If you are looking for a truly special place to stay in the Languedoc, check out the Château Les Carrasses, a 19th century wine domaine which has been restored as a boutique winery and luxury self-catering estate. The exquisite gardens, infinity pool, floodlit clay tennis court, boulodrome and barbecue area, conservatory, orchard and olive grove will enchant every guest. The bistro and bar serve Mediterranean tapas alongside the best regional wines and classic cocktails – to be enjoyed around the pool, in the salon, the tasting rooms, or on any one of several terraces.

Luxurious self-catering accommodation furnished in an elegant French style consists of 28 suites, apartments and villas, many with panoramic views, private gardens and pool, and all fashioned from the original 19th century buildings. Each property is individually interior designed, though all share a chic French take on tradition-meets-modernity. Beds are large and comfortable and bathrooms have large tubs and/or showers, elegant bathrobes and Fragonard toiletries. Salons offer Wi-Fi, flat screen TV/DVD, and iPod, fully charged with carefully selected playlists. Every property has a fully-equipped kitchen, and all are air-conditioned. There are nightly and weekly rates, the latter being more economical during the high season.

What to do around the area: Beziers and Narbonne are the largest towns close to the chateau and there you will find many palaces, churches, and fortifications dating back to the Middle Ages and the Roman times. The beach is only 20 minutes away if you prefer a seaside diversion. For most people coming to the Languedoc, relaxing with a book by a pool or in a garden, or going on long hikes and bicycle rides are the most enjoyable ways to spend a holiday. Take advantage of the solitude of the French countryside to slow down. The chateau is the perfect place to get some peace and quiet, while at the same time, savouring the gastronomic delights of southern France.

Chateau Les Carrasses
Lieudit Les Carrasses
Route de Capestang
Quarante 34310
+33 (0)4 67 00 00 67
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

La Maison d’Ulysse is a lovely bed and breakfast near the town of Uzés in Languedoc-Roussillon, one of the most stunning regions in France. The B&B is in a former silkworm farmhouse located in Baron that dates back to the 18th century. Not only is it a “heritage building”, it was also the birthplace of poet-archeologist, Ulysse Dumas (1872-1909). The owners, Guy and Gauthier, have combined history with contemporary style, respecting the foundations of the building, but at the same time blending in their own distinctive tastes in furniture and decor. They have 5 rooms, three of which are suites. Prices range from 180 EUR to 190 EUR in the high season.

About Uzes: It is close to the Pont du Gard (photo below), one of the best preserved Roman aqueducts, but it is, in its own right, a delightful town to explore. In the summer, there are many festivals; the evenings are lively because of the restaurants and cafes situated on cozy little squares. The town has been the seat of the Duchy of Uzes for centuries. When France was a kingdom, it was the job of the duc d’Uzes to cry out, “Le Roi est mort. Vive le Roi!“ at each state funeral, and defend the honor of the Queen Mother. Twenty-one ducs have been wounded or killed as hereditary Champion of France over the centuries (source: Wikipedia). What I love most about Uzes is its main square, the Place Aux Herbes, which is surrounded by grand seigneurial houses.

La Maison d’Ulysse
Place Ulysse Dumas
30700 Baron
Languedoc-Roussillon
France
+33 4 66 81 38 41
www.lamaisondulysse.com

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Check out my favorite hotels, restaurants and boutiques in the Provence on a Google Map (note: Uzes is in the Languedoc-Roussillon, next to the Provence).

All Provence hotels and B&Bs: www.mapplr.com/tag/provence