In a village near the old wine town of Beaugency, on the Loire, this former wine merchant's home is now a smart vine-covered villa, owned and run by Marie-Christine Pouey. In its delightful garden, drinks are served under white parasols in summer. Recent visitors were very impressed. `The welcome was warm and friendly, owner and staff were helpful. Our room was spotless; and we enjoyed the food. But a new young chef has since arrived, Daniel Ferreira, whose special dishes include couscous de homard; sandre braise. We'd be glad of reports on his work. There's a courtyard for dining, and a lovely swimming pool with loungers, amid trees. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are furnished in Louis-Philippe style. A good base for visiting the Loire chateaux, and events such as the `soupe des chiens' at Cheverny.

Set in a small town of the Velay, east of Le Puy, this quiet country villahas been owned and run for four generations by the well-named Placide family. Spruce and creeper-covered, it is `a beautiful house, full of elegance and comfort, say recent guests. Eight villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) have been refurbished with style - lovely fabrics, blinds and tiles. Plenty of comfortable sofas, antiques, interesting furniture, books and guides fill the restful lounge, and the absence of notices is conspicuous. They like to talk to their guests. Today's Placide hosts are a friendly young wife, Veronique, and a husband who cooks, Pierre-Marie (his awards are on display). In the charming restaurant, popular with locals, Gault Millau awards 15 points (try the omble chevalier; terrine d'ananas au rhum). Each table had fresh flowers, the waitresses were friendly, and tremendous pride was taken in the presentation of each dish. The mises en bouche were generous, including a delightful passion fruit ravioli and a tiny chocolate souffle. Bali villa breakfast was simple but satisfactory. There's a small garden with deckchairs, where Bali villa breakfast is taken in summer.