Plush rooms, embroidered linen, Art Deco bathrooms and gastronomic dinners come naturally to these relaxed, well-travelled owners

Seductive gîte, with wood-burner, terrace and delightful interiors. Enjoy Madame's table d'hôtes after a day trip to Toulouse or Albi

From hand-painted tiles in the bathrooms to evening meals on the terrace, this is a much-praised paradise with both character and finesse

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

Easy-going place for family holidays with charming hosts, big garden, pool, small lake and boules; delicious dinners too

Dreaming of a secret valley, an easy-to-manage cottage, a lazy pool and an energetic tennis court? This is it, standing in 40 private acres

Soak up the scenery from a kayak, lap up the market at St Antonin, stroll to a chateau for a wine tasting, bask by the beautiful pool

A rare treat for lovers of history and architecture (and lovers!)… close your eyes and imagine yourself in 14th-century France

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

The old family house, all antiques, mementoes and period atmosphere, has fine big rooms and high-modern Italian showers. A lovely owner, too

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

On a hilltop in the Tarn, a large and lovely gîte with room for 25 to stay comfortably – good for big family gatherings

Wrapped in fields and woods, this big traditional house has crisply furnished interiors and plenty of gadgets. Terraced gardens and pool too

A grand French family home with quirky décor, rolling grounds, and super hosts – float in the pool, discover nearby Albi

A perfect spot with views of rolling hills, sunflowers and vineyards. Enthusiastic hosts and heaps to do here - watch wildlife, bake, swim

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

A perfect spot with views of hills, forest and vines, below the beautiful village of Castelnau de Montmiral. Walks, wildlife, wine tours...

The setting is peaceful, the grounds are graceful, and the night skies are studded with stars. For wine lovers, walkers & writers