France

An historic, moated manor house dating from the 16th-century, fully restored and with all mod cons, including an indoor heated pool

A reader writes, 'This place turned out to be one of life's wonderful experiences - a beautiful setting, gorgeous food, kindest of hosts...'

Superbly renovated rooms in a famous town-centre inn at the heart of the Loire châteaux region, excellent food

In four acres of garden and woodland (a child’s dream) a house and interlinking barn for 10 guests. Secluded but close to everything

An ideal stopover at a handsome 1790 house on the edge of a small village surrounded by beautiful countryside and with friendly young owners

A lovely old stone house in a peaceful hamlet with acres of beautiful grounds and woodland for tranquil walks, cycles and much wildlife

Character and quirk in this fine old cooperage overlooking the vegetable garden with its own terrace and a shared pool. Walk, cycle, explore

An enchanting farmhouse with generous hosts, delicious homegrown food and hidden corners in the garden

Gaze over to glorious Curemonte from the pretty cottage, loll by the pool, play games in the barn. Bring friends and book the main house too

It's not often you get an entire hamlet to yourselves but here it is – 10 traditional stone houses with big communal spaces in rural bliss

High in the Beaujolais is this wonderful B&B - vast views, a big pool in a half-wild garden, and the best cuisine for miles

A lovely gîte with cool lines and its own shady terrace plus pool, gardens, fountain and a relaxed family-friendly feel

Come to be cossetted in this 300-year-old Burgundy farmhouse with rose garden, sheltered pool and convivial Dutch owners

A sensitively-restored three storey house set high in the hills overlooking Mt Ventoux and the Vaucluse plateau and in a dark sky area

Come for dreamy river views, a lovely garden and this bolthole for two, beautifully renovated inside and out and with a private hot tub

Minutes on foot from the Eiffel Tower and beside the Palais de Chaillot. Chic décor and organic breakfasts, run by eco-conscious Xavier

Comfortable, understated, spotless and authentic – a modest family hideaway on Brittany’s stunning Crozon Peninsula (think Land’s End...)

Ensconce yourselves in the Black Périgord and stay in a very pretty flat in the East Wing of a 16th-century castle