Under the porch of the little chapel, romantics can dine at a ‘lovers’ table’ dressed with roses and candles. An enchanting place

Nestled in a quiet wooded enclave with views to Najac’s medieval castle, a convivial country house and pool for families and friends

Romantic old convent school house - now abundantly stylish... Laze in the hammock in the dreamy garden

Superbly comfortable house with beamed rooms, lovely views, a club-like morning room, art and antiques, terrace, pool and lily pond

Bedrooms bursting with character and breakfasts to die for; this 19th-century former wine estate offers city escapees a tranquil bolt hole

Chestnut floors, exposed stone, comfortable bedrooms. Picnic with the family in the large walled garden, splash in the saltwater pool

Discover the Slow life in the wild Aveyron with Lynda and Phillipe. The sun shines, 7 goats mow the garden, the wood-burner keeps you cosy

A beautiful house with Pyrenean views (hike, bike, ski), wonderful table d'hôtes and generous hosts. A rare pearl

A stunning château with huge rooms, pretty balconies with views, peaceful garden. Super owners, excellent dinners - and child-friendly too

Watch deer graze, stroll across the grounds for a swim, sleep under old beams - country charm, comfort and just the right amount of quirk

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

A fine address in a rich area for Cathar castles, ancient villages, vineyards, good restaurants, markets, swimming lakes and walking trails

Traditional French to a T, a good value guest house whose owners love all things old and beautiful. Breakfast over Gaillac cathedral square

Lovely Monique's 18th-century home is filled with beautiful things. Elegant bedrooms, up the spiral tower staircase, ooze atmosphere

A green and pleasant haven near the Lot valley with big gardens and pool for groups of friends or families; near Cahors

For families or small groups: a wonderfully stylish detached house filled with beautiful things in a medieval village. Culture abounds

Play tennis, swim, wander the park, pick fruit – take it easy outdoors or in the traditionally styled rooms, with all mod cons

Tranquillity and seclusion in ‘French Tuscany’ - and within easy reach of civilisation. A wonderful family-party house with gardens and pool