Where to rent in France in 2027?

At Long Term Rentals in France, we have been involved in providing long term rental properties in the South of France, Dordogne and Midi-Pyrenees for over 20 years now. We live permanently in South France all year around and our job requires us to travel all over the region.

These are my 10 recommended places to find a house or apartment to rent in France for several months. The list is based on my travels throughout France over the last 20 years and is determined by a number of different factors such as the weather, local transport network, things to do & see, affordability of rental properties, local services, quality of life and my own personal observations.

This is not an exhaustive list of places to consider for a long term rental in France. But from my knowledge and travels around Dordogne, Midi-Pyrenees, Languedoc, Provence and the South of France, I would recommend the following places as my top 10 towns to rent in France on a long term basis. These are certainly the main locations that I recommend to customers who contact me when they are looking to relocate to France.

Before we moved to the South of France, we have spent time in the Loire valley, the Vendee and also the Cote d'Azur. Our Children have gone to college in different parts of France and we have enjoyed some great weekends away and holidays throughout France.

I do still have an ambition to visit all 96 departments of France and we are probably a third of the way through that list. So we have a fair idea about living in France.

Deciding on a suitable area to live in France

Marseille, France

I think that when you are living in France, you begin to appreciate a number of different factors about what makes the location you are living in 'something special'. You also begin to see certain areas which would be marvellous for a 2 week vacation (in the summer), but would be isolating or boring over the winter. We also have the advantage of seeing how our customers get on in their rentals and we get their feedback if they are not happy with a particular location or if they decide to stay on and buy. We also have a group of friends here in France who have come from all over France, so we get their insights as well.

So from all of this you begin to form some general criteria on what to look for from a location if you are coming here for a long stay:

• City hub - whilst you may not want to live in a city, it is always a good idea to be based within 1 hour of a major city in France to access cultural activities, sports, medical facilities and a greater range of shops.
• Transport network - you need to be reasonably close to an airport, either to fly home or to receive family and friends. You may not need to be close to a major international airport (in fact, in France a lot of long-haul flights are routed via Paris anyway), but you do need to be close to an airport which has connecting flights to/from Paris or London or Frankfurt. You just don't want to be stepping off a plane and then have a 212 hour drive to get to your rental property.
• Personal alignment - there needs to be something in the area where you are living which aligns with you personally. So a coastal location aligns with someone into sailing. The mountains will align with keen walkers. A wine region will align with wine buffs. Etc, etc. What does't work so well is where people choose a location in France, just because the property is cheap. I see it too often where people want to move to Correze or the Ariege, because the houses are cheap to buy there.
• Climate is King - all areas of France have great local markets, regional dishes, beautiful towns and villages, amazing festivals. You can find these in every nook and cranny of France. But what is not universal in France is the climate. And if you live here all year around, the weather over the winter period is critical in terms of your quality of life. If you can continue to enjoy an outdoor life for 10-11 months of the year, then the chances are you will enjoy your time in France. If you are shut up indoors between November to February, then you are going to be miserable.

One trend we have noticed over the years when it comes to people moving to France, is that there seems to be a steady Southwards migration stream.

People initially first settle in Normandy and Brittany - taking advantage of the cheaper property prices and beautiful coastline. But after a few harsh winters in North Western France, they then decide to relocate down to the Charente and Dordogne region, to enjoy some milder weather.

But even here, the winters can be very wet. Speaking to clients who have previously lived in the Lot, Dordogne or Charente, they say that unless you are fully-embedded in the local community, the social life can be more focused on the warmer summer months and the winter can be a long old drag. The geography of these departments is also predominantly village based. So for example, in Dordogne, there are only 3 towns with a population of more than 10,000 people. So if you are looking for some life November to February, then you are probably going to have to drive 1 hour to find it.

Brantome Dordogne France

The last step of the Southwards migration, is that people eventually head to the Languedoc region in the South of France to enjoy the much better winter climate.

Yes, the South of France does get very hot in the summer, but for the remaining 10 months of the year, the weather is beautiful and villages do not shut down. There is still plenty going on during the Autumn and Spring months and the clear blue skies for 300 days a year mean that you tend to spend more time outside.

The average daytime temperatures in the South of France during the winter month (November to February) are around 12-15 degrees C (55-59 degrees F) and most days you can walk around in a light jumper or shirt sleeves. What makes the difference is that you rarely get a cloudy day and the rain is limited to heavy downpours, which quickly disperse. The weather in the Autumn and Spring time is glorious. Bright blue skies and temperatures around 20-25 degrees C (70-77 degrees F).

The transport connections in the South of France are also excellent. There are 10 airports with services to most European capitals and many budget flights through Ryanair, Easyjet and Norwegian Air). There is a fast train service (TGV) up to Paris and down to Barcelona and a highway network that is unrivalled in any other part of Europe.

Where to rent in France long term during 2027

Collioure South France

Top 10 locations for long term rentals in France Marseillan - coastal town in Languedoc Perpignan - Southern-most city in France Pezenas - historic town in Herault department Eymet - stylish market town in Dordogne Carcassonne - medieval castle Beziers - wine capital of the World Montpellier - fastest growing city in France Provence - quintessential South France Cote d'Azur - beaches, glitz & glamour Rocamadour - in the beautiful Lot department

It is always a bit of a dilemma about where to base yourself for a long stay. Whilst you may crave the peace and quiet for a vacation, if you are going to be living in France for a few months, you will also need to have a good range of services nearby, as well as some culture and a bit of life. So you therefore need to be reasonably close to a decent sized town. You will probably have friends and family coming over to see you (it is amazing how many friends you attract when you tell people you are moving to the South of France!). So having a focal point nearby to take visitors - like a beautiful French town or an harbour ringed with restaurants - is also an important consideration.

Now you need to do your research on the area you want to live. In my experience, the customers who know exactly where they want to live in France - even down to the town and village - end up having a more successful rental experience than those people who have no real idea.

Now France is a big country. I would start by splitting France into 7 parts (North-West, North-East, Paris, East, West, South East and South West). Then subdivide each of these parts into quarters. This then gives you the basis for eliminating certain areas and including some areas in your shortlist. To narrow down your chosen area to live, I would recommend:

• High-level wish list: Make a list of 3 adjectives you would use to describe your ideal location in France. These should be big things like City or Rural, Mountain or Coastal, Vineyard landscape or Farming country, Hot or Mild, Cultural area or Rustic. Also, think about what you are interested in and how you want to spend your time. Don't make the list too long, you are never going to find the perfect place to live, but this will help you narrow down your search.
• Transport connections: check the TGV routes, number of local airports, road network, etc.
• Research the annual climate - summer temperatures, average rainfall, winter climate, wind speeds (trust me, Provence is beautiful but the Mistral makes it almost unlivable in parts of Provence during the winter period)
• Check the tourist attractions in the region. It sounds stupid, but if you can't compile a list of 10 sites/attractions in the area that you would actually want to visit, then cross that region off your list.
• Check out average house prices in some of the regions you have chosen This is a great resource (written in English) and published by the National body of Notaires: French real estate prices. House prices (whether they are going up or down and the average sale price) gives you a great insight into whether the area is 'dying' or dynamic. It will also give you a good indication of the rental prices you will expect to pay.
• Blog posts and forums - do as much reading as you can of Expat forums which based on specific regions you are considering. But be warned, there are some genuinely helpful people on forums and then there are others who either have an angle they are trying to push or they are just plain miserable. So do take everything you read with a large pinch of salt

The reason why I recommend that you narrow down the area before even considering the house to rent, is that I have seen it all too often that people fall in love with the house and forget the area. They then arrive and for the first month they try to convince themselves that the location is perfect. The second month the doubts creep in and by the third month they are planning 'trips away' to different parts of France. It is true that you will never know what the area will truly be like until you arrive, but you can minimize the surprises by doing your due diligence.

If you require any specific help in finding a house to rent in France, please send me a message (at Long term rentals France). I will be more than happy to give you help and advice.

For more help on narrowing down your search of where to rent in France please read our Checklist on renting a long term property in France and our new article on the 10 Best places to live in France.

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1. Marseillan long term rentals France

Marseillan is extremely popular with our customers looking for long term winter rentals in France. I think that it is the combination of the views over the water, the lovely harbour and the fact that Marseillan is a lively town with bars and restaurants full all year around.

One thing I really like about Marseillan is that it is the sort of place where you can live quite easily without a car. There is a local bus service that runs to the beach at Marseillan Plage, but it is equally just as easy to bike to the beach. You also have all the shops and services you need on your doorstep and there is even a local bus service that takes you directly to Beziers airport and the TGV station in Agde.

This coastal town is located on a salt water lake, just 4kms from the Mediterranean sea. The Etang du Thau, is separated from the sea by a thin strip of beach. The Etang du Thau is famous throughout France for producing the best Oysters and Mussels (especially from the nearby fishing village of Bouzigues).

In Marseillan you can buy fresh oysters and mussels from the 'Cabines' which line the shore of the lake. The lovely harbour of Marseillan is a good place for a stroll and to stop off for a drink or bite to eat. The old centre of Marseillan is a warren of tiny streets and here you will find a good range of bars and restaurants, as well as the daily market.

Marseillan is also home to 2 really good restaurants. The Table d'Emilie has long been a favourite of our family. Our boys especially love the giant charriot de fromage, which has the most amazing range of cheese I have ever seen. We have always gone here for lunch, but I think an evening dinner under the vaulted stone ceiling would be pretty special.

The other restaurant in Marseillan with a good reputation is the Chateau du Port, which is located on the harbour in the old Customs Office. I have not eaten here for years, but we have a lot of freinds who have been here recently. They say that it is not cheap, but the food and service is excellent.

So if you are looking to rent in France on a long term basis, then Marseillan is ideally positioned. Here is our selection of Marseillan long term rentals France currently available for rentals during 2027:

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2. Perpignan long term rentals in France 2027

Perpignan is the Southern-most city in France. It is situated in between the coast and the Pyrenees, close to the Spanish border. With it's mild winters and long hot summers, it is the perfect destination for find a long term rental in France.

Perpignan is the capital of Roussillon region and it has a real Spanish feel to it. The Palais des Rois de Majorque - as the name suggests - was the palace of the the former Majorcan rulers, who controlled this part of France during the 12th to 14th Centuries. The palace is situated on an elevated piece of land on the edge of the old town.

The old narrow streets around the Castellet, the former gate to the city of Perpignan, are a real pleasure to walk around, with lots of pavement restaurants, cafes and bars. The Castellet itself is a beautiful building and is often seen as the symbol of Perpignan.

Perpignan also has a real connection with art, with famous artists such as Picasso, Dufy, Maillol and Cocteau all having studios in the City at one time or other. The Musee Rigaud art gallery in the centre of Perpignan, features a number of art works from artists associated with the city and the local area.

The surrounding countryside is very pretty. Wherever you go you will see vineyards set against the backdrop of the Pyrenees.

The coastline around Perpignan is very beautiful, with wide sandy beaches and secluded coves. The Cote Vermeille is also home to some wonderful coastal towns such as Collioure and Banyuls.

There are some great local towns and villages inland from Perpignan such as:

• Thuir - a small market town in the foothills of the Pyrenees
• Ceret - a famous Artist town with a Modern Art Museum and a distinct Catalan vibe
• Laroque-des-Alberes - a beautiful hilltop village with a number of cafes and restaurants
• Collioure - a stunning coastal village, once home to the painters Derain and Matisse

The area is well served by the transport network. The TGV stops in Perpignan and a new connection is being built all the way to Barcelona. Perpignan has its own airport and Girona airport is less than 1 hour away. Perpignan airport has direct flights to 9 destinations, including London Stansted, Birmingham airport, Leeds-Bradford airport and Dublin.

The A9 autoroute also passes close to Perpignan. So if you are looking for long term rentals in France, then Perpignan is a great spot to choose. If you are on the search for long term rentals in France, then Perpignan is a great location to consider.

We have highlighted below one of our properties for long term rental to give you an idea of the monthly prices and facilities.

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3. Long term rentals in France near Pezenas

Pezenas is extremely popular at all times of the year. This historic capital of Languedoc is a really beautiful old town, with lots of windy streets and impressive Mansion houses. Pezenas was once the summer home of the celebrated French playwright, Moliere, and his presence is celebrated everywhere throughout the town.

The Saturday market in Pezenas is amazing and it takes over the whole of the town. Here you can buy all manner of local food produce, flowers, clothes and general household goods.

Pezenas is also in the heart of the Languedoc wine region and apart from the local Moliere wines, you can also enjoy good wines from nearby vineyards such as St Chinian, Faugeres and Picpoul de Pine.

Pezenas is also home to around 50 antique dealers and you can browse through the Antique stalls that line the main street through the town. There is also a large artistic presence in Pezenas, with many artists and artisans having studios in the heart of the old town. There is always a festival of some sorts going on in Pezenas - be it a theatre festival, antiques fair, film festival, wine festival or medieval fete.

Pezenas is also a bit of a sports town, with a local football team, rugby club, tennis club, an athletics stadium and numerous cycling clubs. There is also a local outdoor swimming pool, that is great to go to in the heat of summer. Pezenas is also close to the beaches of the mediterranean and you have Beziers and Montpellier nearby if you want to experience big city life once in a while. The town is well connected with 4 airports nearby (Beziers, Montpellier, Carcassonne and Perpignan), a TGV train station about 15 mins away and the A9 and A75 autoroutes are on your doorstep.

Pezenas has plenty of schools, a local hospital, plenty of restaurants, two large supermarkets and more pharmacies than you can shake a stick at. The local villages around Pezenas are beautiful - often surrounded by vineyards and hills. So in conclusion, if you are looking for an area to come to for a long term rental, then Pezenas is a great option to consider. If you would like to look at a few long term rental options for Pezenas, the following rental properties are available for long term rentals in the Pezenas area. Please check the availability calendars as we can not guarantee that the houses will always be vacant for the entire period of your stay.

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4. Eymet - market town in Dordogne

The Dordogne is always popular with our customers for long term rentals in France. But the difficult question is where in Dordogne do you want to be based? Dordogne is predominantly a rural department and it is often described as a 'land of villages'. Despite being home to over 410,000 people, there are only 7 towns in Dordogne with a population of more than 5,000 people.

So there are plenty of beautiful places in Dordogne - such as Sarlat, Brantome and Domme - but these are predominantly tourism destinations which are OK if you are staying here on vacation. If you are going to be living in Dordogne for a number of months, you need to find a location which is full of life all year around and has a good range of local services. As we have said above, you also need to be reasonably close to an international airport and a fairly sizeable city.

So I would recommend the beautiful market town of Eymet, as my preferred location to be based in Dordogne for a long term rental. Eymet is located in the bottom South-West corner of Dordogne, close to the famous wine-town of Bergerac and 1 hour 30 mins east of the beautiful city of Bordeaux. Bergerac international airport is just 25kms away (with regular flights to destinations in the UK, Rotterdam, Brussels and Portugal) and there is a mainline train station in the nearby towns of Libourne, Agen, Marmande and Bergerac. Close to Eymet, you will also find, Chateau Vigiers, a celebrated hotel with a Championship golf course, Spa centre and a Michelin star restaurant.

Although only 2,500 people live in Eymet itself, in the surrounding 5 communes there is a total local population of 10,000 inhabitants. Dordogne is home to over 14,000 European nationals and is the second most popular area in France for British people to live (after Paris). Dordogne is home to 7,800 British people, making up nearly 2% of the department's residents. Around 9% of the population of Eymet are international residents and there is even a local cricket club and an English pub. This obviously has its positives and negatives. On the one hand, it provides you with an active Ex-Pat community with which to interact with. But on the downside, it can become a bit claustrophobic. ,

The temperatures around Eymet in the summer months are absolutely perfect for me - averaging a pleasant 26 degrees C / 77 degrees F in July and August - and rarely getting above the mid-30's. The winters can however get cold (averaging 9 degrees C / 47 degrees F in December to February). But that is the average daytime temperature and it will often go below zero, especially at night. Dordogne does get quite a bit of rain (860mm of rain annually, which puts it above the average rainfall for France) and in the Spring there are often only 15 dry days per month. It also gets a below average amount of sunshine per year (1,968 hours per year against a national average of 2,089 hours). But the flipside of all of this is that the countryside is lush and green and there are beautiful wide river valleys.

Eymet borders the the famous vineyards of the Bordeaux and Bergerac wine regions, in an area often referred to as Perigord Pourpre (Purple). The two most well-known wines from this region are the red Bergerac Pecharmant wines and sweet Monbazillac wines, often paired with foie gras. This part of South-Western Dordogne is especially popular with visitors. Many are attracted by the numerous impressive castles dotted around the Dordogne river valley, such as Chateau de Beynac, Chateau des Milands, Chateau de Commarque and Chateau de Castelnaud.

Here are some options to consider for long term rent close to Eymet, Dordogne:

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5. Carcassonne long term rentals France in 2027

Carcassonne is a popular spot to be based around for a long term rental in the South of France. Carcassonne is well-connected by road, rail and flight routes.

Carcassonne has its own airport - serviced mainly by low-cost flights from the UK and Scandinavia. The international airport at Toulouse is also just 45 mins drive away.

The A61 motorway goes right past Carcassonne and connects the Mediterranean coast with Toulouse and the Atlantic coast.

Carcassonne's train station provides regional train services to Narbonne and Toulouse where you can pick up TGV train services.

Carcassonne is also home to one of France's most visited tourist sites in the fabulous Carcassonne Castle. The castle is absolutely vast. It has 31 towers, an amphitheatre, hotel and a full medieval town inside its fortified walls. The views from both inside and outside are amazing.

Surrounding Carcassonne there are also many important Cathar ruins. The Cathars were a religious grouping that eschewed the established church. As a result of its growing popularity in the South of France, the Cathars were brutally suppressed by the King of France, under orders from the Pope.

The local area around Carcassonne is also home to the Minervois wine region (one of the best in France). The wines from the nearby Corbieres wine region are also well-respected and growing in popularity.

The Canal du Midi also passes through Carcassonne on its route to the Mediterranean coast. It can get a bit windy in the winter months around Carcassonne (just check out the number of windmills)- but it is not as bad as the Mistral that blows through Provence.

We have quite a number of long terms rentals in and around Carcassonne and it has proved to be a popular place to rent in the last couple of years. Here is a selection of the long term let properties currently available to rent in 2027:

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6. Beziers long term rentals France

The southern French city of Beziers is currently going through a much needed phase of Development. For most of the 19th and 20th Centuries, Beziers was a rich provincial capital. It grew rich on the back of the Canal du Midi and the wine industry. However, during the late 20th Century it started to fall into slow decline.

In my opinion it almost lost its raison d'etre. But a dynamic new Mayor has breathed new life into the town, with a fabulous new shopping complex (the Polygone) dragging reluctant inhabitants of the area back into Beziers. A programme of renovation of the facades of buildings in the town centre, the redevelopment of the central square and the promotion of a whole new series of bars and restaurants has started to transform the centre of the town.

I predict that within 5 years Beziers will re-discover its mojo and it will once again reclaim its title as the jewel of the Languedoc.

In truth, Beziers should already be property hotspot. It sits just 10 kms from the Mediterranean coast. It has its own international airport. The TGV passes through Beziers, providing fast train services up to Paris and down to Barcelona. Two motorways converge to the North-East of Beziers (the A75 and the A9). Finally, the property prices in Beziers are the cheapest of any town or city within 20 minutes of the French Mediterranean coast.

Property developers are already starting to move into Beziers, with the area close to the Cathedral especially popular.

If you are looking for peace and tranquillity then the Languedoc Regional Park about 30mins from Beziers is a good choice to find a long term rental property. The scenery is glorious and the relaxed way-of-life really helps you unwind and enjoy your stay. This is excellent walking and cycling country and is also home to some of the best vineyards in the South of France - such as Faugeres and St Chinian.

We get a lot of requests for long term rentals in and around Olargues, Gabian (near Roujan, on the edge of the Park) and Olonzac to the South. If you are looking to find a long term rental where you can experience the real South of France way of life - with its focus on good food and wine and the simple pleasures in life, then the stretch of villages in between Beziers up the Orb Valley to the Haut Languedoc Park is the place to start looking.

Here is our selection of long term rental properties surrounding Beziers and the Haut Languedoc region:

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7. Montpellier long term rentals South France

Montpellier is a wonderful city to be based in for a 6-12 month rental. Montpellier is the fastest growing city in France, soon to overtake Strasbourg as the 6th largest city in France. Since 1960, Montpellier has doubled in population.

Today people are drawn to the city by the large bio-medical industry that has grown up around celebrated Hospital complex and 3 universities.

Added to that you have a beach 10km away, an international airport, TGV train station, wonderful modern tram system and an amazing range of cultural activities such as internationally acclaimed Musee Fabre, Montpellier's Modern Art Museum; an excellent Zoological park in the North of the city, an Opera house, a Planetarium, a large Aquarium, a symphony orchestra and a beautiful botanical garden.

Montpellier's shops are excellent and so are the restaurants. There are a number of great night spots, with a collection of bars and clubs to service the young population of the city. In short, Montpellier is cosmopolitan, buzzing, vibrant, youthful, bright and cultured City.

But for me, what makes Montpellier, is the relaxed, chilled-out Mediterranean culture. The sunshine clearly impacts the mood of this city and makes it such a lovely place to be. I also like the fact that whilst the Place de Comedie is the focal point of Montpellier, there is no dominant area for hanging-out. Instead what you have is a collection of neighbourhoods - such as along Rue de l'Aiguillerie, or Place du Petit Scel, or Place Saint-Come or on the banks of the River Lez - each with popular bars, restaurants and nightlife.

All of this makes it a great place to be based for a long stay. However, due to its popularity as a place to live in France, it is often very difficult to find properties to rent in the city itself. It is not uncommon for apartments and houses to be snapped up on the first day of listing. The rental prices in the city are also considerably higher than the surrounding region. If you are looking for a long term rental close to Montpellier, here is a selection of properties that might be worth considering:

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8. Provence long term rentals France

The beautiful Provence region of the South of France is an ideal place to be based for a few months.

The lavender fields, hilltop villages and the historical cities of Avignon, Arles and Aix en Provence are all as wonderful as you imagine.

It is just a joy to spend time driving about the Provence region, enjoying the Provencal markets, the excellent wines and the diverse local produce.

The Provence region is bordered by the Alps to the North East, the French Riviera coast to the South and the Camargue to the west. The region covers the French departments of Bouches-du-Rhone, the Var and the eastern edge of the Gard.

Amongst the popular towns to stay for a long vacation in the Provence region, include:

• Saint Remy de Provence - the birthplace of Nostradamus and today it is a very pretty market town.
• Uzes - a foodies paradise, with local truffles, excellent Cotes du Rhone wines and an excellent market.
• Gordes - a famous hilltop village that is stunningly beautiful.
• Seillans - an ancient village, with cobbled streets and the Provence blue shutters on the old buildings.
• L'Isle sur la Sorgue - dominated by the two rivers that run through the town and it is popular with antique dealers and pottery producers.
• Porquerolles - a stunning island off the coast from Provence.

If you are looking to find a long term rental in the quintessential scenery of the South of France, then Provence is the perfect destination. Here is our selection of some cottages currently available for long term rentals in the Provence region from October 2022:

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9. Cote d'Azur long term rentals South France

The Cote d'Azur has some of the most spectacular coastline in Europe. When you visit the Cote d'Azur, it doesn't disappoint. With turquoise waters, rocky cliffs plunging into the sea, beautiful coastal villages, large yachts and more Ferraris than you can shake a stick at - the Cote d'Azur really is a different world.

Cote d'Azur is actually a combination of 2 departments : the Var and Alpes-Maritime. The neighbouring departments of Bouches-de-Rhone (which covers Marseille and Aix-en-Provence) and Vaucluse (which includes Avignon and Orange) together form the modern day Provence region.

The Cote d'Azur coast extends from the Italian border in the East, through to Cassis, Toulon and Hyeres in the West. Inland it extends up into some gorgeous countryside around the Gorge du Verdon and the foothills of the Alps (in the beautiful Mercantour National Park).

The Cote d'Azur has a total population of over two million and is home to 163 nationalities and 100,000 foreign residents.

As a tourist centre the Cote d'Azur benefits from 300 days of sunshine per year, 115 kilometres of coastline and beaches, 18 golf courses, 14 ski resorts and over 3,000 restaurants.

The Cote d'Azur is also one of the major yachting and cruising centres in the World, with several large marinas along its coast. Each year the Cote d'Azur hosts 50% of the world's Super-Yacht fleet.

The principal cities of the Cote d'Azur are of course Nice and Cannes, but other celebrated resorts include the famous St Tropez, the exclusive spots of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Juan-les-Pins, the stunning bay at Villefranche-sur-Mer and the gorgeous town of Antibes, close to Cannes. Further along the coastline, you will find the beach resorts of Saint-Raphael, Frejus, Sainte Maxime and Cassis.

Unless you have an unlimited budget, then you may want to find other quieter towns and villages in which to be based, away from the tourist throng.Amongst the destinations you may want to consider include Bormes-les-Mimosas, Cogolin, Hyeres, Le Levandou, Le Plan-de-la-Tour, Biot, Valbonne, Mougins, Vence, Grasse, Fayence and Roquefort-les-Pins.

These towns away from the coastline are less crowded and you also feel that you are still in France rather than a millionaires playground. You will find many weekly markets selling local produce from neighbouring Provence and quaint little restaurants providing excellent local dishes.

If you are planning a long stay in the South of France, here is our selection of long term rentals along the Cote d'Azur:

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10. Rocamadour - the Lot department, France

There is an area of Central-Southern France, that I would particularly recommend as a base for long term rentals. It is an area populated with historical sites, it is home to some of the most beautiful villages in France and it is also within easy striking distance of major cities such as Toulouse.

The medieval village of Rocamadour is reputedly the second most visited religious monument in France (after Mont-Saint-Michel). This fortified village remains an important pilgrimage site. The village features a large stone staircase which takes you up to the Saint-Sauveur Basilica and Rocamadour's 6 other chapels (Sainte-Anne, Saint-Blaise, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Notre-Dame, Saint-Louis and Saint-Michel). Pilgrims traditionally climbed the steps on their knees, as an act of penance for their sins.

Rocamadour, is located in the North-Western corner of the Lot department in central Southern France and is a very popular area for customers searching for long term rentals in France. The Lot department neighbours the Dordogne to the West and the city of Toulouse is 1 hour to the South. The capital of the Lot is Cahors, a pretty town of about 20,000 people. The Lot is quite a small department, with a population of just under 175,000 people. But it is by no means a backwoods. According to the 2016 French Census, over 4.5% of the population of the Lot department is made up of foreign nationals, 80% of whom come from other European countries. So you will always be able to find a small Ex-Pat community here, but without feeling like you are taking over (as you do in parts of Dordogne).

The Lot contains some of the most beautiful villages in France and many are concentrated in this North-Eastern corner of the department surrounding Rocamadour. They include the medieval town of Martel and the villages of Carennac, Loubressac and Autoire. There are also two impressive castles nearby at Castelnau-Bretenoux and Chateau-de-Montal.

The Lot department is also home to a large regional park (Regional Natural Park of the Causses de Quercy) and the Cahors wines are some of the best red wines in France. You can also indulge in the local truffles, foie gras and Rocamadour cheese.

In terms of the climate in the Lot department, whilst the summers can be glorious, the winters can certainly get quite cold, but the days are mainly dry. The temperatures in the summer months are for me absolutely perfect - averaging a pleasant 26 degrees C / 77 degrees F in July and August and rarely getting above the mid-30's. The Lot department receives roughly the average amount of rainfall for France (799mm per year), but it has an above average amount of sunshine (2,135 hours per year).

The Lot is generally cheaper to live in compared to Dordogne, but its countryside is, I would say, much more beautiful. So whilst it may not have the name-checking abilities of Dordogne, in my book, I would still prefer to live in the less expensive Lot department, to enjoy better wines, a drier climate, cheaper property prices and much more to do and see.

Here is a selection of long term rental properties currently available in the Lot department around Rocamadour:

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