France

Tour the cellars or wander the history-rich château and grounds. A truly pretty place

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

Like staying in a family home, only with Henri III furniture and rolling green views. Energetic hosts cook, farm, hunt, chat over champagne

Come for good architecture, thoughtful design and much space for relaxing: swimming, massages, hammam and sauna, beautiful bedrooms

The views take your breath away, the breakfasts are beautiful, and you feel like you're staying in the home of dear friends

Learn about local lore, taste the wines, bliss out in the garden and enjoy the company of Éric and Cathy, warm, humorous and talented hosts

From the delicious scented garden with its limestone pool to the cool rooms with perfect linen, this is a place for a special occasion

Gem-like in a deep park among meadows, a family-friendly château with 2 stylish cottages. Join the lovely owners for dinner, dip in the pool

A fuss-free, informal place to stay with family - your own entrance straight from the garden and tasty breakfasts set up in a summer house

Deep in Burgundy's wine country, an elegant maison de maître sits in acres of gloriously private parkland

Traditional bedrooms lie under the beams of this fascinating country mansion - a grand, hospitable B&B near St Malo and sand beaches

Treat yourselves to a stay on one of the oldest wine estates in Provence and a family house from the 1740s, complete with antiques

'Tout confort' in the heart of Reims, 2 steps from the cathedral. Lofty ceilings, marble fireplaces, polished floorboards, spa & sauna

So much to do from this very traditional château - guided horse-trekking, the lovely coast and WWI history, superb cycling and walking

Tranquil B&B in a house built by the Templars in the 14th century. Go hiking, biking or wine-tasting nearby, or simply relax by the pool

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

Historic 19th-century maison de maître, perfect for a gathering of friends, within walking distance of the old town’s charms

Landscaped gardens, orchard and potager blend into Normandy countryside. Return from rural walks to a log fire and comfortable armchairs