Prices are per week's rental, low-high season.
Dordogne
Coux-et-Bigaroque
A charming pigeonnier nestles on a hillside surrounded by acacia and oak trees. The ground floor was originally a bakery. It is secluded and private. Sleeps two plus baby, £443-£853. Vacances en Campagne (08700 771771).
Provence
Le Val
Beautifully furnished Twenties house in terraced gardens with orchards, woodland, table tennis and pool and all the delights of a Provençal holiday within easy reach. Sleeps 16, £2,300-£3,799. Bowhills (01489 872727).
Alps
Chateau de Beauregard
A beautifully furnished private chateau with formal gardens, gym, fountain, dining terrace and swimming-pool set on the top of a hill with uninterrupted views over the mountains and valleys on all sides. There are plenty of activities on offer all the year round: sailing and windsurfing on Lac du Bourget, walking paragliding, cycling, golf and tennis and, of course, brilliant skiing and snowboarding. Sleeps 25, £5,075-£7,840. International Chapters (020 7722 0722).
Brittany
Le Cabellou
A detached Breton cottage, set in its own garden with a path leading down to a small sandy beach, with a traditional granite and wood interior. Sleeps five adults and three children, £711-£1,279 (including Channel crossing for one vehicle). VFB Holidays (01242 240310).
Gers
Chateau de Pouy Roquelaure
This medieval chateau is set inside a 24-acre walled garden with a heated pool and tennis court, and has servants' quarters for four to install your team of helpers (or children) or, alternatively, hire a local chef from £30 per evening meal. Sleeps 12-16, £1,950-£3,800. Gascony Secret (01284 827253).
Lot
Maison Bede
This perfect family holiday country house, nestling in a hollow among wooded hills, is equipped with a large heated pool and waterfall. It is a good base for exploring the spectacular Lot valley and the Dordogne is also less than an hour's drive away. Cahors, 12 miles away, offers a good choice of shops, a market, bars, restaurants and vineyards. Sleeps 12, £1,478-£2,067. Inghams (020 8780 4480).
