On the west bank of the Rhône, this historic little town above Avignon has a splendid charterhouse and other noble buildings, including this 14th-century priory, now a luxurious hotel (Relais & Châteaux).

Well away from the tourist crowds which flock to this spectacular hilltop village is the Charial family's sophisticated modern hotel (Relais & Châteaux).

In two buildings, separated by a garden with a swimming pool, is M. and Mme Grasset's 'relatively modern' Logis de France, popular with golfers.

In open country south of Montélimar, this creeper-covered 14th-century bastide was once an overnight stop for pilgrims.

'For warmth of reception combined with lovely rooms, it cannot be beat,' writes a travel expert about Roberto and Nanda Polito's luxurious and stylish little hotel (Relais & Châteaux).

'A lovely little hotel,' says a visitor to Frederic and Cécile Lespinasse-Jacquemin's quiet, friendly B&B in three buildings in the old town.

Against a background of the craggy Dentelles de Montmirail, this old-fashioned hotel has a superb setting high in a wooded valley, near some of the best Côtes du Rhône vineyards.

In a pretty village between Nîmes and Montpellier is this renovated, creeper-covered, old farmhouse, run by Alain Foubert.

Tastefully converted by its owners Sandra and André Berger, this group of 18th-century stone farm buildings is now an inexpensive B&B hotel.

Near the Roman theatre, at the foot of St-Eutrope hill is this 17th-century coaching inn, now a pink and green-shuttered two-star B&B with 'welcoming' owner/manager, Alain Bennejean

'We cannot adequately praise this hotel,' say visitors about this 17th-century mas (Relais du Silence). It stands up a private road on a large estate, outside this beautiful village on the southern slopes of the Luberon.

In a village near Clermont-l'Hérault is this delightful small hotel, run since June 2014 by welcoming hosts Sonia and Sylvain Geindreau.

A hotel since 1799, this elegant 16th-century building has long been a favourite of Guide readers.

'A lovely discovery', by a regular Guide correspondent. Just outside this medieval village perché north of Orange, above the Rhône, it is only a kilometre from the A7, 'but it could be a world away'.

Below Mont Ventoux, in a tiny Provençal village perché, this smart hotel is much liked.

'Wonderful', 'excellent value', are comments on the Bonnet family's hotel in the centre, near the Cours Mirabeau.

This 'beautifully refurbished' old bastide is located within walking distance of the ancient fortified village of Reillanne.

'An idyllic luxury hotel in the Camargue”, this neat whitewashed mas is isolated by a lagoon just north of the Camargue”s little seaside capital.

A honey-coloured 18th-century bastide, run by Penny and Julien Hemery as a charming small hotel.

This old hill village, popular with artists, is full of arty boutiques. Its name means 'russet': it is famous for its ochre quarries, and its buildings are in shades of red, pink and orange.

Visitors returning to the Morin family's hilltop hotel found it 'delightful as ever'.

Informally run by the Rambaud family is this stylish inn located in a 'pleasing stone building' set back from the road, in 'fairly spacious' grounds with olive and almond trees and a vineyard.

'Splendidly located' on the quayside and facing south over the Vieux Port is this modern seven-storey B&B hotel.

At the entrance of this old walled town, this 'beautiful and special' hotel is run by François Roux with his wife, Daniele.

This 'very peaceful' hotel stands on a hill amid pine trees, in a well-kept garden with swimming pool (where snacks are served in summer).

“You can tick all the “Good Hotel” boxes for this one,” say the nominators of this “beautiful house, away from traffic on the edge of a spectacular village”.

'Magical.' 'Delightful.' This former 10th-century fortress, near the awesome Gorges du Verdon, is owned by the family of Guillaume Thomas.

'Charming as ever,' says a visitor, returning to this 16th-century stone mas in vineyards and lavender fields in rolling country east of the Rhône valley.

Opposite the dramatic gorges of Pennafort, in wooded country near Draguignan, this former relais de poste is now a luxurious hotel/restaurant managed by chef Philippe Da Silva and his wife, Martine.