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

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.

'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.

“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”.

“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.

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.'

Between Orléans and Le Mans, outside a village 18 km north of Vendôme, is this handsome, ivy-covered 19th-century former hunting lodge of Duc de La Rochefoucauld, now owned by Maryse and Guy Redon.

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.

Found “very good value” by visitors, this 17th-century half-timbered former bailiff”s house of “old-world charm” (Logis de France) stands on a quiet street in a village near Chablis.

'A lovely hotel in a beautiful setting'; 'calm and quiet'. One of the Guide's best-loved hotels, the 'beautiful, old bastide', outside a delightful small town below the Massif de la Sainte Baume, stands in a large walled garden with swimming pool and fountain.

'Between sea and sky' in the hills behind Nice, this well-known village perché is up a winding road, on a rocky spur.

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

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

Staying here is “a very good experience”, says a visitor to this creeper-clad 16th-century mill, now a luxurious hotel (Relais & Châteaux).

Run 'with panache' by its owners, Anne and Jean Milliau Le Coz, this upmarket beach hotel (Relais & Châteaux) is described by correspondents as 'delightful'.

Set 800m from Château de Cheverny, and on the village square, this old inn has been owned by the Bricault family since 1865 and is now a member of the Chateau and Hotels Collection.

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.

This 'very peaceful' hotel stands on a hill amid pine trees, in a well-kept garden with swimming pool (where snacks are served in summer).

The setting of M. and Mme Boyère's modern hotel is 'splendid', say visitors to the lovely Rhuys peninsula. Others wrote of 'a spacious feel, a friendly patron'.

'Very smart' and 'beautifully situated' (on the Rhône, in a famous vineyard), the Humann-Donet family's hotel is 'still highly recommended.

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

Connected to the mainland at La Rochelle, by a three-kilometre toll bridge, the Île de Ré has sandy beaches, oyster beds and, out of season, “an air of tranquillity”.

M. and Mme Charrade's 'typical Parisian small hotel, narrow, on 6 floors', is located just off Boulevard St-Germain and a stroll away from Luxembourg Gardens and the Notre-Dame.

Run by Anne-Sophie Heitzler with a “helpful staff”, this modern hotel is a conversion of three half-timbered Renaissance buildings in Colmar”s beautiful Petite Venise area.

In a hamlet near Castelnau, this welcoming small B&B hotel stands in a garden facing the Pyranees; from its terrace there are wide views.

“The food is excellent,” say visitors. In a wine village in the Beaujolais, this restaurant-with-rooms (Logis de France) is run by Bertrand Alizer and his partner Kesaram Choudhary.

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

'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.

'A lovely hotel'. The owner/managers, Anne and Xavier Olivereau, are the fourth generation of the family to run this handsome pepperpotted Second Empire mansion, set amid woods and lawns in a park.

On the banks of Le Loir (not La Loire, further south), is this small country restaurant-with-rooms (Logis de France).