When it comes to planning a proper getaway in France, holiday villages have become a firm favourite for families, couples, groups, and pensioners alike. These all-in-one destinations offer far more than your standard hotel stay, combining comfortable accommodation with a host of activities, entertainment, and facilities that cater to every age and interest. From the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast to the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, France's holiday villages provide diverse experiences that blend relaxation with adventure. As we look ahead to 2026, five standout operators continue to shape the landscape of French holiday experiences, each bringing their own unique character and offerings to the table.
| Operator | Azureva | VTF Vacances | Belambra Clubs | Villages Clubs du Soleil | Prairies de la Mer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Locations | 36 locations across France | Network throughout France (less extensive than competitors) | Multiple properties throughout France | Properties in French Alps and Pyrenees | Single location near Port Grimaud, French Riviera |
| Accommodation Types | Hotels, holiday residences, campsites; full/half board and self-catering options | Holiday residences and villa rentals; emphasis on self-catering with restaurant options | Hotels, holiday residences, holiday villages; varying service levels | Holiday residences and hotels; functional comfort; self-catering and full/half board | Camping pitches, mobile homes, villa rentals; primarily self-catering |
| Facilities & Activities | Swimming pools with tropical water parks, wellness centres, spas, sports facilities (tennis, golf), proximity to slopes/beaches | Swimming pools, sports facilities; emphasis on nature surroundings and hiking; fewer luxury wellness facilities | Elaborate water parks, wellness centres, spas, tennis courts, fitness centres; comprehensive facilities | Impressive tropical water parks, wellness centres, spas, tennis courts, multi-purpose sports spaces | Extensive swimming pools complex (lazy rivers, water slides), beach access, tennis courts, spa, fitness centre, multi-sport facilities |
| Entertainment & Kids Clubs | Supervised kids clubs (baby to teenager), evening entertainment, themed evenings; comprehensive age-specific programmes | Kids clubs with activities encouraging engagement with nature and local culture; less regimented approach | Well-organised entertainment with dedicated teams, shows, themed evenings; comprehensive kids clubs (baby to teenager) | Notably ambitious entertainment with professional shows; age-specific kids clubs (toddler to teenager); lively atmosphere | Comprehensive kids clubs across age groups, ambitious evening entertainment programme, themed evenings; vibrant social scene |
| Value Proposition | Strong value for money; early booking discounts, last-minute deals, payment instalments; accepts ANCV vouchers; loyalty programmes | Rooted in accessibility and social tourism; emphasis on affordability; accepts holiday vouchers including ANCV; non-profit status | Mid-range positioning; all-inclusive packages available; early booking discounts, payment instalments; strong loyalty programme | Emphasis on comprehensive all-inclusive packages; early booking discounts, payment instalments; accepts ANCV vouchers | Premium pricing during peak summer periods; early booking discounts available; accepts ANCV vouchers; variable value by season |
| Best Suited For | Families, couples, groups, pensioners; those seeking hassle-free all-in-one holidays across diverse locations | Budget-conscious families; couples and seniors seeking quieter atmosphere; those prioritising nature and outdoor activities | Families seeking comprehensive facilities; ski holiday enthusiasts; those wanting balanced active and relaxing options | Active families with children; those who enjoy lively entertainment and social atmosphere; ski holiday enthusiasts | Families committed to French Riviera seaside holidays; those wanting extensive facilities at one location; camping enthusiasts |
Azureva
Azureva has carved out a distinctive niche in the French holiday village market by offering comprehensive stays that genuinely cater to everyone from tiddlers to pensioners. Rather than simply providing a bed for the night, Azureva creates an entire ecosystem of holiday experiences spread across 36 locations throughout France. These destinations span an impressive variety of settings, including seaside retreats, mountain hideaways, countryside escapes, lakeside spots, and even city-based options, ensuring that whether you're after beach access or altitude locations, there's something that fits the bill.
What sets Azureva apart is the proper family-friendly atmosphere that permeates every aspect of their holiday villages. Parents find themselves with genuine free time, a luxury often hard to come by on family holidays, thanks to supervised kids clubs that cater to different age groups from baby clubs right through to teenager clubs. These aren't merely babysitting services but thoughtfully designed programmes that keep young ones entertained and engaged whilst giving mums and dads a chance to enjoy wellness facilities, take advantage of the spas, or simply relax by the swimming pools without constant demands for attention.
The accommodation options demonstrate Azureva's understanding that different groups have different needs. Full or half board arrangements suit those who want meals sorted without the fuss, whilst self-catering options in their holiday residences appeal to families who prefer a bit more flexibility. The campsites offer a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing access to the facilities and entertainment that make Azureva holidays special. Hotels provide a touch more comfort for couples holidays or senior holidays where a bit of pampering is appreciated.
Value for money remains a cornerstone of the Azureva proposition. Through early booking discounts, last-minute deals, and flexible payment instalments, they've made quality holiday experiences accessible to a broader range of families. The acceptance of ANCV vouchers and participation in VACAF holidays further demonstrates their commitment to making holidays achievable for everyone. Loyalty programmes reward returning guests, whilst referral discounts encourage satisfied customers to spread the word.
The facilities on offer at Azureva villages are genuinely comprehensive. Swimming pools often include tropical water parks for the children, whilst wellness centres and spas cater to adults seeking relaxation. Sports facilities cover everything from tennis courts to golf courses, and the proximity to slopes at mountain locations or proximity to beaches at coastal sites means outdoor activities are always close at hand. Evening entertainment, themed evenings, and restaurants serving proper French cuisine create a social atmosphere where families naturally connect with one another.
Azureva's approach to customer satisfaction extends beyond the holiday itself. Booking online is straightforward, though telephone bookings remain available for those who prefer a chat. Their cancellation policies are clearly explained, and travel insurance options are presented during the booking process. For winter holidays, ski passes and ski equipment hire can be arranged in advance, whilst excursions and outdoor activities can be booked to enhance summer holidays. This attention to the practicalities of holiday planning removes much of the stress that can accompany organising a family getaway.
The pet-friendly accommodation available at many Azureva sites means the whole family, including furry mates, can come along. This thoughtful inclusion recognises that for many, leaving pets behind diminishes the holiday experience. Similarly, the variety of locations means Azureva can cater to different holiday preferences throughout the year, from skiing holidays in Les Menuires, Val Thorens, La Clusaz, and Les Karellis during winter holidays to beach-based relaxation in Anglet, Hossegor, Île d'Oléron, and Lacanau during the summer months.
For those drawn to the glamour of the French Riviera, Azureva locations near Port Grimaud, Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Nice offer access to the Mediterranean coast's most celebrated destinations whilst maintaining the village atmosphere that makes their holidays feel authentic rather than commercialised. Similarly, sites in Brittany and along the Atlantic coast provide a different coastal character, one perhaps more rugged but equally appealing.
The all-inclusive packages available at Azureva remove the constant mental arithmetic that can plague holidays where every activity, meal, and amenity comes with an additional charge. Knowing that entertainment, kids clubs, and most activities are included allows families to truly relax and enjoy their time together. This comprehensive approach to holiday experiences, combined with the emphasis on making holidays dead easy to organise and enjoy, positions Azureva as a strong contender for families seeking hassle-free getaways in 2026.
Vtf vacances
VTF Vacances approaches the holiday village concept with a distinctive philosophy rooted in accessibility and social tourism. This operator has built its reputation on providing quality holiday experiences that remain within reach of families who might otherwise find such getaways beyond their means. The organisation's commitment to value for money doesn't translate to bare-bones experiences but rather to thoughtfully designed holidays that maximise what's included whilst keeping costs reasonable.
The range of holiday destinations France-wide covered by VTF matches Azureva's geographical diversity, with properties scattered from the Pyrenees to the French Alps, from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean coast, and throughout the countryside in between. Each location retains a character that reflects its surroundings, whether that's a mountain village with proximity to slopes ideal for skiing holidays or a coastal residence within walking distance of the beach, perfect for seaside holidays.
VTF's accommodation typically leans towards holiday residences and villa rentals rather than hotel-style setups, a choice that particularly suits families and groups who appreciate having separate spaces and the option for self-catering. This doesn't mean guests are left entirely to their own devices for meals, as many VTF locations offer restaurants serving buffet meals that showcase regional French cuisine. The flexibility to choose between preparing your own breakfast whilst enjoying communal dinners creates a balance between independence and social interaction.
Children's activities feature prominently in VTF's offering, with kids clubs designed to keep youngsters entertained across different age brackets. The approach tends to be slightly less regimented than some operators, with activities that encourage children to engage with the natural surroundings and local culture. Sports facilities are generally good, covering the basics that active families appreciate, from swimming pools to outdoor courts for various games.
What VTF perhaps lacks in flashy wellness facilities or tropical water parks, it compensates for through its emphasis on nature surroundings and hiking holidays. Many VTF locations are positioned in areas of outstanding natural beauty where the landscape itself becomes the entertainment. This approach particularly resonates with families who want to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other and the outdoors.
The booking process with VTF is straightforward, with booking online being the primary method, though customer service by telephone remains available. Early booking discounts and special offers appear regularly, particularly for school holiday dates when demand is highest. The acceptance of holiday vouchers, including ANCV vouchers, and participation in subsidised holiday schemes ensures that VTF remains true to its social tourism roots.
For couples holidays and senior holidays, VTF offers a slightly different proposition than child-focused operators. The quieter, more intimate atmosphere at many locations appeals to those seeking relaxation rather than constant entertainment. The catering services, whilst perhaps less elaborate than at luxury accommodation elsewhere, provide hearty, satisfying meals that don't require any effort from guests who've chosen full or half board options.
VTF's network isn't as extensive as some competitors, which can be seen as either a limitation or a sign of focused quality. Each property receives attention and investment to maintain standards, and the organisation's non-profit status means that revenue is reinvested into improving facilities rather than being distributed to shareholders. This approach creates a virtuous circle where satisfied customers return year after year, confident that their chosen destination will meet expectations.
Belambra clubs
Belambra Clubs occupies an interesting middle ground in the French holiday village market, offering more polish and comprehensive facilities than budget operators whilst remaining more accessible than luxury resorts. The brand operates throughout France with particular strength in mountain locations where their proximity to slopes makes them a natural choice for winter holidays and skiing holidays. Properties in Les Menuires, Val Thorens, and other prime Alpine locations have established Belambra as a serious player in the ski holiday market.
The summer portfolio is equally impressive, with coastal properties along the Mediterranean coast and Atlantic coast that provide direct beach access and a full complement of seaside holiday amenities. The emphasis on swimming pools extends to elaborate water parks at some locations, creating aquatic playgrounds that keep children entertained for hours. These aren't afterthoughts but centrepiece facilities that demonstrate Belambra's understanding of what families value.
Accommodation at Belambra spans hotels, holiday residences, and holiday villages, each category offering different levels of service and independence. The hotels provide a more pampered experience with daily room service and comprehensive catering services, whilst the residences offer self-catering flexibility with the option to purchase meal plans. This range allows families to choose the level of service that matches their preferences and budget.
Entertainment at Belambra is notably well-organised, with dedicated teams creating themed evenings, shows, and activities that bring guests together. The kids clubs are comprehensive, covering baby clubs for the very young through to teenager clubs that keep adolescents engaged with age-appropriate activities. This attention to different age groups means that families with children spanning various ages can find suitable activities for everyone.
Sports facilities at Belambra properties tend to be extensive, often including tennis courts, fitness centres, and activity programmes led by qualified instructors. Wellness centres and spas feature at many locations, providing proper treatments and facilities rather than token gestures towards wellness. The combination of active and relaxing options creates a balanced holiday experience where guests can energise themselves or unwind according to their mood.
Belambra's approach to value for money differs slightly from budget operators in that they position themselves as offering comprehensive experiences worth the investment. All-inclusive packages bundle accommodation, meals, entertainment, and activities into single prices that, whilst perhaps higher upfront, eliminate the constant additional charges that can mount up elsewhere. Early booking discounts and last-minute deals provide opportunities to secure better rates, whilst payment instalments spread the cost across several months.
The loyalty programme rewards regular Belambra customers with benefits that improve with continued patronage. These aren't merely token gestures but meaningful advantages including priority booking for popular dates, exclusive special offers, and room upgrades. For families who find a Belambra property they love, this creates strong incentives to return year after year.
Customer satisfaction scores for Belambra tend to be strong, with particular praise for the quality of catering services and the professionalism of entertainment teams. The restaurants at Belambra properties often serve buffet meals with good variety and quality, moving beyond basic fare to include dishes that reflect regional specialities. The French cuisine on offer doesn't sacrifice authenticity for mass appeal, creating meals that please both adults and children.
Belambra's cancellation policies are clearly explained during booking, and the option to add travel insurance provides peace of mind. For skiing holidays, the convenience of organising ski passes and ski equipment hire through Belambra simplifies the planning process. Similarly, excursions and activities can be pre-booked, ensuring availability for popular experiences.
The physical locations of Belambra properties demonstrate careful selection, whether that's the proximity to beaches at coastal sites or proximity to slopes at mountain villages. This attention to location means less time spent travelling to activities and more time enjoying them. The nature surroundings at many properties provide beautiful settings that enhance the holiday experience beyond the facilities themselves.
Villages clubs du soleil
Villages Clubs du Soleil brings a distinctive energy to the French holiday village sector, with properties that emphasise lively entertainment and comprehensive activities alongside quality accommodation. The brand's strength lies particularly in mountain locations, where modern facilities combine with traditional Alpine charm to create appealing bases for skiing holidays and summer mountain activities alike. Properties in the French Alps and Pyrenees showcase this approach, offering direct proximity to slopes during winter and access to hiking holidays and outdoor activities when the snow melts.
The entertainment programmes at Villages Clubs du Soleil are notably ambitious, with professional teams creating shows, themed evenings, and activities that keep guests engaged throughout their stay. This isn't background entertainment but headline-worthy productions that give holidays a resort feel. The atmosphere tends to be energetic and social, appealing to families who enjoy a lively holiday environment where meeting other guests and participating in group activities is part of the fun.
Children's facilities receive significant investment, with kids clubs designed around age-specific needs from toddler facilities through to teenager clubs. The programmes combine supervision with genuine engagement, creating experiences that children remember long after the holiday ends. Parents consistently praise the quality of childcare, noting that children actively look forward to club sessions rather than merely tolerating them.
Accommodation standards at Villages Clubs du Soleil tend towards the comfortable end of the spectrum, with well-maintained holiday residences and hotels that provide pleasant spaces to return to after active days. The emphasis is on functional comfort rather than luxury, with rooms that meet family needs without unnecessary frills. Self-catering options provide flexibility, whilst full or half board arrangements remove the planning burden from those who prefer meals organised for them.
The swimming pools at Villages Clubs du Soleil properties are often impressive affairs, with some locations featuring elaborate tropical water parks that become destinations in themselves. These aquatic centres provide entertainment regardless of weather, a particularly valuable feature during transitional seasons when outdoor conditions can be unpredictable. Wellness facilities complement the active options, offering spas and wellness centres where adults can unwind whilst children are occupied elsewhere.
Sports facilities cover a broad range, from tennis courts to multi-purpose spaces for various activities. Organised sports sessions led by qualified instructors appeal to those who enjoy structured activities, whilst the facilities remain available for informal use. The combination of guided and independent options creates flexibility that suits different holiday styles.
Villages Clubs du Soleil's approach to value for money emphasises what's included rather than what costs extra. The all-inclusive packages available at many properties bundle accommodation, meals, entertainment, and activities into comprehensive prices that allow guests to budget accurately from the outset. This transparency appeals to families who want to avoid the unpleasant surprises that can come from constantly paying for extras.
Booking online with Villages Clubs du Soleil is streamlined and efficient, with clear presentation of what's included and what's optional. Early booking discounts provide incentives to plan ahead, whilst payment instalments spread costs across manageable periods. The acceptance of holiday vouchers, including ANCV vouchers, demonstrates accessibility commitments that extend beyond pure commercial considerations.
For skiing holidays, Villages Clubs du Soleil properties in key Alpine resorts offer comprehensive packages that can include ski passes, ski equipment hire, and lessons, creating one-stop solutions that simplify the complex logistics of winter sports holidays. The proximity to slopes at these locations means less time travelling and more time enjoying the mountains. During summer, the same locations transform into bases for hiking holidays, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities that take advantage of Alpine scenery.
The restaurants at Villages Clubs du Soleil serve buffet meals with good variety, balancing French cuisine with international options that appeal to varied tastes. The quality tends to be solid if not exceptional, providing satisfying meals that fuel active days without becoming highlights in themselves. Themed evenings add interest to the dining experience, creating social occasions that encourage interaction among guests.
Customer satisfaction with Villages Clubs du Soleil tends to highlight the entertainment and children's activities as particular strengths, with accommodation and catering receiving solid if less enthusiastic endorsements. This profile makes the brand particularly suitable for families with active children who prioritise activities and entertainment over accommodation luxury.
Prairies de la Mer
Prairies de la Mer occupies a unique position in this comparison as a single, exceptionally well-developed holiday village rather than a network of properties. Located on the French Riviera near Port Grimaud, this extensive campsite and holiday residence complex offers a different model focused on depth of facilities at one location rather than breadth across multiple sites. The setting between the Mediterranean coast and protected natural areas creates an enviable balance of beach access and nature surroundings.
The accommodation options at Prairies de la Mer span camping pitches, mobile homes, and more substantial villa rentals, creating flexibility across different budgets and preferences. The campsite areas maintain a relaxed, informal atmosphere that appeals to families who enjoy the outdoor camping experience but with access to comprehensive facilities. The villa rentals provide more substantial accommodation with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and private outdoor spaces, suitable for larger families or groups seeking more independence.
What truly distinguishes Prairies de la Mer is the exceptional range of facilities concentrated at this single location. The swimming pools complex rivals what you'd find at dedicated water parks, with multiple pools including dedicated children's areas, lazy rivers, and water slides that provide hours of entertainment. The beach access means families can choose between pool and sea swimming, adding variety to water-based activities.
Sports facilities at Prairies de la Mer are extensive, covering tennis courts, multi-sport pitches, volleyball courts, and organised sports activities. The scale of the site allows for facilities that would be economically challenging at smaller locations. Wellness facilities include a spa offering treatments and a fitness centre with modern equipment, providing options for adults seeking relaxation or activity beyond family programming.
Children's activities at Prairies de la Mer are comprehensive, with kids clubs covering different age groups and entertainment programmes that keep youngsters engaged. The scale allows for multiple simultaneous activities, meaning children can choose programmes matching their interests rather than participating in one-size-fits-all sessions. Teenager clubs recognise that adolescents have different needs, providing spaces and activities designed around their preferences.
The entertainment programme at Prairies de la Mer is ambitious, with evening shows, themed evenings, and activities that create a resort atmosphere. The social scene is naturally vibrant given the concentration of guests at one location, creating opportunities for families to connect with others. This social dimension appeals to some whilst potentially feeling overwhelming to those preferring quieter holidays.
Catering options acknowledge the self-catering emphasis of camping and residence accommodation, with on-site restaurants and takeaway options available for those who don't want to cook every meal. The restaurants serve a mix of French cuisine and international dishes, balancing quality with the volume demands of serving a large site. Buffet meals are available during peak periods, whilst à la carte options provide more choice during quieter times.
Value for money at Prairies de la Mer varies depending on accommodation choice and season. Peak summer periods command premium prices reflecting the high demand for French Riviera locations with beach access, whilst shoulder seasons offer better value. Early booking discounts reward planning ahead, and the acceptance of ANCV vouchers provides accessibility for families using these schemes.
The booking process emphasises booking online, with comprehensive information about accommodation types, facilities, and what's included. The scale of the site means clear maps and descriptions are essential for understanding different areas and their characteristics. Payment instalments spread costs, whilst cancellation policies provide some flexibility should circumstances change.
For families committed to seaside holidays on the Mediterranean coast, Prairies de la Mer offers a compelling package combining location, facilities, and flexibility. The proximity to Port Grimaud, Saint-Tropez, and other French Riviera destinations provides excursion options, whilst the comprehensive on-site facilities mean enjoyable holidays are possible without leaving the complex. This concentration of everything in one location appeals to those who prefer settling into one spot rather than touring multiple destinations.
The pet-friendly accommodation at Prairies de la Mer recognises that camping holidays in particular often include furry family members. The natural surroundings provide pleasant walking routes, though restrictions apply in certain areas during peak periods to maintain comfort for all guests.
Customer satisfaction with Prairies de la Mer tends to highlight the exceptional facilities and location as primary strengths, with the atmosphere and social scene receiving more mixed feedback depending on individual preferences. Those who thrive in lively, busy environments rate the experience highly, whilst families preferring quieter, more intimate settings sometimes find the scale overwhelming. The quality of accommodation receives variable reviews depending on specific units, with newer mobile homes and villas scoring better than older stock.