France has some of the highest numbers of second homes in Europe. The South of France and Dordogne continue to be one of the most popular locations for Northern Europeans to buy holiday homes. France remains the number one tourist destination in the World and it has a very healthy Snow Birds market for off season monthly rentals over the winter period. The South of France especially, has some of the highest rental yields in Europe, providing healthy returns by combining high weekly rates over the summer season, with stable monthly rentals over the warm winter period.
Make your second home in France earn its keep
If you own a second home in France, the chances are that it stands empty for several months each year. Yet the bills keep arriving — property taxes, insurance, maintenance, heating and general upkeep. So why not consider renting out your French property for a few months and letting it contribute towards its own running costs?
There is an established market for long term rentals in France, particularly among international clients relocating to France, searching for a property to buy, working remotely or simply wanting to experience French life for an extended period.
Unlike traditional holiday rentals, which often concentrate on a few busy summer weeks, furnished monthly rentals can provide additional income during the quieter months of the year. You can also choose to make your property available during periods when you would not normally be using it, subject to the rental agreement and applicable French law.
For many second-home Owners in France, the objective isn't necessarily to turn their property into a full-time rental business. It is simply to help cover the annual running costs of a house they already own, while retaining the opportunity to enjoy it themselves.
Second homes in France
According to the latest figures published in September 2026 by the French official statistic body, INSEE, France has approximately 3.8 million second homes and occasional-use properties, representing almost 10% of the country's housing stock.
Source: INSEE Focus No. 388, September 2026.
In terms of the number of holiday homes in France rented out for short term stays, just on Airbnb alone, there are now 1 million houses, apartments and individual rooms advertised on the platform in France (making France its second-largest market after the United States).
Source: Inside Airbnb, The Threat of Short-Term Rentals to Housing, published in 2026.
Many of these properties are only occupied for part of the year, yet their Owners still face annual costs for property taxes, insurance, maintenance and general upkeep. For Owners who do not use their French property throughout the year, renting it out for a few months can provide a useful additional income and help offset these running costs.
Our research indicates that there are approaching 14,600 long term rental properties advertised for short-term leases (3-6 months) on the main rentals websites in France. This figure has grown by nearly 16% in the last 2 years.
Marketing your holiday home in France
With a growing number of holiday homes in France being advertised for weekly and monthly rentals, now is the time to get smart about promoting your second home in France. Here is our top 10 guide to promoting your French property for short and long term rentals.
Short term rentals market in France
France remains one of the world's most popular holiday destinations, and the market for summer rentals is well established. However, competition between holiday homes has increased considerably.
For Owners of villas, gîtes and holiday apartments, this means that attracting bookings is not always as straightforward as it once was. Large booking platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo dominate the market, and potential guests can compare hundreds of properties in the same area.
To compete successfully, three things are particularly important:
- Competitive pricing – finding the right balance between attracting bookings and achieving a worthwhile rental income.
- Good reviews – positive feedback from previous guests helps build confidence and encourages new bookings.
- Standing out from the competition – highlighting what makes your property special, whether that is a swimming pool, beautiful views, an attractive village location or comfortable accommodation.
There is still good money to be made from summer holiday rentals in France, particularly in popular tourist areas. But relying entirely on a handful of summer weeks can leave your property empty for much of the year.
This is where monthly rentals can make a real difference. Even a relatively modest winter rental income of €6,000–€7,000 can make a significant dent in your annual property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs and property management fees. By combining summer holiday bookings with longer stays during the quieter months, you can generate additional income while keeping your French home available for your own holidays. You also have the benefit of the tenants paying the utility bills and keeping the house warm and secure over the winter period.
Long term rentals market in France
According to the French Ministry of the Interior, 290,772 long-stay visas were issued in 2025, demonstrating the substantial number of international visitors coming to France for extended periods.
Source: French Ministry of the Interior – Visa statistics 2025
For many international visitors, finding suitable furnished accommodation for several months can be surprisingly difficult. Conventional French landlords and rent-guarantee insurers often require employment contracts, French tax returns and financial references that newly arrived visitors simply cannot provide.
This creates an opportunity for second-home Owners to offer furnished accommodation for 3–9 months and longer, particularly to people relocating to France, searching for a property to buy or enjoying an extended stay before returning home.
French long term leases
One of the biggest concerns for foreign Owners considering renting out their French property is the strength of French tenancy law. Under conventional residential leases, tenants benefit from significant legal protections, and recovering possession of a property can be a lengthy and expensive process, particularly if a tenant stops paying the rent or refuses to leave.
For Owners who only use their French home for part of the year, the prospect of entering into a conventional residential tenancy can understandably be daunting. There are also legal requirements concerning rental contracts, property standards, insurance and taxation.
This is why Long Term Rentals in France specialises in temporary furnished accommodation for international clients, rather than conventional residential lettings.
Temporary furnished rentals for international visitors
Our clients are typically people coming to France for a defined period, whether to search for a property to buy, arrange a relocation, work remotely or enjoy an extended stay. They are generally looking for comfortable, fully furnished accommodation for 3–12 months, rather than a permanent residential tenancy.
For second-home Owners, this can be an attractive alternative to traditional lettings. Rental periods can be planned around the Owner's intended use of the property, and the booking arrangements can be tailored to the circumstances of the stay.
Our experience with international rentals allows us to guide Owners through the reservation process and help ensure that the proposed rental arrangements are appropriate for the intended stay.
Monthly Rental rates in France
In terms of the likely rental income you will receive, the average weekly high season rental price is generally a good guide as to the monthly rental price you will be able to charge for off season rentals. For properties with swimming pools, the off season monthly rental price will be around 60% of the high season weekly price.
I prepared the table below for a customer who contacted me a few weeks ago, interested in buying an investment property in France. The figures are fairly standard across France (except for Cote d'Azur, Corsica and Provence - where you can add a further 20-25% to the rental rates).
Illustrative rental rates in France: Short term and Long term rentals
| 4 bed villa with pool | 3 bed village house | 2 bed apartment | |
| Estimated purchase price | €350,000 | €250,000 | €150,000 |
| Summer rentals | 8 weeks @ €2000 | 6 weeks @ €1250 | 35 nights @ €80 |
| Sub-total Income | €16,000 | €7,500 | €2,800 |
| Mid-Late season rentals | 4 weeks @ €1500 | 4 weeks @ €850 | 25 nights @ €50 |
| Sub-total Income | €6,000 | €3,400 | €1,250 |
| Long term rentals | 6 months @ 1200 per month | 6 months @ €900 per month | 6 months @ €750 per month |
| Sub-total Income | €7,200 | €5,400 | €4,500 |
| Total earnings | €29,200 | €16,300 | €8,550 |
| Gross rental yield | 8.34% | 6.52% | 5.7% |
Long Term Rentals in France – long let specialists
We have around twenty years of experience in French property rentals and online marketing. Through Long Term Rentals in France, we help second-home Owners reach international clients looking for furnished accommodation for several months.
You don't need to become a marketing expert to attract long term rental bookings. However, there are a few things that can make your property particularly appealing to international tenants.
5 tips for successful long term rentals
1. Highlight what makes your property special
Every property has its own selling points, whether that's a swimming pool, beautiful views, a village location or a peaceful rural setting. For longer stays, local facilities are especially important. Customers want to know where the nearest supermarket is, where the good restaurants can be found, which village has the best market and how close everyday amenities are.
2. Invest in good photographs
Bright, attractive photographs make an enormous difference. Show the main living spaces, bedrooms, kitchen, outdoor areas and surrounding views. Where practical, we visit properties ourselves to take photographs and produce 360° virtual tours, helping prospective tenants get a better feel for the accommodation.
3. Provide clear and accurate information
International tenants want to know the monthly rent, number of bedrooms, location, availability and what is included in the price. A concise, honest property description helps them decide whether your home meets their requirements and avoids unnecessary enquiries.
4. Make your property comfortable for extended stays
A house that works perfectly for a two-week summer holiday may need a few adjustments for a six-month winter rental. Good heating, reliable Wi-Fi, a properly equipped kitchen, comfortable furniture and adequate storage are particularly important. Tenants staying for several months need a home, not simply holiday accommodation.
5. Set realistic rental prices and availability
Monthly rental prices are generally lower than peak-season weekly holiday rates, but longer bookings can provide valuable income during quieter periods. Decide when you want to use the property yourself, establish a realistic monthly rental price and keep your availability information up to date.
Let us help you find long term tenants
At Long Term Rentals in France, we can help you present your property professionally, promote it to our international audience and handle the initial enquiries and reservation process.
There is no upfront advertising charge. We only earn a commission when we arrange a confirmed rental booking.
If you are considering renting out your second home in France, take a look at our Advertise with Long Term Rentals in France page or contact us by email.
Long Term Rentals in France is run in partnership with Artaxa IMMO SARL - Agence Immobilière. Titulaire de la carte professionelle de transaction 2008/34/2153, Délivré par la Préfecture de Montpellier. FNAISocietaire No. 40744 M. Numéro de TVA Intracommunataire FR63504336579.
