Aquitaine

Savour the peace at this country idyll. Peach and cherry trees, chickens and cats, and plenty of places to snooze in the shade.

Delightfully unfussy old stone gite in the heart of Lot-et-Garonne. Helpful owners are on-hand if you need them

Discover the glorious Basque country from this elegant, friendly little hotel between ocean and mountain; good restaurant two minutes

Elegant, charming self-catering in the domaine's former laundry cum bakery. Visit stylish Biarritz, return to lovely gardens and pool

A medieval property with a pool and views, in a region rich with history, architecture, gastronomy and wine. Great for gatherings...

Vintage bedsteads beneath medieval beams; a fine veranda above a labyrinthine garden and caring hosts producing great local food

Take one, two or all three attractive family-friendly houses, visit bastides, go biking and wine tasting, stay in by the woodburning stove

Sleep in splendidly converted barns, swim in the stunningly-sited pool - book a stopover and you'll wish you had longer!

The absent owner had done a fine conversion: read her books, play her piano, enjoy her colours and pool, possibly even explore the Dordogne

An authentic old family château with beautiful original rooms and lots of space for a large group, fine formal park and superb heated pool

Revel in glorious southwest France countryside: no frills but big atmospheric rooms, open fire, sheltered pool and sweeping panoramas

Perfect for families and groups of friends: a fabulous hilltop setting with three smart self-catering houses with shared pool

Bask in a beautiful farmhouse for 7 in the heart of Périgord Noir, Dordogne - views, garden, private pool... 12km from Sarlat-la-Canéda

Fruit trees in the garden, gorgeous country views, Monflanquin an easy drive, and jacuzzis and pools. Tranquillity and luxury for 20 or 10

A converted farmhouse set in a large mature garden, well located for exploring the delights of the Lot et Garonne south of the Dordogne

The views are sensational, the bedrooms full of charm and higgledy-piggledy beams. Sip Perigord Noir on the terrace and amble to the market

Eclectic old house on the edge of a small traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie and good restaurant all a stroll away

Quaint barns dotted among truffle oaks and rosemary, each one constructed the old-fashioned way and close to the Dordogne and Vézère