An artistic escape with a stunning kitchen in sleepy, gastronomic Lot – stroll to the village market and feast on local produce

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

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

Everything is on the doorstep and you'll find much comfort at these smart self-catering apartments in the heart of the city

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

Choose the atmospheric early Georgian house or the garden bedrooms, all have views, Paul's welcome is genuine and his dinners delicious

A wonderful surprise inside this 1590 house sitting in a beautiful walled garden full of fruit trees, just off the High Street

A former tobacco barn and an annexe with outdoor kitchen and courtyard, near good places to eat for relaxed days at the beach

Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

Imperious old coaching inn lost in deep country with a river to fish, five-mile views, delicious rooms and some very tasty food

Quirky lights and vintage 60s pieces add character to an immaculate home bathed in light and serenity - launch pad for stylish temptations

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 renovated Dordogne farmhouse infused with new life, plus a saltwater pool, an ancient fig tree, and Lascaux on the doorstep

Hilltop château on the edge of a small village half an hour from Saint-Émilion, with a lovely garden, a swimming pool and two lakes

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

A striking modern villa tucked away off a small road above the Serchio valley with sparkling pool, gardens and Apuan mountain views

Foodies will love the irresistible cooking - along with local wine and a typically Tuscan setting. Bedrooms are pretty