The South of France has long been shorthand for bucolic romance. The region has drawn painters, film stars, and sun-starved travelers for generations, seducing them with endless vineyards and lavender fields, sleepy medieval villages, and its glittering Riviera. From Provence to the Côte d’Azur, the south of France offers a storybook mélange of rustic farmhouses, centuries-old castles and estates, along with honey-hued stone houses tucked into timeless hilltop towns.
Whether you fancy swimming in a pool besides your own château, late evening pétanque games at a centuries-old castle, gathering a group of friends at a hillside estate, or cozying up in a rustically romantic village apartment, Airbnb has options for turning every south of France fantasy into a reality. Here are some of the most extraordinary homes for rent in the region—spots so tempting, you might just want to cancel your return ticket and settle in for a year in Provence.
Perks: Sleeps a crowd, heated pool, air conditioning, indoor fireplace, crib, cleaning available during your stay, pizza oven
If you’ve been dreaming of a hilltop Provençal estate, it’s entirely possible you’ve manifested this Airbnb into being. Nestled in the countryside near the picturesque village of Gordes, the 12-bedroom home offers striking mountain views along with a range of picturesque outdoor perks that include a heated pool, hammock, pétanque court, and an elegant garden. The home’s interiors have been thoughtfully maintained and updated with striking features such as original exposed stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and a mammoth fireplace. The furniture has been curated for its bright palette of whites and creams that blend harmoniously with the original stone walls and ceilings. From $1,007 per night.
Perks: Ocean-front views, central AC, swimming pool, security system
This palatial estate on the French Riviera might be large enough for a royal wedding, but that doesn’t mean you can’t book the six-bedroom home all for yourself. Everything about this rental is over-the-top, from the palm trees that flank the front door to the grand entry hall complete with marble columns, a sweeping staircase, and ceiling frescos. Staying here feels a bit like having a castle all to yourself, one where you can while away the days outside in the gardens, by the pool, or along the nearby shores. The grand, high-ceilinged spaces interiors are outfitted with antique furnishings and chandeliers, along with an elective blend of mid-century pieces and lots of artwork. Should the mood strike for a soirée fit for a king, the home’s living room and conservatory can easily accommodate 200 for a cocktail party. From $9,241 per night.
Perks: On a creek, full of antiques, fireplace, outdoor dining area, terrace
A former shepherd’s house, this Airbnb near the very small village of La Loube looks like a Vincent Van Gogh landscape brought to life. Built between the late 17th century and early 18th century, the picturesque home has been restored by thoughtful architects who preserved the building’s rustic simplicity while ushering it into the modern era. The original plasterwork and wooden ceiling beams were kept intact, with new materials such as oak flooring, stone sinks, and copper faucets added to accentuate the home’s history. It’s a romantic spot for two people looking to do little else but lounge in the garden, walk through the nearby villages, and swim in the creek on property. From $135 per night.
Perks: Sleeps a crowd, heated pool, pétanque court, chef, cleaners, and airport transfer available upon request, close to wineries and a golf course
This nine-bedroom complex sleeps a crowd, but no matter how many people you arrive with, you’re bound to be struck by the ultra-private feeling of the estate. The centuries-old stone buildings surrounded by cypress trees originally comprised a farm, but today have been converted into three buildings fit for at least 16 guests. Inside, the oversized rooms are filled with cushy leather couches, bentwood chairs, and cozy beds. Outdoors, the scenic grounds are just right for a heated game of pétanque or a dip in the heated pool. From $2,996 per night.
Perks: Sleeps a crowd, extensive grounds, heated pool, cleaning available during your stay
For those “go big or go home” vacations, go ahead and book a grand castle. This one is from the 17th century and encompasses over 300 acres of forest, farmland, and vineyards. The property itself features nine bedrooms, most which have ensuite bathrooms with soaking tubs, terracotta and stone floors, exposed stone walls, and bright and airy rooms doused in bright colors like marigold to cerulean. Inside and out, there are multiple seating areas, including a music room and dedicated office, to gather with guests (accommodating over a dozen people at any given time). From $2,329 per night.
Perks: Sleeps a crowd, piano, washer and dryer, pool, EV charger, exercise equipment, pool and pink pong tables, outdoor dining area
This sprawling farmhouse just outside the village of Mouriès sleeps at least 16 people and has plenty of room, both inside and out, for everyone to sprawl out. The 10 bedrooms all come with en-suite bathrooms, and there are multiple living rooms for gathering in smaller groups—ones accented in antique tiles, marble fireplaces, vaulted stone ceilings, and sumptuous couches. The most striking room in the home is the dining room, with its geometrically wall mural, exposed antique wooden ceiling beams, and a table that seats 26. But this being the south of France, the outdoors is equally as beautiful, and you’ll find a large alfresco dining area, plenty of loungers, a pristine swimming pool, and grassy lawn. From $2,226 per night.
Perks: Long term stays available, washer and dryer, located in a walkable village
If you were to run a Google image search for the term “French provincial house,” this two-bedroom home might be the first one to populate the results. It doesn’t get more quintessentially French than this colorful home set within the village of Bormes les Mimosas. The whole space, from its colorful limewashed walls to its checkerboard kitchen, give off the feel of an artist’s retreat. And if a true retreat is what you’re looking for, feel free to linger a while (long-term stays are very welcome here). From $272 per night.
Perks: Pool, American-sized appliances, gym, large outdoor area with dining area, vegetable garden, and pétanque court, chef and concierge service available
This 19th century country house occupies a sizable property complete with a swimming pool, garden, vegetable patch, and pétanque court, all surrounded by vineyards. Inside, the seven-bedroom home juxtaposes traditional preserved features like original cobble walls and wooden ceiling beams with a charming tiled kitchen and minimalist concrete bathrooms. The furnishings are similarly discreet, leaving the beauty of the building’s bones to speak for itself. A private chef and concierge service is available upon requests so here you could do little more than swim, try your hand at pétanque, or head into nearby St. Tropez. From $1,156 per night.
Perks: Within a walkable village, crib, highchair, and children’s toys available, pets allowed, fireplace, central AC
A traditional stone home within the center of Saint Paul de Vence, this Airbnb offers a taste of ye olde living in a medieval village along the French Riviera. Its low ceilings with exposed beams, not-quite-level doors, candle-filled fireplace, and original stone floors lend a fairytale sensibility to the place, and there’s something very charming about only being able to reach the home by foot. Though space in this studio is limited (the bedroom is curtained off for privacy), it’s still undeniably cozy and romantic. From $156 per night.
