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A long winter let is when the owner of self catering holiday accommodation in France such as a villa, farmhouse, cottage or chalet, also make their property available to rent for longer periods over the winter months.
Because winter lets are for longer periods than usual, and take place at a quieter time of year, rental fees are usually much less than for summer lets. This makes long winter lets an affordable way to seek out milder weather, enjoy inspirational tranquillity, or even try out living in France before you make the commitment to move there permanently.
Your Guide to Long Winter Lets in France
The term and duration of your long winter let can be flexible but is usually from 1 to 6 months. If you don't have a permanent UK address as well, either owned or rented, then your furnished holiday let in France could be classed as your main residence and a minimum 12 month lease may then be obligatory.
Off season lettings can typically have all the facilities you'd expect from a summer letting such as furnishings, laundry, cleaning and so on. Depending on the area of France you are planning to stay in, you may want to check some other features of the property such as heating systems and fuel costs, and seasonal opening times of local attractions.
If you are using a long term letting to try out life in France as a precursor to relocating there permanently, then consider staying at two or three different properties for a few months each, to gain a real insight into the different cultures of areas and regions in France.
Enjoy A Better Climate Over Winter With A Long Term Let
If you simply can't face the prospect of a long and dull British winter, a long winter let can be a great way for you to follow the sun without the expense of buying your own holiday property, especially if you are retired and have the flexibility to live abroad for several months.
For example the average maximum temperature in January can be a very comfortable 10 degree Celsius in Aquitaine and over 12 degrees in Provence, more than double the average temperature in most of the UK at that time of year. And France is still near enough to be able to pop back and see family at Christmas - but better still, have them come to you at your rustic French farmhouse!
Use A Long Winter Let To Find Creative Inspiration
If you have visions of writing a novel in rural Provence, just like Colin Firth's character in the film Love Actually, then a long winter let could give you the peace and inspiration you need to get the creative juices flowing. Wintering at a French country property can provide peace, quiet, solitude and inspiration for writers, artists, musicians, photographers and many other creative types. Imagine hiding yourself away from the long English winter in a charming French country cottage, farmhouse, chateaux or watermill, and returning in the spring reinvigorated and full of new ideas.
