Azureva vs. the competition: unforgettable french holiday villages compared (2026)

When it comes to planning a proper family getaway in France, the sheer number of holiday village options can feel overwhelming. Whether you're after a sun-soaked beach retreat, a mountain escape with skiing on the doorstep, or a peaceful countryside break, the challenge lies in finding a place that ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank. Azureva has carved out a solid reputation over seven decades, offering authentic, all-inclusive family holidays across 36 destinations in France. But how does it stack up against other major players in the French holiday village market? This comparison takes a closer look at Azureva alongside Villages Clubs du Soleil, Cap vacances, Belambra Clubs, and Village Cap Esterel Pierre & Vacances, helping you decide which option delivers the unforgettable French holiday you're after in 2026.

Azureva

Azureva holiday villages in France have been catering to families, couples, groups, and pensioners for over 70 years, offering all-inclusive holiday deals that take the stress out of planning. Unlike traditional hotels, Azureva bundles in entertainment, kids' clubs for nippers aged three to 18, on-site amenities, and a proper family-friendly vibe that sets it apart. The emphasis is on creating authentic, local holidays that let you immerse yourself in the French culture and landscape, without the faff of sorting out every detail yourself.

One of the standout features of Azureva is the range of accommodation types on offer. Whether you fancy full board, half board, self-catering rentals, or even camping, there's something to suit different needs and budgets across their 36 locations. From Alpine resorts in Les Karellis, Val Thorens, La Mongie, and Piau-Engaly to sun-drenched spots along the Mediterranean coast in Cap d'Agde and the Atlantic coast in Anglet, the variety of destinations means you can tailor your holiday to your preferences. The altitude villages provide quick access to ski slopes, while beach proximity at coastal sites ensures you're never far from the sea.

The main perks of choosing Azureva include less planning hassle, activities to keep everyone happy, decent value for money, and the ability to keep an eye on the holiday budget. The all-inclusive packages mean you know what you're paying upfront, with no nasty surprises. Kids clubs are a godsend for parents, offering supervised activities that cater to different age groups, while adults can take advantage of wellness facilities, sports amenities, and restaurant services featuring local specialities. Pets are welcome too, with dogs and cats allowed at many sites, making it easier for the whole family to come along.

Azureva's goal is to deliver proper, authentic family holidays without the stress, offering loads of services and strong ties to the local area. Early booking discounts are available, and the loyalty programme rewards returning guests with referral discounts and benefits. Payment instalments make it easier to spread the cost, and ANCV holiday vouchers and VACAF benefits are accepted, which is particularly handy for families looking to maximise their holiday budget. Group stays and business seminars are also catered for, adding flexibility for different types of travellers. The heated swimming pools, sports facilities, and entertainment programmes ensure there's never a dull moment, whether you're after a nature break, a digital detox, or simply a good value for money getaway.

Villages clubs du soleil

Villages Clubs du Soleil positions itself as a strong alternative in the French holiday village market, with a particular focus on ski packages and mountain holidays. The brand has built a reputation for delivering well-rounded experiences in Alpine resorts, where the emphasis is on combining outdoor adventure with family-friendly amenities. Like Azureva, Villages Clubs du Soleil offers all-inclusive options, but the vibe tends to lean more towards active holidays, with a strong focus on sports facilities and group activities.

The accommodation offerings at Villages Clubs du Soleil are comparable to Azureva, with full board, half board, and self-catering options available. However, the brand's strength lies in its ski packages, which bundle together lift passes, equipment hire, and lessons, making it a convenient choice for families looking to hit the slopes without the hassle of organising everything separately. The heated swimming pools and wellness facilities are on par with what you'd find at Azureva, though the overall atmosphere tends to be more geared towards those who want to be outdoors and active rather than lounging by the pool.

One area where Villages Clubs du Soleil differs is in the range of destinations. While Azureva boasts 36 locations across France, covering beach, mountain, and countryside holidays, Villages Clubs du Soleil has a more focused selection, with a heavier concentration in the Alps. This can be a plus if you're specifically after a ski holiday or mountain retreat, but it does mean fewer options for those looking for a Mediterranean coast or Atlantic coast getaway. The kids clubs and entertainment programmes are solid, though some families find the variety and age range of activities slightly less extensive compared to Azureva's offering.

Pricing is competitive, and Villages Clubs du Soleil also accepts ANCV holiday vouchers and offers early booking discounts. The loyalty programme is less established than Azureva's, and there's less emphasis on payment instalments and referral discounts. For those prioritising ski holidays and mountain activities, Villages Clubs du Soleil is a strong contender, but for families seeking a broader range of destinations and accommodation types, Azureva's flexibility and long-standing experience may edge ahead.

Cap vacances

Cap vacances is another heavyweight in the French holiday village sector, offering a similar blend of family-friendly amenities, entertainment, and all-inclusive packages. The brand has a strong presence across France, with holiday residences, camping options, and hotels that cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Cap vacances prides itself on delivering good value for money, with a focus on local holidays that highlight regional culture and specialities.

The accommodation at Cap vacances is diverse, with full board, half board, and self-catering rentals available across a network of destinations that spans the Alps, Mediterranean coast, Atlantic coast, and countryside. The range is comparable to Azureva, though some guests note that the quality and consistency of facilities can vary from one site to another. The kids clubs are well-regarded, offering activities for children aged three to 17, which is slightly narrower than Azureva's three to 18 age range. The entertainment programmes are lively, with a mix of daytime activities and evening shows that keep families engaged.

One of the standout features of Cap vacances is the emphasis on sustainable tourism and nature breaks. The brand has made efforts to promote digital detox holidays, encouraging families to switch off and reconnect with nature. This aligns well with the growing trend towards eco-friendly travel, and it's a selling point that appeals to those looking for a more mindful holiday experience. The wellness facilities and sports amenities are solid, though perhaps not as extensive as what you'd find at Azureva's larger sites.

Pricing at Cap vacances is competitive, with early booking discounts and payment instalments available to help manage the holiday budget. ANCV holiday vouchers and VACAF benefits are accepted, making it accessible for a broad range of families. The loyalty programme is less developed compared to Azureva, and there's less emphasis on referral discounts. Pets are welcome at some sites, though the policies can be less consistent than Azureva's pet-friendly approach. Overall, Cap vacances is a solid choice for families seeking a balance between affordability, variety, and a focus on sustainable, local holidays, though Azureva's longer track record and broader range of destinations may offer more peace of mind for first-time visitors.

Belambra clubs

Belambra Clubs is a well-established name in the French holiday village landscape, offering a network of holiday residences, hotels, and camping sites across France. The brand has a strong focus on family holidays, with all-inclusive packages that bundle accommodation, meals, entertainment, and kids clubs into a single price. Belambra's approach is similar to Azureva's, with an emphasis on delivering authentic, local experiences that let families explore the best of French culture and landscapes.

The accommodation at Belambra Clubs is varied, with full board, half board, and self-catering options available. The destinations cover beach, mountain, and countryside holidays, with a presence on the Mediterranean coast, Atlantic coast, and Alpine resorts. The quality of facilities is generally high, with heated swimming pools, sports facilities, and restaurant services that showcase local specialities. The kids clubs cater to a wide age range, with activities designed to keep children entertained and engaged, though some families find the entertainment programmes slightly less dynamic compared to Azureva's offerings.

One area where Belambra Clubs shines is in the range of wellness facilities. Many of the sites feature spas, fitness centres, and relaxation areas that are well-suited to adults looking to unwind. This focus on wellness, combined with the family-friendly amenities, makes Belambra a strong choice for multi-generational holidays where everyone's needs are catered for. The emphasis on local holidays and regional culture is a nice touch, with excursions and activities that highlight the unique character of each destination.

Pricing at Belambra Clubs is in line with Azureva, with early booking discounts and payment instalments available. ANCV holiday vouchers and VACAF benefits are accepted, and the loyalty programme offers some perks for returning guests, though it's not as robust as Azureva's. Pets are welcome at select sites, though the policies can be more restrictive. Group stays and business seminars are catered for, adding flexibility for different types of travellers. Overall, Belambra Clubs is a solid competitor to Azureva, particularly for those who value wellness facilities and a focus on regional culture, though Azureva's broader network and longer experience may offer a slight edge in terms of consistency and choice.

Village Cap Esterel Pierre & Vacances is part of the Pierre & Vacances group, one of the largest holiday village operators in Europe. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Village Cap Esterel is known for its stunning setting, with beach proximity and a focus on sun-soaked family holidays. The site offers a blend of holiday residences, camping options, and all-inclusive packages that cater to families, couples, and groups looking for a coastal retreat.

The accommodation at Village Cap Esterel is diverse, with self-catering rentals, full board, and half board options available. The quality of facilities is high, with heated swimming pools, sports facilities, and restaurant services that feature local specialities. The kids clubs are well-organised, offering activities for children from infancy through to teenagers, though the age range and variety may not be as extensive as Azureva's. The entertainment programmes are lively, with a mix of daytime activities, sports tournaments, and evening shows that keep families entertained.

One of the unique aspects of Village Cap Esterel is the Ekoya membership programme, which offers benefits and discounts for members of the Pierre & Vacances educational community. This can be a significant advantage for those who qualify, making the already competitive pricing even more attractive. The emphasis on sustainable tourism and nature breaks is also notable, with initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of holidays and promoting a more mindful approach to travel.

Pricing at Village Cap Esterel is generally in line with Azureva, with early booking discounts and payment instalments available. ANCV holiday vouchers are accepted, though VACAF benefits may not be as widely promoted. The loyalty programme is less developed compared to Azureva, and there's less emphasis on referral discounts. Pets are welcome, though the policies can vary depending on the type of accommodation. Overall, Village Cap Esterel Pierre & Vacances is a strong choice for families seeking a Mediterranean coast holiday with high-quality facilities and a focus on sustainability, though Azureva's broader range of destinations and longer track record may appeal more to those looking for variety and flexibility across different regions of France.