Enjoy the great outdoors in France on a budget
Choosing a family villa holiday in France will mean you have a huge range of options for things to do while you are away. Some of them are quite expensive, but there are also a variety of activities available that will not cost you a cent.
The country's finest feature is its varied landscape and that provides a host of opportunities for interesting, not to mention free, days out. That could be ideal should you have to stick to a strict budget for your break, or if you simply want to free up some cash to spend on one of the more luxurious villas to rent in France.
There can be little doubt that the best way to explore the French countryside is by heading out into the great outdoors. It may look good from the window of a TGV or a car speeding along the autoroute, but that is no substitute for experiencing the sights and sounds up close.
As long as you don't decide on Paris as your base, you will not be short of rural walks during French holidays, as the countryside has almost every type of terrain you can imagine. For an alternative to hiking, you could take your bike and use pedal power to travel through your beautiful surroundings.
One of the best destinations for free outdoor pursuits is Dordogne. The department in the Aquitaine region is home to some of Europe's most eye-catching views, along the banks of the river of the same name.
The waterway flows through deep gorges, woodland and wide-open agricultural land on its way from its source in the Massif Central to the Gironde estuary. The area close to it provides a perfect backdrop for getting active, as whether you wish to tackle steep paths up towering cliffs or stroll along gentle tree-lined trails, you will find somewhere to do it.
Dordogne also has plenty of sights to take in while you explore its countryside. The department is home to more than 1,500 castles, including many that are perched in seemingly precarious locations looking down on the river. You will also discover a host of quaint villages and medieval towns, such as Perigueux, Beynac and Sarlat, to enjoy.
Another region well worth considering if you wish to spend your break indulging in free outdoor activities is Provence. It may be known largely as a destination where wealthy Britons take upmarket holidays or emigrate to when they retire, but it has plenty of uncompromising terrain that will delight serious walkers and cyclists.
The Verdon Gorge is one of the most spectacular spots in Europe and attracts thousands of people looking for some challenging hikes every year, while many more take the opportunity to stroll along the tranquil shores of the nearby Lac de Sainte Croix. Alternatively, you could use your time in Provence to go walking in the Massif des Calanques or wildlife spotting in the Camargue.
There is, of course, another type of terrain that France is famous for - beaches. You could choose a resort in Brittany or Normandy for a few days of relaxation on the sand, while Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay is another fine option.
However, the most stylish coastal area is the Cote d'Azur, where you will find resorts such as Cannes and St Tropez. Look a little off the beaten track here and you will discover villas to rent in pretty seaside villages, which are the perfect base for a holiday in the sun.
