When a birthday has a zero and the future holds fewer such celebrations than the past, it calls for a special event. My lifelong love of France and all things French makes the choice of destination easy, and a desire to share the occasion with friends leads me to settle on a house party.

Accommodation for at least seven couples is required, as is an ensuite with each bedroom. Also, highly desirable is a location that’s only a short stroll from a boulangerie, for the all-important, early morning baguette and croissant run.