France Guide

To the north, you’ll find untamed beauty - the bucolic fields of Normandy and sweeping beaches and ancient forests of Brittany. Enjoy a sprawling seafront villa on the wild windswept dunes of the mid-Atlantic coast at Poitou-Charentes, or a country mansion in the vine-striped hills of Cognac country. Continue down the coast to discover the old-world glamour of Aquitaine - the heart of French wine country, where every map of the Bordeaux region reads like a well-chosen wine list. Further south still, you’ll find the old-world elegance of the Basque coast peppered with Belle Époque beach resorts like Biarritz.

Inland, the ravishing hills of the Dordogne and Loire Valley paint a perfect picture of quintessentially French countryside. Once home to kings and noblemen, the landscapes here are dotted with elegant reminders of a bygone era, from medieval towns to fairytale chateaux - the essence of fine French living at its most opulent. Dividing the coasts, the snow-capped peaks of the Midi-Pyrénées soar in the south, while in the east the frosted Alps stretch skyward, giving way to the rolling hills of the Languedoc and the furrowed fields of fragrant lavender that so epitomise Provence.

On the Mediterranean coast, you’re at the fabulous heart of the French Riviera, perfectly poised to enjoy some of Europe’s chicest resorts. From the golden age glamour of Nice to the sparkling shores of St. Tropez and the heady hedonism of Cannes, these dazzling resorts have long been among the most popular in Europe, coveted by starlets, celebrities and jet-setters alike.  

France is a destination that never fails to seduce, with its artistic heritage, pretty villages and gastronomic gifts. From hillside towns lost in time, to the sparkling cities of the Cote D’Azur - France has something for all tastes. History lovers should opt for one of our luxury villas in the timeless hills of Provence, while those looking for a city escape can retreat to a luxury penthouse in Paris’s chicest locale. Those looking for something a little more extravagant should head to the fabulous French Riviera, where a sprawling villa in the hills of La Californie provides the perfect vantage point from which to explore the heady glamour of the coast.

Whether you’re looking for a sleek beach pad on the shores of St Tropez or an expansive hideaway in the hills of Provence, our luxury villas in France are hand-picked and vetted by our team of travel experts - creating a curated collection of only the very best villas in France. If you’re looking for the perfect luxury holiday in France, enquire with one of our team of France villa specialists today to discover our selection of hand-selected luxury villas in France.

France, a country known for its romantic language, exquisite cuisine, and elegant fashion, has a rich and fascinating history that spans over thousands of years. From the ancient Gauls to the modern-day Republic, France has seen numerous empires, revolutions, and cultural influences that have shaped its identity.

The earliest known inhabitants of France were the Gauls, a Celtic tribe that settled in the region around 1200 BCE. They were known for their fierce warrior culture and their resistance against the powerful Roman Empire. However, in 58 BCE, Julius Caesar conquered Gaul and incorporated it into the Roman Empire, bringing with him Roman customs, language, and architecture.

In the 5th century, the Western Roman Empire crumbled, and France was invaded by Germanic tribes, including the Franks, who gave the country its name. It was during this time that the legendary King Clovis united the Franks and established the Merovingian Dynasty. Over the next few centuries, the Franks would face invasions from the Vikings, Arabs, and Normans, but they managed to maintain their control over the region.

In the 10th century, the Capetian Dynasty took over the rulership of France and established Paris as the capital. This period also saw the emergence of feudalism, with powerful nobles ruling over their own territories and pledging allegiance to the king. However, by the 14th century, the Hundred Years’ War between France and England weakened the feudal system and paved the way for the consolidation of power by the French monarchy.

The 16th century saw the beginning of the Renaissance in France, with the rise of humanism and the arts. The country became a center of culture, with artists like Leonardo da Vinci and writers like Michel de Montaigne flourishing under the patronage of the French monarchy. However, the 17th century brought about political turmoil with the rise of absolutism under King Louis XIV, which led to the French Revolution in 1789.

The French Revolution was a turning point in French history, as it overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. The revolution also brought about significant changes in society, including the abolition of feudalism and the introduction of civil liberties. However, the revolution was followed by a period of political instability and wars, including the Napoleonic Wars, which saw France rise as a powerful empire.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, France saw significant economic growth, industrialization, and colonial expansion. It also played a significant role in both World Wars and emerged as a global superpower. In the aftermath of World War II, France became one of the founding members of the European Union, solidifying its position as a major player in international affairs.

Today, France continues to be a cultural and economic powerhouse, with a rich history that is evident in its architecture, art, and customs. From the Gauls to the modern republic, the country has overcome countless challenges and has emerged as a symbol of freedom, equality, and progress.