Chateau Capitoul, near Narbonne, Languedoc, France - Explore & Book
"Perched on a breezy hillock, Chateau Capitoul is all wow-factor. Its sunset-facing terrace overlooks pure Languedoc pastoral, with pinstriped vines sloping down to the flamingo-dotted Bages Lagoon. Only a 15-minute bucolic waterside cycle from the small town of Guissan and the coast, and 7 miles from the historic city of Narbonne, the original chateau has eight rooms. Nearby, 44 self-catering villas, perfect for families with older children, are discreetly set into the hillside. These echo traditional local style; chateau and villas all have big views. Behind the chateau rises the escarpment of the Massif de la Clape. The Languedoc has long been thought of as the less chic cousin of the Cote d’Azur, but a hotel like this looks to change that, with rooms that purr with dove-grey elegance, fluffy-cloud towels, a snazzy infinity pool, and restored vintage chandeliers. Chateau Capitoul is a collaboration between Irish hoteliers Karl and Anita O'Hanlon, of Domaine Demeure, and the Vignoble Bonfils family. Wine has been made here since the 12th century, with the Bonfils running the 62-hectare estate since 2011. The chateau gardens are likewise an eco-feat: hardy, locally grown florals that require no irrigation were planted by designer James Basson, four times Gold winner at the Chelsea Flower Show. Add a brace of gastronomic restaurants, a Cinq Mondes Spa, and the large sheltered terrace with long views, and you've hit the sweet spot. Highs A choice of gastronomic dining or a less-formal bar-restaurant. As befits the wine estate setting there are wine-related activities year round too Beautifully decorated rooms with beautiful blue-marbleized bathrooms (in the chateau) Great spa and indoor and outdoor heated pools Biking and walking routes from the chateau into the surrounding countryside and lots of places to visit We loved the extraordinary ecologically friendly gardens in the villas and the main estate Lows It’s usually breezy here, but if in warm weather there’s a spell of rain and the air is still, there will likely be mosquitos It seems churlish to mention, but if you’re staying in the chateau, it’s a short walk across the courtyard and terrace to the main pool Not as toddler-friendly as sister properties Chateau Les Carrasses and Villas St Pierre de Serjac due to the sloping hillsides" - Abigail Blasi
