An authentic stone villa surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean gardens. Gaze at the ocean and the Alps, sleep in wonderfully creative rooms…

Lounge on the sun-baked terrace and soak up sapphire skies and azure sea at this beautiful, breezy villa. Al fresco suppers are a must!

A sweet retreat for a nature-loving couple, with soul-searching views and the smell of the sea. Logs and Breton cider are on the house...

Drift to sleep listening to the sea, wake to gorgeous bustling markets, picnics on the beach and walks along the sweep of the bay

A beautiful Scandinavian décor, a charming garden and heated pool for this big house and barn. Stroll into town, jog to surf and sands...

Sleeping 24, these 3 very old country cottages are perfect for groups, Come for beaches, a zoo, free bikes... family bliss

Exposed beams and stone walls mix with modern art and minimalism to give a warm yet uncluttered luxury. Stylish yet relaxing

Pretty, shuttered stone farmhouse and barn sitting in a big safe garden. Families and groups of friends will love it here

The privacy of a big terraced garden, a small decked pool and attractive, clutter-free rooms – close to harbour town bustle and restaurants

A charming stone cottage (all beams and toile de Jouy) in the owner's substantial grounds, suitable for a family, and the sea a step away

Well-kept, comfortable family places for up to 24 with stacks of character and space - 2 miles to the nearest beach, 16 to Mont St Michel

Above the Breton sands, amongst cypresses and roses, 2 neighbouring lower-floor gîtes. The gardens and the sea views are the stars here

Live like a native perched above the bay of magical Collioure in this newly-fitted flat with pretty décor and all mod cons

Relax with friends in a southern French coastal home, where cypress trees fringe manicured lawns and the pool gazes on the distant sea

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

An excellent family house with beds for ten, civilised comfort (3 sitting areas), a games room, tasteful and pleasing personal touches

In fashionable St Martin, a wonderfully peaceful little cottage, quaint, simple and pretty, a hop to the white sand beaches of Île de Ré

You thread through houses, down a narrow road, and before you know it you are by the sea… a place for Swallows and Amazons adventurers