Inspiring scenery for this lavender farm near a Provençal village. Rustic eco-friendly cottages, a hump-backed bridge, a hammock by the pool

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

A fabulous Belle Epoque château with much wow factor set in vast grounds with lawns and lakes, circled by a dense forest

Three family friendly cottages on this gorgeous eco farm with private gardens and organised outdoor activities if you like joining in

Walkers, bikers, families and nature fans will love staying with ever-helpful Joan and Montse in this secluded but not too remote valley

Traditional beamed cottage, tucked in the hills, with views to distant beaches plus colourful gardens and a pool

This elegantly restored house with stunning views to snow-capped peaks is a testament to the owners' love of art and antiques

If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

Immaculate apartments with private patios and well-equipped kitchens share oleander-bright gardens and a chlorine-free pool

A lovely gîte, once a hunting lodge, with two private terraces overlooking the manicured gardens of an 1830s manor house

A deliciously rural stone house with charmingly simple rustic-chic interiors and saline pool - an hour from Perugia

A small hotel with gorgeous interiors, friendly staff, spacious rooms, a proper library, pretty garden and a relaxed, homely feel

A great spot for two plus two, with a decked area that gazes on copses, stream and treehouse. Wallow your cares away in the hot tub

A cottage to help you feel restored and refreshed; uninterrupted views of the coast, a hamper of local produce and wildlife spotting.

A small, trendy hotel, very much of its time, with oodles of style, stunning bedrooms and fantastic staff

Three airy gîtes set in 300 acres of vineyard and gardens. A welcoming base for exploring the marvellous Minervois – 15km from Carcassonne

Small and elegant family-run hotel with airy bedrooms, plenty of private spaces and a bus to take you to the centre of bustling Avignon