It is such a privilege to be able to stay a short stroll from La Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, yet still be surrounded by the rural beauty of southern France. Imagine being able to gaze at the ancient ramparts from your heated swimming pool and garden terrace, let alone the view of the fireworks on Bastille Day!

It’s not only Villa Barbacane’s wonderful setting that will impress you, but its tasteful interiors as well. The state-of-the-art kitchen allows for sociable cooking and dining with its large central island whilst the lounge looks out towards the south-facing terrace and distant Pyrenees. On the lower floor, kick back in the stylish TV lounge as children enjoy the games room with table football and board games. Five comfortable bedrooms also await sleeping up to 14 guests with flexible sleeping arrangements, each bedroom featuring wonderful cité or mountain views alongside en suite shower rooms and air-conditioning.

Outside, enjoy the privacy of your garden beneath the young plane trees or dine al-fresco on the sunny east terrace. There’s a boules court with a stunning view as well as children’s play area whilst the garden terrace facing La Cité Médiévale is a beautiful place to enjoy a glass of Carcassonne wine with such magical vistas. You can also catch a glimpse of the ramparts from the heated salt-water swimming pool and poolside hot tub.

Stroll along the country lane passing vineyards and within 5 minutes you will be standing by the largest fortified city in Europe. Wander through the imposing Porte Narbonnaise to be greeted with a warren of medieval lanes with inviting shops, cafes, restaurants and museums amongst the stone houses and historic buildings. A tour of the ramparts is a must and look out for historic re-enactments and other festivities across the citadel, especially in the height of the summer.

The charm of Carcassonne continues after crossing the Aude River and wandering towards Bastide de Saint Louis, home to atmospheric Place Carnot with its café terraces, grand fountain and thrice-weekly market. There are yet more fantastic restaurants here as well – try local specialities such as le cassoulet, chestnuts, truffles, regional cheeses and charcuterie as well as a wealth of sweet delights.

A little further is the Port de Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi, a perfect place for boat rides and cycling along the tow paths. A train station also awaits, whisking you away to Castelnaudary, Toulouse, Narbonne and beyond or drive to some of the Aude and Tarn’s most idyllic villages, vineyards, Cathar castles and even the Languedoc beaches on the Mediterranean coast.