Maison De La Bastide
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Overview
As soon as you catch a glimpse of the Art Nouveau façade of Maison de la Bastide, you will be captivated by the historic charm of this unique and beautiful home in the heart of Carcassonne’s Bastide de Saint Louis, a short walk from La Cité Médiévale.
This Maison de Maître is a listed building protected by the Bâtiments de France and is of great architectural importance – indeed, it’s recognised by the Mairie as one of the most significant houses in the city and has hosted many notable guests over the years.
Be enchanted by its heritage as you step through its historic doors into the gorgeously tiled hallway with light beaming through from the stained-glass window above the sweeping curved staircase, all original features of this 19th century home. Double doors lead through to the inviting lounge and dining area, there’s a characterful kitchen to create feasts using the very best ingredients from Carcassonne’s food markets and the elegant bar is waiting to be stocked with some of the finest wines from Pays d'Oc.
On the first floor, choose between the two graceful king-size bedrooms with historic touches, gorgeous en suites and doors leading out to a balcony overlooking the courtyard garden below. Then there’s the two-bedroom suite with its wrought-iron balcony and lovely shower room or head to the very top of the house for two further en suite doubles, allowing up to 12 guests to sleep across six air-conditioned bedrooms. The 16-person rate also includes a top-floor self-contained apartment offering space for an additional four people.
The courtyard garden with its al-fresco lounge and dining area is the perfect spot for breakfast or an evening aperitif on warm summer evenings, before strolling out to the abundance of restaurants and wine bars scattered across your neighbourhood. It’s just a 2-minute walk to Place Carnot with its café terraces and don’t miss the bustling market three mornings a week to pick up a wealth of regional French delights.
Strolling towards the Aude and crossing the bridge, you will soon reach La Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s most visited attractions with its medieval architecture, museums, towers and historic ramparts – book a guided tour to make the most of your time or just explore the narrow lanes to your hearts content.
For a change of scene, hire bikes and set off along the wonderful Canal du Midi or look out for canal boat cruises through the city and beyond. Further afield leaving the city, drive to Cathar castles, Languedoc vineyards, picture-perfect villages and Mediterranean beaches.
You can even hop on the train to admire the rose-tinted city of Toulouse, handsome Narbonne or the pretty surroundings of Castelnaudary, passing undulating landscapes of the Aude region as you go.
What you should know…
- The 12-person price is for the main part of the house including 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The 16-person price also includes the self-contained apartment on the top floor. Please see the "Features" for details on the layout.
- The main staircase is made from marble and is partially open with no bannister in parts, so children will need to take particular care
- Air-conditioning is featured in six bedrooms only. The bedrooms in the self-contained apartment have fans.
- Due to the historic nature of this unique house, children will need to take extra care on the curved stairs and balconies.
- If you wish to bring or hire a car, there are various car parking options a short distance away (charges will apply locally for some options and check opening times/days). Details can be provided before your stay.
Property Features
1) Maison Only - 6 bedrooms/5 bathrooms (12-person rate)
2) Maison and Top Floor Apartment (16-person rate)
Maison Interiors (450m2)
Ground Floor
- Entrance hallway
- Large double reception (or function rooms) with open plan dining area, 50" Smart TV and doors leading to garden and al-fresco dining/seating area
- Smaller reception (at front) with sofa and bar (not stocked) with glassware for use by guests
- Kitchen, fully-equipped including range cooker with gas hobs, three electric ovens, fridge-freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee making facilities and large dresser
- Cloakroom and WC
First Floor (via open staircase with no bannister in parts)
- Bedroom suite with king-size double bed, doors leading to balcony/terrace overlooking rear garden, air-conditioning, coffee machine, mini-fridge and en suite bathroom with roll top bath and shower
- Bedroom suite with double bed, air-conditioning, coffee machine, mini-fridge, marble flooring (and 10cm step), doors leading to balcony/terrace overlooking rear garden and open-plan shower and WC with sink
- 2-bedroom suite, one with king-size double bed and balcony, the other with double bed and Juliet balcony. Both have air-conditioning, mini-fridge, and coffee machine. Shared dressing area and bathroom with shower and WC
Top Floor (at the front of the house, via open staircase with no bannister in parts)
- Bedroom with king-size double bed, air-conditioning, fridge, coffee machine, small balcony and en suite bathroom
- Bedroom with king-size double bed, air-conditioning, fridge, coffee machine, Juliette balcony and en suite bathroom
Top Floor Rear Self-Contained Apartment (included in 16-person rate only)
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with small double bed (120cm) for one person
- Bedroom with single bed and adjoining kitchenette with fridge and washing machine
- Shower room with WC
Outside Grounds
- Courtyard-style garden with raised terrace
- Al-fresco dining and lounge area
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (six bedrooms)
- Fans (rear apartment bedrooms)
- TV
- Board games
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer
Location
About the surrounding area of Maison De La BastideSuch a privileged location in central Carcassonne, just a 20-minute stroll from the UNESCO World Heritage site, La Cité de Carcassonne, Maison de la Bastide is a beautiful house in Bastide de Saint Louis, a neighbourhood of bustling restaurants, wine-bars, shops and some of France’s most famous sights. If staying in July, look out for the Festival de Carcassonne and the Bastille Day fireworks which are some of the finest in France.
The train station is a 15-minute walk away with connections to Toulouse and Montpellier whilst Carcassonne Airport can be reached via taxi or airport shuttle in just 30 minutes. If you wish to bring or hire a car, there are various car parking options either underground (charges apply and check the opening times/days) or you could try and find a free space in various car parks across Carcassonne.
In the heart of Bastide de Saint Louis, within two minutes you can be at historic Place Carnot with its grand fountain, café terraces and bustling market on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Also close by is Les Halles showcasing the very best regional and gourmet produce, open five days a week, whilst there are delectable restaurants dotted across this part of the city. Carcassonne specialities include le cassoulet, pork charcuterie, truffles, chestnuts, regional cheeses as well as pastries and other sweet delights.
Wander towards the Aude river, cross the bridge and within a 20-minute walk you can be in the medieval city, La Cité de Carcassonne, with its 3km long ramparts, many towers and a warren of winding lanes. Explore to your hearts content, visit the citadel’s museums, book a guided tour along the city walls and look out for events taking place from treasure hunts to historic re-enactments. As Europe’s largest fortified city, no wonder it’s one of France’s most visited tourist destinations.
Heading back to the Aude, enjoy a picnic or stroll by the riverside at Parc de Camin del Garric or walk to the other side of Baside de Saint Louis to Port de Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi. Cruise boats offer tours of the canal through central Carcassonne and beyond or arrange bike hire to ride along the tow paths. The keenest of cyclists can challenge themselves to follow tougher Le Tour de France routes across the glorious landscapes of the Aude and Tarn countryside.
For a fantastic day out, other attractions within driving distance of Carcassonne include the Cathar castles of Lastours and Montségur, the vineyards of Languedoc, idyllic villages such as Minerve, Lagrasse and Limoux or the beaches including Gruissan Plage and Leucate, both around an hour away by car. You can also catch a train to the rose-tinted city of Toulouse, taking just 45 minutes, or eastwards to the beautiful city of Narbonne.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Carcassonne Airport
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport
(95km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
(103km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Carcassonne Train Station
(800m) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local neighbourhood
(Short walk) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Carrefour City
(Short walk ) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Carcassonne
(5km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Gruissan Plage area
(75km) |
||
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesStep out of your historic doors and you are in the heart of Carcassonne’s Bastide de Saint Louis, a short stroll from cafes, restaurants, atmospheric markets and shops. How wonderful to be able to explore this part of the city, knowing your maison and courtyard terrace are just a few steps away.
Around a 15-20 minute walk away in the famous Cité de Carcassonne, admire the narrow lanes and little shops, visit one of the many museums, take guided tours of the historic ramparts and look out for street performers and historic re-enactments – look out for family-friendly events, especially in the French school holidays. Youngsters may also enjoy the little road train that takes you from Bastide de Saint Louis to the medieval cité.
There are lots of lovely family walks, either by the Aude riverside (there’s a little playground at both Jardin Bellevue and Parc de Camin del Garric) or along the Canal du Midi, which can also be explored on bike or by boat.
Just outside Carcassonne, Lac de la Cavayère (7km) is home to a tree-top activity centre, lakeside beaches with supervised summer swimming, water-based activities including an inflatable water park and picturesque walking and picnic opportunities.
For a complete change of scene just outside the city, Le Parc Australien features an abundance of Australian wildlife for a unique and fun day out! Alternatively, close to the airport, there’s a go-karting track with mini-kart activities for children (age and height restrictions apply).
Kids Activities Close-by
- Easy By Train
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Go-Karting
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Board games
Extras
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
- Babysitting/childcare services
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
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a hig...
Read moreEvent information
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €600 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.30 p.m - 6.30 p.m |
| Departure time | 10.30 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €600 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.30 p.m - 6.30 p.m |
| Departure time | 10.30 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Extra €150, paid in advance to Oliver's Travels (this will then be transferred to the owner). 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. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights (June to September) or 3 nights at other times. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Wedding receptions are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges as well as music restrictions. Please note that Maison De La Bastide is not licensed for official wedding ceremonies on site. Stag/hen parties are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Air-conditioning is featured in six bedrooms only. The bedrooms in the self-contained apartment have fans. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The 12-person price is for the main part of the house including 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms - this option is only available from 2023. The 16-person price also includes the self-contained apartment on the top floor. Please see the "Features" for details on the layout. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 12 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 27th 2023 - May 23rd 2023 | £1,511 | £2,015 | £2,519 | £3,526 |
| May 23rd 2023 - Sep 1st 2023 | - | - | - | £3,878 |
| Sep 1st 2023 - Dec 16th 2023 | £1,511 | £2,015 | £2,519 | £3,526 |
| Christmas & New Year | £1,663 | £2,217 | £2,771 | £3,878 |
| Jan 6th 2024 - May 21st 2024 | £1,511 | £2,015 | £2,519 | £3,526 |
| May 21st 2024 - Aug 30th 2024 | - | - | - | £3,878 |
| Aug 30th 2024 - Sep 27th 2024 | £1,511 | £2,015 | £2,519 | £3,526 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 16 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 27th 2023 - May 23rd 2023 | £1,814 | £2,418 | £3,023 | £4,231 |
| May 23rd 2023 - Sep 1st 2023 | - | - | - | £4,584 |
| Sep 1st 2023 - Dec 16th 2023 | £1,814 | £2,418 | £3,023 | £4,231 |
| Christmas & New Year | £1,965 | £2,620 | £3,275 | £4,584 |
| Jan 6th 2024 - May 21st 2024 | £1,814 | £2,418 | £3,023 | £4,231 |
| May 21st 2024 - Aug 30th 2024 | - | - | - | £4,584 |
| Aug 30th 2024 - Sep 27th 2024 | £1,814 | £2,418 | £3,023 | £4,231 |
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.
• When did you become the owner?
I bought the property at auction in January 2019
• What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
It..
Read moreOwner Profile
• When did you become the owner?
I bought the property at auction in January 2019
• What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
It’s architecture and history. It is the most important house in Carcassonne.
• Are there any interesting stories in its history?
It was the second home of the French Ambassador to Finland who gifted it to his future wife in a prenuptial agreement.
• For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
- Must do?
- Cycle along the canal du midi, swim at Carcassonne Plage at the Lac de la Cavayère, go for wine tasting at Chateau de Pannautier, hike around the Cathar castles in Lastours.
- Must eat?
- Oysters at La Cambuse du Saunier, Gruissan Plage. Sunday lunch at La Barbacane. Classic French food at Bistro D’Alice. Escargots Carcassonaise on the terrace at Le Creneu, which has a view of the Castle.
- Must see?
- The mediaeval city. Lastours. Montsegur. Toulouse.
• What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Explore the secret spots for the amazing wild swimming that are known only to the locals – in the L’Orbieu river at Ribaute, for example.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
