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Whilst not exactly “on a vineyard” you can stay in the heart of the pretty wine vilage of Chablis(89 Yonne, Bourgogne) in a 2- or 4-person flat above Jean-Marc Brocard’s wine shop and cellars:
 Chablis is set amongst the vineyards and is a vibrant winemakers’ town with tasting caves, fine restaurants, cafes, home also to the famous Andouilette and a wonderful Sunday market.
You will be looked welcomed by the person in charge of the boutique (Pierre or Sebastien) which will offer you a welcome tasting with our Chablis wines (and its neighbourhoods) . They will be at your disponibility during your stay. They both fluent in English.
Jean-Marc Brocard does make excellent Chablis and we visited the shop several years ago – the staff were so helpful in explaining the different styles and quality of the wines – and inevitably we spent more than we intended.
These dry, minerally Chardonnay wines are distinctively different and highly rated.
There are numerous places to eat and shop in the village including the Michelin-starred Hostellerie des Clos
For more info on the apartments see http://brocard.fr
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 La Merveille just north of Avranches (50 Manche, Normandie) on the Normandy Peninsula and can offer B&B (Chambres d’Hotes) accomodation for up to 27 people! including doubles, twins and family/group rooms – all en-suite in the middle of a prettyand quiet little village
Not far from the A84 autoroute which runs south from Caen towards Brittany and western France. Within no more than 90 minutes from Ouistrham (Brittany Ferries) and not much more from Cherbourg of Le Havre it offers an ideal overnight destination – or stay longer and visit the coast and countryside, especially the unmissable island abbey of Mont St Michel, a mere 30 minutes away.
We want La Merveille to feel like a home from home. You will be served your breakfast in the main lounge which also offers some easy chairs to help you relax at anytime during the day. You will find games to play, including pool, table football and air hockey. You can also watch television and the free to air English TV channels. In addition we have provided you with Internet access through a Wi-Fi connexion to every room in the house.
Avanches is 10 km distant and rooms are available from €50 per night.The garden is also at your disposal, with its swimming pool, petanque piste, trampolines and picnic benches. So discover the calm and charm of Normandy!
For more info on the Manche Département see www.manchetourisme.com
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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
For more info see www.lecise.fr/
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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.
For more info see www.lepetitpois.fr
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 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.
Click here for more info and availability at Chateau de la Bordaisiere
 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
See map
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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
Another suggestion for a romantic place to visit is the bright white basilica of Sacre Coeur in the Montmartre district of Paris. It’s the highest point in the city and rewards visitors with stunning views of the Parisian skyline.
For the best deals on travelling to Paris, make sure you shop 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, giving you more to spend on treating your loved one 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.
Location map:
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La Beauficiere is a 4-bedroom B&B near Hembye (50 Manche, Normandie) – see map.
 B&B midway between Mont St Michel and D-Day beaches,
near Hambye in Manche Normandy.
9 La Beauficerie Bed and Breakfast welcomes
families, couples, single travellers and small groups.
With two spacious family rooms, a double and a ground floor twin room, all ensuite.
Motorbike friendly with secured garage parking for bikes,
storage for bicycles and plenty of private parking for cars.
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.
Map
For more information and availability etc complete the form below:-
 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.
Nearest large town: Albi (25km)
Rates: €54-48 per room per night
For more on things to see and do in the region see www.frenchduck.com
See map
For enquiries about availability etc use the Enquiry Form below:
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 the house 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.
The Domaine also offers :
- Bed & Breakfast / Self-Catering Cottage
- Loire Valley Wine Tours
- Visit a Vineyard
- Wine Tasting Soirée
- An all inclusive Weekend Wine Discovery
Discover French Duck’s guide to Le Weekend in Saumur
See map:
The wines of the domaine are also available for tasting at Ten Green Bottles in Brighton, wine bar and shop!
For more information on the Gite or Chambre d’Hote at the Le Bellevue – complete the enquiry form below:-
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 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.
See map
For more info on Cabourg’s Grand Hotel
For more info on Normandy
And on Saturday 8 August 2009 there is a fire work display to celebrate 100 years of the Cabourg Casino!
 Castle Hotel in Sedan 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.
Click here for best prices and availabilty at Hotel Le Chateau Fort
See map
For more recommendations on where to stay in France see www.frenchduck.co.uk
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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.”
Map
For more info use the enquiry form below:-
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 La Maisonette As featured in “Art & Décoration” Magazine. Tastefully restored accommodations (2 cottages + 1 studio flat) nestled on a hillside in the beautiful Lot Valley just above the Lot River on 10 acres of woodlands with stream and walking paths. Located in boutique wine region that boasts 10 of the “The Most Beautiful Villages in France,” more than any other region in all of France..so you can just imagine how gorgeous it is!
Accommodations are furnished with antiques and vintage pieces and decorated by the Artist-designer owner and are fully outfitted for self-catering. Interiors feature stone walls, exposed beam ceilings, wood or tile floors, new kitchens and bathrooms in old world style. Both cottages also feature log stoves in Inglenook fireplaces. Attention to detail throughout. All accommodations have central heat, all linens including pool towels, full laundry facilities, dishwashers, TVs, DVD/CD players, Wi-Fi and a selection of DVDs, CDs and books. All have their own terraces with mountain and forest views and the tranquil sound of stream and river below. Shared plunge pool with large sundeck next to an ancient oak tree with forest views and sound of stream below. Organic vegetable and herb garden on property. Privately owned 10-acre property is designated as a nature reserve and has many birds including owls, kites, hawks and variety of songbirds. Peace and tranquility yet only 5 minutes from riverside village, that dates back to the 12th century and is nestled along two rivers, and offers full services including bank, food shops, pharmacy, post office, wine shop, cafés, restaurants and boutiques.
Many historic sites including medieval castles, beautiful unspoilt villages and the village of Conques, a must-see UNESCO Heritage Site and considered one of the great treasures of France. Also, wine tasting, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, sightseeing, museums, Roquefort cheese caves, Millau Viaduct (highest bridge in the world), horseback riding, fishing and golf. There are many walking paths and hiking trails nearby. The nearby village hosts weekly Farmer’s Markets throughout the year. Excellent restaurants (7 with Michelin Stars) and delicious regional food. Please visit owner’s website for more photos, info and availability. For activities, festivals and restaurants, please read our article on ”Le Weekend in….Entraygues
Nearest airports are Rodez-Marcillac, Brive (Dordogne), Montpellier, Limoges and Toulouse International. A short 1 hour flight from Paris. Prices range from 400 – 900 Euros per week.
 Shared Pool with Large Sundeck La Maisonette features stone fireplace with log stove, beautiful stone walls and high ceilings with wood beams. New kitchen with solid oak cabinets, stone countertop, Gorenje refrigerator, vintage style gas hob and integrated dishwasher. Dining area has antique dining table and wicker chairs. The well-appointed bedroom is spacious and features king bed. The adjoining bathroom has a claw and foot bathtub, pedestal sink and old fashioned fittings. La Maisonette features a south facing stone terrace with views of the granite cliffs and mountains. The gorgeous stone terrace is outfitted with a charming bistro table, umbrella, sun loungers, outdoor shower and Weber barbecue. It is perfect for alfresco meals or enjoying a glass of local wine and listening to the peaceful sounds of nature.
 L'Ecole Ancienne L’Ecole Ancienne exudes character and charm and was formerly the hamlet’s schoolhouse. The restored cottage has retained original features such as ancient wood floors, beautiful stone fireplace with log stove, hand plastered walls, wood beams and hand carved ancient front door. The new kitchen has painted oak cabinets, stone countertops, vintage style gas hob, porcelain sink and integrated dishwasher and refrigerator. The dining area has antique dining table and chairs and buffet. The bedroom features queen bed with vintage iron bed frame, bedside tables, cute dresser, antique trunk, closet and writing desk. The ensuite bathroom features porcelain sink fitted into wood cabinet, antique mirror, and shower with beautiful tile and old fashioned fittings. The Kitchen leads out to wood terrace which is outfitted with charming bistro table, umbrella, sun loungers, outdoor shower and Weber barbecue. Terrace offers sound of water from below and valley and mountain views. Also grassy area below with comfortable chairs underneath an apple tree.
 Le Studio
Le Studio is the newest addition to Sweet French Cottages. Le Studio is a studio flat featuring Medieval Romanesque architecture and the foundation of a 12th century chapel for the hamlet. Perfect apartment with lots of character including very high barrel ceilings, clerestory windows and double French doors that lead out to wonderful terrace with mountain views and sound of river and stream below. Comfortable double bed with vintage iron frame. Bathroom features gorgeous tile floor, porcelain sink fitted into cabinet and shower with mosaic tile floor and beautiful tile surround. New kitchen features old world style and is fully outfitted with retro stove, refrigerator/freezer, integrated dishwasher and microwave oven. Also marble bistro table with bistro chairs and antique cabinet. Standard British satellite TV, DVD player, CD player and Wi-Fi access. All modern conveniences in wonderful setting.
For further details or to book, please use the Enquiry Form at the bottom of this page The owners speak English, French and Spanish.
For more info on the region, please see: www.tourisme-aveyron.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!!
www.chateau-ricardelle.com
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 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.”
See Map
For more details use the enquiry form below
cforms contact form by delicious:days
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.
See map
For more info use the enquiry form below:-
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 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
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For more info see enquiry form below:
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!)
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Contact the owners Serge and Yasmin Verot through the enquiry form
cforms contact form by delicious:days
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House and Pool at Degagnac
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The conservatory
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Garden dining
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The garden
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