Attractions
NOVASOL holiday lettings France - Attractions
France has numerous monuments and attractions to offer. Anywhere you go, you can find historic architectural monuments that have often become symbols of France, as well as beautiful natural monuments, museums, galleries, markets and concerts. So wherever your holiday homes in France may be, there are plenty of things to do. We have selected the most important attractions and activities, for which France is famous all over the world. Have a look through before you jet off to France!
Things to do on the Cote d'Azur
Since Picasso moved into the atelier in the former Grimaldi castle in Antibes in 1946, it has become an art museum with over 200 of Picasso's paintings. A perfect supplement is work by artists like Alexander Calder, Max Ernst, Germaine Richier, and Fernand Léger. Art is a huge part of both history and culture in France, so don’t miss this! Whilst holidaying in the South of France, you could also take the steam train on the Nice to Digne route, which is especially exciting for young children. The route leads through 25 tunnels and over 30 bridges. Perhaps you could book two villas in France and use this elegant transport to travel between them, which will really allow you to see the country.
Parisian holiday attractions
The Notre-Dame de Chartres cathedral in Eure-et-Loir southwest of Paris is one of the most important Gothic churches in history and is well worth a visit from your holiday accommodation. It was built from 1194 to 1220 over a crypt and is the oldest gothic cathedral in the world that is almost originally preserved. Whilst in the capital, you should also endeavour to see the Louvre – which is home to the Mona Lisa and many other treasures from Egyptian gold, through works of art, to ancient marble figures. Of course, there is also the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacré-Coer and many other fascinating buildings within easy reach of our French holiday rentals.
Things to do near Provence
Hundreds of thousands of visitors taking self-catering holidays are attracted to gites in Provence every year to see the lavender flowers blooming each summer. Whether you take yourself off to explore these colourful fields of flowers, or go on an organised ‘lavender tour, you are bound to enjoy this special natural spectacle. In Saint-André-de-Rosans on weekends in August lavender festivals are held. If you book your French villas on the first weekend of August, you could also take part in the well-renowned Lavender Parade in Valréas! Provence is also home to the enchanting XII-century Romanesque Sénanque Cistercian Abbey and is the famed motherland of painter Paul Cézanne.
Your self-catering holiday in Alsace
Constructed between the 12th and 15th century, Strasbourg Cathedral is probably the most famous architectural monument in all of Alsace. A rose window on the west front is particularly impressive whilst a breath-taking view of the city stretches from a viewing platform. You need to climb 332 steps to get there, but our homely cottages in France will no doubt provide a good place to rest afterwards. Fleckenstein Castle is also a treat for those interested in French history. It has been standing on a gigantic rock in the North Vosges since the 12th century. From here you can walk to the nearby Loewenstein and Hohenburg ruins.
Near your gites in Normandy
The ‘Baie du Mont Saint-Michel’ is an absolute must on your checklist of things to do whilst self-catering in France. Visit the island located in the bay of Mont Saint-Michel from your villas or gites in Normandy and discover more of France’s valuable heritage. The construction of the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel was one of the hardest and most expensive projects of all time and its several million visitors are testimony to this icon of medieval Europe! Admire the modern organ in the abbey church on a visit from your holiday villas in France.
French gites near green oases
There are plenty of green retreats in France! So many natural parks, reserves, wild landscapes and mountains provide gorgeous green oases and offer peace and relaxation for the senses. Whether you rent your gites in France nearby and take long walks, use National Parks for fishing holidays, play sports in wide open spaces or simply have a picnic with your family – there are absolutely endless opportunities to enjoy France’s many parks. Book French holiday homes with NOVASOL and find yourself exploring the beautiful great outdoors with all the flora and fauna you could dream of!
Shopping on your French holidays
Embark on your holidays in France in the footsteps of the great designer, Coco Chanel. Established in 1914, Chanel’s empire is one of the most influential and well-recognised pioneers of women’s fashion. Dior is also known as one of the leading fashion houses in France, offering many luxury items in stores near your holiday lettings. Since 1973, Paris Fashion Week has been the most important fashion fair in the sector. Keep up with the fashion shows and other events over spring and autumn whilst you rent your equally chic French chateau or apartment. Of course, Paris is known as the fashion capital of France, but there are many options wherever you rent in you holiday homes in France – from local markets to craft workshops.
Family activities in France
Of course if you book near the French coast, children and adults alike love playing in the sand, splashing in the sea and enjoying the array of wonderful wildlife on offer. To observe wildlife in slightly drier, but no less exciting surroundings, visit the biggest aquarium in Europe, Nausicaä Centre National de la Mer. Enjoy the richness of marine life, thematic exhibitions and wonderful facilities for families. There are also theme parks such as Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix, and a variety of small festivals dotted around the country that are bound to captivate your little ones.
Service – Why NOVASOL?
It is impossible to mention every wonderful experience that can be had whilst you rent your villas in France. Simply book your French villa, apartment or chateau with NOVASOL and we can guarantee you a professional service, fantastic range of holiday homes and well-informed local staff who can further advise you on the best things to see and do whilst in France. With over 40,000 holiday homes across Europe and nearly 50 years' experience, we can assure you that you are in safe hands before, during and after your self-catering holiday!