several of the major towns; Bastia, Corte and Ajaccio boast fine collections.

Don’t forget to try Corsican wine, the rosés are perfect for sunny days. And Corsica is famous throughout France for its cheese and charcuterie.

Outstanding natural beauty, friendly folk, marvellous Mediterranean weather, breath-taking beaches, glorious countryside, mouth-watering gastronomy – Corsica is a holiday paradise…

 

Discover more to do on the island at the Corsica Tourist office website: visit-corsica.com/en

French Connections has dozens of stunning holiday homes in Corsica – take a look and you’re your dream holiday:

frenchconnections.co.uk/accommodation/corsica

 

Saintes is one of those classic French towns that has loads to offer visitors, and yet it’s hardly known, even to the French.

In the department of Charente-Maritime, close to Cognac, Saintes was once an important Roman stronghold. To this day their legacy can be seen as Saintes has one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in France.

What to see and do in Saintes

Don’t miss the Roman amphitheatre, it is an astonishing sight. Right in the middle of a housing estate, it has stone seats, tunnels you can enter and an atmosphere that really helps you imagine how it once was.

Alongside the river Charente which runs through the town, you can’t fail to spot the enormous Arch of Germanicus. From the café next to it, you’ll have a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the view of this vast Roman gateway.

Saintes also has a monumental ancient abbey, founded in the 11th century, it’s now a major music venue. It’s a great place to visit with audio tour guides available. There’s also an extraordinary carousel in the grounds. It looks like a space ship but it’s actually a mobile orchestra pit and the riders become the musicians. You can play the state of the art musical instruments as you ride. I don’t think there’s anything else quite like it in France, possibly in the world!

There are several museums, a really fabulous market, and a lovely old part of Saintes with cobbled streets and pretty little boutiques. Don’t miss the Church of Saint-Eutrope with its Romanesque crypt. Hardly touched for almost 1000 years it is wonderfully tranquil and ancient.

Discover the city by bike, there’s a Velodie (bike station) by the train station; and the tourist office, which is close to the Arch of Germanicus, has details of bike hire shops in the town.

What to see close by

La Rochelle is around an hour away by car. With its historic port, fabulous restaurants and beaches – it’s a great day out.

Head in the other direction to Cognac and enjoy the most glorious countryside, river rides and of course the local tipple!

Find more details of things to do in Saintes and the local area: Tourist Office: visit-saintes.com; Tourist Office Infininement-Charentes.com; https://www.atlantic-cognac.com/

French Connections has oodles of lovely holiday homes for rent in Charente-Maritime, pop over here to our search pages to browse them

Enjoy a liberating holiday in the fresh air of the French Alps…

Summer in Savoy, French Alps

The Savoy department is a land of magnificent mountains, flower-filled meadows, crystal clear lakes and lush green forests. Peppered with tiny hamlets and beautiful towns, it’s the perfect post-lockdown holiday destination. Uncrowded, wide open spaces, unpolluted and beautiful…

Why we love summer in the French Alps

Sunshine. The average temperature in July and August in Savoy is 26˚C, perfect for a sunny vacation.

Mountains: Mont Blanc, need we say more. The sight of this striking mountain is enough to make your soul soar. The Savoy Alps range is vast with the highest peak being Pointe de la Grande Casse, part of the Vanoise National Park.

Activities galore from horse riding to hiking, hang-gliding (those views!) swimming in the clear lakes, canoeing, mountain biking, roller-skiing and cycling on roads used in the Tour de France. And a whole lot more. Or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of this region.

Great gastronomy

Savoy is famous for its cheese and dairy products produced in lush pastures. Fresh fish from the lakes and mountain streams, game from the forests and mushrooms from the woods. Orchards are planted with cherry, apple, pear and walnut trees, strawberries and raspberries grow abundantly in the glades. And there’s wine too! The wines of the Savoy have a long history, predominantly white wine but you’ll also find some local reds and even a delicious crémant de Savoie.

Towns and villages

Historic cities and resorts: Annecy, Aix-les-Bains, Cambery and Albertville are just a few of the beautiful towns you’ll find in Savoy. The ski resorts turn into a summer playground, and at the resort of Courchevel there’s heaps to do with festivals throughout the summer.

Villages that are so pretty you need to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. Faverges with its wonderful Wednesday street market. Thones, where you can visit a Reblochon cheese farm and taste the delicious fromage at source. Talloires on Lake Annecy with its picturesque town. The choice is huge. Le Grand Bornand with its gorgeous chocolate box pretty chalets and views over the surrounding countryside. And lovely La Clusaz. There are just so many lovely villages that you’ll always want to return to this area to discover more.

Outstanding natural beauty, friendly folk and a wealth of activities make Savoy an idea sunshine, summer destination.

Check out our holiday home listings in Savoy here. Gorgeous chalets and gites. From a luxury stay with a pool, to a cosy just for 2 chalet. It’s the perfect location for a wonderful holiday and the summer break you crave…

After months of staying home, dreaming of being outdoors, of taking a longed for break in France – the summer is back on!

Whether you dream of cycling on traffic free roads through gorgeous countryside, lazing in the sun on a golden sandy beach, sipping wine in a vineyard, visiting castles, hiking in the pure mountain air or exploring picturesque villages – France has everything to make your holiday dream come true.

Book a stay in one of our gorgeous gites, fabulous villas, apartments overlooking the sea, beautiful chalets in the mountains, chateau rentals and more – we have thousands of listings in every part of France…

Getting to France

If you want to avoid air travel, there’s a great choice of routes…

Eurotunnel car train from Ashford to Calais takes just 35 minutes and you don’t even need to get out of your car en route. Just drive on one side, drive off the other.

P&O Ferries operates sailings between Dover and Calais – a journey of 1.5 hours.

DFDS Ferries operate sailings between Dover and Calais, a journey of 1.5 hours. They also operate sailing between Dover and Dunkirk (2 hours) and Newhaven to Dieppe (from 4 hours).

Brittany ferries operate several routes from the UK to Normandy and Brittany ports: Portsmouth to Caen, Portsmouth to St Malo, Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Portsmouth to Le Havre, Poole to Cherbourg, Plymouth to Roscoff, Cork to Roscoff.

All rail and ferry operators have put enhanced hygiene and safely protocols in place and have details on their websites.

Driving in France

The freedom of the open road in France means you can have adventures galore. Take the slow road and let yourself make unexpected discoveries with detours en route. Or take the efficient autoroutes to speed you on your way.

There are a few key essentials to remember.

You’ll need to have with you in the car at all times the following documents or risk a fine or confiscation of your vehicle:

A valid full (not provisional) driving licence

A vehicle registration document (V5c) - the original not a copy, called "carte grise" (grey card) in France

Motor insurance certificate

Passport(s)

If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive.

In your car you must also have: Warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest.

You also need to have a GB sticker clearly displayed on the back (unless your car has 'Euro-plates').

And, if you’re driving in a classified low emission zone (Paris, Grenoble, Lyon, Lille) you’ll need to display a sticker which can be bought on line before you travel.

There are full details of requirements for driving in France at theAA.com and rac.co.uk

Find your perfect French holiday home

Now all you need to do is sort out your perfect French holiday home! Browse our thousands of listings all over France and use the filters to pick your ideal property from B&B to pet-friendly, wheelchair access, couples only and heaps more.

Welcome to summer in France…

In anticipation of the UK opening air bridges to Europe – it’s time to save your summer holiday and take a look at our wonderful selection of villas, gites, apartments and chateaux holiday homes in France.

Self-catering is going to be really popular

This year will see interest in self-catering accommodation really bloom as holiday makers seek choices in whether to eat out or stay in.

French markets are open and full of tempting seasonal produce, perfect for your stay at (your French holiday) home barbecue, picnics and alfresco dining in the summer sunshine.

Not much beats a fresh baguette from the boulangerie, a chunk of cheese, fresh salad and fruit or a delicious cake – easy to make, little clearing up and utterly scrumptious.

Self-catering means you have the facilities to cook if you wish – croissants for breakfast anyone? Or order a take away! During the last few months, many restaurants and cafés have worked to provide takeaway options for customers ranging from 3-course gourmet dishes to burgers and pizzas.

Get out and about

Staying in for most of us has resulted in a longing to get out and enjoy the fresh air. If you’ve missed being able to hike, sail, cycle, swim and generally enjoy the great outdoors – France has so much to offer. Glorious beaches, wide open countryside, mountains, vineyards, forests and lakes, the choice of French destinations is immense. And our listing of thousands of holiday homes means you’ll find something that’s just right for you.

What to expect on your holiday in France Summer 2020

We advise you to bring masks with you. Rules are being made/changed constantly but it’s highly likely you’ll need to wear them while travelling to France on public transport – ferries, trains and planes. People working in public areas are likely to be using PPE.

You’ll also find that masks are required wearing to walk about in the vast majority of restaurants, though not when eating of course.

Some shops will also require you to wear masks and some tourist attractions may also require this.

1m social distancing rules are being practiced in shops, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Hand sanitiser is freely available in every bar, café, restaurant, shop, tourist attraction – even ski lifts.

Deep cleaning, cleaning and disinfecting is an ongoing requirement – if you want to know more about the hygiene protocols at the holiday home you’re going to, just email the owners for information.

The new normal means that you can have peace of mind on your summer holiday in France and enjoy that much needed break.

 

The Dordogne department in southwest France is one of the most popular places in France for British holiday makers. We’re not surprised, there’s loads to see and do in this beautiful area.

We take a look at some great things to in in the historic town of Périgueux in Dordogne...

Roman ruins

In 1959 workers on a building site discovered the ruins of a Roman villa. When archeologists excavated the site, they found a wonderfully preserved Gallo-Roman dwelling, known as the Vesunna domus, dating to the 1st century AD. It’s now a museum, covered in a spectacular glass building designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. Mosaic floors, painted plasterwork and innovative info screens, together with a collection of Roman artefacts, make this a must-see.

There are also temple ruins in the museum’s park. Local legend has it that Périgueux’s patron Saint Front, the first Bishop of Périgueux, chased demons out of the temple and away from the town.

The Jardin des Arenes is where a Roman amphitheatre once stood and in amongst the trees and flower beds you can still see the remains of pillars, walls and arches. Much of the original building was plundered for its stone which was used to build local homes in the middle ages.

And at the Chateau Barrière, amongst the ruins of the in the town, you’ll spot yet more remains of the Gallo-Roman wall which once protected the city.

Museums and monuments

History fans will enjoy the excellent Musee d’Art et d’Archeologie du Perigord. Located in a converted Augustinian convent, the display shows the ancient history and prehistory of Perigord as well as other regions of the world. The collection includes beautiful medieval art, a 13th century enamel statue of the Virgin Mary and stained glass windows recovered from a nearby 14th century church as well as fossills and Roman relics.

The Military Museum holds a prestigious Museum of France label. 1000 years of warfare in the region are covered, with around 12,000 objects including cannon, muskets, suits of armour and much more.

The 12th century Saint Front Cathedral bears a resemblance to St Mark’s Basilica in Venice on which it was modelled. It’s five symmetrical domes and a bell-tower dominate the skyline. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a day when the organ is being played or the choir is singing, you’ll have a memorable visit.

Marvellous market and scrumptious gastronomy

The Dordogne region is famous for its fruit and vegetables, walnuts, conserves, pâtés and jams, foie gras, truffles, wine and liqueurs and the markets at Périgueux are fabulous to shop for fresh, local, seasonal goods.

Market days take place Wednesdays and Saturdays. Gourmet night markets are held in summer. Truffle fairs are held in January and February.

Details of the markets and lots of things to do in the area can be found on the Périgueux Tourist Office website: https://www.tourisme-grandperigueux.fr/?lang=en

If you’re dreaming of a time when you and your family can finally take a sunshine break in France, we’d love to help you.

We’ve been craving a French fix too and we’re hoping that by the end of June, UK quarantine restrictions will be lifted, and we can take a safe and sunny holiday, nibble on croissants fresh from the bakers, take a dip in the sea, walk in the glorious French countryside, indulge our love of wine, cheese and cakes… and all that makes France such a fabulous place to visit.

France is easy to reach by car, with ferry services from the UK and Ireland to various locations around the French coast and by Eurostar. Once you arrive, the French autoroute network will whizz you straight to your desired destination.

Many of our holiday homes are offering some serious savings with up to 50% discounts.

You can see all our special offers here: https://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/accommodation/france?offers=true

And our weekly last minute holiday properties here: www.frenchconnections.co.uk/accommodation/last-minute-availability

Holiday homeowners across France are really looking forward to welcome you. You’ll find contact details on all our listings so feel free to ask any questions about location, things to do, and safety and hygiene regulations that have been put in place so that you can ensure that you can holiday with peace of mind.

With around 3000 holiday properties on offer, ranging from bijou cottages for 2 to gorgeous chateaux for an extended family holiday – you’re sure to find your dream holiday home with French Connections.

We also post offers regularly on our Facebook page – join us there to keep in touch and find out about special offers as soon as they’re available: www.facebook.com/frenchconnections