Fall under the spell of this picture-perfect pink château in southern France which has been in the same loving family for eighteen generations. Set in six hectares of vast parkland featuring ancient trees, and a short stroll from a gastronomic restaurant, this is a wonderful base for visiting the Montagne Noire, the Canal du Midi and the great historic city of Carcassonne.
Take a step back in time at Château Dans Le Temps and immerse yourself in the French way of life as you stay in the third-floor guest quarters of this enchanting 15th-century castle. Its hospitable owners, who live in their own château quarters, will be able to tell you many stories from their family history and even show you the special ceremonial rooms downstairs together with the castle’s rare 19th-century panoramic wallpapers, the perfect backdrop to a special event or wedding.
Follow the curved staircase up to the very top of the château where up to 14 guests can stay across five pretty bedrooms, each one with characterful furnishings and its own private bathroom. Alongside a little blue kitchen, spend quality time with family or friends in the charming living-dining room, soaking up the historic ambience and admiring the superb garden views around you.
The parkland is simply glorious as well as extensive, not just its swimming pool and terraces, but also its century-old trees including a 500-year-old oak, officially classified as a ‘remarkable tree’. Find the little children’s play area, sit on a bench by the river or take a stroll through the six hectares of parkland. The grounds also border an upmarket hotel with a spa, indoor heated swimming pool and gastronomic restaurant – book ahead with the hotel for spa treatments and special meals.
As well as romantic weddings and celebrations, the château owners can also arrange 19th-century themed costumed events across its parkland and ceremonial rooms as well as cookery lessons and wine courses so you can truly experience the French ‘art de vivre’. Hire a cook to create delicious family feasts and arrange tours of this beautiful region.
In nearby Revel, 7km by car, don’t miss the bustling Saturday morning in the town’s historic square and market hall, perhaps followed by a summer swim at Bassin de Saint-Ferréol, a gorgeous place for woodland walks, seasonal watersports and even tree-top adventures.
Cycle or sail along the Canal du Midi, stopping off to try cassoulet in Castelnaudary, and drive into the heart of the Montagne Noire with its streams, forests, castles and characterful villages. Admire the gorgeous riverside houses in Castres, experience the lovely market in Mirepoix and visit Cathar castles scattered across the landscapes. If you can, find time to spend the day in Albi or Carcassonne, two of France’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in this remarkable part of southern France.