Set in four hectares of beautiful parkland, the majestic 13th-century Château Des Cathares is a fairy-tale castle full of character and history. Located in the amazing Cathar country, near the delightful market town of Mirepoix, this is a magical place where young and old can stay in this enchanting part of the Languedoc.
The castle was originally built in the thirteenth century by a Cathar Lord and later extended some three hundred years later. The current owner is a sculptor whose work you can see across the grounds and it has been her labour of love to create a grand yet warm and welcoming family home. Each of the ten bedrooms has its own story to tell with immense character and beautiful pieces of artwork and furnishings from across the centuries. The grand reception rooms allow you to dine by the open-fire in cooler months or enjoy the view of the gardens from the summer salon. If you’re planning a special party or a spectacular wedding then the Knights’ Hall is fit for a banquet and guests can sip champagne by the terraces for a unique and unforgettable event.
Yet despite the traditional ambience, you’ll find contemporary bathrooms plus modern appliances in the well-equipped kitchen and there’s Wi-Fi for guests to use. Families can enjoy table-tennis, board games and table football plus there are children’s toys and books, whilst older guests can browse the impressive library or have a game of French billiards. The owner can arrange for services such as a private chef or babysitter to make your stay as relaxing as it can be.
In the grounds of the château, with its own entrance and garden, is a delightful 18th century cottage with perfectly modern interiors and four further bedrooms. With its own charm and character, this is the ideal place for an extended family gathering or holiday with friends. For 21 guests or more the cottage is included in the rental price or it can be rented separately.
Outside you can explore the vast parkland and private forest, also a wonderful setting for a wedding, or relax by the lawns of the immaculate swimming pool, in the shade of the ancient trees or by one of the owner’s sculptures. This region is a hiker’s paradise with rolling hills and valleys full of sunflowers whilst there are also opportunities to cycle, horse-ride or fish nearby.
The local village, just five minutes by car, has a bakery, butchers and little grocery store or head to the historical town of Mirepoix, famous for its ancient timer-framed houses and amazing market on a Monday morning in the beautiful square. Food lovers take note that foie gras is produced in the farm just across from the château and of course there are some stunning wines to sample in vineyards across the Languedoc region.
This is the Cathar country with so many spectacular castles and ruins to explore, such as the most famous in nearby Montségur. The incredible fortified city of Carcassonne is just forty-five minutes away, with delightful Limoux and vibrant Toulouse also within an hour’s drive. You may prefer to just head nearer to home such as pretty Castelnaudary (30km), the birthplace of the Cathars, where you can take a boat trip or cycle ride along the Canal du Midi.
After a day exploring this outstanding region, you will still feel the spirit of the Cathars in your ancient medieval castle, a truly unique place to stay in this very special part of southern France.