The island of Noirmoutier, north-west of La Rochelle, was a monastic settlement in the seventh century; now tourism is its main industry.

“Family-run and it shows,” say visitors to this chalet-style building (“like a 1930s English cottage with a touch of Gallic flair”).

On a rocky spur of the south Brittany coast, this luxurious hotel (Relais & Châteaux) is owned by Bertrand Jaquet.

By the harbour entrance and near Boulogne”s “odd little beach”, the Lestienne family”s restaurant-with-rooms is in two converted 1930s houses.

'Charming as ever,' says a visitor, returning to this 16th-century stone mas in vineyards and lavender fields in rolling country east of the Rhône valley.

Formerly the summer residence of the bishops of Tulle, this 11th-century château stands above the Dordogne, near Rocamadour: it has 'glorious views'.

“Guests enjoy really personal service” at this small hotel run by Marco Baumann and his wife, Danielle Haeberlin.

'Not cheap, but the style, decor, service and fabulous location make it a winner': this 17th-century mansion is within easy walking distance (via Pont Neuf) of the Louvre and Notre Dame.

This “delightful” little hotel is in a valley just below this hilltop village amid the rolling forests of the North Vosges national park.

“A haven of rural peace and quiet”, this 15th-century red brick château has been owned by the de Ponsay family since 1644 and is currently run by Aurelia and Laurent Ponsay; the “family feel” was enjoyed by visitors.

Between the Place des Vosges and the Place de la Bastille, a short walk from the Marais, stands this 'quirky' small hotel.

Against a background of the craggy Dentelles de Montmirail, this old-fashioned hotel has a superb setting high in a wooded valley, near some of the best Côtes du Rhône vineyards.

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

On the shore of Lake Geneva, in a “delightful” medieval village, Jeannine and Jean-François Kung”s chalet-style restaurant-with-rooms, with its flowery facade, was thought “charming”, and “welcoming” by visitors.

Near the superb ruins of a Gothic abbey, in a lovely valley south-east of Coutances, this grey stone restaurant-with-rooms (Logis de France) is always admired: “Welcoming, efficient, very comfortable”; “Amazing value”.

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.

'One of the nicest hotels we've stayed in,' say visitors. 'Staff were particularly helpful. Food was excellent.'

'Full of character, delightfully decorated and a haven of peace': this 18th-century mansion is in a side street off Boulevard St-Germain.

'Excellently located', in the Marais, this 'very friendly' hotel has for three generations been owned and run by Didier Fossiez's family ('he and his wife, Pamela, are delightful').

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

In the foothills of the Vosges mountains, overlooking the highest village on the Alsatian wine trail, is this large, modern, Scandinavian-style hotel.

This old hill village, popular with artists, is full of arty boutiques. Its name means 'russet': it is famous for its ochre quarries, and its buildings are in shades of red, pink and orange.

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.

Named after the scrub-like bushes which cover Corsica and gave their name to the French Resistance, this “very well-run hotel” is a collection of buildings by the sea.

In a park with century-old trees bordered by box tree walkways, this Renaissance château near Brantôme looks across a valley.

In this upmarket little town near the Spanish border, Roger Larralde and Richard Pérodeau”s white, late 19th-century mansion (Relais & Châteaux) stands quietly near the broad sandy beach and pedestrianised shopping streets.

In a picturesque village amid the 'great countryside' of the Massif Central, this 'delightful small hotel' stands on a quiet square behind a lovely abbey (fine Flemish tapestries).

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

Easily accessible from the A7 Autoroute du Soleil, and just 24 kilometres from Montélimar (which has a TGV station), the Delaitre family's 'exquisite' ivy-covered, ochre-walled auberge is in a Rhône valley village perchéknown for its glazed pottery.