18 French Cottages That'll Give You Wanderlust

The idea of vacationing in the French countryside instantly conjures up chic and sophisticated visions of white wine lunches, the overwhelming fragrance of flowers and fresh-baked baguette, and a permanent state of golden hour that just can’t be replicated in the woods stateside.

Dreaming of escaping to the French countryside for some rest and relaxation? We are too—which is why we’ve rounded up some of the most picturesque countryside cottages in France. From tiny cabins in the South of France to artfully designed villas in the Loire Valley, these countryside retreats deserve a spot on your vision board.

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Hints of Foliage

Tim / Airbnb

French country style is not complete without a hint of indigenous French foliage—like climbing vines or lilacs. This country cottage in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park exudes French country flair thanks to its powder blue French doors set against beautifully curated climbing vines.

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Plenty of Space to Gather

provencallife

When it comes to French country homes, outdoor space reigns supreme—especially in the warmer climates. This charming cottage house in the South of France might be compact, but there’s more than enough outdoor entertaining space to waste away the afternoon with good wine and conversation under the sun.

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A Forested French Retreat

provencallife

Perched in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire, this charming cottage in the woods looks as if it was pulled out of an oil painting. The classic stucco siding and terracotta roof is complemented by turquoise blue shutters and doors, and an abundance of climbing vines and florals.

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Where Rustic Meets Chic

lou_in_paris

Between the charming mansard roofline and elegant brick siding, this country cottage exudes a certain charm that you can’t replicate in the city. The exterior aesthetic is made even more inviting thanks to the carefully manicured landscaping; a combination of natural vines and creamy landscaping rocks.

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Waterfall of Roses

Tim / Airbnb

When you think of a French country getaway, what comes to mind? This gorgeous cottage looks as if it was pulled directly out of our idyllic European countryside escape thanks to the elaborate stonework, rustic barn-inspired doors, and hot pink shutters that match the waterfall of roses climbing over the front doors.

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Terracotta Tiling

saignon_fr

Terracotta roof tiling and intricate brickwork are a quintessentially French combination—especially in warmer climates in the South of France. The traditional beige colored brickwork is highlighted by light blue window treatments and just a touch of wild foliage to complete the countryside appeal.

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A Modern Take on Mediterranean

lou_in_paris

Located in Rogliano, Haute-Corse, this new French country home marries typical French and modern Mediterranean style, resulting in a unique take on cottage aesthetic that’s both rustic and clean. Featuring elaborate barn-inspired windows that bring the outside indoors, a concrete terrace, and an ornate terracotta tiled roof, this cozy cottage is the ideal combination of classic and modern.

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Great Gable Dormer Windows

angelikainmexico

Tucked just off the coast of the English Channel in Pleneuf-Val-Andre, this stunning French cottage is exactly what comes to mind when dreaming up countryside vacation spots in France. The cottage has all the typical French country characteristics: a prominent roof with dormer windows, a touch of terracotta tiling, and an elegant mix of brickwork and stucco siding.

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Flourishing Foliage and Thoughtful Landscaping

Carrie Anne James for French is Beautiful

This incredibly charming getaway in Médoc comes as the perfect destination for grazing on charcuterie and wine and soaking up the summertime sun. The stucco siding and outdoor seating are made more cozy thanks to the flourishing foliage, wild flowers, and mature vines throughout the property.

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Stone House by the Sea

Unsplash

This stunning stone house by the sea looks as though it has been frozen in time thanks to the untouched original brick work, muted hip roof, and bright blue shutters. The charming brick home is made even more appealing thanks to the charming vines and bright pink flowers planted throughout the property.

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L’art de Villa

provencallife

Although the idea of a French country home typically conjures up images of quaint brick-lined cottages, there’s something to be said about an architecturally-minded villa on the sea. This Provencal villa combines modern Mediterranean finishings like a second floor terrace and massive floor-to-ceiling windows, but it also has hints of traditional cottage design, like stucco siding and terracotta roof.

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A Fortified Retreat

provencallife

Tucked into Oppedette, this charming cottage features elegant brick work, terracotta roof, and a cream colored path and garden—making it a great spot for afternoon drinks. The rustic home is also complete with its own brick-lined fortification.

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Stylish Built-in Sunroom

Unsplash

Rustic meets modern at this charming countryside escape. The cozy cottage features large dormer windows, climbing vines, and a mixed brick facade—but the renovations also made way for a modern sunroom for catching rays or enjoying a rainy day inside.

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Colorful Barn Door-Inspired Shutters

provencallife

Before they were borrowed by farmhouse design enthusiasts, barn door-inspired sliding doors and shutters were a well-loved aspect of French country design. This charming cottage places emphasis on the traditional style by featuring bright seafoam green shutters set against a more muted siding colorway.

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La Vie en Rosé

Kaitlyn McInnis

Tucked into an organic vineyard in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, this charming cottage at Château L'Hospitalet offers the ideal combination of modern finishes and rustic French characteristics. From the cascading magenta florals and intricate brickwork to the olive green entrance and floor-to-ceiling bay window, this is where you'd want to turn into after a glass—or two—of natural French rosé.

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Centuries-old Country Home

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If walls could talk, this old cottage would have a lot of stories to tell! The centuries-old country home in Gironde, France offers all the traditional French design features you’d expect: stucco siding, barn doors and shutters, and a muted pitched roof with brick-lined chimneys that likely dates back to its original build.

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Rock and Roll

Tim / Airbnb

This French country cottage in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France features an ornate stonework and stucco siding that offers both a traditional and rustic feel to the exterior. The elaborate stonework is complemented by more modern window treatments with burnt wood finishing.

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Vines and Roses

Beth Kirby for La Peetch

This Provencal country escape exudes traditional French flair by way of its classic stucco exterior, brickwork, and abundant outdoor foliage and dining space. The charming space, known as La Pitchoune, or La Peetch, was actually built by Paul and Julia Child—and is said to be where Child penned her classic cookbooks “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” Volumes I and II.