Maison De La Bastide

As soon as you catch a glimpse of the Art Nouveau facade 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 Cite Medievale.

This Maison de Maitre is a listed building protected by the Batiments 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 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 cafe 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 Cite 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.

Features

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

Outside Grounds

• Courtyard-style garden with raised terrace
• Al-fresco dining and lounge area

Facilities

• Wi-Fi
• Air-conditioning (bedrooms)
• TV
• Board games
• Washing machine
• Tumble dryer

Location

Such a privileged location in central Carcassonne, just a 20-minute stroll from the UNESCO World Heritage site, La Cite 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, cafe 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 Cite 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 Montsegur, 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.