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Top Christmas Housesitting in France: Reunites a Family
Our long term housesit in France now includes a Christmas housesitting stint, says Joann McRoy, regular housesitting on HouseSit Match. And how does that experience compare with her traditional English Christmas in Manchester England? Read on to find out more about her French housesitting experience at Noel in South Western France.
A Very French Christmas: How Housesitting in France Reunited My Family
Photo Credit – blandinejoannic
This year, the view from my Christmas dinner table won’t be the familiar sight of my own backyard in Manchester, England. Instead, I’ll be looking out over the vineyards of Manciet in Southwest France, cosied up by the fire in a beautiful, spacious French cottage we’re housesitting over Christmas.
Spending the festive season abroad isn’t new to me, but this year has been particularly special, as we are enjoying a Christmas housesitting in France. Thanks to the generosity of our homeowners and the connections made through HouseSit Match, housesitting in France has given us something truly priceless — the chance to reunite our family in a meaningful, relaxed, and affordable way.
Christmas Housesitting in France: A Gentler Winter Experience
One of the biggest differences between the traditions of a British Christmas and the French traditions at Christmas is the pace — and the weather. While December in the UK often brings grey skies, wind, and rain, winter in Southwest France feels calmer and brighter.
The weather in Southwest France is looking promising! We had a slight frost a few weeks ago, and while there is some rain on the horizon, it’s generally fair enough to enjoy the outdoors. We are planning plenty of walks around the many nearby lakes. Because they have sandy entrances, the children will even be able to have a winter paddle! That is something you’d rarely attempt during a typical British Christmas in the North of England!
Photo Credit – Joann McRoy
Between walks, we’ll be indulging in the ultimate French picnic: local cheeses, fresh baguettes, and, of course, the mandatory pain au chocolat.
This slower rhythm of life is one of the joys of housesitting abroad. Without the pressure of structure hotel timetables or busy tourist schedules, we can simply enjoy the landscape and time together.
Festive Family Activities While Housesitting Over Christmas
Photo courtesy of Joann McRoy
Although many outdoor attractions close for the winter, Christmas housesitting has encouraged us to get creative with family activities. Instead of rushing from one event to the next, we’ve embraced simple, low-cost experiences that work perfectly when housesitting with children.
Our festive plans include:
- Local French Christmas markets, ideal for soaking up seasonal atmosphere
- Bowling and ice skating, to keep everyone active
- Treasure hunts through the wooded land surrounding the house
Compared to the often tightly scheduled British festive calendar — pantomimes, parties, and packed social diaries — a French Christmas feels refreshingly unhurried and family-focused.
Creating Christmas Decorations While Housesitting
Photo credit – Joann McRoy
When housesitting over the holidays, decorations aren’t always provided — and that’s part of the fun. With no Christmas décor available, I decided to create our own.
I foraged for sticks and twigs outdoors and “begged and borrowed” baubles from kind locals we’ve met during our stay. With a little imagination, we transformed the space into something warm and festive.
While British homes are often filled with decades’ worth of sentimental decorations, this more minimalist French approach reminded me that Christmas atmosphere isn’t about possessions — it’s about creativity and shared moments. This added a new fresh perspective to our Christmas housesitting in France.
A Traditional French Christmas Dinner vs a British Christmas Roast
Food is central to both British and French Christmas traditions, but the styles couldn’t be more different.
A traditional British Christmas usually revolves around a single grand roast — turkey, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, Christmas pudding, and brandy butter. In contrast, a traditional French Christmas meal (le Réveillon) is all about indulgence, local produce, and savouring each course.
Photo Credit – Joann McRoy
This year’s French-inspired Christmas menu includes:
- Starters: Local faux gras, escargots, salmon blinis, and a modest version of caviar
- Main course: Chapon (capon) and duck, plus a mushroom and lentil Wellington using mushrooms foraged by new local friends, alongside vegetables from village markets
- Dessert: A visit to the local patisserie, where the children will choose their own festive treats
This slower, course-by-course approach reflects the French emphasis on togetherness at the table — a perfect match for a family Christmas housesitting.
Photo credit – Joann McRoy
Family Housesitting: More Than Just a Free Place to Stay
What made this experience truly special was the trust shown by our homeowners. By welcoming not only us but also my mum, sister, brother-in-law, and their three children, they enabled a rare and precious family reunion.
This is what sets HouseSit Match apart. Housesitting isn’t just about accommodation — it’s about trust, community, and shared values. As house sitters, we become temporary guardians of someone’s home, pets, and lifestyle. In return, we gain the freedom to travel, connect, and create lasting memories.
Photo credit – jackmac34
Why Christmas Is the Perfect Time to Try Housesitting Abroad
Spending Christmas housesitting in France has shown me that the festive season doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive. With the right match, it can be relaxed, enriching, and deeply rewarding.
This year, Christmas looks a little different — but surrounded by family, French countryside views, and the warmth of a well-loved home, it feels more meaningful than ever.
By Joann McRoy
F.A.Q.s
Christmas Housesitting in France
Christmas in France is generally more relaxed and food-focused than in the UK. While a traditional British Christmas often centres around a single roast dinner and structured festive activities, a French Christmas is typically slower-paced, with long meals (le Réveillon), local produce, and plenty of time spent together. Outdoor walks and Christmas markets are also popular, especially in milder regions such as Southwest France.
Yes — Christmas housesitting is very popular. Many homeowners travel during the festive season and look for trusted sitters to care for their homes and pets. Platforms like HouseSitMatch often have opportunities available throughout December and early January, including international housesits.
Absolutely. Family housesitting in France can be an excellent option, particularly when homeowners are open to group or family stays. It offers more space, flexibility, and comfort than hotels, making it ideal for spending quality time together during the holidays.
A traditional French Christmas meal (le Réveillon) often includes multiple courses such as foie gras or faux gras, seafood, salmon, escargots, poultry like chapon or duck, followed by cheese and elaborate desserts. Meals are typically enjoyed slowly over several hours, emphasising togetherness and celebration.
Yes. French Christmas markets are popular across the country, from large cities to small towns. They usually run from late November through December and feature festive food, crafts, and seasonal decorations, making them a favourite activity during Christmas housesits.
The Galette des Rois is a traditional French cake eaten to celebrate Epiphany on 6 January. In reality, it’s enjoyed throughout January and definitely worth trying if your are Christmas housesitting in France. The cake contains a small charm (la fève), and whoever finds it is crowned king or queen for the day.
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Further reading on housesitting, housesit travel and housesitters
At Housesit Match we like to share useful blogs such as this one on Christmas housesitting in France, and also about housesitters and pet sitting. We hope you find this small selection of our articles useful.
Travelling in France by Housesitting
Long term housesitters in France with horses
