Take a trip back in time: holidays in France's timeless villages

France is a country that is always high on people’s holiday wish lists. On the one hand, the country is home to major cities such as Paris and Lyon, but on the other hand, there are loads of destinations where it seems as if time has stood still. In regions such as the Dordogne, Provence-Côte d'Azur and Aquitaine, you will find villages and towns that are not only picturesque but are also home to a lot of history. It's almost as if you've stepped back in time, to a simpler life, where traditions are cherished and the day-to-day business seems to have remained the same for centuries.

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The Dordogne: Medieval beauty

The Dordogne, which is located in the southwest of France, is known for its well-preserved medieval villages, castles and caves. After every corner you turn, you are greeted with more and more history. A great example of this is Sarlat-la-Canéda. Founded in the Middle Ages, this village is one of the best-preserved historic towns in France. It has narrow, cobblestone streets, houses with slate roofs, and old buildings that date back to the 14th century. All of this creates an atmosphere that will take you all the way back to the past. We recommend visiting the weekly market in the old town, where you will find local products that have been produced in the same way for centuries.

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Castle of Beynac

The castle of Beynac is also a must-visit. Located on a steep cliff above the river, this imposing fortress has stood the test of time well. A brisk walk will take you to the top of the rock where you can visit the castle. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view when you reach the top of the hill. You can visit these special places from the comfort your luxury holiday villa of FranceComfort. We have three beautiful parks in this region; namely Domaine de Lanzac, Village des Cigales and Le Lac Bleu. In Lanzac en Cigales there is a park restaurant and several holiday homes even have a private swimming pool or a jacuzzi. From these holiday parks you can discover all the beauty of the region at your leisure.

Provence-Côte d'Azur: the timeless Mediterranean lifestyle

The region Provence-Côte d'Azur is famous for its lavender fields, the sunny climate and the many picturesque villages. This is a region that exudes the charm of traditional rural life, where you will find several places where it seems as if time has stood still. An example of such a charming village is Gordes. It is located on top of a hill and offers breathtaking views over the valley and the surrounding countryside. The stone houses and narrow streets give you the idea that you have travelled back to the past. The village Èze is also worth visiting. This village, which is located on top of a hill, is an old castle village where time has stood still. Everything is still in perfect condition. The traditional houses have been transformed into studios, shops, restaurants and bars.

There is a unique botanical garden on top of the village which has a great view over the surroundings. Another must-see in this region is Les Baux-de-Provence. This is a medieval village that is located in the rocks of Alpilles. The ruins of the old castle, with its cobbled streets, give a timeless feel. This is only strengthened by the limestone cliffs. It is almost as if the medieval inhabitants have left here temporarily but can come back at any moment. We also have several parks in this region, namely Vallée de la Ste. Baume, Residence Salernes, Domaine de Castellane, Jardin du Golf and Villa's du Verdon. From these villas you can make trips to the Mediterranean Sea, the Gorges du Verdon or the Massif des Maures.

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Aquitaine - Gironde: authentic and unchanged

The region of Aquitaine - Gironde lies in the southwest of France, on the Atlantic coast. This region is of course known for its wine (Bordeaux), but you will also find many villages here that have retained their historic charm. One of the most authentic places in this region is Saint-Emillion, a village famous not only for its wine, but also for its rich history. It goes all the way back to Roman times. Here you will find an underground church, which is carved into the rock and can rightly be called an impressive piece of medieval architecture. Walking through the steep, winding streets you will really feel like you have landed in another century. You can taste the authentic character not only in the wine, but also in the buildings and the serene atmosphere.

The Bastide-Clairence

A little further along the coastline is the lesser-known village of La Bastide-Clairence. This town has symmetrically planned streets and houses with red roof tiles. 

It dates back to the 14th century, but the structure has changed little over the years. Village life continues in peace and quiet and there are many craftsmen who still deliver traditional craftsmanship. Want to discover this region? You can discover this region whilst staying in our beautifully landscaped park Château de Salles.

Discovering old France whilst staying in a luxury holiday villa

Do you want to discover authentic France, but do you also want to relax in the comfort of a luxurious holiday home? Stay in one of FranceComfort's beautiful holiday parks. We have luxurious fully equipped villas for you in the most beautiful regions of France. Think of a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable sofas and beds and in many cases also a private swimming pool or jacuzzi in the garden. Here you and your partner or family can really recover from a day of going back in time!

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