Luxury travel tour operator Simpson Travel, which also has a strong presence in Greece, has acquired South France Villas, expanding its portfolio in southern France.
In Greece, Simpson Travel works with luxury villas and boutique hotels and promotes them in international markets. Its destinations include Crete, Corfu, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Meganisi, Paxos, Skopelos, Sivota and Epirus, as well as the Peloponnese.
The British company, which has operated in the tailor-made and premium holiday market since 2002, acquired South France Villas on 4 August 2026. The deal adds villas in areas including Languedoc, the Côte d’Azur and the French Riviera, from Nice to Collioure, to Simpson Travel’s portfolio. The financial terms of the deal and the number of properties included in the acquisition were not disclosed.
South France Villas was founded in 2000 by Trudi and Niall Andrews. Its portfolio includes beachfront homes, farmhouses in Provence, designer villas and châteaux available for large groups and events.
The private luxury model
The company’s strategy follows a trend that has gained considerable momentum in the European tourism market: growing demand for accommodation offering greater privacy and personalisation than a traditional hotel stay.
For families and groups of friends, a private villa can serve as a complete holiday base, offering independence, more space, a private pool and the opportunity to stay in a quieter setting.
This model is a central part of Simpson Travel’s business. The company has built a portfolio across Greece, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.
Acquisitions to expand the portfolio
The acquisition of South France Villas is not Simpson Travel’s first move in this direction. In 2025, the company added Affinity Villas, a move linked to the development of its Portugal programme.
Through these successive moves, Simpson Travel is expanding its portfolio both geographically and in the types of accommodation it offers.
In southern France, the latest acquisition provides access to a larger selection of high-quality coastal and rural properties. In Greece, meanwhile, the company has already built a network spanning many of the country’s popular luxury holiday destinations.
