Hidden Gems

Welcome to a dreamy fortified castle, once owned by French royalty, the perfect place to stay for history lovers and comfort seekers

A 17th-century stone mansion within the ancient walls of Avignon. Walk to cafes, watch the shows at the Festival, chat with convivial hosts

Small country hotel in a riverside setting near Giverny, with a superb restaurant and a charming village a few minutes’ walk away

A cosy, courteous, family-run hotel with ‘chocolatines’ and cherry jams at breakfast, Basque dishes at dinner, and gorgeous rolling views

Rooms in an old palazzo in the historic centre of town, with a swimming pool, restaurant and café, and lovely beaches a short drive away

Stylishly simple cottage in the heart of the old fishing port of Méze, within easy stroll of seafood restaurants and sandy beaches

A three-storey Victorian villa half way up a vigorously cobbled street in the centre of Culross, with beautifully choreographed interiors

Atmospheric manor with heaps of history, sumptuous bedrooms, a cornucopia of quirky finds, an open-hearted host – it’s a treat to stay here

A rustic and elegant farmhouse retreat in Provence with a pool, vineyards and wildlife-filled pond – a launchpad for the Luberon

A very pleasant and cosy end of terrace cottage with your own small private garden just a hop from the comforts of the hotel and its spa

Eye-catching art and antiques, a panoramic breakfast terrace, cultured hosts who put you at ease... A sunny getaway near Collioure

Come for a traffic-free medieval hamlet in sleepy Maremma with easy-going hosts, a beautiful garden and views over the valley

A grand, pale stone townhouse in the centre of lively Épernay with plenty of good restaurants nearby

Tucked away in a tiny gem of a village and clustered around its own château, this delightful 17th-century building is a joy to discover

A sparkling restaurant with stylish rooms well placed for exploring Pembrokeshire’s hills, coastal path and sandy beaches

Come for sea air, independent shops, great places to eat and this quirky cottage with plenty of room and a sunny walled garden

Do a bunk to the peaceful Tamar Valley and this comely Georgian farmhouse, with dry stone walls and wildflower meadows around the garden

The views are sensational, the bedrooms full of charm and higgledy-piggledy beams. Sip Perigord Noir on the terrace and amble to the market