France

Eat in the sheltered, quirky, outdoor dining area, enjoy Madame's colourful garden in its village setting - ideal for those on a budget

Rural French heaven at this lovely farm within four hectares. Natural materials, neutral colours and a lavender-lined pool all to yourselves

Built in 1518 to gaze across the Loire to Amboise and decorated with discreet elegance and respect for its history. Guests love it

17th-century stone house in a peaceful village surrounded by forest & wildlife. Morning pastries & evening drinks at the bar a stroll away

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

A thoughtfully renovated old cognac distillery with a pot-filled terrace, outdoor kitchen, lovely pool and plenty of different seating areas

Leave the car, everything is walkable & buses are practically free. Visit restaurants, vineyards & markets from your lofty village bolthole

Understatedly stylish with French antiques, sofas and balconies overlooking town and gardens. A grown-ups' retreat, 200m from the ocean

Close to Saint-Jean-d'Angély, an elegant and spacious manor house with unfussy, comfortable interiors, bucolic views, big garden and pool

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles

A handsome château filled with intrigue and interest on the edge of a Bastide town in Landes. Your charming host looks after you with aplomb

Quirky lights and vintage 60s pieces add character to an immaculate home bathed in light and serenity – launch pad for stylish temptations

Wander down a pebble path to this large, light holiday home near La Rochelle. Eco-friendly, accessible to all, and perfectly peaceful

The old family house, all antiques, mementoes and period atmosphere, has fine big rooms and high-modern Italian showers. A lovely owner, too

Bring the whole tribe to your very own fairytale castle circled by expansive parkland, fields and woods, close to Bastide towns

This B&B is a superb base to explore the island's glittering bays, vibrant coastal cities, mountains, valleys and forests

Spacious rooms and a cosy apartment a stone’s throw from Avignon’s historic sights. Retire to the heated pool after a busy day sightseeing

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