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.

The hotel is set in a 16th-century mill straddling large stream in a quiet, picturesque valley between Rouen and Caen.

“If wine touring takes you to Chablis, this should be your hotel of choice,” says a travel expert of chef/patronMichel Vignaud and his daughter Noemi”s converted almshouse (Logis de France) in this “adorable little town”.

'Well placed for visits to central Paris', this 18th-century building is where Puccini set La Bohème.

This “most attractive building” is in a quiet residential area just outside Sarlat: “a peaceful and beautiful setting”. It is a part 13th-century hunting lodge, “truly romantic”.

A “delightful” small auberge, stylish, but not posh, created by the actress Leslie Caron from four 17th-century boat houses on the Yonne, and now owned by Jerome Fertal. “The Owl”s Nest” is in an attractive little town with honey-coloured stone buildings in northern Burgundy.

'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.

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

'A beautiful hotel,' one reader wrote. Built of local pink granite, this 19th-century Breton manor house (Relais & Châteaux) stands on a wooded headland on the edge of this popular resort.

North-west of Limoges, this gentilhommière (Relais & Châteaux) stands in a large park on the edge of a wood.

Set in the centre of Val Thorn, in the Trois Vallées ski area, this family-run ski-in/ski-out hotel has garnered much praise for both the warm interiors – typically wood-panelled and cozy – and the impressive five course dinners served at night.

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 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.

Quietly set amid noble Burgundy vineyards, about 10 km from Dijon, is this handsome 18th-century manor house in a former wine press.

The Île de Ré, offshore from La Rochelle, is a popular bolthole for wealthy Parisians. It has miles of glorious sandy beaches, an interior of pine forests and vineyards, and plenty of charm (planning regulations forbid unsightly hoardings and oversized buildings).

Near the Spanish border, in the remote Aldudes valley, this village is a key Basque folklore centre. Here, Pascal and Christine Arcé”s “beautiful country hotel”, by a trout river, is much admired.

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

Built a century ago as a private house, this belle époque mansion (Relais & Chateaux) was turned into a hotel by François André in 1926: he named it after his wife.

Informally run by the Rambaud family is this stylish inn located in a 'pleasing stone building' set back from the road, in 'fairly spacious' grounds with olive and almond trees and a vineyard.

Although you are paying for location more than decor – the reception is tiny and the rooms simply furnished – all rooms have terraces with sea views.

“Slap bang between the seafront and rue d”Antibes (great for shopping)”, Jerry Duburq's “little gem” of a hotel, decorated in Provençal style, is warmly recommended.

Located just steps away from the Promenade des Anglais is this small, Belle Epoque boutique hotel, with charming and friendly staff.

“A truly delightful place. The garden and park provide pleasure from every point,” says a visitor: in 1976, this 18th-century château, a historic monument in a large park near Bayeux, was turned into an elegant hotel (Relais & Châteaux); extensive renovations were completed in March 2016.

This family owned and run B&B is located very conveniently in the centre of Morzine, less than 100m from the nearest ski lift.

“It keeps on improving” according to a visitor returning to the Larain family”s glamorous hotel (Relais & Châteaux), on the banks of the Yonne.

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

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

A 12th-century turreted former priory has been sympathetically restored, and is now a B&B hotel located two minutes' walk from Amboise centre.

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”.