A hilltop setting for this ancient fortress with an illustrious past. You stay in apartments or farmhouses inside or outside the walls

An attractive, seaside hotel with an airy, contemporary feel - chic interiors, an excellent restaurant and big sea views await

A stone built 18th-century tower in a pretty valley dotted with fruit trees for quiet and relaxed days recuperating from life in the city

Five beautiful suites in the south wing of this fairy tale castle, filled with architectural features, family history and much grandeur

Wine lovers adore this impeccably furnished château; lovely Anne meets and greets, Jean Christophe makes wine and takes charge of tastings

Good bolthole with two terraces offering spectacular views over the historic town, and restaurants and bars a short stroll

Come for a bright, roomy, uber-green and accessible larch-clad space with garden and pond in pretty countryside

Come for pristine beaches, long walks to Barbate, sea views, whale watching trips and serene suites

Old meets new in Benoit’s charming villa with courtyard pool, breakfasts to linger over and all the fun of La Baule on the doorstep

A super Georgian cottage with its own private garden, very comfortable bedrooms and acres of bird-filled grounds to explore

Bright and spacious barn for two and a baby on the South Downs Way, close to Brighton and the coast

Fragrant gardens full of fruit trees, a lovingly renovated house just a few minutes’ walk from the village, and excellent breakfasts

Relaxed country-chic worthy of a photo shoot at these beautifully turned-out apartments in deep countryside... gaze on heaven from the pool

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

A bright and prettily beamed barn with very comfortable interiors, private outdoor seating and a shared courtyard for barbecues and games

Spacious gîte in a former hunting lodge, set on one of the oldest estates in Pézenas, for a relaxing getaway with family and friends

A luxurious eco-retreat plus extra room in the Space Conker in private woodland with views to the Chaîne des Aravis and Mont Blanc