Le Couvent d'Hérépian, France
Hérépian has long been a place of quiet contemplation: pilgrims used to stop here en route to the Way of St James in Spain. Here, in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc national park, a 17th-century nunnery is now a four-star hotel with 13 suites and a restorative spa. Vaulted ceilings, mullioned windows and stone staircases retain a sense of history, while plasma televisions and iPod docks bring things into the 21st century.
Le Couvent d'Hérépian, 2 Rue du Couvent, Hérépian, Languedoc-Roussillon, France (00 33 4 67 11 87 15; garrigae-resorts.com). Doubles start at €129, room only.
