Chateau d'Amarens

High ceilings, wide hallways and an open staircase give a light, uncluttered feel, the dining and sitting rooms are roomy and very comfortable, the kitchen area is vast. The owners are passionate about cooking so you’ll find every bell and whistle for even the fussiest of cooks, a generous welcome hamper with your first breakfast and a choice of local wines.

Bedrooms are all on the first floor, minimally furnished with wooden floors and rugs, good art on the walls and long views from large windows; baths and showers are fresh as a daisy. The pool area is sublime, surrounded by stone terracing and planted beds with views over woodland. Long summer evenings are for barbecues and sampling good local wines while the kids tumble about safely.

Cordes-sur-Ciel, 8km, has the Jardin des Paradis and a museum of contemporary art as well as amazing medieval architecture, cobbled streets and some good places to shop or eat.