An unusual and stylish modern hotel (Relais & Châteaux) on a hillside in the south-eastern suburb of Bouliac.

A “ravishing building”, a 17th-century château, with pepperpot tower, moat with swans, “hens and cockerels strutting in the grounds.

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.

Cahors, in a famous wine region, has some characterless modern buildings but also some interesting old ones, eg, the fortified 14th-century Pont Valentré over the Lot.

Facing the sea, near the spectacular bridge which links Oléron to the mainland, this white-fronted property is in a village in the south-east of the island.

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

In the village of Neuville-St-Amand in Picardy is Claude and Sébastien Meiresonne”s 1900s handsome white manor house (Logis de France), owned by their family since 1970 and set in three hectares of grounds.

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.

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

Near the Roman theatre, at the foot of St-Eutrope hill is this 17th-century coaching inn, now a pink and green-shuttered two-star B&B with 'welcoming' owner/manager, Alain Bennejean

This old hostelry (Logis de France), in a ramparted medieval hamlet on a hilltop west of Dijon, is “a most attractive location; fine views over countryside”.

Found “outstanding” by a regular correspondent, this auberge, in a medieval village high in the Cévennes, is run with brio by Pierrette Agulhon, the “hands-on” granddaughter of the founder

Though not particularly attractive, apart from its splendid Gothic cathedral, Reims has some excellent restaurants and hotels, including this one, owned by the Lallement family

'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'.

In a 'delightful' small wine-growing town between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne, the Blanchet family's restaurant-with-rooms has a terrace facing Duras's 14th-century fortress which looks across a vast plain.

In a “delightful position” on the edge of a tiny, historical village in the valley of the Aspre near Salers in the Cantal, this simple auberge is efficiently run by its owners, Brigitte and Christophe Landau, say nominators.

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.

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.

The location of this boutique four-star B&B couldn't be better: at the entrance to the Place de la Concorde, near the Tuileries gardens, and just steps from the Louvre.

'An unexpected chunk of Mexico' in upper Provence, this B&B is filled with furniture and craftworks which globetrotting residents of this medieval town collected in the 19th century.

Away from the crowded waterfront of this old fishing port near the Spanish border, this modestly priced B&B hotel, 'not luxurious, but good value', is up a steep side street.

“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.

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

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

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 quiet street in the small village of Oucques is this small hotel/restaurant (Logis de France, Michelin Bib Gourmand) owned by chef M. Lanchais: 'He and his wife are warm and friendly. Our large second-floor room was huge, with good bathroom,' say nominators.

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

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

In the Périgord Pourpre near Bergerac and Monbazillac, this 18th-century monastery has been converted into an elegant hotel.

'Pretty close to perfection' was one couple's verdict on this charming hotel in a busy market village near the south Brittany coast.