We appreciate the irony in being so keen to tell everyone that Languedoc-Roussillon is a hidden gem of a region in France, because if we had it our way, more people would consider this part of the country! And yet, we wouldn't want it to change and lose the purity of its character, because this is what at long last, is attracting visitors, keen to see an unspoilt and ‘genuine' area. Domaine aux Quat' Saisons (House of the Four Seasons) is a picturesque 19th-Century building with a spectacularly well-designed 2-acre garden.

The sheer diversity of flora and the effort put into its implementation is commendable and to be savoured: camellias and large hydrangeas greet guests out in the front courtyard, begonias, agapanthus and aeoniums define the terrace and main lawns, ‘Mimosa Avenue' is home to a row of such specimens with an array of pomegranate trees dispersed among them, and the cacti and succulent zone introduces guests to an extraordinary collection. There is also a lovely little lily pond and even a century-old vineyard with mature black and white Muscat grapes; these are particularly tasty to munch on in September.

The house is no less impressive in its many touches. Excellently-crafted tiled floors and stained glass doors outline an abundance of intricate ornaments. Although the house is typically French in many aspects of its style, these ornaments and other features are personal and come from all over, various objets d'arts, antiques and Persian rugs among them.

As well as the choice of five rooms or a suite, Domaine aux Quat'Saisons also houses one three-bedroom self-catering apartment for those looking for a little more independence. On the first floor of the old stables, part of the domaine, the 125m² ‘Swallows' Nest' sleeps six people, with two king-size beds and one twin-bedded room. Its features include a south-facing private terrace with barbecue, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a spacious dining room and sitting room.

Restaurant:

The hotel has earned a reputation for its fantastic food. The owner is not one for fancy ‘gastronomic' styles, but delicious French country cookery. As he says, he is not about ‘new flavour combinations and other fandangos'. The dinner is plentiful, seasonal and fresh, supporting local fruit and vegetable producers and using herbs from the domaine's own garden.

A Word From the Owner:

"Unlike chain hotels, we really do care that you have an excellent holiday with us and we work hard on every detail. Staying here is an authentic experience in the ‘real' France away from touristy hot spots and over-priced beaches. We offer advice on where to go, where to eat and what wineries to visit; indeed I am an expert on the local area.

We have created a series of living spaces which stylishly marry wood block prints from Japan, thankas from Tibet, Persian carpets and Thai silks, Italian chandeliers, deco bedroom suites and ‘arts & crafts' tables and chairs. Comfort and style are combined in a unique way in our rooms; we do not have minibars, TV in the rooms and melting chocolates on your pillows!"

Hotel Amenities:

IN THE HOTEL	IN YOUR ROOM
Bar Restaurant Terrace Landscaped garden Vineyard 2 living rooms Computer with internet access Wi-fi internet access Games CDs and DVDs Swimming pool (5 x 10m) Courtesy bar near swimming pool Towels on request Pergola with seating 1st-floor landing with chairs Lily pond and fountain Car park Boutique	Free wi-fi access En-suite bathroom CD and DVD player Chilled water Central heating and fans Wi-fi internet access Hair-dryer Room service 1880s features Antiques Bath robes

Nearby Amenities:

Vineyards and wine tastings
Montagne Noire
Carcassonne's walled town, a UNESCO world heritage site
Mountain river fly fishing (trout), ocean fishing with a guide
Beaches in Narbonne, Agde and Sete
Gouffre de Cabrespine cave system (20 minutes away)- includes a 200m climb and 3km walk through the cave
Kayaking
White-water rafting
Canyoning
Mirepoix Monday Market (lots of Pyrenean cheeses)
One of only three heptagonal churches in the village of Rieux-Minervois
Bicycle hire
Minerve- bastide town
Golf course

What We Say:

Great gardens, great house, great food, great area.

From the Guestbook:

We will welcome your comments after you have visited this hotel. Send a review.

 

Room Rates in Euros (2012)
	High Season	Low Season
	20 Jun - 31 Aug	Easter - 19 Jun 1 Sep - 31 Oct
Superior Double Room Grenache 1910 'Arts and Crafts' Art Deco marble fireplace. Silk bed throw. Languedoc floor tiles. (Photo) (Photo) (Photo) Syrah. Chinoiserie Art Deco style Japanese woodcut prints. Views over pine trees and garden. Silk bed throw. Original marble fireplace. (Photo) (Photo) Mourvedre 1920's Art Deco Shanghai silk screen. Languedoc floor tiles. Silk bed throw. Victorian arm chairs & 19th century Chinese Elmwood wardrobe. (Photo) (Photo) Carignan Chinoiserie Art Deco style. Japanese woodcut prints. Views over pine trees and garden. Silk bed throw. Original marble fireplace.(Photo) (Photo) Close	€ 119	€ 89
Deluxe Double Room Roussanne. 4 poster king sized bed. Japanese woodcut prints; romantic theme. Original hardwood floor. Silk bed throw. Views over Black Mountains. (Photo) (Photo) Close	€ 129	€ 95
Suite Muscat. Teak Balinese king-size 4 poster bed. Modern oriental furnishings. Original hardwood floor. Silk bed throw. 19th century French nursing chairs. Separate living room with sofa bed & Chinese 19th century wardrobe. Views over Black Mountains. (Photo) (Photo) Close	€ 139	€ 99
Apartment Swallows Nest Apartment. Built on the first floor of the old 'stables' of the Domaine, ‘Le Nid d’Hirondelle’ (the Swallows’ Nest) dates back to 1882. Offers excellent family accommodation; sleeping 6 people in the three bedrooms (2 king size beds and 1 twin bedded). (Photo) (Photo) (Photo) Close	May & Oct: € 695 per week Jun & Sep: € 995 per week Jul & Aug: € 1475 per week
Minimum stay: 2 nights Currency Converter
Prices are per room per night including breakfast and VAT. City tax- € 0.80 per person per night. No children under the age of 14 are permitted. Animals are not permitted. Smoking is not permitted inside. Check Availability     Book Now!

Deposit:

A credit or debit card number and a 25& deposit are required to confirm a reservation. The balance is payable 4 weeks before arrival. For bookings made within 4 weeks, it is payable on arrival.

Cancellations: