'What a remarkable place,' says a visitor to this designer hotel in the lively narrow streets of the trendy St-Jean quarter of Vieux Lyon.

On the edge of this historic town stands new owner Justin Giustianini's substantial half-timbered inn. It is on a dull main road, but bedrooms (in Louis XVI to Louis-Philippe style) face a quiet rear garden which has a dining terrace.

This 18th-century palace is where Marie-Antoinette stayed on her way to meet her husband-to-be, Louis XVI and is now a hotel, “in the best discreet French tradition”.

In the historic centre, on the traffic-free square in front of the cathedral, this “tastefully decorated” hotel offers “good value”, say Guide readers.

“You can tick all the “Good Hotel” boxes for this one,” say the nominators of this “beautiful house, away from traffic on the edge of a spectacular village”.

With unspoilt views over the Charente from its dining terrace, this 19th-century gentilhommière stands among oak trees (yeuses).

In a quiet residential area this 1930s maison de maitre has been restored to preserve its original heritage while providing modern comfort and amenities.

Located very close to the village of Mougins, and only 20 mins from Cannes, this small luxury hotel is described as more of a country house than a hotel, with only five beautiful suites.

Amid the 'breathtaking scenery' of the eastern Vercors, where, say visitors, 'sheer mountain cliffs rise majestically above trees and meadows', is this 'gem' of a hotel.

'Bang in the middle of decent-sized, pleasant town', behind the Hôtel de Ville, is this converted 17th century Ursuline convent, now a B&B hotel.

“Idyllically” set on the little River Canche, below the citadel, this restaurant-with-rooms is run by Alexandre Gauthier, who took over from his father Roland in 2003.

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.

Run by its owners, Brigitte and Jacques Maupin, this 17th-century château stands by the upper Saône, in a village outside Gray.

“A splendid place, tasteful, comfortable, with exquisite food,” wrote regular correspondents about this famous Burgundian restaurant-with-rooms (Relais & Châteaux).

In the old centre of this former Cathar stronghold, this converted 13th-century château has “fabulous views” over surrounding countryside and bedrooms in two 17th-century buildings.

The town may be “ordinary”, but this hotel on the outskirts is “very attractive”, says a visitor. It stands quietly across a road from parkland along the banks of the small River Sèvre.

Right by the sea, this 17th-century manor house, just east of the port, is now an attractive hotel whose owner, a Mme Chapalain and her son, 'are very kind', says a returning visitor.

Although somewhat dated and in need of renovations, this 'attractive, comfortable' hotel still offers lots of charm, and 'helpful staff. Good value in an expensive area.'

The magnificent white beaches of Île de Ré, offshore from La Rochelle, attract hordes of French holidaymakers in season: advance booking is essential for Anne and Frederic Latour”s charming hotel.

Amid the “fabulous scenery” of the Pyrenean foothills, the Ferran family”s hotel is named after the seven watermills (molles = moulins) which once stood nearby.

In a pretty riverside town in northern Burgundy, Pascal and Marie-Jeanne Leclerc run a stylish B&B hotel in a white 1850s mansion.

A 'spanking conversion' of large chateau in the middle of the countryside.

'In a nondescript little town', near picturesque Valence, 'Michel Chabran's hotel/restaurant is impossible to miss,' says a visitor.

Michelin awards three stars to the brilliant cooking of the “warmly welcoming” owner/chef Gilles Goujon in the stylish restaurant-with-rooms which he runs with his wife, Marie-Christine.

A 17th-century Carthusian monastery is now this “serious hotel with a formal atmosphere” (Relais & Châteaux).

A long-time Guide favourite, the Chazal family's 'seriously good' small hotel/restaurant is on the main street of a pleasant market town in the Auvergne.

Michelin awards a star to owner/chef Alain Gardillou, admiring also the 'magic' setting of his 17th-century oil mill on the Dronne: Guide readers, too, call it a 'wonderful, bucolic spot'.

In this famous medieval wine town, surrounded by vineyards, is this popular B&B hotel. “Staff were helpful, breakfast was good,” is one visitor comment.

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