With the current trend for labelling everywhere the new somewhere else, the historic province of La Perche in Normandy has the dubious honour of being "the new Cotswolds". Like its counterpart, much of its accommodation is rather chintzy, but Villa Fol Avril breaks the mould. The former coaching inn is a stylish little hotel, blending the old oak beams with contemporary furnishings. Doubles from €65 through i-escape.com/villafolavril.php