“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.

In a remote spot above the Aveyron gorges, this well-preserved bastide village (population 250) was founded in the 13th century below a hilltop fortress, now a ruin.

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

“Still the best and still our favourite,” says one of the many fans of this restaurant-with-rooms, now owned by Stephanie and Olivier Bicot.

In a pretty village between Nîmes and Montpellier is this renovated, creeper-covered, old farmhouse, run by Alain Foubert.

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

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

'Lovely looking and efficiently run,' say visitors. At the château gates, this l8th century post house (Relais du Silence) has been owned by the Jeudi family since 1902.

“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.

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.

'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'.

“One of our best hotel experiences in years,” write visitors to this creeper-covered boutique hotel just south of this lovely medieval town.

'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).

In a large park with statues, benches, and lily pond with fountain, this 18th-century manor house, former home of the Marquis de Germigney, is now a luxury hotel (Relais & Châteaux).

Owned by Huw Awada (a former London hotelier) and his Irish wife Geraldine, this hotel is set in a handsome old stone building in a village perché (which has a 12th-century castle, fine views and llamas) located near Mont Ventoux.

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

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

In the “charming, quiet setting” of the tree-filled main square of this famous Burgundy wine village, this old hostelry is now part of COMO Hotels and Resorts.

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

This unusual hotel is a clever conversion of medieval houses on the side of a cliff, by the ramparts of this fashionable hill village, inland from Nice.

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.

“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.

'This small hotel has considerable charm,' says its nominator.

For one family, this hotel/restaurant was “the highlight of our holiday: the accommodation was excellent, the wine list better, the food better still”.

Owned by Marie-Christine Menec Lacube, this former coach house is now an auberge (Logis Hotels), with a low brick building and rear bedroom extension, and located by a river, in a village on the edge of the marshlands and forests of the Sologne.

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.

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.

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

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”.

In a village midway between the town and the Mont Blanc Tunnel entrance, this cheerful chalet-style hotel (Logis de France) is owned and run by Bernard and Martine Farini.