Available for long winter lets between November and March. Surrounded by a Mediterranean garden, olive groves and cypress trees within sight of Alpilles hills, the house is just over a kilometre from the centre of Saint Rémy de Provence. This is the countryside that inspired painters like Cézanne, Gaugin and van Gogh, who loved its brilliant colours and special light, its warm air scented with drifts of thyme and rosemary. Ideal for a winter sabbatical. Sleeps 2/4 people. Price per month: €1200.

Available for winter lets between October and March. Mas Dou Calan is a traditional, stone built house dating from 1857, surrounded by a Mediterranean garden, pines trees and vines, in a magical situation at the foot of the Alpilles hills, just outside Saint Rémy, where we have a very comfortable studio with an en-suite bathroom and a private terrace in the wing. Near several excellent restaurants, golf courses, olive oil mills, within reach of the beautiful Luberon, the Camargue and the Mediterranean coast. Sleeps 2/4 people. Price per month : €700

Available per month in May, June, September, October and November Beautifully designed and decorated in traditional Savoyard style and equipped with all modern comforts including a sauna, the chalet is situated high on Mont d'Arbois, beside a stream. Megève, one of the earliest and most fashionable of the ski resorts, has a choice of good shops and restaurants and excellent ski and sports facilities. Near golf course, numerous routes for walkers and climbers and ski runs. Chamonix 30 km. Price per month, heating included: €1000 euros.

Available for long winter lets between November and 31 March. Beautiful manoir near Chateau Biron in 23 hectares of natural woodland with wild deer, ideal for family and friends. Large log open fire, logs for free, no traffic noise. There’s a barn with games, a children's playground, lots of toys and a large Harry Potter bedroom. Ideal for a winter break, walking and cycling, house hunting, or simply relaxing. Situated at the south border of the Dordogne. For rate per month, heating included, please enquire.

Available for winter lets between December and February. The dovecote has been turned into a charming hideaway cottage for couples, family or friends. Separated from the manoir by a courtyard, it has has three floors, an en suite double bedroom and a twin room. The ground floor has a bijou kitchen, a seating area with television and video and a dining area. Hairdryer provided. Glorious gardens and private fishing lake. Close to the Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches and Battlefields. Tours arranged. Bayeux 20 minutes, Caen 40 minutes. Price per month, heating included: please enquire.

Available for long winter lets between October and March. Fraysse Haut is set in pleasant rolling countryside above the Lot river valley near Puy l'Evêque, 35 km from Cahors. The Barn is independent of the main house, has underfloor heating and a log fire, is spacious, light and airy and combines character with comfort. The village is about 5 kms by road, less by woodland path, and we can highly recommend the traditionally baked bread from the boulangerie. Local restaurants offer tempting menus and excellent value. Sleeps 2/4 people. Price per month: €650.

Available for winter lets between October and March. Villot is a beautifully restored farming estate set in a stunning valley surrounded by streams and woodland, which has been transformed into a unique collection of holiday cottages grouped around a courtyard, with three all weather tennis courts and two swimming pools, one heated, with a poolside bar. Close to market towns, historic châteaux and wonderful bastide villages. For price per month, heating included: please enquire.