Very cosy S/C homes and B&Bs in southern Ardèche, France.

« Everything here is friendly - the owner's wife, the owner, even the dog Milou and the horse which comes to say hello! » was one typical comment. Marie-Noëlle is Ardèchoise and spoils her customers, cooking marvellous meals for the "Table d'Hôte" served with wines from the Ardèche which they invite their customers to discover with the families of the "vignerons" who make them.

Breakfast is a delicious event savoury and sweet delicacies and you can even ask Jeremy for a Great British Breakfast as he understands what his compatriots like to eat in the morning with fresh eggs from Le Planas hens and local bacon, sausages, etc. He even manages to convince other nationalities to try it too!

Big breakfasts are essential if you are going to walk the paths that start from the house through the local forests, « attack » the Ardèche plateau trails to see the spectacular views or canoe down the Ardèche river gorges.

Or visit pretty villages like Alba la Romaine, Balazuc and Vogüe with their ancient chateau. Tired out you may just want to flop down by the landscaped swimming pool in the estate grounds.

And there are many restaurants to enjoy locally, the nearest is the Auberge in Ailhon with a wide choice in Aubenas and Vals. Our favourite is the Moulin Lacoste in Aubenas (ten minutes). Holidays don't get better than that!