France

A fabulous Belle Epoque château with much wow factor set in vast grounds with lawns and lakes, circled by a dense forest

Come to restore your soul, be immersed in nature, wander paths in the lovely grounds and make memories with family or friends

Your own cosy apartment in the once arty, now classy Latin Quarter. An elegant, romantic and peaceful bolthole for 2

A fabulous hilltop setting for three smart self-catering houses (taken together in summer) with shared pool, garden and lovely views

It's worth the schlep up the hill to get to this calm oasis of a B&B with homemade crêpes at breakfast and a huge glass veranda with views

Fairytale castle in a tranquil and secluded countryside setting. Classic French cuisine and grand, traditional interiors

A large and light house sitting by itself in lovely countryside with a big pool, maturing gardens and superb views up to Saignon on the hill

Dip into rural French life from your haven on a hill; local market feasts, pretty villages to explore and cherries plucked from the tree.

Charming 15th-century farmhouse near Montrésor and Loches with immense lawns, orchards and a fabulous pool

Surrounded by vines and swept by sea breezes, two lovely, simple gîtes with a gorgeous shared pool and a courtyard for boules

A renovated barn, part stone, part wood, resembling the tobacco barns of the area with beautiful grounds surrounded by farmland

An elegant manor house with pretty bedrooms, pool and large grounds. Nathalie looks after you with ease and sets you up with big breakfasts

Lovely stone-built dog-friendly cottages with a private feel in glorious, quiet surroundings near to lakes, mountains and wide sandy beaches

Three separate units, always taken together, with swimming pool, wrap-around terrace and wonderful views in the heart of La Provence Verte

Charming rooms, delightful staff and an intimate setting behind Amélie’s café; a stroll to the Sacré Coeur. A jewel of a hotel

From hand-painted tiles in the bathrooms to evening meals on the terrace, this is a much-praised paradise with both character and finesse

Charming 4-star gîte in an 11th-century castle in the foothills of the Pyrénées. Spectacular views, leafy terrace and wild swimming nearby

Three charming rustic lodges with private gardens and a laid-back vibe in a small rural hamlet surrounded by vines and truffle orchards