Stay in charming surroundings within a working vineyard, close to the Canal du Midi and only 10km from the historic city of Carcassonne.
Domaine Des Volets sleeps up to 20 guests across its two characterful holiday homes. The set up would suit a group of friends or extended family who can appreciate their own living spaces before coming together beside the private swimming pool and enjoying wonderful al-fresco feasts by the summer kitchen.
The main house dates back to the mid-19th century and offers five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a great deal of space across its three floors for up to 10 guests. We love the beautifully tiled floors of the lounge and kitchen-diner and the simple charm of the bedrooms on the first and second floor – three doubles (one with an en-suite bathroom) and two twins.
Next door is Le Pigeonnier, in the wing of another building, where you can soak up the home’s authentic character. Dating back to the 1600s and renovated in recent years, relax in the attractive living room and kitchen downstairs or climb the old stone steps to the first floor with one twin en suite bedroom and one double bedroom. There is one double bedroom with its own shower room plus a huge room with 4 single beds, on the second and top floor, allowing this part of the domaine to sleep up to 10 guests.
Walk through the gate and into the rustic garden with summer lavender, cypress trees and towering pines, then relax on one of the poolside sun loungers before dipping into the inviting swimming pool. There’s a second small pool just a little further along and a delightful summer house with a kitchen and ample room for al-fresco dining.
Here you can truly embrace being part of a working vineyard that is well-known across the area. Arrange your own private tasting in the vinothèque at the back of the Le Pigeonnier and tour the vines seeing farmers at work. Furthermore, the Canal du Midi passes close to the estate and you can join the tow path from a little bridge around 1.5km away.
Cycling or walking along the canal is a must during your stay. Just 2.5km away and with its own picturesque marina by the canal is a village with several restaurants, shops and a Sunday morning market. Drive to other gorgeous villages across the Aude, visit historic market towns, partake in yet more wine tasting and even venture to the vast sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, around an hour away.
Of course the main highlight of this region is Carcassonne and its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of France’s most visited destinations. Don’t miss Carcassonne’s atmospheric Bastide Saint-Louis as well, home to bustling restaurants, vibrant markets and shops alongside the pretty café terraces and fountain at Place Carnot.
