Whether its a refreshing dip in the morning or a contemplative paddle of the toes as the sun sets, a pool makes special places to stay in France even more special. Here are some of our favourites where you can explore quiet villages, historic towns and the beautiful countryside and come home to sit and sip by the water.
Le Mas, Saint Croxe, Dordogne
Staying in this honey-hued farmhouse is a treat for groups and families – it’s light and spacious with a big kitchen, a table made for long conversations, toys and games for children and heaps of books. Outside is where you’ll spend most of your time relaxing, there’s a veg and herb garden, a sheltered ‘summer kitchen’ and a private heated pool with wonderful views and lavender and jasmine scenting the air.
Bastide Oleander, Lorgues, Var
This spacious, secluded, 18th-century house, is one of our favourite villas in France with a pool; you’ll love the sweeping views and the fact that the water is heated to a constant 26 degrees. There’s masses of space to spread out both inside and out; including two sitting rooms and your choice of terraces. Beaches are less than an hour away, but we wouldn’t blame you if you chose to not leave this peaceful Provence haven.
La Bergerie, Vallauris, Alpes-Maritimes
A place of warm, tranquil stone ranged in staggered terraces down a hillside high above the resort of Golfe-Juan. In the distance, cars crawl silently along the coast road and specks of boats leave faint white wakes in the sea, while you swim lazy lengths and fire up the poolside grill for a smoky dinner al fresco. If you descend from your mountaintop, you can visit the lovely old centre of Antibes, stylish Monaco and Cannes, or head out the Phare de la Garoupe, one of the most scenic and romantic spots on the whole coast.
La Grange du Lac, Cazals, Lot
Just outside of the lovely traditional village of Cazals, this restored stone barn is the sort of place where you can fully relax into the French way of life. Wander into the village for freshly baked croissants and a baguette in the morning, before taking a stroll around the grounds (there’s 5 acres, a lake and poplar plantation) or a dip in your own private pool. If you fancy venturing further afield, owners Serge and Sam can recommend all the best places to visit – including the numerous Michelin starred restaurants within a short drive.
La Badoussie, Sarlat, Dordogne
An island in a sea of trees, with only one house a little down the road and the rest of this peaceful slice of Dordogne all to yourself. Foodies should head to Sarlat for some fine dining, while daily croissant runs to the nearby village (by bike if you’re really fit) are an absolute must, as is the weekly market and a canoe trip from Cenac, passing through the stunning Roque Gageac and by numerous chateaux.
Browse all our special places to stay in France >
Be the first to discover our newest places, and receive travel tips from our team of experts
Sign up >
Nicky deBouille
Sawday's Expert
Nicky has gone from roots in the mountains of New Zealand to her home in an 18th century merchant’s house on the banks of the Loire. Armed with an eccentric soundtrack from Bach to Radiohead via Beirut and Herbie Hancock, she goes on the road for weeks at a time, in search of new special places. What matters most to her is connecting with the owner, because it’s the person that creates the place. She loves that she can give them an alternative to booking.com, and they love the fact that she’s “gone native”.
You might also like
A few days in… Normandy
Christopher Wilson-Elmes
Sawday's Expert
5 min read
Two nights in Paris with Carolyn Boyd and her teenage daughter
Carolyn Boyd
Guest Expert
5 min read
A few days in… French Basque Country
Christopher Wilson-Elmes
Sawday's Expert
5 min read