France

Soak up the scenery from a kayak, lap up the market at St Antonin, stroll to a chateau for a wine tasting, bask by the beautiful pool

Idyllic country living in lesser known wine region of Gaillac. Farmhouse with lots of space for a group, lovely gardens and pool

Come for brilliant Gascon food and cookery courses, and beauty and sophistication at every turn - nothing pretentious, pompous, or twee

Chic bedrooms and a walled garden just a 10-minute stroll from the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Carole's superb breakfasts are the highlight

A colourful spot by the sea in a popular fishing port between Perpignan and the Spanish border. Simple apartments are as pretty as a picture

Two homely gîtes sleeping 4 and 2 in rural farm country. Walk to a good restaurant in five minutes, and Saint-Malo is a 15-minute drive away

A lovely river runs nearby, where brave souls can dip and splash. Or simply admire the watery river from your room’s high windows

Beguiling chateau oasis amidst small city buzz - leafy gardens, fabulously restored inside and dinners designed by Michelin-starred owner

Expect a warm and genuine welcome as you are shown up a steep stair to rooms of dark character and fine linen. A charming guest cottage too

A sweet little gîte for two in the centre of a dreamy medieval village. Happily private but with loads to explore from your door

A solid family-and-friends house not far from Cannes. Laze by the pool with a book and a beer as the kids romp in the rufty-tufty garden

A dreamy, good value, joyful house run by Brigitte who rustles up delicious dinners with eggs from the hens - and has a little brocante shop

A beautifully refurbished famous little hotel, forever linked to Le Mans motor racing, celebs, good food and conviviality. Superb value, too

A shady terrace runs the full length of this old barn, overlooking magnificent trees and fields of sheep. Riberac is a 10-minute drive

Explore the coastal paths on foot or by bike, or simply sunbathe next to the pool... Leafy gardens, comfortable rooms and excellent dinners

Charming family house with a large garden and a pool; walk to the nearest village for shops and restaurants. Provence is on your doorstep

Delightful old-style living in a country mansion between the Camargue and the Alpilles. Roman Arles is a 10-minute drive

Breathe, relax in peaceful Provençal countryside: olives, lavender and budding fruit trees. Aix's lively markets are 10 minutes away