Pretty climbing roses, jasmine, lavender and terracotta pots of geranium. Soak up the charming ambience of this authentic farmhouse in southern France, set in beautiful gardens by the banks of a historic stream and surrounded by wheat fields and summer sunflowers of the Lauragais countryside.

Around a 15-minute drive from Castelnaudary and the Canal du Midi, Le Jardin Des Fleurs is a delightful farmhouse that dates back to the 19th century. Its gorgeous garden leads down to a gentle-flowing stream where water flows from the Montagne Noire to the Canal du Midi – if you follow the stream and walk for 40 minutes it brings you to an attractive lake with a play area and French restaurant serving traditional fare. Look out for red squirrels on your way and you may be lucky enough to spot an otter!

Back to the enchanting home, up to 12 guests will be made to feel welcome at Le Jardin Des Fleurs and there will be a bottle of sparkling Limoux waiting in the fridge for you. Split across three wings and with six bedrooms across two different parts of the house, the layout could suit two families travelling together or a group of friends. Gather in the grand salon with its high ceilings, comfy sofas and large dining table or cook up a feast in the kitchen, the central heart of the home with doors leading out to the kitchen terrace and barbecue.

The six bedrooms are all a good size, two with en suite bathrooms including the romantic double in the east wing with its own clawfoot tub. We also love the ground floor bedroom with French doors opening out to the garden terrace. Across the home there is a true sense of rustic French character with exposed stone walls and traditional furnishings alongside a wonderful feeling of warmth and charm.

Dine together in the shade by the stone barbecue, cool off in the large swimming pool which can be heated on request and drink coffee or Languedoc wine beneath the picture-perfect pergola with trailing roses and passionflower. The more energetic can play badminton and boules or wander down to the little bridge near the house for picnics by the stream and a game of pooh sticks!

Find a fantastic boulangerie and excellent auberge (formerly with a Michelin star) in Saint-Félix-Lauragais, about a 10-minute drive away, or head south to nearby Castelnaudary for boat trips along the Canal du Midi and restaurants serving Cassoulet. The Saturday morning market in Revel is not to be missed, considered to be one of the finest in France, whilst food lovers will also appreciate the especially pretty Monday morning market in the gorgeous town of Mirepoix.

You could even spend the day in Carcassonne visiting its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before leaving the hordes of tourists behind as you return to the sleepy Lauragais landscapes of this captivating region.