Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, South-West France
The 'Snow-Bird' market for winter rentals in France is very bouyant at the moment. More and more people are choosing to emigrate from Northern Europe, Canada and North America to enjoy the winter sun in Dordogne and the South of France for 3-6 month winter lets. At Long term rentals in France we have established a reputation as the leading provider of long winter lets in South France. One reason for this is that we visit all of our long winter lets personally to capture more information about the layout of the house, the facilities and the locality. Another reason is that we live permanently in the South of France and we have amassed a great deal of local knowledge about the different regions and areas. We have also rented long term in France ourselves, so we are also able to provide first-hand advice.
Long winter lets, France
Brantôme, Dordogne France
The idea of taking a long sabbatical in France, was probably first popularised by Peter Mayall and his book "A Year in Provence". But before Mayall, there were others such as the cookery writer Elizabeth David ("French Provincial Cooking") and the Treasure Island author, Robert Louis Stephenson ("Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes"). All were seeking to discover the secret of the rural French way of life.
In our experience, there are many reasons why people are still coming to the South of France in search of long winter lets. France has retained its appeal for second holiday home buyers. More foreigners buy second homes in France than any other European country, eclipsing even Spain. Property remains cheaper in the South of France than other parts of Northern Europe. There is also a plentiful supply of character properties, as well as do-me-ups. The climate and gastronomy of the region also continues to offer something unique. There is no better way to find the perfect property than to live in the area and experience the climate and culture. Living in the area can also help you find out those areas and properties which may be perfect for a holiday vacations, but may not be suitable for long stays throughout the winter.
Winter lets in France for a year out
Aigues-Mortes, Languedoc France
Escaping from the rat-race and taking a 'year out' with your family is also a popular reason why a number of our customers are looking for winter lets in France. This was certainly our initial reason for moving to France. Encouraged by watching television programmes such as 'French Leave' starring the chef John Burton-Rice and his family and other similar programmes (there was one about a wine-maker in the Pyrenees and an Actor living in the Ardeche), we decided to give it all up and come out for a year. It was certainly an enriching experience and you do grow closer as a family and you find out a lot about yourself.
There is also the 'enjoyable miscomfort' of immersing yourself in a different culture and way of life. Life in the South of France is slower and based around the outdoors (or rather a table outdoors under a pergola). However, it is not always easy to earn a good living locally and your the first priority we tell all of our customers is to spend time and money on improving your 'street French'.
France Winter Lets - the climate
Pezenas, South France
Also the idea of taking a property for winter lets in France in order to escape the miserable weather of Northern Europe or North America, also has some appeal. The climate in the South of France remains pleasant from April through to October (although we do usually get some storms in October).
During November and December it does begin to turn cold (5-13oC during the day) and the nights can sometimes dip below freezing, especially up in the mountains. The silver lining however is that during the day, you get lovely clear blue skies and sunshine.
January and February can be wetter than December, but the days do start to become longer. One word of warning though, is the wind. If you are located in the Tramontane region (Perpignan up to Narbonne and across to Carcassonne) or in the Mistral region (Provence), then the strong winter winds can make life uncomfortable. Villages literally batten down the hatches when the wind starts to blow and everybody stays indoors. So if you are on the search for properties for long winter lets in France, then just keep an eye out for the number of windmills dotted about the surrounding hills as this is usually a good indication of the strength of the winter winds. Areas such as around Pezenas, and up towards Montpellier in the Languedoc, usually escape quite lightly.
We have listed below some examples of the types of long winter lets in France, currently available on Long term rentals in France. The full range of winter lets in France can be found here: long winter lets France.
1. Meze apartment for long term winter lets South of France (Ref: 144)
This lovely one bedroom waterfront apartment in Meze, South France is available for a long term winter lets between September to June each year. The apartment is located in the coastal town of Meze, which is South of Montpellier. Meze is famous for its Oysters and Mussels, which are grown in the Etang du Thau salt water lagoon. It is also a popular centre for water sports and sailing. The apartment is beautifully finished and comes with all mod cons including secure entry and elevators (suitable for the elderly or disabled). The apartment features:
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- Large terrace with waterside views
- Ground floor location (suitable for elderly or people with restricted mobility)
- Air conditioning (reversible for heating)
- Secure underground parking
- Wifi internet and satellite TV channels
This large house to rent just north of Montpellier, is available for monthly rentals for 3-12 months. The monthly rent will depend on duration of stay.
2. St Jean de Cole 5 bed house to rent in Dordogne France Ref: 1891
A beautiful 5 bed house to rent in Dordogne, France, available for 3-6 month rentals from €1650 per month. This stone-built house sits on the edge of the river in the picturesque village of St Jean de Cole.
This stone-built house is located in the centre of the village, next to the small river. The house is laid out over 3 floors. The house is newly renovated to a high standard and comprises
- 5 bedrooms
- 3 bathrooms
- The kitchen is recently installed with new appliances and includes a 6 seater breakfast table.
- There is also a dining room table for 10 people.
- 2 living areas - one with a fireplace and one with views of the river.
- Outside there is a large terrace with beautiful views of the river and village.
This Dordogne house for long term rentals in France, also comes with a good sized garden and parking.
The property is available for long term rentals from mid-September to May.
3. Fanlac stone cottage for long term rentals Dordogne (Ref: 2337)
If you´re looking for a house to rent in Dordogne for 3-12 months, close to all the main sites, then this cottage in Fanlac is an excellent choice. This 2/3 bed cottage for long term rent is located in between the large towns of Périgueux and Brive-la-Gaillarde and just 25 mins from the popular town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. The nearby town of Montignac is home to the Lascaux Cave, renowned for its exceptional Paleolithic cave paintings. The village of Fanlac is located in the centre of Dordogne, in an area called the Perigord Noir, renowned for its medieval villages, prehistoric sites and lush green countryside. .
The house is laid out on one level and has a balcony, garden and parking on the driveway. The house sleeps 4 people in 2 bedrooms and there is also an additional bedroom set up as an home office. This long term rental property is conveniently located to explore the sites of Dordogne and the south-west of France.
The house benefits from:
- Fitted kitchen
- Wood burner
- Central heating
- 2 bathrooms
- Home office
- Private balcony
This lovely cottage in Dordogne for can be rented on a long term let basis for 3-12 months from €1000 per month + bills.
4. La République - long term rental by beach South France (Ref: 2028)
La République is a charming 2 bed village house for long term rentals set in the heart of the atmospheric coastal town of Argeles-sur-Mer. The town is located in the Southern most part of France on the Mediterranean coast, close to the Spanish border. This long term rental house is 5 mins walk from the train station and 25 mins walk from the beach (there is also a bus direct to the beach every 15 mins).
The house overlooks the beautiful old square and faces the School of Music. The house comes with a garage (for storage) and a beautiful roof top terrace where you can enjoy breakfast and sunbathe. Next door to the house there is a beautiful pavement café full of local charm and ambiance.
The property benefits from:
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- Sunny terrace
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Easy access to Perpignan and the coast
- Walking distance to boulangerie & shop
Available for long term rentals between October to May from €875 per month + bills. In addition to the monthly rent, there is a €150 monthly provision towards the utility bills. Minimum stay is 3 months. Available from October 2023.
5. La Bastide sur l’Hers 3 bed house for long term rentals (Ref: 2334)
This quaint 3 bedroom house for rent in the beautiful village of La Bastide sur l’Hers in Southern France, comes with a private terrace where you can enjoy meals or sit and enjoy a good book. The village has a surprisingly good range of services including a gourmet restaurant, cafe-bar, butcher, bakery and a small supermarket. Toulouse is 90 mins away and Carcassonne is 60 mins. Both cities have an airport and train station. La Bastide sur l’Hers is located close to the ancient Cathar monuments and the mysterious village of Rennes le Chateau where Dan Browne collected material for his book The da Vinci Code.
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathroom
- Private terrace
- Free parking near the house
- Utility room with washing machine and dryer
- Lounge and dining room
- Easy walking distance to the local shop, bar, restaurant and an excellent butcher
The house is available for rent between 3-12 months from €900 per month + bills.
6. Maison Descartes house for long term let in Carcassonne France (Ref: 2335)
Maison Descartes is a lovely sunny house located in a quite residential neighbourhood in Carcassonne, South France. The house comes with 2/3 bedrooms, a garden, garage and private parking. The house is ideally located, just a 5 min bike ride or 20 min walk across the Canal du Midi into the centre of town where you'll find bustling cafes, restaurants, and a lively farmer’s market three days a week. Carcassonne has a train station and a local airport (with flights across Europe).
Inside, the house feels a real home from home, with good quality furnishings and decoration. The large windows and skylights provide plenty of light throughout. It is ideal for remote workers, house-hunters or people who want to take a well-earned sabbatical.
The house features:
- 2 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Large living room
- Home Office
- Central heating
- Private garden
- Private parking
- Walking distance into Carcassonne town centre
This house in Carcassonne is available for long term rentals for 3-9 months. The monthly rental prices start at €1100 pcm + bills.
7. Marsanne long term rental near Carcassonne, France (Ref: 1746)
Marsanne long term rental property is located in a beautiful corner of South France, in between Carcassonne and the Pyrenees. The property is located on Domaine de la Flotte, a country estate situated on a wooded hillside where you can enjoy the unspoilt nature and the beautiful views of the Pyrenees mountains in the distance. If you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful long term stay in South France, then this property is a great choice. Carcassonne is 30 mins to the North and the Ski resorts in the Pyrenees are 1 hour to the South. This rental property near Carcassonne comes with:
- 2 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Well-equipped kitchen + washing machine
- Private parking
- WiFi internet
- Large grounds
- 5 mins to local town of Chalabre
- Beautiful walking country
The property is available for monthly rentals between October to May from €700 pcm + bills. Minimum stay 3 months.
8. Maison Lavande - long term rentals property South France (Ref: 2035)
Maison Lavande is a spacious long term rentals property in South France with a private pool. The property is located on the edge of a quiet wine making village, close to the historic town of Pezenas.
The house comes with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and can sleep 8 guests comfortably. Outside, there is a private garden, a lovely sun terrace and a large roof terrace with views over the local vineyards. There is private parking for several cars.
The Mediterranean beaches are just 25 mins drive. Within the village there is a cafe-bar, shop and wine cellar selling local wines. Further restaurants and shops are located in the neighbouring villages of Roujan and Gabian.
The house is ideal for a family or a couple and comes with:
- Wifi internet throughout.
- 4 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 10 mins drive to Pezenas
- 1 min walk to shop and cafe
- Fully equipped kitchen
This lovely house near Pezenas is available for long term rentals from February 2024 for 3-6 months. The monthly rental price is €1250 per month + bills.
9. Mas de Nebrouze 3 bed farmhouse for rent in France (Ref: 2176)
The Mas de Nebrouze is a 3 bed farmhouse for rent in France. The farmhouse is located the Tarn, a beautiful rural department in the centre of Southern France, above Toulouse and Carcassonne.
The farmhouse is set amongst woodlands and meadows, at the base of the Montagne Noir - a small mountain range with charming villages, markets, lakes and nature trails. The farmhouse is one of four dwellings built around a small Chateau. The nearest town is Soual, which is a 5 minute drive (3 km). Soual has a population of around 2,500 people and provides a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, a supermarket and a DIY store.
The farmhouse house is laid out over 2 floors and comes with 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, spacious living room and outdoor terraces & plenty of parking. Inside, the farmhouse house is fully furnished with a mixture of modern and antique furniture. The farmhouse is perfectly set up for winter rentals, with gas central heating, a wood burner in the living room and solar power for the hot water. There is Wi-Fi which enables remote working.
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Wood burner + central heating
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Surrounded by meadows and woodland
- 5 mins to shops, bars, restaurants and the weekly market
This farmhouse for rent in the Tarn, South France, is available for monthly rentals from €1000 per month + bills. Available between November and April.
10. La Tour Blanche 5 bed manor house to rent Dordogne France (Ref: 2331)
La Tour Blanche is a charming French Manor house set in the vineyards of Monbazillac near Bergerac. The house enjoys amazing views over the nearby wine estates and provides a relaxing stay in the heart of French wine country. The house is very well placed for accessing Bergerac airport and all medieval villages and towns in Dordogne, such as La Roque-Gageac, Eymet, Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac and Belves.
With no near neighbours and surrounded on all sides by the Monbazillac vineyards you are sure to enjoy a peaceful stay. Inside the house is very well set-up and provides everything that you could need during your time here.
If you are looking for a property with a touch of class, then this glorious property in Dordogne is the perfect place to spend some quality time in South France. The property comes with:
- 5 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Private pool and garden
- WiFi and TV
- 5 mins to Bergerac
- Off-street parking
- Surrounded by vineyards
This beautiful farmhouse in Monbazillac near Bergerac is available for long term rentals from mid-October to mid-April from €2500 per month + bills.
11. Puylagarde farmhouse for long term rent South-West France (Ref: 2326)
This beautiful stone farmhouse lies on the border of 3 departments (Tarn-et-Garonne, the Lot and Aveyron) and is 1 hour 30 mins north of Toulouse. The larger towns of Cahors, Montauban, Albi and Rodez are all 50 mins away. The nearby village of Najac is one of the most beautiful villages in France and the town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue (20km) is a pretty place with restaurants, shops and a local railway station (with services to Toulouse).
The farmhouse comes with 4 bedrooms, a stunning living room with double height cathedral ceiling and a beautiful kitchen with exposed stone walls and original oak beams. There is also an amazing 300m2 Dance studio/Yoga studio (which was a former tobacco drying barn).
The farmhouse contains:
- 4 bedrooms (sleeps 7-8)
- 3 bathrooms
- Large grounds with swimming pool, terrace and lawned area
- Well-equipped kitchen + washing machine
- Pet friendly
- Underfloor heating and air conditioning
- Wi-Fi and flat screen TV
The farmhouse is available to rent between October to April and the Owner will consider rental periods of 3-6 months. The guide rental price is €1500 per month + bills.
12. Puimisson villa with pool for long term rent in South France (Ref: 1923)
This 3 bedroom villa with private pool is located on the edge of the medieval village of Puimisson in South France. The village of Puimisson dates back over 1,000 years and provides easy access to Beziers (for the airport and TGV), as well as the Mediterranean beaches (20-25 mins).
This villa for long term winter rentals comes with a private pool, parking and is located in a quiet neighbourhood. Ideal for families or couples expecting frequent guests.
- 3 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- Private pool
- Beautiful village location
- Parking
This villa to rent in France, is available for long term rentals for 3-6 months and the Owners will also consider 12 month rental periods as well. The monthly rent will vary according to the length of the rental period and the season (guide price €1000 + bills).
13. Apartment for long term rentals near Menton France (Ref: 1918)
A spacious 2 bed apartment with a coastal view in the beautiful village of Castellar, just above the resort town of Menton.
The hilltop village of Castellar is set among olive groves and citrus trees, just 4 miles from the beaches at Menton. The apartment enjoys spectacular views down towards the French Riviera coastline. Being situated on the French/Italian border you have easy access by road or motorway to the glamorous resorts of Monte Carlo, Nice, Cap Ferrat, Ventimiglia, San Remo and Imperia.
The apartment comes with:
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathrooms
- Private balcony
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Beach 10km away
- Walking distance to boulangerie, cafes, restaurants
The long term monthly rental prices for this Castellar apartment are determined by the season and length of stay. Utility bills are in addition to the rent. Minimum stay is one month. Rental prices start from €800 pcm + bills. Currently available to rent from January to June 2023 and again from mid-September 2023.
14. Le Grange Sud luxury long term rentals Dordogne France (Ref: 2004)
La Grange Sud is a beautiful barn conversion, situated in a stunning area of Dordogne close to the pretty town of Bergerac. The barn overlooks the 2nd and 4th fairways of Chateau Vigiers, one of the best golf resorts in the South West of France. Chateau Vigiers also boasts a Michelin star restaurant as well as a brasserie.
La Grange Sud is a beautiful two bedroom property, with exposed oak beams, Italian travertine floors and high quality furnishings and fixtures.
This high-end long term rental property in Dordogne is perfect for golfers and couples looking to enjoy a few months in South West France with all your creature comforts. The property is furnished to a very high standard.
- 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
- large open-plan living room with fireplace, oak beams and TV with international channels
- well-equipped oak kitchen with dishwasher, oven, washing machine and plenty of cooking utensils, plates and cutlery
- large terrace with Jacuzzi and stunning views
This barn in Dordogne is available for long term rentals from October to May from €1400 per month + bills.
Winter rentals in France in 2025-2026 . . . ?
We make the process of renting a house in France very straightforward. We don't require a stack of paperwork like a lot of French rental agents. We simply ask for copies of your ID (passport) and some evidence of ability to pay the monthly rent (which could be a copy of your bank statement, employment contract, bank reference or copies of your current rental/home loan payments). You can secure the property by paying a 1 month deposit (which becomes your security deposit for the tenancy). For more information about how to find a house for rent in France:
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If you need assistance with planning your move to France and getting set up when you arrive, we are happy to recommend the services of HAMMOND HELP, a French Relocation & Insurance agency run by Nicole Hammond. Nicole's team and network of external consultants, can help you with everything from applying for long stay visas for France, setting up a business in France, opening bank accounts, arranging health insurance in France, organising car & home insurance and completing your French tax return.
Hammond Help can be contacted by email at: Hammond Help by phone (English speaking line): +33 (0)6 32 07 84 13 and through Facebook: Hammond Help
You can also book a personal 30 minute telephone consultation with Nicole to answer all your questions in relation to your visa application and relocation to France. Visit Visa & Relocation Consultation to reserve a date and time for your consultation.
