Inspiration

Large gîtes in France with pools, for the ultimate celebration

Sawday's Expert

5 min read

From the Swiss border to the shimmering west coast, to where la République ends on the warm shores of the Mediterranean Sea – France, from coast to coast, heartland to mountain top, is an unforgettable sight. There’s an allure impossible to ignore, for even the least of Francophiles.

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Gîte

Gather together with your family and friends for all-afternoon games of water polo in the pool, leisurely lunches under the shade of cypress trees, and long games of boules, with longer pastis, in the garden. We’ve asked our community about the large gîtes they would recommend booking for special celebration. Read on for our favourite gîtes with the space, and the pools, to entertain your tribe.

Bastide Oleander, Lorgues, Var

Imagine a French gîte – and chances are, you’ve already pictured Bastide Oleander. This space has a panoramic view sweeping south towards the Mediterranean. It’s spacious, secluded and its 18th century walls are oblivious to the summer heat. Spend your days lavishing in the pool’s respite from Mediterranean sun, dining under a pergola entwined with the shade of climbing trees, or enjoying a peaceful walk through the pine-scented gardens.

‘We have just returned from the most glorious two-week family holiday with our families coming from all over Europe, aged from 4 – 80, to enjoy the Provençale way of life. We filled the house but there is a space for everyone whether swimming, reading quietly or having a raucous laugh round the table!’

– Matthew, Sawday’s guest

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Les Planas, Monoblet, Gard

Les Planas is a dream to pad around barefoot in, stepping from the calming white walled interior to the covered veranda outside – cup of coffee in hand to join your loved ones for breakfast. The master bedroom has its own balcony, and waking up, you’ll be able to take in the morning overlooking the garden. If you’re not spending your day splashing in the pool, take the 20-minute drive to Anduze to see the bamboo forest sparkle in the sun.

‘We had such a wonderful week at Les Planas. We were a group of three families and the house fitted us perfectly; so much space, extremely comfortable and beautifully decorated too. The views from the pool are fabulous! Bliss to lie by the pool but there are also lots of great things to do in the area.’

– The Fishbournes, Sawday’s guests

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Maison Montruf, Peyzac-le-Moustier, Dordogne

At the heart of this impressive gîte is the kitchen/dining room with its huge stone fireplace, oak table and all the cooking kit you, or a private chef, might need is at the heart of it all. Your group can spill out into communal rooms, terraces, and outdoor dining areas or the stunning gardens for convivial fun in the swimming pool or over a game of table tennis. The tower is a grand spot for escapees with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley.

‘Paul & Charlotte were exquisite hosts pre our arrival and during our stay, they went above and beyond, booking restaurants for us & recommending a private chef. The house itself is stunning with every detail thought of and lots of games and activities to keep everyone entertained. The views from the garden across the valley are stunning and offer the perfect place to watch magnificent sunsets.’

– Natalie, Sawday’s guest

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Fleuret, Curemonte, Corrèze

This seventeenth-century farmhouse is set in a landscape of castles, woodland and hills to explore. At your gîte you can spend the afternoon ambling from kitchen to terrace, terrace to poolside, wine glass in hand, or join your tribe jumping in and out of the pool. Inside you’ll find the kitchen, to cook up feasts with local produce picked up at the weekly market in Curemonte, and the large dining table to gather around with your loved ones.

‘We booked to stay at Fleuret to celebrate my 60th birthday. All was fantastic with the house, pool and games room. Over a three-week period we were joined by 16 family and friends, dropping in and staying a few days with us. Gilly arranged for us to have in house caterers for three evenings and they were fantastic.’

– Steve, Sawday’s guest

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Le Mas, Sainte Croix, Dordogne

It’s going to be extremely difficult to decide between cooking in this kitchen, and hiring in the private chef. Whilst you could easily imagine being sat in the airy stunning space, waiting to be served some culinary delights, sharing in raucous laughter around the table – cooking in this space is a real pleasure. The ingredients, though you could pop down the road to Montferrand-du-Périgord to grab them at market, could also be found in the garden – rich with vegetables, herbs and fruit trees. You’ve also the option to dine outside on the covered terrace, and excuse over-eager kids to enjoy the pool just metres away.

‘Le Mas is a truly exceptional property and the ideal place for a family vacation with friends. The house itself is beautifully decorated and the surrounding countryside and the views from the property are stunning. It’s a haven of tranquillity from which we enjoyed runs on trails, lounging in the pool, and meals in the summer kitchen as we watched the sunset.’

– Brian, Sawday’s guest

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The French Farmhouse in Quercy, Montaigu-de-Quercy, Tarn-et-Garonne

Wake up, whip up a French press, and go out to ‘The Bolet’ – the old covered veranda on the first floor – and plan the day ahead with your family and friends. Despite feeling wonderfully secluded on its own land, it’s just a six-minute drive to medieval Montaigu and its Saturday market. At night, you’ll sip glasses of fine wine to the sight of Monflanquin’s lights twinkling on the hill. Play badminton or rounders to work up an appetite, or enjoy cooking fine local produce in the indoor, or the outdoor, kitchen by the pool.

‘We were three families and we loved it! The pace of life was very relaxed, perfect clear skies, lots of wildlife. The bakery in the village is superb, and there are so many delicious things to eat from the markets.’

– Claire, Sawday’s guest

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La Badoussie, Sarlat, Dordogne

This 18th-century gîte with magnificent views is a heavenly spot for a special family holiday. Outside, as well as the spectacular pool, there’s the climbing frame, badminton, and, beyond the gardens, acres of private woodland. Inside there’s the rustic-elegant kitchen for preparing meals with ingredients gathered at nearby Daglan’s Sunday market and a cosy sitting room for long evenings playing cards.

‘For a special family gathering to celebrate our 60th birthdays, and 35th wedding anniversary, my husband and I were looking for a pretty special property and location. La Badoussie delivered on every level. A stunning farmhouse, beautifully furnished and equipped with absolutely everything we could have needed.’

– Kate, Sawday’s guest

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Browse all of our French gîtes with pools >

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Jem Brownlee

Sawday's Expert

Often found purposefully lost in the wilderness, Jem is our junior copywriter. Hailing from a tiny village just south of Bristol, he uses his experience editing books, writing articles and running bars and restaurants to write whatever he can get his hands on. He’s happiest complaining about, but secretly loving, being sent anywhere and everywhere in search of something new. If it comes with rolling hills, creatures great and small to befriend – you might just find him there.

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