Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cote d'Azur
If you are looking for coastal long term rentals in the South of France, an extended stay outside the summer season can be an excellent option. The beaches are quieter, parking is easier and many towns remain lively throughout the autumn, winter and spring. Below we explore some of our favourite coastal areas, with a selection of rental properties to consider. Rental periods and availability vary by property, so please check individual listings.
Here I am focusing on the Mediterranean coast of France - where the climate is more conducive to out of season winter rentals. There is also much more to do and see here during the off season, with great cities to explore such as Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Cannes, Marseille, Montpellier and Perpignan.
The French Riviera has a long history as a winter destination. Its mild climate attracted European visitors, artists and writers, including Queen Victoria, Henri Matisse and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The same appeal remains today: coastal walks, markets, restaurants and attractive towns to explore well beyond the summer holidays.
From the broad sandy beaches of Languedoc to the coves of the Cote d'Azur, the Mediterranean coastline offers very different settings for a long stay. Some resorts become quiet in winter, while nearby working towns and cities provide year-round shops, transport and services.
Winter days can be pleasantly mild and sunny, although conditions vary by location and there can also be periods of wind, rain and cold weather. For a stay of several months, it is worth considering both the winter climate and how much remains open locally outside the holiday season.
Coastal long term rental prices in France
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Properties close to the Mediterranean coast often command higher rents than comparable homes inland, particularly where owners can earn substantial income from summer holiday bookings. The difference varies considerably by town, property type and season.
Even in mid-Winter, if an Owner of a property gets 2 Airbnb bookings a month, they can sometimes earn the same money as what they will earn from a monthly rental.
On the plus side for the Owner, they will have less wear and tear on the house and they will also still be able to use the property for themselves. On the downside, they will have cleaning changeover costs, plus utility bills to pay. So for the Owner, it is a bit of a balance.
Many coastal owners prefer rentals of several months, especially outside the peak summer season. The minimum stay is set individually for each property, and some owners offer longer terms than others.
Rental prices vary too much by location, property size, season and facilities to give a reliable fixed price list for 2027-2028. As a starting point, compare the advertised monthly rents in the property listings below, taking care to check the minimum stay and whether bills are included. The Cote d'Azur is generally more expensive than many parts of the Languedoc coast.
Utilities: Electricity, water, heating and internet may be charged separately or covered by a monthly provision. The exact arrangements are shown in the individual property details and booking terms.
Summer rentals by the beach in France
Saint Tropez, South of France
Coastal rentals are usually in greatest demand during the summer holidays, when many owners favour short holiday bookings.
If you need a full 12-month rental, particularly one that includes July and August, it is worth considering towns slightly inland as well as coastal resorts. Some beach properties are reserved for weekly holiday rentals in summer, which can make year-round lets more difficult to arrange.
Owners will often want reassurance about the proposed rental period and how the property will be used, particularly if the stay overlaps the main holiday season.
For example, an owner who normally takes summer holiday bookings may be reluctant to commit to a lower monthly rent without confidence that the full agreed term will be completed. This is why flexibility over arrival dates and length of stay can make a real difference.
My advice is to consider an autumn arrival, ask about the precise rental window and be flexible about location. If you are happy to spend the peak summer weeks elsewhere, a winter or shoulder-season rental may offer better value. Any break in a tenancy must, of course, be agreed with the owner in advance.
So it is not impossible to find an annual rental by the coast, but it helps to be flexible. We can discuss the rental period with owners and help you identify properties that suit your plans.
Cote d'Azur beach house rentals France
Paloma Plage South of France
The French Riviera combines beautiful bays, historic towns and a lively cultural scene. Some coastal locations are very expensive, but there are also quieter communities inland from the main resorts that may be more practical for a longer stay.
There are so many beaches to choose from along the Cote d'Azur in Southern France. Here are some of our favourites, starting in the East, close to the Italian border and ending up in the West near to Marseille and Provence.
- Menton - is a colourful coastal town located right on the French border with Italy. There are 4 beaches in Menton and the town provides so much more than some of its more celebrated resorts on the French Riviera, such as Villefranche-sur-Mer or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. There is always something going on in Menton, whether it is the annual Lemon festival or a film festival to celebrate its famous son, Jean Cocteau (the famous poet, artist and film-maker). It is a stunning place to stay and for centuries, Menton has attracted visitors on account of its micro-climate. It still remains one of the sunniest towns in France.
- Cap Ferrat - is reportedly one of the richest areas of Europe. It rivals Monaco for more millionaires per hectare. Just below the classy village of Saint-Jean you will find a tree lined stretch of sand, Paloma Plage, with a shallow bay. Here the water is crystal clear and you can get a wonderful view of the palatial mansions by swimming out into the bay.
- Cap d'Antibes - there are 48 beaches along the 25 km of coastline that surround Antibes and Juan les Pins. The main public beaches are La Salis, on the edge of Le Cap d'Antibes and Plage du Ponteil. Cap d'Antibes has had a long association with the rich and famous. The glamorous Hotel du Cap is one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Guests who have stayed there included Marlene Dietrich, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton (who honeymooned here). Pablo Picasso came to the town in 1946 and Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire and former owner of Chelsea football club has a palatial mansion in Cap d'Antibes.
- Les Issambres - is a popular French Riviera resort that stretches along 8 kms of inlets and coves. The beautiful coastline on this section of the Bay of St. Tropez, provides a stunning contrast between the turquoise Mediterranean sea and the dark wooded hills of the Massif des Maures. The area is a popular destination for French, Scandinavian, German and British second home owners. Near to Les Issambres, you will find the popular resort towns of Frejus, Saint Raphael, Cap Esterell and Agay.
- St Tropez - the glitzy resort of Saint Tropez has been a popular playground of the rich and famous since the days of Brigitte Bardot in the early 1960s. In reality, when you visit St Tropez, it looks just like a normal coastal town (if you take away the Hermes boutiques, Ferrari car show room, etc). Probably the best beaches around St Tropez are Tahiti beach and Rayol Canadel-sur-Mer, which is located on a small stretch of coastline, about a 4km drive from the centre of St Tropez, in the direction of Toulon. It is well worth the trip. The sand is soft and golden and the water is crystal clear.
- Cassis - the stretch of the Mediterranean coastline between Marseille and Cassis has quite a few dull beaches, but the cove near Cassis called Les Calanques offers perhaps the most dramatic beach you will find in the South of France. With crystal clear turquoise water and the dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, the Calanques is a spectacular location.
Here are some coastal rental properties to explore on the Cote d'Azur. Please check each listing for its rental dates and availability:
A stunning 4 bed villa for monthly rentals in Théoule-sur-Mer, near Cannes. It has an infinity pool, terraces, elevator access and sweeping Mediterranean sea views. Sandy beaches and village restaurants are within walking distance. Available now A spacious 4 bed villa for long term rentals in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, near Cannes. The villa overlooks the Riviera de Barbossi golf course and Estérel hills. The villa has a private pool, enclosed garden, terraces and gated parking. Available for 12 month long term rentals from €4,500-€5,500 per month + bills. Pets may be accepted through prior agreement of the Owner. Available now A 2 bed apartment for long term rentals on the French Riviera, in the hilltop village of Castellar above Menton. It has a balcony and views towards the Mediterranean coast. Menton’s beaches and amenities are nearby. Free parking near the apartment Available now A 1 bed apartment for long term rentals at Cap Estérel near Agay on the Côte d’Azur. The apartment has a private terrace with sea views. The resort offers leisure facilities, and the Mediterranean coast is close by. Available from: 16 April 2027 This 1 bed apartment for long term rentals in Nice, France, comes with sea views and is located one block from the beach and famous Promenade des Anglais. The apartment is in a calm neighbourhood of Fabron/Saint-Hélène, in the west of Nice and is just a short tram/bus ride to both Nice airport and the centre of Nice. Available from: 1 November 2026Cannes villa for monthly property rentals in France (Ref: 1435)
Villa in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Cannes for long rentals France (Ref: 1727)
Apartment for long term rentals near Menton France (Ref: 1918)
Cap Esterel beach apartment Cote d'Azur South France (Ref: 2041)
La Promenade sea view apartment for long term rent Nice France (Ref: 2293)
Beaches houses to rent around Montpellier France
Oyat beach bar, L'Espiguette Plage near Montpellier France
Montpellier is a major university city and the administrative centre of the Herault department. It is an important centre for Medical services in France, has 3 well-respected Universities and it also is home to a large biotech hub. Montpellier has a new TGV train station, international airport and the A9 motorway runs straight past the city on the way up to Lyon and Paris. But what is often not known about Montpellier is that it lies just 10 kms from the Mediterranean coast.
To be fair, the beaches around Montpellier (such as Carnon Plage, Palavas Plage and La Grande Motte) are not the best that the Languedoc has to offer. But there is one beach just to the North of Montpellier, which is a real gem.
- L'Espiguette beach is wild and open beach located to the east of Le Grau de Roi. This white sandy beach has wonderful sand dunes at the back of the beach and unusually for the Med, you get some big rollers hitting the shore. For this reason, L'Espiguette beach is popular with kite surfers, wind surfers and actual surfers. There are a couple of pop-up beach bars along the 18 km stretch of L'Espiguette beach (probably one of the best ones is near the large car park at the Lighhouse end of the beach).
- The other beaches to head for around Montpellier, lie just to the south of the coastal town of Sete. Here, there is a 20km stretch of golden sand which runs down to the resort of Marseillan Plage. The beaches here tend not to get too busy (even during the summer) and during the winter they offer great dog walking opportunities.
- Cap d'Agde is a large Mediterranean resort south of Montpellier, known for its beaches, marina, restaurants and extensive summer facilities. It also has a well-known naturist village. For a longer stay, check which local businesses remain open outside the main season.
Here are some long term rental properties to explore close to the coast around Montpellier, France:
A beachfront 1 bed apartment for long term lets in Mèze, beside the Étang de Thau. The ground-floor apartment has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a large terrace and secure underground parking. The harbour and waterfront restaurants are nearby. Available now Le Picpoul is a spacious 4-bedroom villa in Pinet, a Languedoc wine-making village famous for Picpoul de Pinet. Just 15 minutes from Marseillan Plage, the villa is mainly arranged on one level and offers air conditioning, underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove. Available nowMeze - beach apartment for long term let South of France (Ref: 144)
Le Picpoul villa pet friendly long term rentals France (Ref: 2315)
Beziers long term rentals France near beach
Vias Plage near Beziers, South France
There are 4 good beaches located close to the Southern French town of Beziers. In fact, Beziers is a great location for a long term rental in France - it has a TGV train station, International airport, 2 motorways, lots of good restaurants and an excellent shopping mall. You can reach the Spanish border in around an hour and you can be in Provence in under 1 hour 30 mins.
Beziers sits in the heart of the Languedoc wine country, with vineyards stretching inland towards Pezenas, Saint-Chinian and Faugeres.
Surrounding Beziers, there are also some very picturesque towns like Pezenas and Marseillan. Beziers is also home to 4 excellent beaches:
- Vias Plage - this popular Languedoc beach is very sheltered and has some of the warmest water on the Languedoc coast. The local town has spent a lot of money in recent years smartening up the resort, with a new promenade and modern facades to the shops and restaurants. There is also plenty of bars and cafes behind the beach to keep you amused. Vias Plage is situated close to the Southern French city of Beziers.
- Portiragnes Plage - is located next to Vias Plage. The beach is quite narrow in the centre of Portiragnes Plage, but it widens out into a large flat beach at Portiragnes Plage West, where there is a fantastic beach bar (Les Voiles). Portiragnes Plage is made up of holiday homes and a couple of campsites. It is quite nice to walk around because all the local residents are riding about on bicycles. Close to Portiragnes Plage is the Canal du Midi, where you can enjoy a nice picnic and watch the canal boats float past.
- Serignan Plage - is probably the most interesting beach, with large sand dunes separating the beach from a large nature reserve formed in the mouth of the River Orb as it enters the sea. Serignan Plage stretches for 3kms and encompasses 5 different beaches: La Grande Maire, La Chapelle, the Seoune, the naturist beach and the Orpellieres Plage. The beaches at Serignan Plage are cleaned daily. Serignan Plage first received its Blue Flag award for the quality of the beach and the water in 2009 and it has retained this European quality standard ever since. Every year the local municipality works hard to protect the beach from erosion, including planting 'desert plants' to protect the sand dunes at the back of the beach from wind erosion and constructing 'groynes' all along the beach using Chestnut wood to prevent tidal erosion of the beach.
- Valras Plage - provides a wide expanse of sand. Valras Plage has a number of campsites which can make certain sections of the beach quite busy during the summer months, but out of season there is normally plenty of space to spread out and relax and dogs are welcome on the beach during the winter months.
Here are some coastal long term rental houses to explore close to the Beziers beaches:
Côte Sud is a charming 1 bed cottage for long term rentals, set in the heart of the village of Portiragnes, close to Beziers and the Mediterranean coast. Portiragnes is an excellent location for a long term stay in South France, with the beaches just 4km from the house. You can cycle or walk along the towpath of the Canal du Midi to reach Portiragnes Plage. The property is available for extended stays during selected months, with well-trained pets considered by prior agreement. Available from: 1 November 2026 A renovated former wine cellar for long term rentals in Lespignan, near Béziers. The house offers generous living space, air conditioning and a private pool. Village amenities are close by and the Mediterranean beaches are approximately 10 minutes away. Available from: 14 June 2027 A 4 bed house for long term rentals in the coastal village of Portiragnes, near Béziers. Enjoy village amenities, the nearby Canal du Midi and Mediterranean beaches at Portiragnes Plage, approximately 3 km away. Available now La Forte is an affordable 2-bedroom property near Beziers in the South of France, just 15 minutes from the Mediterranean beaches. Available from October to May for €600 per month plus utilities, with longer rentals potentially considered. Available from: 15 January 2027 A 4 bed villa for long term rentals in Sérignan, near Béziers. The property offers generous living space for a family or a couple on a longer stay. Mediterranean beaches are approximately 4 km away, with village amenities close by. Available nowCôte Sud 1 bed house for long term rentals near the beach (Ref: 2410)
Lespignan house for long term rentals, France, near beaches (Ref: 569)
Portiragnes house to rent in France long term, near the beach (Ref: 948)
La Forte - cheap 2 bed long term rentals property South France (Ref: 2090)
Serignan house for rent France long term near beach (Ref: 1118)
Perpignan - long term rentals France near beach
Collioure beach near Perpignan France
The Southern French city of Perpignan lies a short drive inland from the Mediterranean coast. The Pyrenees mountains form a spectacular backdrop to the beaches along this stretch of the Mediterranean (called the Cote Vermeille) With its mild winters and long hot summers, excellent transport network and interesting Catalan culture, Perpignan is the perfect destination for finding a long term rental in France.
To the north of Perpignan, France, the beaches tend to be wide and flat and often prone to a lot of wind. Thus beaches such as Le Franqui and Le Barcares tend to be popular with wind surfers and kite surfers. The beaches nearest to Perpignan - Canet Plage and St Cyprien Plage are probably the least interesting along this coastline. It is only when you get South of Perpignan, to beaches like Argeles-sur-Mer and Collioure that the beaches become much more interesting.
- Leucate Plage - is a large beach that is ringed with beach houses and trees at the rear. Situated between Port Nouvelle and Le Barcares, Leucate plage is probably the pick of the beaches North of Perpignan.
- Torreilles beach - is probably one of the most interesting beaches near Perpignan. I love the wild feel it has with the sand dunes at the back of the beach. It also doesn't get as crowded as Canet Plage and the view of the Pyrenees in the distance breaks up the monotony of the sand.
- Argeles Plage - is a broad sweeping bay that looks out onto the Pyrenees and the warm Mediterranean. This section of the Cote Vermeille, is an east-facing stretch of coastline. As a result, the wide sandy beaches are wonderfully sun-drenched and are perfectly framed by the backdrop of the Pyrenees. Argeles sur Mer actually has three beaches. Argeles Plage Nord and Argees Plage des Pins are wide, sandy beaches with plenty of space. Argeles Plage has long been a recipient of the blue flag award to recognise the quality of the water and cleanliness of the beaches.
- Collioure - with its three beaches is the most interesting beach resort near Perpignan. Although the beaches are small and often busy, the views of the tranquil sea and Pyrenees are spectacular.
We have highlighted below some of our properties listed for monthly long term rentals in the Perpignan area to give you an idea of the monthly prices and facilities:
A spacious 5 bed villa for long term rentals in Laroque-des-Albères, beneath the Pyrenees. It has a private pool, garden and terraces. Village shops and restaurants are a short walk away. The Mediterranean beaches and Collioure are within easy reach. Available now A charming 2 bed village house for monthly rentals in Argelès-sur-Mer, close to the railway station and within walking distance of the Mediterranean coast. It has a roof terrace and garage space for storage. Enjoy local shops and cafés, with the Pyrenees and Spanish border nearby. Available nowCasa Baléares - coastal villa for long term rentals Southern France (Ref: 2029)
La République - long term rental by beach South France (Ref: 2028)
More about renting and living in France
Thinking of moving to the French Riviera or Languedoc coast in 2027 or 2028? Renting a furnished property for several months is an excellent way to discover what life on the Mediterranean coast is really like. The French Riviera offers attractive coastal towns, mild winters and good transport connections, while the Languedoc coast often provides more affordable rentals, wide sandy beaches and a relaxed pace of life.
Before deciding where to rent, consider your monthly budget, visa requirements, transport links and whether the town remains lively throughout the winter. These practical guides will help you plan your stay and choose the right location.
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Browse long term rentals in France and check each property for the latest rental terms and availability.
