Our vacation accommodation in the countryside
Vacation villages, vacation homes and campsites
Azureva’s country vacation destinations are back to basics in a comfortable version: authentic villages where the rooster replaces the alarm clock, where children discover that cows aren’t purple, and where time stretches like caramel in the sun. After 70 years of exploring deepest France, we’ve unearthed these corners of paradise where families rediscover a taste for the simple things: picking blackberries along the paths, stargazing without light pollution, and sharing meals that taste like the real thing. Our country vacation destinations are that timeless bubble where wi-fi doesn’t work so well, but where family ties are naturally reconnected.
Vacation destinations in the countryside: a welcome return to basics
Do you hear that? No ? Exactly! It’s the sound of silence, the real thing, the one we’d forgotten about. Just the song of a blackbird in the distance, the hum of a bee doing its job, and maybe the philosophical moo of a cow brooding over its life. Vacation destinations in the countryside are that reset we all need without realizing it: that reconnection with the natural rhythm of things, where time is measured in sunrises rather than notifications, and where children rediscover that tomatoes grow on plants, not in plastic trays.
At Azureva, we’ve been cultivating our love of the countryside for 70 years. We’ve unearthed those little corners of paradise where villages still have a soul, where the baker knows your first name after three days, and where the biggest traffic jam is a flock of sheep crossing the road. Our country villages are that authentic France we thought had disappeared: the Sunday markets that smell of melon, the evenings when you can hear the crickets, and the misty mornings when the dew beads on the cobwebs. Ready to pull the plug and reconnect the neurons?
Why go on vacation in the countryside?
So let’s start with an inconvenient truth: country vacation destinations are the new luxury. Not the bling-bling luxury with infinity pool and white-gloved waiter. No, real luxury: that of time slowing down, of air that you can breathe deeply without wondering what’s inside, and of silence that finally lets you hear your own thoughts (scary at first, liberating later).
The countryside is first and foremost the natural therapy we all need. Green, everywhere, in all its shades. Scientists call it “biophilia” (love of living things), we call it the simple joy of seeing a field of wheat sway in the wind. Children discovering that chickens really do lay eggs every day (revolutionary!), that strawberries taste better when you pick them yourself, that cows are huge in real life (and that they make huge dung too, first lesson in life). This reconnection with life is a gift for the whole family.
Vacations in the countryside are also about that natural rhythm we’d forgotten. Getting up with the rooster (or not, we’re not tyrants), eating when you’re hungry and not because it’s time, going to bed when the stars come out… That natural tempo that resets the biological clock. We’ve seen families arrive stressed out, pale and speedy, only to leave relaxed and tanned (yes, you can get a tan in the countryside!), and with the glint in their eyes of those who’ve rediscovered what’s essential.
And let’s talk about what’s good for the wallet: countryside destinations are often 30 to 50% cheaper than the sea or the mountains. No “sea view” surcharge, no ski pass, no parasol at €15 a day. The countryside is sick value for money! Activities? Often free, or almost. A walk in the forest costs zero. A picnic by the river, just the price of a sausage. Watching shooting stars, totally free and a guaranteed spectacle!
Not to mention the natural “digital detox” effect. In the countryside, wifi is slow, 4G is a pain, and strangely enough… who cares? Children rediscover that they can have fun without a screen (yes, they can), parents rediscover the pleasure of reading a real book, and the whole family rediscovers board games, long discussions and laughter for nothing. This forced disconnection is a guaranteed reconnection!
What to do in the countryside
“But we’ll get bored!” Ah, the great myth of the countryside where nothing happens! Well, let us tell you that country vacation destinations are paradise for activities we’d forgotten about, those that cost nothing but are worth everything.
- The Indiana Jones of field exploration! Walks, bike rides, donkey rides for the more adventurous… Every path hides a surprise: a forgotten chapel, a century-old washhouse, a breathtaking viewpoint, a field of sunflowers perfect for a family photo. Children become explorers, finding magic sticks (all sticks are magic in the countryside), building huts, following animal tracks… Adventure is everywhere!
- Foraging, that hipster thing that’s actually great! Picking blackberries along the paths (a battle to see who has the most purple tongue), looking for mushrooms with a local guide (because fly agaric is pretty, but no thanks), picking apples straight from the tree, making your own bouquet of wild flowers… Country vacations mean a return to simple gestures that do us good. And in the evening, a tart made with the fruits of the day is priceless!
- Farm activities for real! Not the touristy thing with 3 depressed goats, no. The real farm where you can milk the cows (spoiler: it’s harder than it looks), collect the warm eggs, bottle-feed the lambs, watch the sheep being sheared… The children go crazy, the parents rediscover their childlike souls. And the farmhouse cheese tasting at the end is heaven for the taste buds!
- Nature observation, better than National Geographic! Vacation destinations in the countryside are a permanent spectacle. The ballet of swallows at sunset, deer bellowing in autumn, butterflies twirling, frogs performing their nocturnal concert… With binoculars and a little patience, it’s the French version of safari. Children become experts at recognizing footprints, while parents rediscover the patience of stalking.
- Freshwater activities! The countryside also offers rivers for swimming (the water’s cool, but at least there’s no jellyfish), ponds for fishing (you’ve got to learn to be patient), ponds for tadpole watching, canoeing on quiet little rivers… Less waves than the ocean, but more privacy!
- Local markets, a total sensory experience! The village market is Disneyland for the taste buds. Tasty tomatoes (revolutionary in 2024), cheese that stinks but tastes so good, honey from the apiary next door, jams from Granny Josette… Children discover real tastes, parents rediscover the flavors of yesteryear, and everyone leaves with their arms full of local treasures.
10 must-do country vacation activities
Because vacation destinations in the countryside are brimming with activities you can’t find anywhere else, we’ve put together a top 10 list of country experiences that are a hit every time!
- Cabin building – The ultimate activity that turns any patch of forest into an enchanted kingdom. Branches, leaves, string – it’s Koh-Lanta for kids! Parents rediscover their architect’s soul, and children develop their creativity. Don’t forget to bring a snack for a magical moment in the tree house.
- Stargazing – With no light pollution, the countryside offers a free, unlimited planetarium. The Milky Way visible to the naked eye, shooting stars in August, constellations you can learn to recognize… With a blanket, hot chocolate and a smartphone app to identify the stars, it’s off to a cosmic evening!
- Rural geocaching – a modern treasure hunt that turns the countryside into a giant playground. Using your phone’s GPS, you search for caches hidden by other adventurers. Kids love it, parents too (but pretend they don’t). Perfect for discovering secret corners!
- Local cooking workshops – Learn how to make your own bread, cheese, jam… Vacations in the countryside are the perfect opportunity to get your hands dirty in the flour! Children love to knead, parents rediscover the skills of yesteryear, and everyone enjoys a delicious snack.
- Hiking with donkeys – These big-eared companions carry picnics and motivate children to walk. Donkeys are the green 4×4 of the countryside! Endearing, stubborn at times, but oh so lovable. Kids become his best buddies in just 10 minutes.
- Natural land art – Create ephemeral works with what nature has to offer: mandalas of flowers, spirals of pebbles, sculptures of branches… The creative version of country vacation destinations. Instagram be damned!
- Introduction to ornithology – Recognizing bird songs, observing them through binoculars, keeping an observation log… Children become experts at chirping, while parents discover that a robin and a sparrow are not the same thing. Passion guaranteed!
- Storytelling evenings – Around a fire (or not, depending on the season), listen to local stories, local legends, village anecdotes… Oral tradition reigns supreme. Children shiver, parents rediscover their childlike souls.
- Orienteering in the countryside – Map, compass and off you go! Find the beacons hidden in the countryside, solve the riddles, finish first… A cerebral sport that also gets the legs moving. Families love to compete!
- 1Rural Olympics – Sack race, horseshoe pitch, tug-of-war, wheelbarrow race… These old-fashioned games are a hit! Laughter guaranteed, aches and pains too, but unforgettable memories. That’s what country vacations are all about: rediscovering the pleasure of simple games.
What should you pack for a country vacation?
A suitcase for the countryside is the art of planning for the unexpected! Between walks that end up in the mud, stubborn picking, and chilly evenings even in summer, you need to be prepared. Here’s the ultimate list, tested and approved by 70 years of country vacation destinations!
The basic equipment of the perfect countryman:
- Rubber boots. INDISPENSABLE. The countryside is muddy and damp in the morning, and cows don’t just make milk.
- Spare sneakers. Because the boots at the village restaurant are just average.
- The pants that fear nothing. Jeans, heavy canvas, whatever, but not immaculate white.
- The K-way or light raincoat. Surprise showers are a speciality of the countryside.
- Hats and caps. The sun is beating down on the fields, and shade is scarce.
The multi-layered wardrobe (because country weather is whimsical):
- Breathable cotton T-shirts
- Sweater or sweater for cool evenings (even in August, yes, yes)
- Shorts AND long pants (nettles sting)
- Swimsuit (for river, pond, natural pool)
- Comfortable pyjamas (nights in the country are a great way to get a good night’s sleep)
The anti-bestioles kit (because nature is also about that):
- Effective mosquito repellent. Country mosquitoes are tough.
- Soothing cream for bites. Because sometimes they don’t care about repellent.
- Tick remover. The unglamorous but indispensable accessory.
- Antihistamines. For those allergic to pollen and stings.
Exploration equipment :
- Backpack for walks. With room for picnics and collected treasures.
- Reusable water bottles. Tap water in the countryside is often from the source!
- Binoculars. For observing animals, birds and neighbors (no, we’re just kidding).
- Flashlight or headlamp. We don’t know about street lighting in the middle of the forest.
- Cloth bags. For picking, shopping, finding.
The country first-aid kit:
- Plenty of bandages. Skinned knees are a daily occurrence.
- Disinfectant. For the little aches and pains of adventurers.
- Arnica. For bruises and bumps.
- Sun cream. The sun in the fields, it hits.
- Lip balm. Country air dries you out.
Leisure essentials :
- Books, comics, magazines. The countryside is a reading paradise.
- Board games, cards. For evenings without screens.
- Notebooks and pencils. For drawing, noting and creating.
- Camera. Vacations in the countryside are photogenic!
- Nature guide to the region. To recognize flora and fauna.
The clever little extras:
- Garbage bags. Protect your belongings from the rain.
- Fine twine/cord. A thousand uses: improvised drying rack, tree house construction…
- Swiss Army Knife. The countryman’s multi-tool.
- Biodegradable wipes. For dirty hands on the move.
- Soft cooler. For country picnics.
Our accommodation is fully equipped for country living, and now you have everything you need to make the most of your country destinations!
Book early to enjoy the best country vacation destinations at the best price
So look out for the scoop: country vacation destinations are the new hot commodity that everyone is starting to discover. Gone are the days when the countryside was plan B when everything else was full. Now it’s THE number 1 choice for smart families, and it’s filling up fast!
The financial jackpot of early booking: booking your vacation in the countryside early means saving between 25% and 35% on your stay. We’ve done the math (we’re good at math at Azureva): a family booking in February for July saves the equivalent of a week’s supply of organic fruit and vegetables at the local market, or 15 tickets to the educational farm, or 25 jars of home-made jam. Or the entire holiday’s aperitif budget, priorities!
The smart country calendar :
- January-February: the golden moment! Everything’s available, prices are low, you’ve got the choice!
- March-April: more great offers, especially for June and September (the best periods).
- May: it’s starting to warm up for summer, but we’re still finding
- June: hot for July-August, but the other months remain accessible
- July: you take the leftovers, and it’s not always the best.
Here’s the thing nobody knows: country vacation destinations in September-October are heaven! Autumn colors, harvests, perfect temperatures, villages all to yourself… But hush, keep it a secret!
The hidden benefits of booking early for the campaign:
- Choose THE gîte with THE view over the fields (not the parking lot)
- Book cool activities (nature courses, farm workshops)
- Organize carpooling with friends
- Plan the right dates for local events (village fête, night market)
- Spread payment over several months (banker says thank you)
The fatal error: believing there’s always room in the countryside. FALSE! Good spots, nice accommodations, ideal weeks, they’re going like hotcakes. Especially now that everyone has discovered that country vacations are the ultimate bargain. We’ve seen families desperately searching in June for August, only to find something 2 hours’ drive away. Sad.
An insider’s tip: May bank holidays and short school vacations in the countryside are the hottest times of the year! But regulars know this and book 6 months in advance. If you want to spend your Ascension long weekend in the countryside, December is now or never!
Here’s a little tip that’s worth its weight in gold: set a “Book summer campaign” alert in January. The first few months of the year are the sweet spot for smart bookings. You’ll thank us when you’re sipping your homemade lemonade on the terrace overlooking the sunflowers!
Why book a country vacation with Azureva?
It’s the moment of truth when we tell you why Azureva and country vacation destinations are the perfect match, like cheese and wine, like children and mud puddles!
We’re not born-again neo-rurals! We’ve been making the countryside our playground for 70 years. We know the places where the fireflies still dance in the evening, where the baker really bakes his bread, where the cows have names. Our local teams are not Parisians in retraining.
(nothing against them, we love them), they’re real people who can tell you where to find the best porcini mushrooms, which path to avoid after the rain, or where to see the deer in the early morning. This local knowledge is our treasure.
Our villages are authentic countryside without the drawbacks! We’ve chosen places that have kept their soul: the bell tower that chimes the hours, the grocery store that serves as a café, the square where old-timers re-enact the world. But with modern comforts: wifi (which works… more or less), cosy accommodation, family-friendly facilities. Azureva’s country vacation destinations offer the best of both worlds: authenticity without the hassle!
The nature version of the kids’ club! Our entertainers are country magicians. Hut building, insect hunting, herbarium creation, land art… The kids come back in the evening with stars in their eyes and dirt under their fingernails (sorry about the laundry). “Mom, I saw a hedgehog!”, “Dad, we built a dam!”, “I learned to recognize the song of the blackbird!”… Parents can take a romantic stroll while the kids live their best life.
The Gallic village atmosphere! With us, it’s either friendly or not. Aperitifs on the communal terrace where everyone brings their own local speciality, games evenings where families mingle, giant barbecues where everyone pitches in… A country vacation means rediscovering the village spirit, where people talk to each other, help each other out and share. No anonymous room numbers, here you’re called by your first name!
Authentic dining! When we offer full board or half board, it’s all about local, real, good food. Vegetables from the vegetable garden next door, meat from a local producer, cheeses that stink but we love… Our cooks know grandma’s heart-warming recipes. And for those who prefer to cook, our gîtes are fully equipped, and we can give you all the addresses you need.
Local partnerships that change everything! The farmer who shows you around his farm, the nature guide who knows all the secrets, the craftsman who offers workshops, the bike hire company who gives you a good deal… Over the past 70 years, we’ve built up a network of friends who make your country vacation a unique experience. No need to search, negotiate or struggle. We’ve got you covered!
The right price! The countryside at Azureva is affordable. No “cow view” surcharges, no “fresh air” surcharges. You pay for a real vacation, not for bling. Value for money is our obsession. Our mission is to ensure that everyone can afford to get back to basics.
Above all, we’re thrilled by the campaign! When we see a family discovering the simple pleasure of collecting warm eggs, children who prefer to build huts rather than play games, parents who find the time to really talk… That’s the way we like it! Azureva’s country vacation destinations aren’t just about renting a cottage in the countryside. It’s about experiencing the real countryside, the kind that reconnects, soothes and feels good.
To sum up your next vacation in a country destination
Can you hear the call of the fields? That desire to slow down, to breathe, to get back to basics? Country vacation destinations are that enchanted interlude where time stretches out, where children rediscover nature, where parents rediscover the serenity they thought they’d lost.
At Azureva, we’re waiting for you with our charming villages, our advice from true country folk, our family atmosphere, and this simple promise: vacations in the countryside that taste of authenticity and shared happiness. Where every day brings its own little marvel, where the evenings stretch out slowly, where you think “why didn’t we think of that before?
Nature is waiting for you, the crickets are tuning their violins, and we’ve already prepared the carafe of homemade lemonade for your arrival. Now all you have to do is choose your green paradise and book (now, not in 3 months!).
Because the countryside isn’t has-been, it’s the new luxury: time regained.