France

One of the most popular things to do during any holiday to France is to visit the beach. The coastline presents long stretches of white sandy shore, and Madame Vacances properties can provide direct access to the very best beaches. At blissful beaches such as Moliets et Maa in the Aquitaine region and Saint Jean de Monts in Vendee, try your hand at thrilling activities such as surfing, parasailing, and diving. These beaches offer the perfect blend of busy and peaceful, so if you'd rather relax than get active, they are ideal for putting your feet up and simply enjoying the sunshine.

One of the most exciting things to do in France is explore the stunning mountains. These regions are home to both the Alps and the Pyrenees mountain ranges, two of Europe's most popular ski and summer sports spots. We have properties in all of the best resorts, including The 3 Valleys ski area, Val Thorens, and Flaine. Here you can wander through picturesque forests, cycle to your heart's content or enjoy varying alpine activities suitable for every age and ability. Other fun summer activities include horse riding, ice cave exploring at the higher altitude resorts, and tree top adventure courses. River activities such as canoeing, white water rafting and fly fishing are also very popular in the mountains in summer. Should you choose to visit one of our mountain destinations during the summer season, you certainly won't be disappointed.

The South of France is synonymous with luxurious holidays and is known for being a glamorous playground of the rich and famous. We have properties throughout this region, all of which are perfectly placed to allow guests to enjoy all of the activities on offer in the southern part of the country, regardless of their budget. In the renowned city of Montpellier you will find our Residence Les Consuls de La Mar as well as an iconic city centre. Activities in this resort revolve around soaking up the historic culture and monuments of the city, including the Porte du Peyrou; Montpellier's answer to the Arc de Triomphe, and the 17th century Aqueduc du St Clement. Another must in the south of France is Saint Cyprien; the home of our Residence le Jardins de Neptune. Activities in this resort include days out at the mini golf course, Aqualand Water Park, and the go karting centre.

It is a well-known fact that France has produced some of the finest cuisine and chefs that the world has ever seen. Wherever you stay in the country you can enjoy some seriously fine dining along with affordable and international options. All three of your daily meals are guaranteed to be a delight when you visit France; from a pastry breakfast, a cheese and crusty bread lunch, and late gourmet dinner. Barjac in the south of France is home to some Michelin starred venues and picturesque cafés such as Nature and Tea and Le Carre des Saveurs - both of which are very close to our Residence La Closerie. Another culinary haven in the south of France is Torreilles. Classic French cuisine is served here in restaurants such as Le Bistroquet and Le Maison Secall. For something slightly more Mediterranean, try the restaurants of Corsica. This French island has a lot in common culturally with its neighbour, Italy. Lovers of Italian food are sure to fall in love with the dining options available on this idyllic island, where you can also find our Residence Sognu di Rena.

France is known for its chic nightlife. The friendly resorts throughout the country all boast their own unique venues and atmosphere, ranging from quiet pubs and bars to lively nightclubs that stay open until morning. The beautiful Pyrenees Mountains, on the border of France and Spain, along with the winter wonderland of the Alps both have excellent après-ski parties which carry through into the summer. The bars and clubs in these resorts are situated high in the mountainous landscapes and provide sunny al fresco dining in the summer. Alternatively, try the glamorous nightclubs of the south of France with trendy venues dotted all along the French Riviera, including cocktail bars and techno clubs.

Many of the ski areas in France have access to pedestrian lifts that remain open throughout the summer. Les Deux Alpes resort is the largest glacier in the country as well as being a popular summer holiday destination. The lifts here remain open in summer but only between the hours of 7am and 12pm, so it is important to get an early start if your holiday plans include using the lifts. Other resorts also keep their lifts open between June and August, and daily or weekly passes can be purchased from local tourist offices for varying prices.

Childcare in France is second to none. Whichever Madame Vacances property you decide to visit, you will have access to either fun nurseries, private au pair services, or both. Snow Bugs is one of the most popular nanny companies in the Alps, while Creche Galineta and Creche Municipale Pinocchio are both great choices in the south of France. There are also private holiday tutors available to hire in many of the French resorts.

France has strict parking regulations, however it is possible to find places to park while on holiday, and plenty of our properties have parking facilities. Alternatively, there are paid parking spots (indicated by white spaces) located throughout the country. Coupons can be purchased for these parking spaces, and time slots range from 15 minutes to two hours. Covered parking can be arranged in the mountain resorts. Blue zones are free parking spaces, and many of our resorts offer them but it is important to check the time limit on these spots as there is sometime a maximum parking time of one hour.