Pear Tree Cottage is a very homey, comfortable cottage tucked away from traffic just steps from High Street in Chipping Campden.

While there was absolutely nothing fancy about this cottage, it was very comfortable and reminded me somehow of visiting my aunts' homes when I was little. Two bedrooms and a bath were upstairs. Downstairs there was a cozy lounge, a sunroom, dining room and reasonable kitchen. I loved the small, slightly neglected walled garden.

The very best thing about this cottage is how close it is to High Street. Since we only prepared breakfast at home, it was nice to be a five-minute walk from several choices for dinner.

This two bedroom apartment with a large terrace was, much to my surprise, right ON the main shopping street in Sarlat, something I didn't realize from studying the website. The terrace was beautiful, and watching the street one story below on market day was fabulous.

The apartment itself was just OK, furnished with a little more yellow vinyl than I really cared for, and the living room is really just a yellow vinyl sofa in the kitchen. It was quiet, though, and the view from the terrace made everything worthwhile.

Parking did not come with the apartment, and the parking spots we found were several blocks away. It wasn't a problem for us, but might be for others.

We stayed in Le Pastis, one of several studio apartments in this beautifully renovated farmhouse on the edge of Lourmarin. Everything about the property is gorgeous, from the manicured olive grove at the entrance, the beautiful pool, fountains and flowers throughout the grounds, and especially the million-dollar view of the village from the big common living room and private terraces of the apartments.

The apartment was comfortable, with the world's tiniest (but well-equipped) kitchen. It was great for keeping juice, wine, cheese on hand, but I don't think I would have attempted a full-scale meal. Les Olivettes delivers a basket of croissants and fresh bread to your door every morning, which makes breakfast easy. Every day, we had breakfast on our private terrace overlooking the gardens and village.

I would have liked a more comfortable sofa or chair for reading, and perhaps a small desk for the computer (there was high-speed internet access through the house wiring, something I didn't quite understand, but accepted since it worked).

The house is old and we were a little bit startled by how noisy it was with all the doors and shutters rattling and banging when we had a couple of days of the mistral wind. We used folded bits of paper towel to tighten up the door to our room and window shutters to stop the worst of the noise.

I thought the price was just a little high compared to other places we've rented in the area, but we generally avoid renting places with pools and other recreational equipment (boules court, barbecue, etc), just because we never use them and they do add to the price.

This gorgeous apartment in Kensington may be my favorite vacation rental ever. It's beautiful inside and out, and extremely comfortable. I loved the colors, the big windows, and the art collection displayed on the living room wall.

The apartment is small, but seems spacious because of the huge windows in the living area. The kitchen was extremely well equipped and the furnishings were much nicer than we usually find in rentals. I think I could live happily in this apartment.

I also loved the location, close to High Street in Kensington yet with a secluded feeling.

I loved this spacious village house at top of Menerbes. Even if the house hadn't been wonderful, the views out over the Grand Luberon mountains and the vineyards blazing with fall colors would have made it worthwhile.

The entry is a little startling the first time. Because the house is on the side of a hill, a small door into what looks like a windowless hut opens up into a high-ceilinged, light-filled entry with views out over the valley.

The main floor contains a large living room, dining room, small but efficient kitchen and a master suite with bath, bedroom and a large dressing room. We were continually drawn to the windows, and to the small terrace, to look out over the view.

Downstairs there's another bedroom and bath, as well as a big laundry room complete with ironing board and iron.