17 May 2019 by Jessica Boston

Six unusual places to stay for your holidays in France

Amongst our huge selection of cottages, gites and villas we have a few special properties that are really not like any other! If you’re looking for something a bit different this year, why not try one of these wonderfully quirky holiday rentals?

Rent a fairytale windmill in Aquitaine…

This 17th century windmill in the vineyards of Gironde offers romantic accommodation for two set over four round storeys linked by a spiral staircase leading through trapdoors in the floors! The structure no longer has sails, instead there is a swimming pool with stunning views over the landscape and a luxurious hot tub. You can stay here at any time of year with rates from just £500 per week and dogs are welcome too. A magical place to stay!

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/AG000278/index.htm

…or a 19th century windmill in the Vendée

Moulin 85 is another wonderful windmill, this time in the Vendée just outside the village of St Cyr des Gats where you’ll find the local cafe/bar and restaurant. The property is again over four floors with round rooms and spiral staircases, and this time even part of the original sails remain for a really charming aesthetic. There are plenty of beautiful villages nearby offering markets, restaurants and bakeries and Cognac, Il de Re, La Rochelle and the famous Puy du Fou historical theme park are all within reach for day trips exploring the region. Book now from just £450 per week.

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/LV003226/index.htm

A gite on an Alpaca farm in Poitou Charentes

Alpacas make wonderful neighbours as you’ll discover when you stay at Argenton Alpacas! It’s a working farm with a herd of friendly Alpacas that you’re sure to fall in love with. The owner will give you a private guided tour of the farm to meet the livestock, and after that you’re allowed to wander the walkways around the alpaca fields and spend as much time with these beautiful, relaxing creatures as you wish. Children must be accompanied when visiting the Alpacas but it’s an amazing place to holiday for animal lovers of any age. Prices start at just £506 per week for up to six guests.

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/PS004025/index.htm

Enjoy wine tasting in your own troglodyte cave in Poitou Charentes

This charming, romantic cottage for two comes with an unexpected extra; it’s own troglodyte cave! The owners have put the ancient cave dwelling to good use and it’s now the atmospheric setting for wonderful wine tasting sessions where the owner, a local Angevin wine maker, will introduce you to his award winning wines from the Saumur and Anjou vineyards. It’s a fascinating space dating back to prehistoric times, a real bit of history that’s yours to enjoy for the duration of your stay. A week’s holiday here will cost you £665.

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/PV004969/index.htm

Stay in a tower in Brittany

La Tour is a four storey tower dating back to 1810. It was originally built as a folly, but its rich history includes time as accommodation for nuns and monks affiliated to the nearby presbytery, and a spell as a poorhouse. It’s now a beautifully restored gite with the original beams, stonework and lovely views giving it a special charm. It’s got two bedrooms to sleep up to four guests and dogs are welcome too, but be warned that there are 42 steps to reach the upper floor so it’s not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues. A three night short break costs just £250 and rental costs for a full week stay start at £490.

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/BN006860/index.htm

Book a luxury yurt in Normandy

Stay at this gorgeous Mongolian Yurt set in a rural idyll on a Normandy farm within a protected natural park. The yurt itself has a four poster bed and two sofas – not your average camping experience! The sumptuous interior is wonderfully romantic, and with a private bathroom and camp kitchen it’s the perfect mix of outdoor living and comfortable luxury. Breakfast is included and delivered to your door and there are 2 villages within easy walking distance and an incredible ruined Norman Castle nearby that’s now home to a colony of Storks! If you are looking for a truly unique holiday, this is it! A week costs from €350 and short stay rates are also available.

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/NM004098_B/index.htm

With over 3,000 holiday properties listed with us we really have got accommodation to suit everyone! Browse our cottages, gites, villas, chalets and chateaux and book your next French adventure with us. You’ll even get 20% off the cost of your Brittany Ferries crossings!