Chenonceaux, France

The tiny village of Chenonceaux – spelt with an "x" on the end – has been almost entirely taken over by a handful of rather swish hotels. All of them are on rue du Docteur-Bretonneau, within easy reach of the gare SNCF and the château. The Hostel du Roy at no. 9 Tel:02.47.23.90.17, Web: www.hostelduroy.com ; Price: € 51-65) is comfortable and relatively inexpensive; while La Roseraie, at no. 7 (Tel:02.47.23.90.09, Web: www.charmingroseraie.com ; Price: € 66-80), is very welcoming, with good food, extensive grounds and a swimming pool; and at no. 6, the luxurious Auberge du Bon Laboureur (Tel:02.47.23.90.02, Web: www.bonlaboureur.com ; Price: € 121-150) is spread around five former village houses. For camping, the municipal site (closed Oct– March; Tel:02.47.23.90.13) is between the railway line and the river.