Our inspectors have spent the first half of this year zigzagging across France in search of the sort of addresses that end up scribbled on postcards to friends with the words, "You'd absolutely love it here." These are the new French discoveries we've fallen hardest for so far this year. Not just because they're beautiful, although they certainly are, but because behind every front door is a story, owners who pour themselves into what they do, and often a breakfast that makes you cancel all other plans for the morning.
La Maison de Joséphine, Côtes-d’Armor
This pretty Breton cottage sits in a tiny hamlet of eight restored family homes surrounded by orchards. You’ll find exposed beams, a private garden made for long breakfasts and evening barbecues, and there’s even a wood-fired sauna hidden away among the trees. Owners Liz and Corentin first met when she worked in his parents’ restaurant, bonding over food, gardening and DIY. Together they’ve lovingly brought the hamlet back to life, naming each cottage after family members who once lived there. Liz is a fountain of local knowledge and twice a week delivers breakfasts of pastries, homemade jams and baked treats straight to your door.
What our inspector says: “Maison Joséphine is the best of both worlds in so many ways: it’s cosy and snug yet bright and spacious; it feels like a rural escape but you’re right by the coast; it has French rustic charm with all the creature comforts. Liz is clearly dedicated to ensuring that her guests enjoy a truly relaxing holiday in this idyllic spot, a home-from-home where you can fully unwind. Utterly charming.” – Annaliza, Sawday’s Inspector
Maison Lou Piade, Dordogne
Hidden in a sleepy Dordogne hamlet, Maison Lou Piade is the sort of place that makes you immediately start wondering how difficult it would be to move to France. Anne-Laure has transformed a cluster of medieval farm buildings into a serene retreat full of soft colours, beautiful design and thoughtful touches. Mornings begin with homemade cakes, fresh bread and jams, while evenings might involve a dip in the pool and a quiet wait to spot deer, foxes or badgers emerging from the surrounding countryside. Anne-Laure’s warmth, local knowledge and eye for detail are woven into every corner.
What our inspector says: “One of the loveliest, most inspiring French B&Bs I have visited in a long time. Warm and talented Anne-Laure has decorated her property with exquisite attention to detail and her breakfasts and dinners sound memorable! All the best sites of the Dordogne are within 30 minutes’ drive, but the property itself is nestled in a glorious, sleepy hamlet, surrounded by pretty farmland and footpaths.” – Nicky, Sawday’s Inspector
Le Pavadou, Vaucluse
Le Pavadou is a place that makes it dangerously easy to abandon your plans for the day. The pool beckons, the honesty bar is stocked, and breakfast stretches lazily over homemade granola, warm pastries and eggs cooked to order. Owner Stefaan swapped running his engineering company in Belgium for a long-held dream of creating a beautiful B&B in Provence. His love of design shows up everywhere, and he also happens to love cooking, which guests are very grateful for each morning. With walking and cycling routes straight from the door, it’s an ideal base for anyone who likes their holidays with equal measures of adventure and afternoon naps.
What our inspector says: “A wonderfully stylish place to come and relax. Very welcoming hosts who will always be happy to help you. Sumptuous beds, beautiful oak and walnut furniture, views to die for, and right on your doorstep one of the best cycles in Provence and lots of walks.” – Alison, Sawday’s Inspector
Maison Nomade Perche, Orne
Owner Oriane swapped life as a designer and advertising consultant for restoring beautiful houses, and thankfully for us she brought her impeccable taste with her. This early 18th-century farmhouse in the Perche feels effortlessly stylish, with antiques, contemporary art and squishy sofas all happily living together under one roof. Outside, cows graze in the neighbouring fields and long lunches drift into evening beneath the covered barn dining area. The surrounding region is beloved by Parisians escaping city life and is packed with markets, forests and enough antiques shops to test the limits of your suitcase.
What our inspector says: “I love Oriane’s beautiful, stylish farmhouse in the green hills of the Orne. This is where Parisians buy weekend houses to escape from the city, and it not only has beautiful landscapes but pretty towns with fabulous markets and some of the richest pickings for antiques in the French provinces. The place feels very relaxing and inspiring.” – Nicky, Sawday’s Inspector
Maison Cimes, Hautes-Alpes
Reaching Maison Cimes involves one of those gloriously winding Alpine drives where the scenery gets steadily more dramatic, until you reach Christine’s 200-year-old house sitting in a peaceful mountain village that looks just as good dusted with snow as it does covered in wildflowers. Bedrooms are calm, breakfasts are laden with local produce and garden treats, and dinner is worth staying in for if Christine is cooking. A passionate photographer as well as an excellent host, you’ll find her framed work throughout the home and she even runs workshops from her darkroom. Come for the mountains, stay for the breakfasts and accidentally spend three hours admiring the view.
What our inspector says: “Arriving via windy mountain roads through fields of cows and sheep, this calm location offers stunning views of the mountains. Rooms are carefully presented and spacious, each with a balcony or terrace. There’s easy access to walking, skiing, water sports and exploring towns and villages of the area. Evening meals are catered for by your host, or at nearby village bistro.” – Pippa, Sawday’s Inspector
Maisons 322 La Flamboyante, Charente-Maritime
La Flamboyante is one of those houses that seems determined to put you in a good mood. Set inside a former 19th-century winery on the Île de Ré, La Flamboyante is the creation of husband-and-wife team Vincent and Anne-Sophie, who transformed this building into a colourful, wildly original space filled with vintage finds. Vincent lives nearby and seems capable of organising almost anything, from paddleboarding and yoga to breakfasts and massages, leaving you free to settle into island life. Best of all, life on the Île de Ré is lived largely by bicycle, making it wonderfully easy to leave the car behind and settle into island time. Take a look at sister property La Secrète, a smaller but equally stylish retreat from Vincent and Anne-Sophie.
What our inspector says: “If you are looking for a beautifully renovated, highly original, eclectic, colourful, fun-loving place to rent, welcome to La Flamboyante – there is no other house like it on the Île de Ré. You will be as happy inside as out. This house will transport you into holiday mode as soon as you walk through the door; it’s a feast for the eyes and definitely has the wow factor.” – Philippa, Sawday’s Inspector
Domaine Madrona, Hérault
Hidden among 235 acres of Mediterranean forest near the medieval village of Castelnou, Domaine Madrona is made for birthday feasts, multi-generational gatherings and those holidays where nobody looks at the time. This beautifully restored 13th-century Catalan farmhouse sleeps 22, with a glittering pool and interiors that strike that elusive balance between grand and deeply welcoming. The owners’ story began not with the house but with 10,000 olive trees. After spending two decades nurturing their organic olive farm nearby, they fell in love with the landscape and painstakingly restored Madrona with local artisans, preserving its history while giving it a fresh new chapter.
What our inspector says: “This vast Catalan farmhouse is a dream getaway destination for large groups. Unplug and unwind, spread out across the spacious property, gather around the pool, share al fresco meals in the gorgeous garden or while away the evening on the spacious terrace watching the sun set over distant hills. Privacy, seclusion and relaxation are almost guaranteed in such a unique and hypnotic setting.” – Annaliza, Sawday’s Inspector
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Beth Tingle
Beth is our Marketing & Content Coordinator, who uses her experience in all things content to get to the heart of the stories and people behind our places and paint an authentic picture of what makes them truly special. She then helps the SEO team to ensure that content reaches as many people as possible. Raised in the small seaside town of Clevedon, she then studied English at Falmouth University and is happiest when swimming in the sea. A huge foodie, she enjoys travel that involves finding the best local markets and cooking up the produce in a self-catered stay.
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