A gentle, calm, immaculate place for an all-season family stay, near wine tastings, castles, caves and canoeing. Everyone loves the Dordogne

An open-plan kitchen, sunny terrace and fruitful gardens shine at this private hillside villa. From here, it's easy to ski, swim or sunbathe

A sophisticated and friendly Basque beauty overlooking the Bay of Biscay, in Txakoli vineyard country – prepare to be thoroughly spoilt

An impressive limestone house on three levels created within the ruins of an ancient village with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley

Swings, a terrace and pool in 2 acres ringed by fields and tranquility, and lakes and vineyards beyond. Family bliss in Quercy

A captivating place for couples and families with fabulous views, pool and foodie hosts. River water sports, markets and vineyards near

Steam in the hot tub, gaze over crashing waves or later stars. Inside is swish, kids play in their games room, dinner is in view of the sea

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

This warm and friendly little hotel is on a mission - to give you really good food, excellent wine and a very comfortable night's sleep

On the site of an old sawmill in the mountains of the Jura, a guesthouse of warmth and charm - with table d'hôtes, a pool and a spa

Lodge and gardens – superbly designed, immaculate, fresh, eco friendly – rest in unspoilt Picardy. Anglo-French hosts take turns to cook

Two comfortably converted farm buildings, with a shared pool on a gentle south-east sloping vineyard with wonderful views

A delightful holiday home for a big family or group of close friends. Children and dogs can charge about safely, you can unwind completely

Feel like the lord or lady of the manor at this sublime restoration of a Tudor, timber-framed stone house in lovely Ludlow

A 17th-century townhouse sitting on a quiet side street with lots of original features and a west-facing patio screened by vines and lemons

Log fires smoulder, rooms are comfortable, the food is delicious and there's bags of character at this old village pub – once a cider house

A lovely listed cottage, just stumbling distance from a good pub in a quiet village surrounded by spectacular walking and cycling country

An old chapel, smartly and sustainably converted, with a hot tub to soothe tired limbs after country walks through fells and dales