France

A smart eco house with two apartments sleeping 4 and 10 on a plateau deep in the wild and rugged Cantal - perfect for an adventurous escape

A happy guest told us, ‘A marvellous way to see a beautiful château and this is probably the best that we have stayed in’

Go with the slow - homemade delights, no plastic anything, few mod cons - just relaxed humorous hosts and a beautiful place

A 200-year-old village house surrounded by vineyards. Light-filled interiors, lots of art, a garden and a pool

Personalised wine tours from this lovely old wine-grower's house, and serene sober bedrooms to return to - an enchanting address

Guarded by high gates is a spacious oasis on the edge of the village, full of friendliness and charm. Good restaurants are a 5-minute drive

Gather your favourites for a getaway in deepest France. Bike the countryside, dip in the heated pool and sprawl out in this inviting space

Come for peace, comfort and beauty in a sunny corner of Provence at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Cafes, market, restaurants a 15-minute stroll!

Welcoming B&B in grand house with formal gardens and parkland. Big bedrooms, generous breakfasts and great walking from the door

This fine old Dordogne house is run by well-travelled owners, has superb views and is a luscious mix of old charm and contemporary design

Chocolate-box cottages in deepest Normandy, owned by bright young things with a passion for organic cuisine and the good life

A cosy bolthole near Paris' best museums, monuments and nightlife. A peaceful sleep and simple buffet breakfast set you up for sightseeing

Four lovingly restored gites with amazing views and a huge pool. Have this Domaine all to yourselves - there's space for up to 26

After a day touring châteaux, come back to birdsong and the swishing of trees. A house for lovers of art and eccentricity

Sweet little farmhouse with lovingly collected artefacts, heavenly mattresses and views over fields and forest. Annie prepares superb food

A privilege to be able to stay within the famous gardens of magnificent Château de Courances. The painter's village of Barbizon is nearby

Two wonderfully informal apartments make up this artist's home. Discover WW2 history and wander Caen's cobbled streets

A sylvan hideaway tucked into the hills of the Southern Alps, full of Provençal charm inside and out – Saint-Cézaire and the coast are close