Holidays in France: Top Resorts, Beaches and Hotels
France remains a firm favourite for travellers from the UK, offering an incredible variety of landscapes within a short flight from Manchester or Liverpool. Whether you are looking for a relaxing coastal break, an active mountain escape, or a sophisticated city getaway, France provides that perfect blend of familiar comfort and continental charm.
For those departing the North West, the ease of access to both the southern Mediterranean coastline and the stunning French Alps makes a package holiday to France a practical and highly rewarding choice. With a well-developed tourism infrastructure and a wide range of accommodation styles, it is easy to see why this destination sees so many returning visitors.
Where to Stay: Handpicked Hotels for Your Escape
Finding the right base is essential for a stress-free holiday. From boutique city hotels to family-friendly resorts, there is something to suit every preference.
- For those seeking a touch of elegance in the city, the 5-star Anantara Plaza Nice is located in a historic building facing Place Masséna.
- If you prefer a boutique city centre stay, Le Canberra in Cannes offers a high standard of service and a great central location.
- For a blend of comfort and style in Nice, the 5-star Boscolo Exedra Nice occupies a beautiful historic building on Boulevard Victor Hugo.
- Nature lovers heading to the French Alps can choose the Residence Odalys Collection Mendi Alde, an apartment residence in La Clusaz.
- Families looking for a coastal outdoor break might enjoy Le Bois de Valmarie, a 4-star camping resort near the coast in Argelès-sur-Mer.
- If you want the convenience of a hotel near the airport, the 4-star OKKO Hotels Nice Aeroport is situated in the Grand Arenas business district.
Coastal Resorts and Mountain Retreats
The French Riviera remains one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in Europe. Resorts like Antibes and Cannes offer a classic Mediterranean experience, perfect for those wanting to combine beach relaxation with the charm of an old town stroll. Further along the coast, areas such as Fréjus provide popular camping and mobile home resorts that are well-suited to family holidays by the sea.
If you prefer the fresh air of the peaks, the French Alps are equally inviting. Destinations such as La Clusaz and Samoëns offer picturesque settings for those who love the mountains. The Residence Club MMV Samoens Village is a great example of the residence-style accommodation available in these high-altitude resorts, perfect for an active holiday.
Getting There and When to Go
France is remarkably accessible from the UK, with frequent flights connecting major northern hubs like Manchester and Liverpool to key airports across the country. Nice is a primary gateway for the south, while other regions are easily reached through a network of regional airports and well-connected towns such as Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Mandelieu-la-Napoule, and Cagnes-sur-Mer.
The best time to visit depends entirely on your interests. The coastal regions are at their best from June through to September, offering warm weather for watersports and beach days. Conversely, the alpine resorts come alive in winter for skiing or during the summer months for hikers and cyclists looking to explore the beautiful mountain landscapes.
Who Does France Suit?
France is truly a destination for everyone. Couples often gravitate toward the boutique hotels in cities like Nice or the upscale seafront residences in Antibes. Families, meanwhile, find excellent value in the well-organised camping resorts in regions like Argelès-sur-Mer and Erdeven, where outdoor living is the primary focus.
From the luxury travellers seeking historic grandeur on the French Riviera to those desiring a simple, comfortable apartment in the heart of a village like Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the diversity of choice is unmatched. Whether you are after a week of sunbathing, a cultural city break, or an adventurous mountain escape, you will find it here.
Ready to plan your next getaway? Take a look at our current live package deals below to find the perfect French holiday to suit your budget and travel dates.
Photos from France