Domaine Vidal
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Be enchanted by the ancient woodland, natural swimming pool and 19th century manoir at this elegant eco-friendly domainein southern France, close to Le Canal du...
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Be enchanted by the ancient woodland, natural swimming pool and 19th century manoir at this elegant eco-friendly domaine in southern France, close to Le Canal du Midi and Carcassonne.
In the Aude countryside of summer sunflowers, vineyards and rolling hills, Domaine Vidal’s owners have created something special across this peaceful estate. They have spent several years sensitively restoring the historic manor house and painstakingly upcycling furnishings and antiques, some of which have been in the house since the 1800s. Having hosted local events, art residencies and chambre d'hôte guests, the owners are now opening up their beautiful Maison de Maître to guests exclusively seeking a sustainable getaway.
Step back in time as you walk through the exquisite hallway and soak up the art-deco ambience across the salon, dining room and bedrooms. Up to 21 guests can stay in the main house (seven bedrooms) and characterful gîte next door (four bedrooms including a double on the ground floor), many with en suite bathrooms.
The owners always consider the environmental impact of everything they do – nowhere is this more evident than the outdoor grounds where bio-diversity is key. On warm summer days cool off in the natural swimming pool accompanied by frogs, waterlilies, dragonflies and even the occasional swallow swooping across the water. There’s a wood-fired hot tub and sauna alongside wild flowers, century-old trees, a fairy garden and a play area for children. No pesticides are used here – instead you can relax amidst authentic nature and allow children to play to their hearts content away from 21st century distractions.
That’s not to say that modern conveniences have been forgotten – far from it! Features inside include Bluetooth speakers, digital radios, an arcade machine, plenty of indoor games as well as a pull-down projector and popcorn machine for family movie nights! The gîte even has a Smart TV, games console, DVD player and traditional board games. Across the home, bathrobes and organic toiletries are provided alongside tea and coffee facilities in some of the bedrooms.
A chef can be arranged to prepare picnics, lunches in the garden or evening feasts using organic produce sourced as locally as possible (including vegetables from the kitchen garden and eggs from the resident hens). Discuss with us your catering needs – with on-site staff, full-board is even possible. The owners can also organise at-home massages, cookery classes and garden tours.
If you can bear to leave your unspoilt surroundings, there is so much to explore nearby. Bikes are provided, ideal for exploring the Canal du Midi whether cycling to Castelnaudary for a lunch of cassoulet or heading in the other direction towards Carcassonne and beyond.
Enjoy wonderful walks and hikes (even as far as the foothills of the Pyrenees), canoe or kayak along the Aude River, visit picture-perfect villages and spend time sampling some of Languedoc’s excellent wines at vineyards across the region (AOC Minervois, AOC Corbières and IGP de la Cité de Carcassonne).
Carcassonne is only 20km away with its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside the wine-bars and restaurants of historic Bastide Saint-Louis. Pick up regional delights at the gorgeous markets in Mirepoix and Revel, sit out on a café terrace sipping sparkling white wine in Limoux and even venture to the Languedoc coast for glorious beaches, kite-surfing and oysters overlooking the Mediterranean.
What you should know…
- There are seven bedrooms in the main house and four bedrooms in the gîte. There is the possibility to add three extra beds to the main house – please ask for details.
- Families are welcome – the games room and play areas are fantastic! Supervision is needed across the vast grounds and the owners ask all guests to take extra care with antique pieces/furnishings.
- The estate is organic – the swimming pool is natural, there are animals on site and no pesticides are used (the owners provide lavender insect repellent). The owners ask you to use organic products and be environmentally mindful.
- The 8-acre estate is also home to a bungalow in the woodland (where on-site staff live) and an Arts Centre/barn which hosts a cultural day on the first Wednesday of every month (excluding July/August) and art residencies (from Oct 2025) - both the staff quarters and Art Centre are separate and private from the house/gîte and swimming pool.
- Further accommodation available includes three forest cabins, two caravans and a dorm-style room all at an extra cost – enquire for details.
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Property Features
Main House Interiors (14 guests)
Ground Floor
- Large entry hall
- Salon and library
- Music room
- Dining room
- Kitchen (and separate staff kitchen)
- Games room and disco
First Floor
- Bedroom (51m2) with super king-size double bed, TV, mini-fridge, digital speaker/radio, tea/coffee facilities, fan, safe and en suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC
- Bedroom (36m2) with king-size double bed, digital speaker/radio, tea/coffee facilities, fan, safe and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom (25m2) with king-size double bed (can be split as twin), Bluetooth speaker, tea/coffee facilities, fan, safe and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom (32m2) with double bed, digital speaker/radio, tea/coffee facilities, fan, safe and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom (36m2) with double bed, air-conditioning, fridge, digital speaker/radio, tea/coffee facilities, safe and terrace. En suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom with double bed, air-conditioning and digital speaker/radio, tea/coffee facilities
- Bedroom with double bed, air-conditioning and digital speaker/radio, tea/coffee facilities
- Shared bathroom (between above two bedrooms) with bath/shower and WC
Gîte Interiors (7 guests)
Ground Floor
- Lounge with Smart TV, DVD player, Bluetooth speaker and PS4
- Kitchen area with simple cooking facilities, fridge, washing machine and dryer
- Bedroom (18m2) with double bed, fan and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
First Floor
- Bedroom (28m2) with double bed, fan and en suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC
- Bedroom with double bed and fan
- Bedroom with single bed and fan
- Bathroom with shower and WC (shared between above two bedrooms)
Outside Grounds
- Natural swimming pool (12.6x7.4m, depth: 0.7-2m) with safety alarm. Open approximately April to end-October
- 4-person wood-fired hot tub
- 4 to 6-person wood-fired sauna
- Barbecue and pizza oven
- Trampoline and swings
- Outdoor games (archery, boules, molki, croquet and badminton)
- Electric mountain bikes (x4)
- Children’s bikes (x3)
- Wild/bio-diverse garden and grounds (no pesticides)
- Organic farmland (organic produce grown onsite)
- Chickens and dogs on-site
- Woodland (three hectares)
Other Facilities
- Air-conditioning (three bedrooms only)
- Popcorn and candyfloss machine
- Arcade machines
- Sound system
- Two projectors and projection screens
- Laser machine
- Disco lights and smoke machine
- VR headset
- Multiple Chromecasts
Location
About the surrounding area of Domaine VidalOnly 20km from Carcassonne in the Aude department of southern France, Domaine Vidal is set within a three-hectare estate of woodland, wild gardens and organic farmland – no pesticides are used in this very natural setting. Fly into Carcassonne Airport or arrive by train to Gare de Bram/Carcassonne via Narbonne.
In a remote setting (with just one neighbouring farmhouse), car hire is essential to be able to fully explore the region although bikes are also provided for wonderful cycling routes nearby. The nearest village with a restaurant, small supermarket, bakery, tennis courts and municipal summer swimming pool is less than 3km away whilst there are further amenities in the small historic town of Bram within a 10-minute drive.
The Canal du Midi passes north of Bram meaning this area is ideal for keen cyclists who can follow the canalside towpath to Castelnaudary (22km) or in the other direction towards Carcassonne, Trèbes (33km) and, further afield, pretty Minervois wine villages (Homps, Argens-Minervois, Paraza, Roubia and so on).
Of course, one of the great draws of this region is Carcassonne (20km), so loved for its medieval citadel, one of the largest fortified castles in Europe and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take time to experience the other part of the town, historic Bastide Saint-Louis, with its narrow lanes, wine-bars, restaurants and indoor market alongside the bustling café terraces of Place Carnot, home of an atmospheric market on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Both the Canal du Midi and Aude River pass through Carcassonne.
Indeed, the Aude River offers opportunities for beautiful scenery, kayaking/canoeing and summer swimming. Riverside Limoux (26km) is especially picturesque with its charming old town, arcaded main square, covered market and many café terraces for sipping Blanquette de Limoux, the oldest sparkling white wine in France (locals say Dom Perignon stole the idea to create champagne!).
The pretty town of Mirepoix (32km) is must-visit for food lovers on a Monday morning when the lovely market takes over the central square, said to be one of the most beautiful markets in the region. Heading north instead, Revel (42km) is another superb and highly regarded market to experience, this one on a Saturday morning - perhaps combine with a trip to the lake at Saint-Ferréol.
Gastronomes may also be keen to venture east to the Atlantic coast for Leucate oysters overlooking the Mediterranean. This part of the Languedoc coastline is also a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts – Gruissan Plage (103km) and Leucate Plage (118km) are just over an hour away.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Carcassonne
(16km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Toulouse-Blagnac
(85km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Small local village
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Carcassonne
(20km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local village
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Small supermarket
(2.6km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Narbonne/Gruissan Plage
(102km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Carcassonne
(22km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Bram
(5.5km) |
||
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesFamilies are welcome at this unique and natural estate. As well as the beautiful, wild grounds and natural swimming pool (where frogs croak as you swim), the manoir is home to plenty of games (pool, table football, darts) alongside a movie projector, popcorn machine and an outdoor play area with archery, boules, a trampoline and other outdoor games. For the ultimate adventure, you could even pay extra to stay overnight in one of the estate’s forest cabins!
Cycling-loving families will appreciate rides along Le Canal du Midi as well as other cycling routes across the Aude countryside. You can also look out for boat hire along the canal or try canoeing/kayaking on the Aude River.
Carcassonne is a short drive away, one of France’s most visited destinations. Children will be enchanted by the medieval citadel, one of Europe’s largest fortified castles, and there are family-friendly events/activities/festivities in the French school holidays. A seasonal tourist road train connects the citadel to the other part of the historic town and you will find play areas and lovely walks by the Aude River.
Other family-friendly attractions near Carcassonne include go-karting, a lake for summer watersports (Lac de la Cavayère), a tree-top adventure centre and an animal park with kangaroos and wallabies (Le Parc Australien)! Slightly closer is the rustic Parc Animalier de La Matarelle, home to donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, pigs and other farm animals.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Go-Karting
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Swings
- Xbox/Playstation/Wii
- Trampoline
- Badminton
- Boules/Petanque
- Board games
- Children's bikes
- Croquet
- Darts
- Child-Safe Pool
- Bicycles Provided
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Football
- Pool/Snooker
- DVD
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Cooking Classes Available
- Yoga Classes Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Bathroom Toiletries
- Full-Board Available
- Massages Available
- Gardening Tour Days Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Chef service (using organic ingredients sourced as locally as possible)
- Full board option
- Cookery classes
- Massages
- Gardening tour days
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | €1000 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.30 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €1000 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.30 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Included between early March and late October. Outside of these times, charges may apply - please inquire. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately April to October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Minimum stay | 3 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Please note this is an organic farm with animals on site (dogs and chickens). |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Three extra beds can be added to the main house bedrooms, on request (please enquire). There are also three forest cabins in the woods each with double bed, electricity, Wi-Fi & compost toilet. They can be rented separately if needed and subject to availability. The forest cabins will not be rent to other guests during your stay. |
| Other Ts and Cs | There is a three bedroom bungalow that houses the staff members, situated in the woodland separate to the main house/gite. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€5 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Other Ts and Cs | The 8-acre estate is also home to a bungalow in the woodland (where on-site staff live) and an Arts Centre/barn which hosts a cultural day on the first Wednesday of every month (excluding July/August) and art residencies (from Oct 2025) - both the staff quarters and Art Centre are separate and private from the house/gîte and swimming pool. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that air-conditioning features in 3 bedrooms only. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 21 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19th 2024 - Jul 1st 2024 | £3,870 | £5,160 | £6,450 | £8,278 |
| Jul 1st 2024 - Sep 1st 2024 | £4,838 | £6,450 | £8,063 | £10,213 |
| Sep 1st 2024 - Feb 28th 2025 | £3,870 | £5,160 | £6,450 | £8,278 |
| Feb 28th 2025 - Jun 30th 2025 | £3,870 | £5,160 | £6,450 | £8,278 |
| Jun 30th 2025 - Aug 31st 2025 | £4,838 | £6,450 | £8,063 | £10,213 |
| Aug 31st 2025 - Nov 20th 2025 | £3,870 | £5,160 | £6,450 | £8,278 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property?
We bought the Domaine in April 2021 and for most of these last three years we have been renovating the property to its form...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
We bought the Domaine in April 2021 and for most of these last three years we have been renovating the property to its former glory.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
When we first saw this beautiful Domaine it was a bit like walking into a fairytale. The property was lived in but kept with the minimum maintenance for more than half a century but you could see the potential even through the overgrown laurel and the holes in the roof.
The Maison de Maitre (Manor House) was built in the 1860s by the family Vidal. At the time it was one of the biggest Domaines in the region covering most of the land between Montreal and Bram.
Unfortunately the only son of the family died in the Great War and in 1919 they have constructed the Orangerie (the large red building near the natural pool) in his memory.
In the early 1960s the property and the land were sold by the Vidals to a wealthy family of Pieds-Noirs (French nationals born in Algeria). The new owners, the Laquieres were not interested in agriculture and thus you see a lot of abandoned farm equipment from 1910 scattered in our grounds.
The matriarch of this family, Madame Laquiere, had a gambling addiction and soon she managed to lose all the family fortune and they were forced to sell the land around the Manor House to pay for her gambling debts.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Angela Rippon (TV presenter)
Tim Walker (fashion photographer)
Louie Banks (fashion photographer)
Nathalie Moellhausen (World Fencing Champion & Olympian)
Alison Owen (Film Producer)
Lydia Leonard (Film & Theatre Actress)
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do...
The Aude region has so much to see that it hard to chose. For history lovers the medieval city of Carcassonne (a UNESCO heritage site) is a must. The Canal du Midi, another UNESCO site is very close and is a fun day trip (preferably with our electric bikes even if it is a flat journey). For the more action and nature loving, the Narbonne Natural Park is less than an hour drive away. It is great for hiking, mountain bikes, kayaking.
Really eat...
Mirepoix is a beautiful medieval town worth a visit for a lunch or for its vibrant market on Mondays; the Revel market on Saturdays is a must or for something closer, Bram market on Wednesdays. There are so many fantastic restaurants to chose from and we highly recommend making reservations especially for the high season periods:
- Le Petit Bramais (4km)
- Chapters (15km)
- L’ Ambrosia (15km)
- Trésors de Campagne (15km)
- Domaine d’Auriac (21km)
Really see...
We also recommend the Limoux Musée des Automates.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
The local Crémant de Limoux is of equal quality to champagne but at 1/3 of the price! The locals will tell you the story of how a certain Dom Perignon came in the 14th century and liked the Crémant so much that he took the grapes and some of the artisans with him to the Champagne region.
Reviews
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A luxurious guilt-free experience
There is nothing not to like about Domaine Vidal! Beauty, comfort and sustainability are prioritised in the most thoughtful and elegant way, leading to a luxurious guilt-free experience unlike any other.
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Chic sophisticated and simple
Fun! with unique features and lovely staff
We loved the concept and its singularity. Chic sophisticated and simple at the same time. Cool and warm welcome, everything we like! -
Most beautiful I’ve ever seen
The natural pool is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, sunbathing listening to the frogs and the birds - heaven. The breakfasts of delicious local pastries and baguettes, and the dinners round the candlelit table with amazing food and delicious wine will linger in the memory for a long time! Congratulations Domaine Vidal you are getting everything right!!!
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Belle Epoque style
The rooms are beautifully decorated in keeping with the Belle Epoque style of the house and the beds were very comfortable. We joined the hosts along other guests for a lovely 3 course meal both evenings, ending in lovely evenings with plenty of wine and laughs. Everyone we met was really friendly and helpful - and our dog made some new canine friends, too!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
