Can’t stand people? Does the very idea of socializing give you asthma? Were you on the verge of freaking out when the car next door stole your parking space? Maybe it’s time to take a break. We invite you to discover 8 private islands – all in France, that’s right! – where you can take your buddies and family (or not, maybe you can’t stand them either) for a relaxing break away from this “crazy world”… Here are the French islands you can rent with just one click on Airbnb. You can breathe easy.
1. A house on a remote island in Côtes d’Armor (Penvénan, Brittany)
In this pretty stone house, you’ll experience a fairytale weekend on Coz Castel, a private Breton island located 200 m from the mainland and accessible by car or on foot at low tide.
Where to go? Penvénan, 2 hours by car from Rennes
How much does it cost? 290€/night – 2 nights minimum
We love: the feeling of being on the open sea
2. A Finnish-style chalet on stilts (Reffuveille, Normandy)
Was the island bivouac with limited access to technology a little too much for you? Then we’ve come up with this in-between solution: a charming cottage with a Finnish countryside feel, where you can stay with your feet (almost) in the water.
Where is it? Reffuveille, 1h15 drive from Rennes
How much does it cost? 208.70€/night – 5 nights minimum
We love: the chalet’s all-wood interior, an absolute charm.
3. A country residence surrounded by water in the Dordogne (Saint-Sylvain, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
Set on a hill in the commune of Saint-Sylvain (at the gateway to the Dordogne), Espace Champêtre brings together an authentic stone house and large areas of greenery (almost entirely) encircled by streams.
Where is it? Saint-Sylvain, 1h20 drive from Limoges
How much does it cost? 82€/night – 2 nights minimum
We love: the horizon of rolling hills as far as the eye can see
4. A house lost on a pond with sauna and jacuzzi (Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
On a private island, you’ll sleep in the heart of a typical Périgord house, to the sole sound of the gentle lapping of the pond water. Its terrace on stilts makes for sumptuous romantic breakfasts in the heart of nature.
Where to find us? Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes, 1h10 drive from Bordeaux
How much does it cost? 185€/night
We love: the sauna and jacuzzi, of course!
5. An 18th-century water mill and its private island (Iteuil, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
It’s hard not to fall in love with this picturesque 250 m2 water mill, set in the heart of an entirely private island. Canoeing and exploring the Marais Poitevin await you…
Where to find us? Iteuil, 20 min drive from Poitiers
How much does it cost? 80€/night – 7 nights minimum
We love: sleeping in a water mill is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
6. A large gîte with swimming pool on an islet in the Vienne (Saint-Priest-sous-Aixe, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
Set in a 15-hectare property on one of the Vienne river’s islets, you’ll enjoy a peaceful setting where all sources of recreation come together: swimming pool, sauna, rowing boat, canoes, table tennis and table soccer.
Where to find us? Maillé, 25 min drive from Limoges
How much does it cost? 179€/night – 2 nights minimum
We like: the gîte has two large private promenades with numerous accesses to the river.
7. A listed 16th-century mini castle on a semi-private island (Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
We’re not going to lie to you: l’Île Barbe isn’t totally private (the château where you’ll be staying is), but this atypical and grandiose 16th-century listed residence, nestled in the hollow of the Saône River, is truly a dream come true.
Where is it? In Lyon, a 20-minute drive from the city center
How much does it cost? 200€/night
We love: the feeling of a trip to the heart of nature, yet just a stone’s throw from Lyon.
8. A boat moored on a semi-private island on the Côte d’Azur (Les Embiez, PACA)
L’Île des Embiez is a jewel in the Toulon region, where you can get away from it all in a beautiful 8.30-meter sailboat for two or three people. Let’s board!
Where is it? Île des Embiez, 30 min by car + 12 min by boat from Toulon.
How much does it cost? 49€/night
We love: sleeping on a boat!
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