When it comes to stunning scenery, La France has them all: rolling hills, deep gorges, high mountains, beautiful beaches... When it comes to properties in which to house small luxury hotels, there are historic chateaux, elegant townhouses, ski resorts and rural retreats. Little wonder France is the most visited country in the world.

      South-west of the chic capital, Paris, is the Loire Valley, also known as the 'Garden of France', where numerous grand chateaux have been converted into sumptuous boutique hotels. Nearby Normandy and Brittany both have strong maritime traditions shaped by the dramatic cliffs and stormy seas of the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean.

      Further towards the south-west, the lush green valleys of the Dordogne and the world-famous vineyards around Bordeaux benefit from a mild climate and laissez-faire feel. While the idyllic Provence and glamorous Cote d'Azur in the south-east boast a Mediterranean atmosphere.

      The eastern border of France is formed by the Alps, where summer walks replace winter sports in spectacular national parks. Likewise, the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean is home to thousands of rare animal and plants species protected as a World Heritage Site. Did we already say, somewhat enviously, that France has it all... And that is just the landscapes!