France

Come for good architecture, thoughtful design and much space for relaxing: swimming, massages, hammam and sauna, beautiful bedrooms

A peaceful Gascon paradise of timeless French charm, with a spectacular kitchen/living area, and a pool that's lit at night

Vast rooms, thick stone walls and ancient flagged floors skilfully modernised to create comfort, surrounded by romantic château gardens

A top-notch stopover for the Vendée coast… minutes from the ferries of St Gilles Croix de Vie and the beaches of Bretignolles sur Mer

Charming 4-star gîte in an 11th-century castle in the foothills of the Pyrénées. Spectacular views, leafy terrace and wild swimming nearby

A cosy nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area

An 1860 stone built mas, ensconced in rows of vines, with an inviting pool, rambling garden and south-facing bedrooms linked by a balcony

Come for a rural escape at this barn conversion on the edge of the Brenne Natural Regional Park, filled with lakes, wildlife and rare birds

Stylish B&B rooms in a peaceful little château, amongst rolling hills, woods and farmland - bikes and boules to borrow, lovely pool to share

In peaceful Burgundy countryside, a beautifully-restored farmhouse with B&B rooms, delicious regional food and an inviting pool

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

Rustic farmhouse with lovely gardens, a swimming pool and superb views over the Pyrenees – the sunrises are amazing

Extraordinary: gourmet food, attentive hosts, a rooftop pool. Wine-taste your way through bucolic Burgundy between Auxerre and Dijon

A thoughtfully-renovated cottage in a small hamlet with garden, courtyard and pool. The peace is palpable but you're near to bustling Tusson

Come to stay in a fine old townhouse with elegant proportions, high ceilings and a rambling, English-style garden close to Mont Saint-Michel

A chalet-with-everything: great mountain style, space and comfort with views of Mont Blanc, a sauna and bubbling hot tub

An elegant 1892 building, once the village school, now a very comfortable, colourful B&B with warm owners and delicious breakfasts

The river's gentle flow sets the tone for a relaxing stay in this peaceful Loire estate: quiet rooms, sweet village, dinner with Madame