Chateau Les Carrasses, Quarante, Languedoc, France - Explore & Book
"Our jaws dropped as we swept up the tree-lined drive, through vineyards bursting with colour, to Château Les Carrasses – a 19th-century castle straight out of a fairytale. And this hideaway comes with a magical tale, too. It was built in 1886, at the height of Languedoc's wine boom, on the foundations of a pilgrimage rest stop. Over a century later it fell into ruin and lay abandoned for many years, before being rescued and completely transformed by Irish owners Karl and Anita. Now, 30 self-catering suites and villas sit within the chateau’s original structure: bathrooms nestle in turrets, 3-bedroom villas occupy the former wine cellars, and the gardener’s cottage is a romantic retreat. Each has private outdoor space and is tastefully decorated with French antiques. There's also a heated infinity pool, a Mediterranean-style restaurant and wonderfully warm staff full of local knowledge. Spend your days playing pétanque under pine trees and visiting Languedoc’s picturesque villages and markets, or drive 30 minutes to glorious sandy beaches. On top of being beautiful, this is one of the warmest regions in France, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Highs The idyllic rural setting – 150 acres of vineyards, meadow and woodland, and the Pyrenees mountains as a backdrop A relaxed ambiance but luxurious feel Heaven for families with various sizes of accommodation (some have private pools) plus tennis courts, a mini-farm and a kids club in July and August Bikes to borrow; pack a picnic and cycle along the famous Canal du Midi Mealtime flexibility: you can self cater, eat à la carte in the excellent restaurant, grab takeaway pizzas or get meals delivered Lows Other than for the studio apartments, 7-night minimum stay preferred in peak season (July and August); shorter stays may be considered at the hotel’s discretion Don't expect full hotel facilities such as a spa; this is a self-catering property with perks You'll need a car to get here and explore the region Some private gardens are overlooked Popular in peak times so book ahead; if booked up try their sister properties Villas St Pierre de Serjac and Chateau Capitoul" - Emily McDonnell
