Simpson Travel Acquires Villa Rental Company South France Villas

Tour operators continue to buy their way into the villa-rental segment: Simpson Travel has acquired South France Villas, adding a Riviera and Languedoc portfolio to its France programme.

Luxury tour operator Simpson Travel has acquired villa rental company South France Villas, according to Short Term Rentalz on 8 October 2026. The deal completed on 4 August 2026. Financial terms and the number of properties were not disclosed.

The portfolio

The acquisition adds properties in the Languedoc, Côte d'Azur and French Riviera, stretching from Nice to Collioure. They include coastal homes, Provençal farmhouses, designer villas and châteaux suited to weddings and larger groups.

The people

South France Villas was founded in 2000 by Trudi and Niall Andrews, who are retiring after the sale. Sandra Macdonald, who has more than 20 years' experience in villa rental and is based near Béziers, moves from South France Villas to become Simpson Travel's portfolio manager for the South of France.

Ed Pyke, CEO of Simpson Travel, said the business would carry South France Villas' spirit forward while opening "exciting new corners of France" for guests to discover.

Context

The deal follows Simpson Travel's 2025 addition of Affinity Villas, which supported the launch of its Portugal programme. Simpson Travel, founded in 2002, offers villas and boutique hotels in Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.