From an old upturned fishing boat to a gypsy caravan or tree house you’ll find a special place to stay.
Finding somewhere quirky and original to stay can be difficult unless you know the destination pretty well.
One great source in France (and the UK, come to that) is Alistair Sawday’s, whose guidebooks have brought thousands of holidaymakers to very special places for years.
Every place listed with Sawday’s “Canopy & Stars” has been inspected and selected, so only the very best make it to the site.
Whether a tree house, gypsy caravan, yurt, shepherd’s hut or converted double-decker bus, each has been chosen because it is a truly special place to stay.
Here’s an example of what they do with six unusual and really special places to stay in France.
La Caloge, Kastell Dinn Brittany.
Not quite a houseboat, nor a boathouse, but a boat that’s somehow a house, La Caloge has all the trappings of life on the ocean wave with no risk of seasickness!
West of a traditional fishing village on a remote Brittany peninsula, you can sleep in this old-fashioned fishing boat bedecked with maritime touches.
All the ropes and buoys and the mast in the middle of the bedroom will make you forget that you’re actually on dry land.
After a career fishing off the coast of Brittany, it has come to rest in the country garden of a charming B&B.
The roof has been thatched, which makes for a truly striking first impression. And the inside is a marvel, with plenty of space, oak flooring and an adjoining bathroom.
There’s a separate kitchen in the shared breakfast room so you can steam your mussels elsewhere, and deckchairs in the garden rather than on the deck for lounging.
From £85 per night (sleeps 2).
Violette, Chteau de Fajac near Carcassonne.
Built in 1913, Violette now resides with another antique roulette in the garden of the enchanted castle of Chteau de Fajac-la-Selve.
The 1920s came and went, the ’40s claimed her owners, and she languished, until Dolores and the family took a century off her age and filled her with fun.
Now gaily decorated, the bright Gypsy jazz palette of yellows, pinks and blues is guaranteed to lift you up as soon as you step inside.
From £83 per night.
Puybton Tree house Spa, Chteaux dans les Arbres near Bergerac.
While all four tree houses at Chteaux dans les Arbres are the height of luxury, this new creation is yet another level up.
Designed for relaxation and lifted to a completely private space among the chestnut and oak trees, you can spend all evening in the overflow hot tub.
Although you would then be missing out on the amazing Finnish sauna, of course. It’s a hard life!
Bathrobes are provided and there’s seating on the big terrace so you can relax and look down over the Dordogne countryside, as well as an indoor living room with fireplace if it gets chilly.
The main tower contains a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower and, as well as having your own mini-bar, most things can be ordered direct to your tree house, from gourmet meals and wine to a relaxing massage.
You also have access to the infinity pool and 26 acres of grounds to explore.
Rmi, the owner, has poured all his skill, passion and years of experience building tree houses over the length and breadth of France into this latest addition.
With the unspoilt French countryside surrounding you, a chef on hand if you need one, panoramic views, and the rustle of the wind in the trees, you’re in for a unique, and amazing, stay.
From £246 per night (sleeps 2).
Salagnac Tree house, Cabanes de Salagnac, Limousin.
Working with the latest environmental technology, the six modern and low impact tree houses at Salagnac let you escape to the peace of the green woodland while staying connected to the outside world.
You can build campfires in the meadow and picnic by the stream, then come back to a contemporary suite complete with TV and Nespresso machine.
A big glass wall makes up one side of the living room, with spectacular panoramic views over to the valley opposite giving the feeling of being fully immersed in the trees.
The rest of the interior is stylish and minimalist, thanks to the owners’ interior designer daughter.
From £143 per night (sleeps 2).
La Maison Ronde, Dordogne.
A truly bizarre find, tucked among the curves of a French country garden, this was recently voted one of The Times 15 best places for a wild time.
The walls of the roundhouse are dotted with coloured glass, sending shafts of red, blue and green light into its cosy, rustic interior, while outside there are stunning views over the hills of the Dordogne to enjoy one lazy summer afternoons. From £60 per night (sleeps 2).
Cap’Cabane, Gironde.
Whether you think they look more like pine cones or butterfly cocoons, the unique tree houses at Cap’Cabane look right at home in their natural woodland surroundings, dotted amongst the ferns and heather.
In fact, all the architecture has been inspired by nature, from the pinewood exteriors to the wooden walkways and terraces.
Tuck into the breakfast hamper that’s delivered every morning then take a dip in the natural pool, go orienteering in the woods, or just follow the stream and see where it takes you.
From £109 per night (sleeps up to 2 adults and 2 children). For all these properties, call 0117 204 7830 or the website at canopyandstars.co.uk.
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