France

A cosy and homely Breton gîte in a sociable setting - distinctly rural but with masses to do: pool, play areas, and café

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

A destination for epicurians who also want exquisite surroundings and comfortable bedrooms. A charming garden too with a very French feel

In château parkland, 10 minutes from Chinon, find books, beams and open spaces for 3 renovated houses, a delight for families

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

An artist's house imbued with an understated elegance. Stay for dinner; be charmed by the garden where fruit trees throng, hens loiter

Ensconce yourselves in the Black Périgord and stay in a very pretty flat in the East Wing of a 16th-century castle

A magnificent medieval tower in the grounds of an 18th-century château sitting in a dreamy valley. Come for superb gardens and architecture

An elegant 1892 building, once the village school, now a very comfortable, colourful B&B with warm owners and delicious breakfasts

This bright, roomy apartment with a glorious outside terrace is a wonderful spot to land if you like walking, cycling and wine tasting

Perfect for families - a glorious farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields. Rooms are huge and children can roam free in the vast gardens

Welcoming B&B or a whole house to yourselves; an ancient building with modern interiors, a lap pool and peaceful countryside views

Come to this charming hideaway cabin for two (plus one) facing Lac de Montriond for a back-to-nature escape near Morzine

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

In pretty Vernon, a peaceful and comfortably large townhouse with roses rambling around the door

A serene riverside retreat on the Lot, with manicured gardens and a shared pool, tennis court and children's playground for socialising

Rare as a bird, a proper old fashioned French inn on the side of the road in a sleepy village, a restoration project for the new owners

Light-filled gites share a lovely pool, with pétanque, ping-pong and bikes to borrow – bring friends and take all three