France has long been a favourite destination for families seeking all-inclusive holiday villages that blend relaxation, adventure, and convenience. In 2026, the market remains fiercely competitive, with several well-established brands vying for the top spot. Azureva has traditionally been a household name, celebrated for its comprehensive approach to family holidays across diverse French locations. However, with evolving traveller expectations and the continued expansion of rival brands, the question arises: does Azureva still hold the crown, or have its competitors caught up?
| Comparison Point | Azureva | Village Cap Esterel Pierre & Vacances | Villages Clubs du Soleil | Belambra Clubs | Cap'vacances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geographical Coverage | 36 locations across France – coastal, mountain, countryside, lakeside, and city-based options | Fewer locations with premium facilities; focused on Côte d'Azur and selective destinations | Coastal, Alpine, and Pyrenees locations; strong emphasis on mountain holidays and ski resorts | Coastal, mountain, and countryside locations; focus on proximity to beaches and slopes | Beach destinations, mountain holidays, countryside retreats across Mediterranean, Atlantic, Alpine, and Pyrenees areas |
| Target Audience | Families, couples, groups, and pensioners; broad appeal with pet-friendly options | Families, couples, and pensioners seeking premium, upscale experiences | Families with emphasis on mountain holidays; direct competitor to Azureva | Families, couples, and pensioners; wellness-oriented appeal | Families and groups seeking affordability and accessibility |
| Accommodation & Meal Options | Full board, half board, and self-catering residences; flexible options for different budgets | Self-catering residences and hotel stays; full board and half board available; buffet dining with French cuisine | All-inclusive packages, self-catering residences, and camping holidays; includes meals and activities | Self-catering residences and hotel stays; full board, half board, or self-catering; buffet dining | Self-catering residences, hotel stays, and camping; full board, half board, and self-catering options; buffet dining |
| Children's Facilities | Kids clubs for ages 3-18 and dedicated teens clubs; structured activities and supervision | Kids clubs and entertainment programmes; teens clubs for older children; age-appropriate activities | Comprehensive children's activities with wide age range coverage; evening entertainment and themed events | Kids clubs and entertainment programmes; teens clubs; evening entertainment and themed events | Kids clubs and entertainment programmes; on-site facilities including swimming pools and sports activities |
| Specialist Features | Ski passes and equipment hire at ski resorts; proximity to nature parks and Blue Flag beaches; sustainable tourism commitment | Extensive water parks; wellness facilities and spa services; access to golf courses; premium facilities in scenic Estérel Massif setting | Ski passes and equipment hire included; proximity to slopes; good value for money with mountain holiday focus | Strong wellness facilities and spa services; thermal spa towns; access to nature parks; wellness-oriented approach | Blue Flag beaches; access to nature parks; commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly holidays |
| Pricing & Value | Early booking discounts, payment instalments, cancellation insurance; loyalty programmes; special group rates; competitive pricing | Premium positioning with higher prices; early booking discounts and payment instalments; quality justifies expense | Good value for money; early booking discounts; loyalty programmes; potential facility quality variance between locations | Competitive pricing; early booking discounts, payment instalments, and cancellation insurance; wellness focus may affect activity variety | Focus on affordability and accessibility; early booking discounts, payment instalments, and loyalty programmes; facility quality varies significantly |
Azureva
Azureva has carved out a reputation as a go-to option for families, couples, groups, and pensioners looking for hassle-free holidays in France. The brand's strength lies in its all-inclusive holiday villages, which are scattered across 36 different locations, ranging from coastal destinations along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts to mountain resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees, as well as countryside retreats, lakeside settings, and city-based options. This geographical diversity ensures that holidaymakers can choose from beach destinations, ski resorts, or tranquil rural escapes depending on their preferences.
One of the standout features of Azureva is its commitment to simplifying the holiday planning process. Unlike traditional hotel stays, Azureva bundles accommodation, meals, entertainment, and activities into a single package. Families can opt for full board, half board, or self-catering residences, providing flexibility to suit different budgets and preferences. The inclusion of kids clubs catering to children aged 3 to 18 is a significant draw for parents, offering structured activities and supervision that allow adults some much-needed downtime. Teens clubs also ensure that older children remain engaged, making Azureva appealing to families with children of varying ages.
The on-site facilities at Azureva villages are designed to cater to a wide range of interests. Swimming pools, sports activities, and entertainment programmes are standard, while some locations boast wellness facilities, proximity to beaches, and access to hiking trails and cycling routes. For those visiting ski resorts, Azureva often includes ski passes and equipment hire, adding further value to the package. The brand also prides itself on fostering a friendly, communal atmosphere, which is a key differentiator from more impersonal hotel chains.
Azureva's pricing strategy is another major advantage. The brand offers early booking discounts, payment instalments, and cancellation insurance, making it easier for families to manage their budgets. Loyalty programmes reward returning guests, and group bookings receive special rates, which is particularly beneficial for extended families or social clubs. The all-inclusive nature of the packages also helps holidaymakers keep a close eye on spending, as most costs are covered upfront.
Beyond families, Azureva has broadened its appeal to include couples and pensioners seeking relaxation and a change of scenery. The availability of pet-friendly accommodation further enhances its accessibility, allowing guests to bring their furry companions along. Additionally, the brand's commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly holidays resonates with environmentally conscious travellers, particularly those who value proximity to nature parks and Blue Flag beaches.
Azureva's emphasis on connecting guests with local culture and landscapes is another defining characteristic. Whether it's exploring thermal spa towns, enjoying French cuisine in buffet dining settings, or participating in themed events, the brand seeks to offer more than just a place to stay. It aims to provide an immersive experience that reflects the diversity and richness of France.
Pierre & Vacances is a heavyweight in the French holiday market, and its Village Cap Esterel offering is a prime example of the brand's ability to blend luxury with family-friendly convenience. Located along the stunning Côte d'Azur, Cap Esterel is renowned for its proximity to beaches and its extensive water parks, making it a favourite among families seeking sun, sea, and entertainment. The resort's setting within the natural beauty of the Estérel Massif adds a layer of scenic appeal that few competitors can match.
Unlike Azureva's more widespread network, Pierre & Vacances tends to focus on fewer locations but with a higher concentration of premium facilities. Cap Esterel, for instance, offers a range of self-catering residences and hotel stays, with options for full board and half board. The resort's restaurant facilities serve French cuisine in buffet dining formats, ensuring that guests can enjoy local flavours without venturing far from their accommodation.
Children's activities are a cornerstone of the Cap Esterel experience, with kids clubs and entertainment programmes designed to keep younger guests engaged throughout their stay. The resort also features outdoor pools, sports activities, and evening entertainment, including themed events that add variety to the holiday. For families with teenagers, the availability of teens clubs ensures that older children have their own space to socialise and participate in age-appropriate activities.
Pierre & Vacances places a strong emphasis on wellness facilities, with some locations offering spa services and access to golf courses. This makes the brand appealing not only to families but also to couples and pensioners looking for a more relaxed, indulgent holiday. The inclusion of proximity to slopes at some mountain resorts further broadens the brand's appeal, particularly during the ski season.
However, Pierre & Vacances' premium positioning comes with a higher price tag compared to Azureva. While the brand does offer early booking discounts and payment instalments, the overall cost can be a barrier for budget-conscious families. That said, the quality of facilities and the level of service provided often justify the expense, particularly for those seeking a more upscale experience.
Villages clubs du soleil
Villages Clubs du Soleil is another major player in the French holiday village market, with a portfolio that spans coastal locations, Alpine destinations, and Pyrenees resorts. The brand's focus on all-inclusive packages and family holidays makes it a direct competitor to Azureva, though it tends to emphasise mountain holidays and ski resorts more heavily.
One of the key strengths of Villages Clubs du Soleil is its commitment to offering good value for money. The brand's packages typically include accommodation, meals, kids clubs, and access to on-site facilities such as swimming pools and sports activities. For ski enthusiasts, the inclusion of ski passes and equipment hire is a significant advantage, reducing the hassle and expense of organising these separately. The proximity to slopes at many of the brand's mountain locations ensures that guests can maximise their time on the pistes.
The children's activities offered by Villages Clubs du Soleil are comprehensive, with clubs catering to a wide age range. This allows parents to enjoy some downtime or participate in their own activities, knowing that their children are well cared for. Evening entertainment and themed events add an extra layer of enjoyment, ensuring that there is always something happening at the resort.
Villages Clubs du Soleil also offers self-catering residences and camping holidays, providing flexibility for families who prefer to prepare their own meals or enjoy a more back-to-nature experience. This diversity in accommodation types is comparable to Azureva's offering, though the brand's focus on mountain locations may make it less appealing to those seeking beach destinations.
The brand's loyalty programmes and early booking discounts are designed to reward returning guests and encourage advance planning. However, some travellers have noted that the quality of facilities can vary between locations, with newer resorts offering a more polished experience than older ones. This inconsistency can be a drawback, particularly for first-time visitors who may not know what to expect.
Belambra clubs
Belambra Clubs has established itself as a versatile option for families, couples, and groups seeking holidays in France. The brand operates in a variety of settings, including coastal locations, mountain resorts, and countryside retreats, with a strong emphasis on proximity to beaches and slopes. Belambra's all-inclusive packages are designed to simplify the holiday experience, bundling accommodation, meals, and activities into a single price.
One of Belambra's distinguishing features is its focus on wellness facilities and spa services. Several of the brand's locations offer thermal spa towns and access to nature parks, making them ideal for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. This wellness-oriented approach sets Belambra apart from competitors like Azureva, which tends to prioritise family-friendly activities over spa experiences.
Belambra's children's activities are well-regarded, with kids clubs and entertainment programmes that cater to a broad age range. The brand also offers teens clubs, ensuring that older children have opportunities to socialise and participate in activities tailored to their interests. Evening entertainment and themed events add variety to the holiday, while restaurant facilities serve French cuisine in buffet dining formats.
The brand's accommodation options include self-catering residences and hotel stays, with choices for full board, half board, or self-catering. This flexibility is comparable to Azureva's offering, though Belambra's emphasis on wellness may make it more appealing to couples and pensioners than to families with young children. The availability of pet-friendly accommodation is another plus, allowing guests to bring their pets along.
Belambra's pricing is competitive, with early booking discounts, payment instalments, and cancellation insurance available to help guests manage their budgets. However, the brand's focus on wellness and relaxation may come at the expense of some of the more high-energy activities and entertainment that families with young children might prefer. This makes Belambra a strong choice for certain types of travellers but potentially less versatile than Azureva.
Cap'vacances
Cap'vacances rounds out this comparison with a portfolio of holiday villages that spans beach destinations, mountain holidays, and countryside retreats. The brand's all-inclusive packages are designed to offer good value for money, with a focus on simplifying the holiday experience for families and groups. Cap'vacances operates in a variety of locations, including coastal destinations along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, as well as Alpine and Pyrenees resorts.
One of Cap'vacances' key strengths is its commitment to accessibility and affordability. The brand offers early booking discounts, payment instalments, and loyalty programmes, making it easier for families to plan and budget for their holidays. The inclusion of kids clubs, entertainment programmes, and on-site facilities such as swimming pools and sports activities ensures that there is plenty to keep guests entertained throughout their stay.
Cap'vacances also offers a range of accommodation options, including self-catering residences, hotel stays, and camping holidays. This flexibility allows guests to choose the type of holiday that best suits their needs and budget. Full board and half board options are available, as are self-catering facilities for those who prefer to prepare their own meals. The brand's restaurant facilities serve French cuisine in buffet dining formats, ensuring that guests can enjoy local flavours without leaving the resort.
The brand's proximity to beaches and slopes is a major draw, particularly for families seeking beach destinations or ski resorts. Cap'vacances locations often feature Blue Flag beaches and access to nature parks, adding an element of environmental appeal. The brand's commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly holidays is also noteworthy, resonating with travellers who prioritise environmental responsibility.
However, Cap'vacances' facilities and service levels can vary significantly between locations. While some resorts offer modern amenities and well-maintained facilities, others may feel dated or less polished. This inconsistency can be a drawback, particularly for guests who are visiting a Cap'vacances resort for the first time. Additionally, while the brand's focus on affordability is a major advantage, it may come at the expense of some of the premium touches and wellness facilities offered by competitors like Belambra or Pierre & Vacances.
In conclusion, Azureva remains a strong contender in the French holiday village market, thanks to its extensive network of locations, flexible accommodation options, and commitment to simplifying the holiday experience. However, the competition is fierce, with brands like Pierre & Vacances, Villages Clubs du Soleil, Belambra Clubs, and Cap'vacances each offering their own unique strengths. Whether Azureva still holds the top spot in 2026 depends largely on individual priorities, whether that be premium facilities, affordability, wellness, or proximity to specific types of destinations. What is clear is that French holiday villages continue to evolve, offering families, couples, and groups an ever-widening array of choices for memorable getaways.