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Every year, France welcomes over 75 million tourists across its borders. This figure makes it the most popular holiday destination in the world with 25 million more visitors annually than the USA, the second most popular destination. A large attraction for many people is France’s incredible diversity. Being the largest country in Western Europe, France’s territory encompasses many varied features. It has five different mountain ranges, vast plains, borders with seven different countries (as well as containing the independent state of Monaco), numerous major rivers and coastlines on the Channel, Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. France’s regions possess individual histories and their distinct cultural traditions often owe much to past occupation under Italy, Germany, England or Spain. French cities are also distinguished by regional architectural styles, while the weather they experience differs greatly too from the cool continental climate of the north-east to the subtropical summers of the Mediterranean. With the sights of its cities, its beaches and ski resorts, France has something to offer every holiday-maker. The following guide outlines the top ten places to rent property in France, detailing the type and style of property available in each as well as an indication of seasonal prices. The themes of love and fashion give Paris its ambiance, while its physical features were shaped by revolution. In 1853 when Napoleon III asked Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann to transform Paris from a cholera-ridden medieval town, his main consideration was the prevention of further revolution. Barricades could not be easily built across its wide streets; and troops and artillery could be quickly circulated around the city. Paris’ main railway stations were connected to the main boulevards, meaning troops from the provinces could be quickly mobilised and deployed in the city. The name Haussmann is also associated with the very distinctive style of building which dominate the boulevards of his city and conjure the images of traditional Paris. Wooden parquet floors, fireplaces, extensive use of marble and decorative finishings characterise the romantic rooms of Haussmann apartments. Throughout Paris, the rental market focuses almost exclusively on apartments and studios, which commence at around €80 per day for a one-bedroom apartment in a good location. Rental prices in Paris have less seasonal fluctuation than other parts of France as Paris is beautiful at any time of year, although they will be higher during peak holiday season. There are many excellent locations to rent property in any of Paris’ 20 arrondissements (districts) that start in the centre with the 1st and spiral outwards. All of them will be near to some of the major attractions and Paris has excellent transport links. The area of Le Marais around the 4th arondissement is one of Paris’s oldest neighbourhoods is very lively and encompasses part of the islands in the Seine, including the Ile de la Cité on which the Cathedral of Notre-Dame can be found. Saint Germain in the 6th arrondissement is next to the lively Latin quarter and features the famous literary cafés of Le Deux Margots and Le Café de Flore, where drinkers can raise glasses to the illustrious list of former regulars such as: Hemmingway, Fitzgerald, Sartre, Camus, Baudelaire and Wilde. Lenin and Trotsky used to sit and debate communist ideals in the nearby Procop café, while a young Napoleon used to leave his hat there as security against his bar tab when he was studying at the military academy. The village-like area of Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement is favoured by Paris’ artists and thespians as well as hordes of tourists. It offers excellent views over the rest of the city from its hill and contains the infamous Lapin Agile and Moulin Rouge nightclubs. As well as being one of Paris’ most prestigious postcodes, the 7th arrondissement contains many of its major attractions such as the Eiffel tower and the Hôtel des Invalides, where Napoleon is buried. Many more residential areas also make an excellent base from which to explore the city. A good example is the 16th arrondissement, considered the most desirable area of Paris to live in. Normandy’s proximity to Britain is quite evident and British accents are commonly heard around its many golf courses. Its climate is slightly better than that of southern England, which affords more opportunity to take advantage of its sandy beaches. Easily accessible from the UK through its seaports Normandy has long been a popular destination for British tourists as well as Parisians on weekend excursions. Honfleur, one of the prettiest towns in France, is centred around its port, where the old smokehouses have all been converted to bars and seafood restaurants. The tall thin buildings on the waterfront reach up to twelve-storeys and give Honfleur the appearance of a French Amsterdam. The wide golden beaches, designer boutiques and casinos of the twin towns of Deauville and Trouville draw many glamorous visitors from all round the globe. Despite everything Norman towns have to offer, it is common for holiday-makers to explore the region from a base in the country. Half-timbered village cottages and farmhouses, as well as large bourgeois Maisons des Maitres are all available to rent. Prices start upwards of about £175 per week for a two bedroom cottage. Normandy is also famed throughout the world for the Mont Saint-Michel, the picturesque island with a Benedictine abbey. In the past its causeway was only accessible at low-tide. Brittany is similar to Normandy in regards to its climate, popularity with the British, ferry crossings to England and excellent beaches. Its countryside is more tranquil than that of its neighbour though and it also enjoys the warmth of the Gulf stream. The fortified coastal town of St Malo’s population of 50,000 is quadrupled in the summer, while the beaches and yacht club of Dinard have attracted Churchill, and Alfred Hitchcock, while Joan Collins remains a regularly visitor. Again country cottages and farmhouses are the most popular type of rental accommodation with travellers to Brittany, with prices mirroring neighbouring Normandy. Continue reading: | 