France

Two family-friendly gites (big groups can take both) with beautiful gardens, sparkling pool, activities for children and peace for parents

Come to recharge in the lovely Loire valley at this fine château surrounded by mature gardens and green countryside

A real treat to stay in this elegant 18th-century house with pampering bedrooms, gorgeous home-cooked food and stunning gardens with pool

Characterful and family-friendly apartments on this lovely wine-country estate: great hosts, glorious grounds and pool, home-grown food

This cosy little house with garden and orchard is near to one of France's best trout fishing lakes and has double-height ceilings

A lovely old stone cottage in a group round a pretty courtyard, with your own private patio and seating area, on the Pink Granite Coast

Near Mont St Michel, an 18th-century 'maison de plaisance' in historic grounds run by a charming family. Don't miss the table d'hôte!

A stone built 18th-century tower in a pretty valley dotted with fruit trees for quiet and relaxed days recuperating from life in the city

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

Provençale-meets-English country house to great effect – cycle Mont Ventoux, walk to the monastery, visit Roman towns and vineyards

Fine toiletries, cots for babies, and an owl to hoot you to sleep! Effortless comfort and style in the heart of Finistère

Bring family or friends to this beautiful 16th-century stone manor house standing in a tiny hamlet in the heart of the Dordogne

Fabulous Drôme gîtes: contemporary in old stone buildings, uncluttered, fresh. Take all 5 for a party, laze by pool, doze in lavender

A big, comfortable house with heated outdoor pool in 17 acres of gardens. Mountains, river swimming, hiking nearby; coast within the hour

Spacious Provençal-style house in a converted 18th-century forge with peaceful gardens, a stroll from a lovely hilltop village

Above the Breton sands, amongst cypresses and roses, 2 neighbouring lower-floor gîtes. The gardens and the sea views are the stars here

A lovely space in a quiet riverside hamlet. Find pretty interiors with plenty of art, and lots of leafy countryside. Swim in the pool or river

An exceptional château in a bucolic setting surrounded by bird-filled woods and overlooking the river, with lovely bedrooms