Rentals Make Vacations In France More Comfortable

By Rupert Powell


Every French region has an individual history, distinctive cuisine, character and culture of its own. This fascinating mixture has attracted touring millions each year. No one who has been here is surprised no other country beats it for international travel. A growing number of visitors choose to a slow travel mode to make each visit count more in France. Such visitors prefer to rent on vacation.

New statistics have indicated that in 2012, the number of worldwide tourists would exceed 1 billion for the first time. In the previous year, there were 982 million international tourists. Europe has been the most visited region and France with 79.5 million tourists topped once again.

In 2012, a record setting 467 million traveled in first half of the year according to data collected by UN WTO. It is recognized that tourism peaks in the 7th and 8th month of a year, while 45 percent travel during the first six months. New data in 2012 pointed to a number surpassing 2011.

There are 22 French regions and 96 county level government units. Glorious buildings from different ages, world renowned wine and cuisine and a beautiful landscape enriched by historical architecture keep attracting visitors annually. From the rocky Brittany coastline and sunny Riviera to the Alps mountain peaks and locations in between, diversity is a dominant theme in this country.

Places to rent offer a diversity sure to satisfy all tastes. An attractive lodging option is waiting to be let whatever your preference. Self catering farmhouses, cottages, manor houses, villas and apartments in cities are among rental selection types on offer. A holiday rental will typically rent from one Saturday to the other. Rentals are let for one week periods normally. Lodging will be supplied with whatever necessities are required for such stays. Normally, food is not included. Renters may receive a welcome food package on their arrival. But this is not customary. Cleaning is often done before new renters arrive and after their departure.

There are reviews that provide an indication of what to expect in a give place. But, careful research is required, if the goal is a location which suits individual needs and desires. Typically, advance payment of a portion is due on reservation. Sometimes full payment may be due a month or two before arrival. Last minute cancellations are not accepted as a rule.

Most travelers arrive in summer months. Tourism in this period runs from June through September. July and August are peak travel periods. Winter tourists who arrive for skiing come between December of one year and April of succeeding year. Peak travel period during winter is from December to January.

Selfcatering holiday accommodations in rural France are usually called gites. They are an attractive possibility as they tend to be more affordable than hotels and more comfortable than camping or a mobile home. They are most commonly a barn conversion or restored traditional cottage. Traditionally, these offered basic lodging accouterments. However, the concept of the gite has gone up market in recent years. As a result, in a majority of cases, especially for abodes marketed internationally, good quality housing can be expected. French holidays offer places to stay to fit any budget and diverse tastes. In order to select what is most suitable, a wide array of choices means making a selection is not a simple task.




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