The 10 best Ranches in France, France

April 25, 2023 Claudia Navarrete

There's much more to France than Paris—from the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley to the lavender fields of Provence, and the French Riviera's celebrity-studded beaches. World-famous gastronomy and fine wines provide the perfect complement to the country's alpine views and architectural masterpieces.
Things to do in France

1. Domaine de Licetto

Licettu Route De Pertusato, 20169 Bonifacio, Corsica France
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 214 reviews

Domaine de Licetto

Le Licetto dispose de 6 chambres confortables avec vue sur Bonifacio et la mer dans une construction moderne au milieu de la végétation. Chacune d’entre elles, est équipée TV, climatisation, salle de bains avec WC et d’une terrasse privée sur laquelle il vous sera toujours très agréable de prendre votre petit déjeuner. Celui-ci est de 8 € par personne (servi du 1er avril au 30 octobre), et composé : d’un jus de fruits – d’une boisson chaude – pain/beurre/confiture – d’une viennoiserie – spécialité corse (charcuterie fromage corses et yaourt avec supplément) Le Domaine de LICETTO met également à votre disposition, 12 studios mitoyens et de plein-pied situés à environ 200m des chambres et à environ 60m de la villa. Ils sont implantés dans un cadre agréable et sauvage au milieu du maquis, avec vue sur la campagne Bonifacienne et sur les montagnes environnantes. Comme aux chambres, facilité de stationnement pour votre véhicule.

Nice but not perfect

Reviewed By 619thibaudv

The place is nice, it is close to nice beaches and walks. The staff is nice. We staid there for 8 days, having fun in Bonifacio, Piantarella beach and windsurfing. We had two problems : no wifi in the room and the air conditioner was no working well. The Studio has a nice price-quality ratio, but the price of the room was less justified. Unfortunately, the swimming pool of the villa was closed, even for poeple who took a room in the villa, except if the villa is fully booked by the same groupe/familly.

2. Domaine du Lieu Dieu

5 Lieu Dit le Lieu Dieu, 80770 Beauchamps France
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 669 reviews

Domaine du Lieu Dieu

This residence offers heated trailers, chalet-style installed in the heart of a park on the banks of the River Bresle in Picardy. Located in Beauchamps, it is just 10 km from the beach. Each trailer Domaine Du Place God comes with a terrace with garden furniture. Each has a dining room equipped with a HD TV and a kitchenette with microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator. They also have a private bathroom with shower. A continental breakfast is served each morning and a bar also awaits you there. Le Domaine Du Place God has a playground for children and is just 45 minutes drive from the town of Dieppe, on the seafront. Activities on site and in the area include horse riding and fishing. Free private parking is available on site and the residence offers free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Too bad, it could be good.

Reviewed By carolel135

Alarm beeping all night, passive aggressive elderly lady at the desk, two forks for three, I had to make the beds and was told that it was to save on the costs with the cleaners when wondered about it, teen caps yelling all evening a meter from our «  peaceful quiet lodging », the place has a potential but unfortunately the experience was ghastly. The only peaceful place could possibly be the floating house’s far from the riding spot. Very unpleasant experience.

3. Manoir de Longeveau

Lieu Dit Longeveau, 16390 Pillac France
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 140 reviews

Manoir de Longeveau

We are a holiday resort and special events venue with capacity for 170 guests in our selection of stunning holiday cottages in South West France. Our resort offers golf, tennis, multiple heated swimming pools, children's pool, play areas, children's club Bar, restaurant and a range of sports and leisure activities.

Perfect French holiday venue for the entire family

Reviewed By Anne S

This is I believe our 7th visit to Longeveau over a 30 year period and it only gets better. The gites are lovely, the setting is idyllic - peaceful and within easy reach of interesting places to visit. The facilities are excellent and all within a short stroll. Richard, Olivia and the team make you very welcome and if you want a quiet break for 2 or an extended family holiday for all ages it’s perfect

4. Les Buis

37 rue Carnot, 66130 Ille-sur-Tet France
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 113 reviews

Les Buis

It is a XIXth century house in the French country side, totally renovated,modernised,with a lovely garden and pool, near Perpignan, the mountains and a two hours drive from Barcelona.

Overnight on trip to Little Yellow Train

Reviewed By DavidandPaula

Superb old style Chataeu. Lovely room with super bed. Public rooms and gardens lovely. Main regrets Forgot our swimsuits and early leaving to catch train meant missing breakfast. WiFi was good and town had many ATMs within short walk. Needed as you need to pay with old fashioned money.

5. Pagel

46150 Catus France
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 151 reviews

Pagel

Through Pagel, and its other location, Mas Sarrat, we aim to provide unique baby, toddler and child friendly holiday locations focussed on families and booked only to families with young children. Our ethos is to provide small familial safe places which allow your children to run free and play amongst nature, making friends and exploring their own imaginations, moving from one play zone to another, from play barn to pirate ship to the Indian village, and on. To create a magical place that allows families to spend time together, create memories that last a lifetime and to have fun and laughter!Children have all the toys, play equipment and imaginative play areas but there are also treats for Mummy and Daddy too. We offer a ‘Chef for the Night’ service, a weekly BBQ, massages, manicures and pedicures, mid stay cleans, welcome baskets, wine, adult seating areas, shaded areas with sofas near the pool, English speaking baby sitters and locally sourced homemade frozen meals.

Pagel is a unique holiday for parents with small children

Reviewed By plg101

“I’m a parrot and you are a pirate! Let’s get to the ship and make them walk the plank...” echoes across the field. Many chuckles and laughs as a gang of giddy 5,6, and 7 year olds run towards the 30ft pirate ship (I kid you not) As returners (albeit with a 4 year gap) we knew what to expect from Pagel. Travel light. No buggies or the normal extras needed when making what feels like an expedition rather than a holiday with small children. Be under no misconceptions; Pagel is not a few gites with a kids club; it is more of an institution with 60%+ returning guests. Why do we like it? The kids club is ideal, at least from 3+, and the older children (7/8/9) enjoy helping as well as playing. A few hours of peace and the teachers have lots of ideas for all ages. My 3 & 7 year olds were never bored. The pool is very clean, salt rather than chlorine, which is ideal when the kids are swimming up to 3 times a day. In the high heat it is perfect to cool off, but not too cold for the smaller children (and the little pool is also even warmer… though the little ones are often want to join in the fun in the big pool) On-site is an honesty bar with drinks, ice creams, a well stocked cupboard of staples and a range of ready made meals (both home made which were really good (I’m a fussy and demanding cook and went back for more) and easy kids-pleasers like pizza) so you are never stuck for a meal. The daily bread/croissant delivery is worth considering. What makes it special is the combination. Older kids can run free making lasting friendships on the pirate ship, trampoline or in the pool… or just playing in the shade. Younger kids play in the sandpit while adults can watch from nearby (maybe even with a nice glass of local wine). As it is aimed at British families there are no language barriers (not that kids care when playing) The weather is generally very good given how far south it is. September can cool a little but that can be equally pleasant. Bored of cooking? Have dinner at one of the restaurants or their «chef for a night». Fancy an escape? The markets at Bergerac are excellent. Cahors offers a day of exploring. Catus is a lovely village for supplies. Cazals has a nice market and an outstanding boulangerie/patisserie. The local castles offer a good distraction for all ages and some good dining options. There are many attractions we still haven't done. Need some beach? Catus has a small beach next to a lake which is very clean (and also has a playground) Is it a holiday for grown ups? No, not entirely.... BUT it is though possibly the best compromise for parents with children up to 10 (ish) with the least luggage, least queuing and the most peace and quiet with access to great French countryside and food… and if you don’t really have to leave and drive anywhere if you don’t want to! And as the sun comes down, Pagel makes for very happy, very tired children and adults who are significantly more relaxed than at the start of the week.

6. Brittany Gites

La Lohuas, 22630 Les Champs-Geraux France
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 236 reviews

Brittany Gites

A holiday in one of our self-catering holiday cottages, or gites, is the ideal way to relax with your family. Enjoy the excellent Brittany weather in this beautiful, unspoilt corner of France. Easy to get to from the UK or mainland Europe, we have the local knowledge to make your stay unforgettable. Children can help feed our animals, and can enjoy themselves in our secure play area while you let the world drift by.

Fabulous holiday

Reviewed By dylank376

This was our third stay at La Lohuas and it was wonderful to be back. It's a beautiful peaceful setting, lovely gite and my daughters (4 and 8) loved being able to play, feed the chickens and swim every day. We love Dinan and the local area too - we cycle a lot as a family - and the host Caroline is always happy to help with recommendations, directions etc.

7. Manzac d'en Bas

Lieu Dit Manzac D en Bas, 09350 Castex France
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 296 reviews

Manzac d'en Bas

Welcome to MANZAC D'EN BAS, traditional luxury self-catering holiday "gites" set in the truly spectacular, peaceful and relaxing countryside of the Ariège in South West France. It is half way between the City of Toulouse (1 hour's drive) and the Pyrenees Mountain Range, in the Arize valley between Foix and Carbonne. The three spacious, self-catering "gites", called "L'Écurie" (The Stable), "Le Logement" (The Dwelling), and " La Grange" (The Barn)after their original uses, combine traditional charm with comfort and modern amenities.

Painting

Reviewed By n0rahjanet

My second time on a painting holiday Manzac des Bas with Louise and Giles. The whole ambience of the gites, the location, the delicious food, wine. The daily trips out to paint in stunning locations then Giles arrives with an amazing picnic incredibly civilised and perfect. My big birthday with the group we were served champagne lunch and a magnificent day of food, wine, fun and laughter I could not have asked for more and never expected such celebrations. Thank you both I will return and recommend you to all my friends. Xx Norah Stocker

8. Country Kids

Le Mas Pandit, 34800 Octon France
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 118 reviews

Country Kids

Most memorable family trip

Reviewed By W4731ONanniek

There's no Country Kids without Sylvain & Laure and their hand-picked team and so it would be too impersonal to refer to this wonderful place as a "hotel". Even before we arrived, they were attentive and helpful over email. Once we pulled up to the secluded property on Saturday, Sylvain immediately greeted us at the door with the kind of warm enthusiasm that makes any child (and any parent) happy to arrive. We literally had everything ready for us (food, bed, toys, towels for the heated pool!) and our daughter was enchanted by the setting. During our stay, there was nothing that was too much to ask for, and no detail that was missed. Although you can self-cater, we opted to let ourselves be spoiled by cooked meals every day - and it truly was a culinary delight for us foodies. Laure made sure our time was well spent including on our evenings out, with reassurance that our daughter was well looked-after by Laure and the babysitter. We really look forward to coming back!

9. Domaine la Source des Fees

116 route du May Au bourg, 71960 Fuisse France
Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 167 reviews

Domaine la Source des Fees

Guest house and wine produceur

So good we stayed a second night

Reviewed By S4414PNdavidp

This was a gem of a find.well signposted large car park opposite. We were greeted with a log fire and quickly orderedw a glass of wine from the cellar. Pre ordered dinner served at eight all perfect.our room was very large and off the hall there was a second shared lounge. Breakfast was of a high standard. Leaving car in the carpark lots of vineyards with tastings a shirt walk away. Car was well loaded for trip home.we will be back.

10. Les Petites Cigognes

la Cigogne, 37240 Cussay France
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 105 reviews

Les Petites Cigognes

Les Petites Cigognes are tastefully converted barns comprising 3 luxury gites with 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms all of which have been awarded 4-stars by Val de Loire Tourisme on behalf of the French Tourist Board in October 2018. The gites are furnished to an extremely high standard and you can be assured of a thoroughly warm welcome and a relaxing stay. Enjoy the large heated swimming pool from May to September. They are located in a quiet rural area within easy reach of local amenities and all the attractions of the Loire valley as well as Paris.

Fantastic, relaxing and fun family get away.

Reviewed By bellscap19

Ian and Sandra are the perfect hosts with great local knowledge, they are very willing to recommend brilliant days out and places to eat. The gite was immaculate on arrival and full of all the home comforts you could possibly need for your stay. My children spent hours enjoying the pool and the local area is beautiful with lots to see and do. Already booked to return next year, Thank you for a wonderful break.

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