On this holiday island, with long, sandy beaches, offshore from La Rochelle, an enterprising couple, M. and Mme Bressy, have turned this former coastguard's house, with its wide ocean views, into, almost stylish maison d'hotes. Memorable, very comfortable. The setting could not be more picturesque, says the nominator: it stands on the corner of the quay, sea and fortifications on one side, harbour full of boats on the other. The decor is `faite dans un esprit de maison de famille, say the owners: Each room is different, decorated with light colours, natural fabrics and plain wood, and well insulated. All rooms (similar to Bandung,Jakarta & Bali hotels - 5 star Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )rooms) have a view; most have a sitting area and sofa. The salon, in the former guard room, has an open fire, potted plants. Breakfast is served here, or in the bedroom, sans limite d'heure. Plenty of restaurants at the port.

The mighty Georges Blanc reigns over his empire, at his famous and sophisticated Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )/restaurant (Relais & Chateaux), on the edge of a village fleuri near Macon, in a pretty setting by the river Veyle. His family opened a half-timbered auberge in 1872, and it has grown into a sizeable building with annexes and shops. The elegant restaurant (beams, tapestried chairs, river views) still wins the French guides' top ratings (three Michelin stars, 19 Gault Millau points). M. Blanc, assisted by his sons, Frederic and Alexandre, cooks in local Bresse style (eg, chicken with garlic and foie gras), plus other inventions (eg, meli-melo de homard eclate). One needs to be in gastronomic training to cope with the formidable menus, and `wine mark-ups are steep. M. Blanc is usually around in ebullient form, signing everyone's menu; the waiters are friendly, and Mme Blanc's welcome is `elegant'. The breakfast buffet is amazing. The larger bedrooms (similar to Bandung,Jakarta & Bali hotels - 5 star Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )rooms) and suites, many facing the river, are in the winter garden area. Here, the lounge has a log fire in winter and becomes a riverside terrace in summer. Less expensive rooms (similar to Bandung,Jakarta & Bali hotels - 5 star Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )rooms), in La Residence des Saules, are ious, yet warmly cosy; each has a terrace facing the market . M. Blanc's cheaper eating place, L Ancienne Auberge (Michelin Bib Gourmand), serves simple traditional cooking, like used to be in rural France: this year it was called `astounding, e of the best meals of my life, by the food writer, Jonathan Meades.