Behind imposing wrought iron gates, and fronted by a courtyard with a central fountain and lawns, this big, honey-coloured, former 18th-century hunting lodge was liked again by visitors.

This unusual hotel is located not far from the seafront, behind the mighty Hôtel Negresco. Visitors called it 'a delight'.

In a beautiful setting on the Sélune (one of the last salmon rivers in France), where the N176 crosses an old bridge, this unsophisticated Logis de France is run by Patrice and Sandra Girres; Patrice is the son of the previous owners, Jean-Pierre and Josette Girres, and is the third generation to run the hotel.

A former maison de notaire, this inexpensive hotel is in a small town, surrounded by mountain pastures, on the pilgrims” route to Santiago de Compostela.

An 11th-century fortified castle at the top of a medieval village in the hills south of Draguinon has been turned into this small hotel where, say the nominators, 'everything was correct'.

Dating in part from the 12th century, this “truly beautiful”, many-turreted castle stands high on a cliff above the River Lot, in “beautiful formal gardens” on a wine-growing estate: the views from the terrace are “magic”.

This 19th century manor house has been converted into a charming country hotel restaurant by its English owners, Hazel and Peter Newington.

Formerly a Benedictine convent, this 'civilised' little Left Bank hotel underwent extensive renovations in 2011 and is now bright and modern, although traces of its past remain with original exposed beams in some of the rooms, and exposed pale stone walls in the lounge.

Created from an old farm, this unusual hotel is run with brio by its owner, Jérôme Emery. Spacious grounds with mature trees and hedges protect it from the “industrial surroundings”.

Tastefully converted by its owners Sandra and André Berger, this group of 18th-century stone farm buildings is now an inexpensive B&B hotel.

“We very much enjoyed our stay,” say visitors to this half-timbered post house in a small town at the end of the Route des Vins west of Strasbourg.

Considering its location (just behind the Ritz, and a short walk to the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries etc) and its reputation for excellent service, the Mansart offers good value.

Michelin finds Michel and Nelly Bougon's extended 17th-century farmhouse in the Périgord Nord near Sarlat, 'ravishing' and tells of its 'ambiance cosy'.

Set in a 200-year-old building in the pedestrianized centre of Lille (a ten minute walk from the Gare de Europe), Hotel de la Paix is a “friendly, efficient no-frills” B&B hotel with an art nouveau vibe; despite its location it is quiet, with soundproofed rooms.

On the edge of this village, famous for the discovery of the cave of Cro-Magnon man nearby, and very touristy in summer, this 'first-rate' hotel (Relais & Châteaux) stands by the winding River Vézère.

Named after a mistress of Charles VII who was also an enthusiastic cook, this 'sweet, unpretentious little place, astonishingly cheap', has long been loved by Guide readers.

'For warmth of reception combined with lovely rooms, it cannot be beat,' writes a travel expert about Roberto and Nanda Polito's luxurious and stylish little hotel (Relais & Châteaux).

'A terrific place,' said a recent visitor. Gloriously positioned on a peninsula in a fishing port on the north Brittany coast, this handsome white 1900s hotel is decorated in 'contemporary balnéaire' style: polished floorboards, grey and honey panelled walls, wooden furniture, original wicker chairs, and colourful modern fabrics: 'the apogee of casual chic'.

Between Orléans and Le Mans, outside a village 18 km north of Vendôme, is this handsome, ivy-covered 19th-century former hunting lodge of Duc de La Rochefoucauld, now owned by Maryse and Guy Redon.

Located by the Théâtre des Célestins, this B&B is much used by visiting actors.

In a quiet, attractive village on the Route du Vin north of Colmar, this vine-clad Relais du Silence, run by the Munsch-Meyer family, was liked by readers.

In a small, pretty town in the Auvergne is this hotel, in a well-maintained, imposing building reminiscent of old world, rural France.

“The food is excellent,” say visitors. In a wine village in the Beaujolais, this restaurant-with-rooms (Logis de France) is run by Bertrand Alizer and his partner Kesaram Choudhary.

'Magical.' 'Delightful.' This former 10th-century fortress, near the awesome Gorges du Verdon, is owned by the family of Guillaume Thomas.

“A delightful hotel in an exquisite building,” says a visitor. “With its thick, honey-coloured stone walls, it looks every inch a medieval manor house,” says our inspector.

Below Mont Ventoux, in a tiny Provençal village perché, this smart hotel is much liked.

In a wooded park outside Amboise, facing the Loire, this small château was built in 1244 by Geoffrey de Pray; later, the wife of Alphonse Daudet lived here.

'Well located, a few miles away from the busy A6', this restaurant-with-rooms (Logis de France) run by Cyrille Joubery and his wife, is recommended by a visitor for 'peaceful nights and fabulous meals, all at reasonable prices'.

This 'agreeable' small hotel is located in a quiet street at the northwest end of Jardin du Luxembourg (two minutes' walk away) and near St-Sulpice and Montparnasse.

In a picturesque village in the forest of Compiègne, Yves Giustiniani”s restaurant-with-rooms was liked by visitors: “A lovely suite with large bedroom, very nice bath and shower, large sitting room. Lovely food too.”