Philippe Bidal's modest hotel (a listed historic monument) stands at the end of a glass-roofed 19th-century arcade with shops, near the junction of boulevards Haussmann, Montmartre and des Italiens.

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

This hotel's most famous guest was Oscar Wilde, who died here when it was a rundown boarding house, but since then a number of celebrities have stayed here and continue to do so; a revamp by interior designer Jacques Garcia has helped ensure the hotel – and it's bar – is a hip destination.

The imaginatively detailed interior of this hotel sets it apart: the 18th century French chinoiserie style includes fabric toile du Jouy wallpaper, oriental carpets and custom-made furniture with Oriental marquetry.

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

Once the home of a 19th-century wine merchant, this vine-covered building is now a 'charming small hotel', says a visitor. 'The friendly staff were very helpful.'

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.

In a 'delightful location' near Vacqueyras, at the head of a wooded ravine below the rocky Dentelles de Montmirail, this 19th-century building was once a spa centre.

Set in a farmhouse dating from 1789 in the ski resort of La Clusaz, Le Vieux Chalet is 'a very small but perfectly located and charmingly decorated hotel', according to recent visitors.

This lovely medieval village, with its ramparts, half-timbered houses, and cobbled streets, is often the setting for historical films.

In this famous medieval wine town, surrounded by vineyards, is this popular B&B hotel. “Staff were helpful, breakfast was good,” is one visitor comment.

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.

In two buildings, separated by a garden with a swimming pool, is M. and Mme Grasset's 'relatively modern' Logis de France, popular with golfers.

Dating in part from the 12th century, this “truly beautiful”, many-turreted castle stands high on a cliff above the River Lot, in “beautiful formal gardens” on a wine-growing estate: the views from the terrace are “magic”.

In open country south of Montélimar, this creeper-covered 14th-century bastide was once an overnight stop for pilgrims.

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

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

“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.

'Extremely luxurious', Jean-Pierre Pinelli's hilltop hotel (Relais & Châteaux) stands in lovely grounds above this fortified harbour town.

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.

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

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.

This “immaculate, tiny village, like a film set” stands high on an escarpment above the valleys of the Lot and the Truyère, north of Rodez.

Built in 1526, this creeper-covered building was the home of the Earl of Montgomery, who accidentally killed the French king, Henry II, in a tournament.

“You can tick all the “Good Hotel” boxes for this one,” say the nominators of this “beautiful house, away from traffic on the edge of a spectacular village”.

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'.

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 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.