France is full of the sort of remote holiday cottages where you can disappear for some quiet reflection and off-grid wandering. Here, offering everything from woodland walks to beach trips, are five of our team's favourite French country cottages for getting away from it all and back to yourself.
Le Farat, Tarn-et-Garonne
With a lake to fish in, a terrace for sunbathing and a saltwater pool for cooling dips, Le Farat is one of our favourite French country cottages for truly unwinding. The house is situated in unspoilt countryside one hour south of the Dordogne, and arriving here feels like entering rural bliss. Huge barn-like doors welcome you in, and the interiors are bright and airy with touches of country charm like stone walls and a beamed ceiling. The kitchen has everything you need for evening meals, but if you fancy a treat then a short, scenic walk will take you to a Michelin-recognised restaurant that specialises in seasonal produce. If your feet start to itch, go exploring in local markets (this region is famous for Agen prunes, wine, Armagnac, peaches and nectarines to name a few), set off on glorious country walks or visit the medieval village of Auvillar.
L’Esprit Planèze, Cantal
Cantal is one of France’s least explored regions, a true haven of traditional farm life with little to draw hotspot-seeking tourists, but miles of incredible rugged beauty for anyone prepared to immerse themselves in its hills. These two sustainably built and run apartments on the edge of a hamlet are your gateway to meadow walks, lake dips, deserted ski slopes in season and even a dormant volcano, the Puy Mary. The beautiful Station Vert town of Murat is near enough for a visit but there are days of great hiking among the fields of the region’s famous Salers cows to keep you occupied, with the cheese made from their milk an unmissable local specialty.
Le Mas de La Baou, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Sink into the blissful quiet of French rural life at this lavender farm on the edge of a Provençal village. Relax in hammocks by the natural pool with nothing to disturb you but the trickle of the sleepy stream running through the garden and the trill of birdsong and cicadas. If the sweeping views over the surrounding countryside and pretty hilltop village of Cereste can tempt you away from the pool or terrace, potter along the new cycle paths to the local boulangerie or take a picnic to explore the Luberon national park.
Cognac Retreat, Charente-Maritime
A lovingly renovated 250-year-old farmhouse tucked away in a tiny hamlet a ten-minute drive from Cognac. This charming cottage wears its agricultural history with pride – archways once used for bringing in hay and an opening where grapes were thrown in for pressing are now unique doors and windows. Limestone walls and climbing roses continue the rustic feel. There’s a lovely pool in the garden, and figs, plums, apples and strawberries can all be picked depending on the season. Cook up a feast in the open-plan kitchen and dining area, cook pizzas in the wood-fired oven or fire up the BBQ. You’re welcome to bring your dog, and they’ll love it – plenty of glorious countryside walks start from the door. Stroll into local villages to grab supplies from butchers or boulangeries, hire bikes and explore rural landscapes or venture a bit further to the coast (40 minutes away) for beachy walks and salty swims.
Les Buis de Saint Martin, Tarn
Surrounded by river Tarn, beautiful parkland, and gardens, these gîtes are a haven of peace and tranquillity. Spend gentle mornings in the lovely private gardens, potter down the river in a pedalo or dip into the fountain pool, before exploring the exceptional hilltop villages and vineyards. The Friday market in Galliac is delightful and filled with stalls to tempt you with plump local fruit and unusual cheeses to bring back to your gîte for supper under the stars.
Vive la France
This article is part of Vive la France, the home of inspiring itineraries and stories from travel writers and our team, to help you plan your next French adventure.
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Christopher Wilson-Elmes
Sawday's Expert
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