THE FACTS ABOUT LE CANALET

France

Le Canalet is just a 40-minute drive from Montpellier in Languedoc wine country. Although it is in the leafy town of Lodève, this 19th-century domaine d'hôtes feels like a country house: it is set in five hectares of glorious, semi-wild gardens with a river, waterfall and lake. Curiously, it is also a contemporary art gallery. Part of the Châteaux et Hôtels de France group, this unusual town-and-country-art-gallery hybrid was created by Muriel Lagneau, an interior designer from Paris, and her partner Yves Berliet. The art (ingenious metal sculpture by Michelle and Jean-Pierre Hartmann; fantastical paintings by Brussels artist Romain Simon) won't be to everyone's taste, but the elegant period interiors probably will. The four guest rooms are named after writers and artists and have fabulous avant-garde, white bathrooms. Brunch is served in a salon overlooking the garden, and dinner can be booked in advance. After exploring the grounds, indulge in a beauty treatment beside the shaded swimming pool and orangery. CONTACT Le Canalet, avenue Joseph Vallot, Lodève (00 33 4 67 44 29 33; www.domaineducanalet.com). Doubles from 185 euros HOW TO GET THERE Fly to Montpellier with Ryanair (0871 246 0000; www.ryanair.com) or British Airways (0870 850 9850; www.ba.com). Or go by train (www.eurostar.co.uk)