France really does have it all. From the rolling lavender fields of Provence to the sun-drenched beaches of the Côte d’Azur, it’s the type of place you can return to again and again – yet still see a different side every time. To help spark some ideas for your next vacation, we’ve curated a list of the very best luxury villas and châteaus in France.
Whether you’re planning a long overdue family gathering or blow-out birthday celebration, there’s a property to cater to every trip. Our carefully curated list of private homes spans everything from slick new villas to elegant country estates.
[See also: Coquillade Provence: A Haven in the Luberon Hills]
Domaine de la Vene, Languedoc-Roussillon
Our list of exclusive villas in France kicks off with this gorgeous country house tucked in the hills above Carcassonne. Beautifully restored in typical Provencal style, the property is set within 630 acres of greenery, less than an hour’s drive from the picturesque beaches of Languedoc.
Able to host up to 20 guests across the main building and charming cottage, Domaine de la Vene is ideal for larger groups. The homely kitchen and formal dining room are perfect for entertaining, while the pool (set slightly away from the house) is a lovely spot for whiling away an evening with friends.
From €7,855 (approx. $8,500) per week.
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Lerrins Retreat, Cannes
If it’s seclusion you’re after, the next entry on our list certainly ticks a lot of boxes. Lerrins Retreat is the only private property on the island of Sainte-Marguerite – an idyllic haven around 15 minutes by boat from Cannes (there’s a helipad for those arriving by chopper).
The walled estate was painstakingly restored in 2022 and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Spanning six buildings (including the Old Fortress Tower and Governor’s House), Lerrins Retreat is home to 12 bedrooms, comfortably sleeping up to 24 guests. The property is set within a tranquil garden and features a heated pool and expansive wellness center with a resident spa therapist on hand for treatments. Naturally, a house manager is available to take care of your every need, so you won’t need to lift a finger during your stay.
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From $268,000 per week.
Le Mas Estello, Provence
Our roundup of the top luxury villas in France would not be complete without including an entry in Provence. We’ve chosen this stunning contemporary property located on a hilltop overlooking Les Apilles.
Set within its own leafy private gardens, the four-bedroom villa boasts an infinity pool (the best place for soaking up the views), a Boule pitch that can be converted into a badminton/ volleyball court and a private wine cellar. Interiors are luxurious yet rustic: think exposed wooden beamed ceilings, rattan furnishings and soft woven rugs. The villa is professionally staffed with a concierge, daily maid service, and the option to bring in a private chef to prepare gourmet meals.
From €17,500 (approx. $18,967) per week.
Château la Tour, Dordogne
We adore this fairytale château in France’s picture-perfect Dordogne region. The charming nine-bedroom property sleeps 18 across the main building and modern wing. Each room is entirely unique; expect contemporary artwork, eclectic furnishings and bold pops of color.
Outside you’ll find a private pool dotted with sun loungers and an organic vegetable patch (guests are encouraged to embrace the owners’ eco-conscious way of life). A local chef is on hand to whip up meals prepared with ingredients grown in the garden – best served al fresco out on the terrace.
From $30,100 per week.
Villa Palm, Cap Ferret
For a chic beach vacation, Cap Ferret is a safe bet. Located around an hour from Bordeaux, the French oyster capital is known for its pine forests, fishermen’s cottages and world-class seafood. Villa Palm is a great base for exploring the surrounding area; guests can hop on the little train that runs between the village and beach.
Built in 2023, the property itself feels modern and new. The expansive open-plan living/dining room is a nice hub for family meals; sliding glass doors open onto a shady wooden terrace complete with a barbeque. Villa Palm has five bedrooms (each with a bay window that leads straight out to the garden) and a heated pool fringed by olive trees. Count us in.
From €12,000 (approx. $13,000) per week.
Château Romenay, Burgundy
It would be remiss of us not to feature at least one villa in France’s famed Burgundy wine region. We picked this majestic 16th-century château, located in the countryside a short drive from the medieval village of Romenay. Fit for royalty, the 10-bedroom castle is set within a 17-acre park complete with a pool and fishing lake.
The interiors nod to the building’s rich history; expect classic French ceilings, glittering chandeliers and herringbone floors. As well as a billiards and poker room, the regal property features a wellness area complete with a gym and massage room. Be sure to spend a day with the château’s owner on a wine-tasting course (his collection features over 9,000 bottles dating right back to the early 1900s).
From €5,900 (approx $6,300) per week.
La Beau Domaine, Loire Valley
The next entry on our list of the most exclusive villas in France is situated in a picturesque village in the heart of the Loire Valley. If it’s grandeur you’re seeking, this might just be the perfect spot; the nine-bedroom château is set within a pristine eight-acre estate. Rooms are impeccably decorated with grand four-poster beds, antique furnishings and plush velvet chairs.
There is plenty to keep the entire family entertained: La Beau Domaine is home to a saltwater pool, Jacuzzi, playground and treehouse for kids, and even a zipline. Evenings can be spent relaxing in the music salon or playing pool in the games room.
From €9,800 (approx. $10,472) per week.
Le Grand Château, Bouffémont
If you’re planning a vacation to Paris but want to combine your trip with a few days in the countryside, this opulent château is an excellent choice. Nestled in the Montmorency Forest, just an hour’s drive from the capital, the nine-bedroom property can sleep up to 27 guests. With its grand reception halls, elegant wood-paneled bar and home theatre, it’s ideal for hosting celebrations.
The château overlooks the Paris International Golf Club – an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus. A concierge is on hand to arrange trips to the club and an array of activities tailored to your interests from cooking classes to chocolate workshops.
From €31,500 (approx. $33,663) per week.
Domaine de La Sérénité, Normandy
Last but by no means least in our roundup of the best villas in France is this stunning nine-bedroom property in Normandy. Set within a lush green estate, the private home is pared-back and cozy; we love the farmhouse-style kitchen with its exposed wooden beamed ceiling and cobbled brick floors.
The villa has a heliport for convenient access, as well as a swimming pool (heated from May through October) and several archery ranges. Days can be spent strolling in the estate’s tranquil forests or exploring the network of hiking trails nearby.
From €6,300 (approx. $6,732) per week.
[See also: The Best Luxury Hotels in the South of France]
