Situated amongst the Languedoc vineyards (and owned by a talented wine maker) Les Montels is a self-contained house with its own pool near the village of Roujan (34 Herault, Languedoc-Roussillon – see map).
In total tranquility about 2km from the village, the villa has panoramic views over the countryside – this is a large stone-built villa very quiet, entirely restored and re-decorated, surrounded by a large Mediterranean garden (9000 m² of enclosed gardens). The villa is situated close to a village, midway between the mountains and the sea. It only takes about 20 – 30 minutes by car to reach the busy Mediterranean resorts and beaches, or the peaceful foothills of the Cévennes mountains to the north.
A very light and airy veranda, which opens onto the pool and has views over the
surrounding countryside.
The Accommodation comprises: 3 double/twin bedrooms; shower room with WC; 3 toilets; fully fitted kitchen; large living/dining room; terrace with BBQ; mezzanine with television and sofa bed. (The villa can take up to 8 people or 10 at a push); Utility room with washing machine and drying cabinet.
Mountain bikes are available for guests.
Central heating for winter rentals
And somebody can come and cook and/or clean for you!
see map
For wine you can try the owner’s (Helene Mir) own Clos Montels, Coteaux du Languedoc AC – see www.clos-montels.com
To enquire about availability, prices etc complete the form below
French Specialists PV-Holidays are offering accommodation from €290 per week (e.g. in Brittany) – prices do not include travel, but if you are flexible about timings then great value channel crossings are still available from P&O Ferries £30 each way for car+9 any duration) or Norfolkline (from £19 each way for car + 4 )
The exchange rate with the €uro is now much better than last winter (£1 = €1.18 is the best rate we found (29 July 2010)) – so a litre of Unleaded is about £1.13 and a litre of Diesel is about £0.94 – best prices often at supermarkets such as Champion, Leclerc, Intermarché – even in smaller towns and some villages. Looking back at my records this means that the effective cost of a litre of fuel in France, allowing for the exchange rate is slightly cheaper than in Spring 2008!!
A quiet secluded cove in the cliffs is always worth finding – and at Bois de Cise (80 Somme, Picardie) between Eu/Le Treport and Ault on the coast of Picardy discover Le Cise – a restaurant with rooms on the clifftop with stunning views along the cliffs.
There is not much here, other than Le Cise, a few houses, some parking and a very rocky beach at the bottom of a wooded ravine. Quiet and peaceful in the off-season, there are numerous (if strenous) walks amongst the woodland in the ravine – but lunch, dinner or more in this spot could be ideal, especially if the weather is fine.
Route de la plage, Bois de Cise, 80460 Ault
T : 03.22.26.46.46
In a favourite corner of France in the upper reaches of the Lot Valley is Entraygues-sur-Truyere (12 Aveyron, Midi-Pyrenees) = Le Petit Pois is a cute apartment in Entraygues above the home décor shop of the same name owned by Bindy Pease and Nigel Oxbrow.
Le Petit Pois is a collection of small businesses including an interior design shop, a salon de thè and bijou hotel, Le Petit Chou, with 4 ‘Chambre de Charme’, gites and apartments. We came to this region from London, having run our own business in the city for over 20 years we were looking for a change. We didn’t ever really set out to do what we have done, everything has evolved around us. The town of Entraygues is very beautiful, with a stunning Chateau dating from the 12th century built at the confluence of the two rivers, the Lot and the Truyère and many winding medieval streets. Once a thriving market town it had been rather neglected over time and part of the reason we bought Le Petit Pois and then Le Petit Chou was our desire to inject some life and enthusiasm into the place.
To the east of Tours (37 Indre-et-Loire, Centre) at Montlouis-sur-Loire, the Chateau de la Bordaisiere offers hotel accommodation in 17 delightfully decorated and elegant rooms.
The chateau estate is famous for its gardens and annual Plant Festival (April) and Festival of Tomatoes (September) – and boasts a fine show of dahlias in Spring and Summer – plus being located in Montlouis sur Loire, facing Vouvray, the Estate owns its vineyards and produces white ‘chenin blanc’ dry, semi-dry and sweet wine.
La Bourdaisière Hotel is housed in a historic building surrounded by splendid gardens where Francis I’s favourite, Marie Gaudin, and Henry IV’s favourite, Gabrielle d’Estrée, used to live. Prince Louis Albert de Broglie (the Prince gardener) created in the castle’s park the Conservatoire de la tomate (Tomato Conservatory), so in spring don’t miss this unique opportunity of visiting the beautiful dahlia garden and officinal herbs gardens. To transform this historic site in a perfect eco hotel, at the end of 2009 the management will start a technological renovation program ending in 2012. The program will use the best solutions for water and energy savings, as well as waste disposal; whilst educational exhibitions will take place at the Château de la Bourdaisière Hotel.
Le Bourg is a homely bed and breakfast in a wonderful location in Cherence Le Roussel situated in the Manche département (50, Basse Normandie) Lower Normandy.
The house is over 200 years old, packed with history. During the second world war American soldiers occupied the house during the fight for the liberation of Normandy and the German counter attack in August 1944.
Cherence Le Roussel is a pretty little village with an old church, a small bar and shop and a bakery offering fresh bread, croissants and cakes. The village has 3 rivers, where fishing is popular.
Le Bourg is an ideal base for visitors to this wonderful region of France. For the D-Day landing beaches are approximately 1 hour and 40 mins drive (73 miles), Le Mont St-Michel is approximately 32 miles drive. Just 7 miles away is Mortain - a town Mortain surrounded by woods, waterfalls and granite – within walking distance of the town centre (with its Petite Chapel) and the remarkable waterfalls, the Grande and Petite Cascade which are a must for a visit!
Set in countryside just 12km from Mortain this charming B&B (Chambres d’Hote) offers 3 spacious double bedrooms from €20 per person per night, including English or Continental breakfast.
We share Le Bourg with our dog ‘Molly’ a cross Labrador Collie, 2 chickens and 3 ducks that have the freedom of the large garden and the ducks swim in the small stream at the bottom of the garden. The garden is large with seating area, decking and a sun terrace with patio heater.
Vegetarian meals can be provided if required. I’m keen on home cooking and prides myself on excellent home cooked food.
I offer bed and breakfast all year round, for any number of nights. A traditional English or continental style breakfast is available depending on your choice. Also evening meals can be arranged if requested.
This is a very pet friendly home so your pet is welcome with prior arrangement
Paris is a city filled with culture and class, famous for its food, music and a variety of sights to explore – indulging iconic structures such as the Eiffel Tower and the cathedral at Notre Dame.
Awning of Porte Dauphine underground station
Some may associate Paris with high prices, particularly around the tourist destinations, but price comparison website travelsupermarket.com advise that “contrary to popular misconception, Paris can be a very affordable city and hotels in Paris are available that are both charming and comfortable, whilst also reasonably priced.”
Whether you’re looking to explore the museums and cathedrals, peruse the boutiques for a bargain or treat your loved one to a romantic city break, finding the ideal hotel for the occasion is an essential part of the planning process.
Luxury
Jays Paris, 75116 Paris – from £460 per night
Located in the city’s famous Golden Triangle region in the western part of the city, this luxurious hotel is just a short Metro ride from the sights and sounds of central Paris – including the boutiques along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees.
Shopping
Hotel Gramont Opera Paris, 75002 Paris
Located at the heart of the cities’ theatre district, the Gramont is the ideal choice for those who are looking to explore the vast array of boutiques and cafes during the day, before taking in a night at the opera.
With a wide variety of restaurants and theatres to choose from, as well as being a short walk away from the galleries of the world famous Louvre, the Gramont is perfect for those who want to explore a variety of aspects of Paris during their visit.
Sightseeing
Hotel Residence Henri 4, 75005 Paris – from £150 per night (early bookings also available)
Located within a short distance of many of the cities’ most recognisable tourist attractions, this idyllic hotel offers an ideal stopover point for those who are looking to take in the arts during their visit to the city.
Romantic Getaways
Hotel Duquesne Eiffel, 75007 Paris – from £130 per night (early bookings also available)
Located within walking distance of the world famous Eiffel Tower, this hotel offers rooms with a view of this iconic structure, which is illuminated at night time and provides an ideal backdrop for a romantic city break. Nearby you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and shops to explore, as well as a short walk away from the Eiffel Tower and various other tourist attractions
When searching for hotels in Paris in preparation for your trip, it can be worth shopping around for the best deal, making use of comparison services such as travelsupermarket.com can help save you time and money on your trip to the French capital – ooh la la!!
Just 3km from the bustle and crowds of Lourdes in the village of Lezignan (65 Hautes Pyrenees) Tim & Di Warren own Chez Passet, a charming B&B (Chambres d’Hotes):
Chez Passet offers a combination of lifestyle, indulgence and relaxation in the picturesque mountains of the Hautes Pyrénées in France
Tim and Di are passionate about the great outdoors and spend most of their spare time cycling the great mountain roads or skiing the various local resorts, making the very best of the natural splendours which this area offers.
Chez Passet is a historic Maison de Maitre located in the rolling foothills of the Hautes Pyrenees Mountains of Southwest France.
There are 5 spacious rooms (named after local moutain passes) all en-suite and luxurious.
Run by passionate cyclists Tim and Di Warren and with close proximity to the world famous climbs of the Tour de France, Chez Passet is a haven for any level of cyclists.
A 4 course Table D’hote dinner paired with wine is also available prepared by Di Warren who is a traditionally trained Chef and fully qualified Sommelier.
There is plenty of parking, secure bike storage, a pool , airport pick up and an extensive stocked wine cellar is available.
For wine lovers and enthusiasts there are wine weekends with wine tasting and education in a relaxed and warm environment.
A good selection of local and other French wines are available to taste.
For cyclists, they offfer guided tours with Tim and a support vehicle for those needing a break!
In addition there is a cosy lounge with a log burning fireplace, a great place to relax after a long day of cycling or exploring the area
Outside, there is plenty of private parking, secure bike storage and for those looking to take a dip at the end of a long day we have a pool and sun terrace to enjoy
Prices range between €80 and €100 per night per room, including breakfast.
La Beauficiere is a 4-bedroom B&B near Hembaye (50 Manche, Normandie) – see map.
The bed and breakfast offers two spacious family bedrooms and a double bedroom on the first floor. These rooms overlook the orchard.
We have a twin bedroom on the ground floor to the rear of the B&B. All bedrooms have ensuite shower, toilet and hand basin.
The accommodation offers a kitchen/dining room and lounge.
The B&B has plenty of free private parking and storage for bicycles.
Hembaye
The bedrooms are designed to incorporate the original features of the buildings whilst combining this with modern features such as the original oak beams which have being restored to provide a central feature in a number of the rooms. All bedrooms feature views over a cider apple orchard.
English owners Liz and Alan offer a warm welcome and plenty of advice on places to visit in the area. Ideally situated within an hour of Caen and 80 minutes of Cherbourg, it makes an ideal stop within reach of the ferry ports. With all the attractions of Normandy (butter, cream, cheese, cider, calvados etc) there are the Normandy beaches, Mont St Michel all within reach.
Deep in the heart of the Aveyron (12, Midi-Pyrenees) the B&B Le Clot is a 200 year old cordes de ferme comprising of house, barn and outbuildings set in 6 hectares of private land.
Owned and run by an English couple, Colin and Stephanie Evans, there are 3 double rooms for guests and all have private facilities. All rooms have been recently renovated keeping much of the character of the original buildings. Table d’hotes offered on request and using many ingredients from the garden or source them locally.
Large swimming pool which visitors are welcome to use and for which towels are provided.
This is a lesser-known part of rural France which is well worth a visit for its unspoilt beauty and is now much more accessible with the completion of the A75 autoroute and the stunning Millau Viaduc.
Where: Tauriac de Naucelle, between Albi (81 Tarn, Midi-Pyrenees) and Rodez.
B&B (Chambres d’Hote) and Self-catering cottage (Gite)
in the heart of the Loire Valley – an ideal solution for francophiles who are interested in wine.
Built in the XVIIIc and once a working domaine, it is now the French/Anglo family home of Sarah-Jane and Gérald Beaumont.The Domaine not only offers some stylish self-contained accommodation but also an opportunity to get really close to the process of transforming grapes into wine.
Surrounded by vineyards and sleepy hamlets our French/Anglo home is a delightful, peaceful retreat. Ideally located for discovering the Loire Valley and beyond, the Domaine is conveniently close to Saumur, Chinon, Montreuil-Bellay, Fontevraud l’Abbaye and Angers.
Located in ‘un village de charme’ outside of Montreuil-Bellay the domaine has one delightful, independent cottage set in its grounds. Privacy and peacefulness preserved the cottage is an idyllic retreat for wine lovers and francophiles wishing to embrace ‘la France’.
In the company of a knowledgeable vigneron, wine-maker, discover the world of wine and enhance your understanding and recognition of an ‘inferior’/'superior’ wine. Spend time discovering how wine is produced at a stunning Domaine in the heart of the Val de Loire. Or perhaps try your hand at grape-picking during harvest.
With the added benefits that come with an English hostess and a French vigneron you can just enjoy the scenery and try the wines – or take a private wine tour with a winemaker – or have your own wine-tasting evening with expert advice and local knowledge – or if you are feeling really energetic (and no back problems) then get involved with the grape picking at harvest time.
Situated just south of Saumur, famous for its Sparkling Chenin Blanc, dry still white and the red Saumur-Champigny AC this is an area rich in chateaux, history and wine. The Domaine’s association with Domaine de la Paleine, a few kilometres away at Le Puy Notre Dame (49 Maine-et-Loire, Pays de Loire) gives you privileged access to a vineyard which has won recognition in the respected Guide Hachette des Vins de France, winning a Coup de Coeur in the 2008 edition for the red Saumur “Moulin des Quints” 2005 made from Cabernet Franc. They also produce Saumur Brut (sparkling), Saumur Blanc (dry white), Coteaux de Saumur (a dessert wine based on Chenin Blanc) and two rosés – Cabernet de Saumur (dry) and a Cabernet d’Anjou (medium dry) – see the website at www.domaine-paleine.com (there is more info on the French language version)
La Bellevue logo
This French/Anglo family home is a haven for food & wine lovers.
From the ‘dabbler’ to the ‘serious’ wine enthusiast experience a true French discovery of wine in Géralds company. From a wine making family and a source of extensive knowledge, visit select vineyards, sample exquisite Val de Loire wines and meet the ‘vignerons’.
Accompanying good wine is good food and dining on local, traditional French cuisine “chez ‘les Beaumonts” is our passion.
Cabourg (14 Calvados, Normandy) is an elegant resort on the Normandy coast north of Caen – its heyday being the late 19th/early 20th Century when its Casino, sea air and proximity to Paris made it fashionable. It is on Normandy’s Cote Fleurie (Flower Coast) – From the picturesque fishing village of Honfleur, with its narrow streets lined with timber framed houses to romantic Cabourg and its Grand Hôtel, glamourous Deauville and its American Film Festival, Trouville and its buzzing harbour. This 25 mile-long coast of historical seaside resorts has golden sandy beaches and magnificent villas along the seafront as a reminder of high society life during the Second Empire.
The centrepiece has to be the Grand Hotel, which is indeed grand – and which has been refurbished and upgraded . Apart from its impressive facade, it also claims to have been a favourite for French novelist and critic Marcel Proust, whose most famous book is The Remembrance of Things Past (À la recherche du temps perdu)
This is a gentle coast which tends to be less crowded than those further south, such as le Touquet or Deaville, and hence retains both charm and style as the layout of the town around the Casino preserves its elegance. Great views over the English Channel!
You will be captivated by the timeless charm of the Grand Hôtel Cabourg, immortalized by Marcel Proust who loved to stay there. Its spacious rooms have sea views or overlook the gardens & flowers. The restaurant faces the promenade & offers exquisite Normandy cuisine & memorable snacks. Come for a family vacation or a weekend away with your partner; the Grand Hôtel Cabourg offers you undivided attention for an unforgettable stay, whatever the time of year.
The largest military castle in Europe is at Sedan (08 Ardennes, Champagne-Ardennes) on the strategically important eastern frontier of France – and it now includes a 53-room 3 star hotel and restaurant Hotel Le Chateau Fort. It is an imposing medieval structure built on a rocky promontory and boasted a complement of 4,000 soldiers in its heyday!. It consists of seven floors, four of which are underground!! The accommodation looks rather more luxurious than that endured by those 4000 soldiers!
The chateau itself is classified as an Historical Monument and is open to the public – see the Sedan Tourist Office for opening times.
As for Sedan (le Pays Sedanais) and its area:-
Located in the north-east of the Ardennes department, on the edge of the Ardennes forest, bathed by the waters of the Meuse, the Pays Sedanais stretches over 29 villages.
A land of wood, water and rolling green hills, the beauty of his landscapes and interesting heritage pleasantly surprise you.
(PS I had thought that Carcassonne (11 Aude,Languedoc) qualified as the largest Castle in Europe, but technically it is a fortified city rather than a castle!)
It is thought that the term “Sedan Chair” may have come from this area which produced high quality cloth with which the enclosed carrying chair, popular in 17th Century London, was lined.
Le Canard au Parapluie Rouge, or the “Duck with red umbrella” has a good start with a memorable name for a B&B – sounds a bit more exciting than the Hotel de la Gare (Station Hotel) which was its original name.
Situated south of Argenton-sur-Creuse (36 Indre, Centre -see map) just off the A20 autoroute about 200 miles south of Paris, this could make an ideal stop-over en route to or from the Dordogne, Lot and Toulouse – and tends to be one of those areas that many of us hurtle through (especially with the new A20 Autoroute “l’Occitaine”) on our way south or north.
Argenton-sur-Creuse is known as the “Venice of the Berry” (a former province of Central France) is a delightful spot on the River Creuse with medieval streets and chateau in the middle of an unspoilt area of France.The quiet and pretty small village of Celon is a few kilometres south.
“Le Canard au Parapluie Rouge is a lovely period country home situated on three and half acres of grounds and gardens. …. Now the property has been completely updated with all modern conveniences and offers several en-suite bedrooms. You will find the style of Le Canard a delightful mix of eclectic furnishings from around the world creating a very cozy & welcoming ambiance.”
SPECIAL OFFER-RECEIVE 10% OFF IF YOU BOOK YOUR COTTAGE BY NO LATER THAN 1 MAY 2010 The northern end of the valley of the Lot River is a charming, peaceful and beautiful hidden part of France. This lush region is completely unspoiled with its mountains, rivers, streams and rolling countryside dotted with medieval villages, stone houses and farms.
One way of getting to know the region — and its wines — is by renting one of three charming 200+ year-old restored cottages nestled on the hillsides near the Lot River. All of the self-catering cottages, known as “Sweet French Cottages,” offer beautiful interiors, lovely views and wonderful ambiance.
The cottages are located in the area that boasts 10 of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France,” more than any other region so you can just imagine how beautiful it is! Many historic sites, castles, forests, walking paths, hiking trails, wine tasting, wonderful restaurants, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing and golf, or just sit and enjoy the views! The medieval riverside village of Entraygues-sur-Truyere offers full services and is only 3 km away.
The region is home to two boutique wine appellations of the Southwest - Marcillac AOC and Entraygues-et-Fel VDQS.
For activities, festivals and places to eat in the area, please read our article on “Le Weekend in….Entraygues
The three cottages are newly renovated to a high standard by the owner-designer, and are fully outfitted for self catering. Each has beautiful, comfortable interiors with antiques and quality furnishings. Many original features including stone exteriors, slate roofs, exposed wood beams, fireplaces, handmade terracotta tile floors or pine floors. La Gourdinerie has British and French satellite TV, and L’Ecole Ancienne has British satellite TV (there is no satellite TV at La Maisonette; however, there is a DVD player). All cottages have TV with DVD players, stereo with CD players and a selection of DVDs, CDs and books.
La Gourdinerie
La Gourdinerie is a sunny, south facing enchanting cottage that was previously a wine-producing house, that accommodates up to 5 guests with two double bedrooms and a single bedroom and two bathrooms. This cottage offers total privacy, secluded swimming pool, balcony, log-burning stove, large stone terrace and breathtaking river and valley views. La Gourdinerie features a new kitchen with old world style and all modern conveniences, hand plastered walls, handmade clay floor tiles, exposed wood beams and a washing machine. La Gourdinerie is a nature lover’s paradise…binoculars are essential. The sound of the river is always present and you truly feel part of nature on this 4-acre property. Pets welcome at this property!
La Maisonette
La Maisonette is situated just above the Lot River on a 10-acre bird refuge with walking paths and a stream. The cottage’s stone terrace offers tranquility with the sound of the stream below and delightful river and mountain views, an outdoor shower and an organic vegetable/herb garden just below the terrace. This cottage for two features old world charm including exposed interior stone walls and wood beams, high ceilings in the living room and bedroom and a roll-top bathtub with claw feet in the spacious bathroom. La Maisonette also includes a log-burning stove, a queen-size bed and large new kitchen with all modern conveniences. This cottage also features central heating, washing machine and dryer, and Wi-Fi.
L'Ecole Ancienne
L’Ecole Ancienne, formerly an ancient schoolhouse for the hamlet, is a romantic getaway for two with one double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. This cottage is also situated on the the 10-acre bird refuge and features a wooden terrace where you can hear the stream below and enjoy the mountain views. The ancient schoolhouse features a beautiful stone fireplace with a log-burning stove, original wood floors, hand-plastered walls and new retro kitchen and bathroom. L’Ecole Ancienne also includes central heating, washing machine and dryer, and Wi-Fi.
La Maisonette and L’Ecole Ancienne are located on the same 10-acre property and can be rented simultaneously for couples who would like to holiday together but would prefer their own private cottage. Please inquire about special rates for renting both cottages at once.
For more information and to book, use the Enquiry Form at the bottom of the page or view the owner’s website at: www.sweetfrenchcottages.com.
Chateau Ricardelle produces an excellent range of Coteaux du Languedoc AC la Clape and Vins de Pays d’Oc wines and has some rather classy self-catering accomodation on the vineyard at la Clape between Narbonne (11 Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon) and the Mediterranean coast.
The wines of “la Clape” are some of the best in the Languedoc, despite often sandy soils and proximity to the sea.
The location is ideal both for getting to know these wines better (you can walk from the tasting cellar!) and for exploring an area which is rich in wines and history – plus some great beaches!!
Unless you are lucky enough to live within an hour or so of the English Channel ports, the annual trip to and from France can be a bit of an ordeal. Dover crossings may be short, but tend to leave you with longer to drive on both sides of the Channel. The western Channel crossings are longer, but can be expensive, especially if you reserve a cabin for an overnight crossing.
And, whilst parts of northern France don’t always tempt you to pause, the routes through Brittany and Normandy offer a host of places which would be worth a linger!
Michael has recommended what looks to be an ideal stop-over to break the journey – just 90 minutes or so (135km) south of the Caen ferry terminal) at Ouistreham.
Le Basse Cour is run by Phil and Jude Graham at Ancinnes (72 Sarthe, Pays de Loire) near Alencon (61 Orne, Normandie), just 10 minutes from the new A28 autoroute, and right on the border between Normandy and the Loire Valley (Sarthe).
“Choose from three comfortable en-suite guest rooms with a three star Gites de France rating. The house is in a peaceful, quiet setting surrounded by wooded and planted gardens on the fringes of the magnificent Forest of Perseigne. You’re welcome to make yourself at home on the terrace with a glass of wine (or try the local Normandy cider) or enjoy a game of boules on the lawn.”
As Michael said ” it was so good that we stopped over for two more days on the way back to the port at Caen. Genial hosts, wonderful setting, super rooms.”
The organic vineyard of Chateau Haut Garrigue in the village of Saussignac (24 Dordogne, Aquitaine) near Bergerac has it all – a wonderful situation overlooking the Dordogne valley; a self-contained gite “The Grape Escape”, friendly English-speaking (well, Irish) hosts and a real opportunity to see and learn more about wine and wine-making (if that’s what you want!).
Allez Vins! used to import wines from this domaine when it was run by its previous owners, but now it is being run organically under the title “Wild Earth Vineyards” by the enthusiastic and innovative new owners, Sean and Caroline Feely.
The Grape Escape, our well-equipped 4-person gite (self-catering holiday house) is surrounded by organic vineyards and offers fabulous views across the Dordogne valley. It is semi-detached from the main farmhouse facing onto the courtyard on one side and onto the vines on the two sides built out over the vineyard.
As our guests, you are very welcome to spend time with us to learn about our wine and winemaking, taste our wines and perhaps even take part in vineyard or winery activity depending on the time of year and your energy!
No chance for me to taste their wine yet – they produce red, rosé and white Bergerac AC wines and semi-sweet and botytised dessert Saussignac AC wines.
John & Carolyn Scallon offer comfortable Bed & Breakfast (Chambre d’Hote) accommodation in Burgundy either for stop-overs en route south or for short or longer stays. At Sens-sur-Seille (71 Saone-et-Loire, Bourgogne).
This would be an opportunity to explore some of the lesser known parts of Burgundy with the additional bonus of experienced advice from your English hosts who can help you plan your itinerary to get the best from your day – and recommend vineyards and restaurants.
Just 90 minutes from Geneva or Lyon airports this area abounds with small villages, individual cuisine and lots and lots of really fine wines.
“We’re biased. We live in a small village in the extreme east of Burgundy, right on the border with the Jura Department and we love it here” say John & Carolyn Scallon at their B&B who offer excellent accommodation (4 individually decorated bedrooms with en-suite facilities) in the heart of south Burgundy at Sens-sur-Seille (71 Saone-et-Loire, Burgundy) east of Chalon-sur-Saone
For more info and for suggestions on visiting the vineyards of Burgundy see www.frenchduck.co.uk See map
There are numerous criteria for selecting the perfect holiday gite – for me it has to be a combination of tranquility, privacy, a decent view, comfortable accommodation, swimming pool; within walking distance of a bar, shop and preferably a restaurant; within striking distance of a town with a good selection of shops – and with vineyards nearby where I can purchase some good local wines.
The Mas de Couderc at Degagnac (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees) fits all these criteria – about 10km south of Gourdon and 30km north of Cahors it is also close to the Dordogne for visits to Sarlat and the Valley of the Dordogne. Wine wise the vineyards of Cahors start a little to the south, and Bergerac is a bit further afield. Goose, Duck and walnuts are the local specialties.
The gite is available throughout the year, and because you book direct weekly rentals are good value for money. Monsieur and Mme Verot speak good English (she is English!) See map
Contact the owners Serge and Yasmin Verot through the enquiry form
Situated amongst the Languedoc vineyards (and owned by a talented wine maker) Les Montels is a self-contained house with its own pool near the village of Roujan (34 Herault, Languedoc-Roussillon – see map).
To the east of Tours (37 Indre-et-Loire, Centre) at Montlouis-sur-Loire, the Chateau de la Bordaisiere offers hotel accommodation in 17 delightfully decorated and elegant rooms.
La Beauficiere is a 4-bedroom B&B near Hembaye (50 Manche, Normandie) – 
With the added benefits that come with an English hostess and a French vigneron you can just enjoy the scenery and try the wines – or take a private wine tour with a winemaker – or have your own wine-tasting evening with expert advice and local knowledge – or if you are feeling really energetic (and no back problems) then get involved with the grape picking at harvest time.
Unless you are lucky enough to live within an hour or so of the English Channel ports, the annual trip to and from France can be a bit of an ordeal. Dover crossings may be short, but tend to leave you with longer to drive on both sides of the Channel. The western Channel crossings are longer, but can be expensive, especially if you reserve a cabin for an overnight crossing.
Allez Vins! used to import wines from this domaine when it was run by its previous owners, but now it is being run organically under the title “Wild Earth Vineyards” by the enthusiastic and innovative new owners, Sean and Caroline Feely.
John & Carolyn Scallon offer comfortable Bed & Breakfast (Chambre d’Hote) accommodation in Burgundy either for stop-overs en route south or for short or longer stays. At Sens-sur-Seille (71 Saone-et-Loire, Bourgogne).
