Places to Stay in the Malepère Region

resized__350x137_vine_view The Malepère region was awarded AOC status on May 2nd 2007. It is a hilly area south-west of the city of Carcassonne which is included in the appellation along with 31 other towns and villages. Although the area claims a great history of wine making it was in the 1970’s that the vineyards began to be replanted and VDQS status was granted. VDQS is the intermediary wine designation between Vin de Pays and AOC and is a testing ground for would-be AOC’s to prove that wines from all the producers share a common personality before they can be awarded full AOC status. Although an obscure region the Malepère is well worth a visit and offers a very different terrain to the more recognizable Languedoc appellations. There are many interesting medieval circular villages to visit. They were built this way to form ramparts to act as protection for the inhabitants. The Cathar religion was strong here and the area is immersed in history and folklore.

We have sought out some of the finest places to stay in Malepère

South of France Holiday Villas

For holiday villas in the south of France take a look at South of France Holiday Villas. They have a wide selection of hand-picked holiday villas in the South of France for rent at affordable prices in the sun-drenched Languedoc, Provence and Cote d'Azur areas, all within easy reach of beautiful Mediterranean beaches.

Domaine de Nerige

Domaine de Nerige is a unique and simply outstanding property. This former wine domaine and country estate house has been renovated throughout to an extremely high specification. Original features remain throughout. The superb interior design gives a real ‘French country house’ feel; superior furnishings and attention to detail everywhere. Six bedrooms to sleep 12. Five bedrooms have spacious, high spec ensuite bathrooms. Four bedrooms are full bedrooms suites with their own seating areas and library. Sumptuous main living room opens to front terrace. Lovely, formal, French dining room. Informal second sitting room with imposing, original fireplace and TV with UK satellite channels. Fully fitted kitchen. Utility room with washing machine and dryer.It has a very private exterior with 18 acres of woodland, fields and vineyards. Stunning views down the valley to the Pyrenees. Charming dining terrace with large, summer kitchen and private pool area with sunloungers. Table tennis.

Maison-Xanthe

Maison-Xanthe is actually two adjoining village houses and sleep up to 12 people. It has a 10 metre swimming pool with extensive terrace and views over vineyards. There are gardens, a large games room/open garage with table tennis etc., tiled balcony/roof terrace with seating and tables for 8 plus. Ample parking. It is located on the outskirts of a medieval hill top village in the delightful Razes region and Malepère wine region of Languedoc. The snow capped Pyrenees to the south-west, and the Black mountains to the north, are visible from the village on a clear day. There are also outstanding views over the valley to other hill top `rondavel` villages. Think Tuscany in a region with similar latitude and weather to Provence.

Villasavary

Villasavary is located around 25 minutes drive from the fortified city of Carcassonne. Let the magic of Rolland unwind and refresh you. Relax in the garden in the silky warm Rolland evening and watch the stars appear one by one in the sky. Without artificial streetlights the stars really are like diamonds in the sky. Stay quiet enough and you will hear the owls in the woods, and if you are really still - you may even see them! During the day you may see the little hare come in to the garden and rest in the shade of a tree, wash his face and have a little nap before loping off. It is a wonderful place for wildlife and the atmosphere will leave you completely refreshed and happy. No traffic noise, no noise at all, just peace and quiet and birdsong and the chirp of crickets. Wonderful! This 18th Century farm building has been converted into two adjoining semi detached houses situated within a half acre garden. Space is plentiful with a living room, kitchen and dining area within each house. These two lovely adjoining french houses each enjoy use of the garden and private pool. Both houses have three bedrooms, with a combination of single and double beds providing seven sleeping places.

Domaine des Etoiles

Domaine des Etoiles is located in the beautiful wine producing region of the Malepère, occupying an elevated position in the picturesque hilltop village of Routier in the Aude department of Languedoc-Roussillon. Staying at Domaine des Etoiles, is like staying in a large friendly family home. The Domaine looks out over a sea of vineyards, farmland and forest towards the majestic Pyrenees. In former times it was a wine producing Domaine, now lovingly restored by its current owner Steve Hedges to provide an eco friendly family home large enough to accommodate family and friends. Hot water is produced by solar power and the winter rain water is collected and stored in the 200,000 litre wine cuves and used to nourish the garden plants during the long hot summer months. The one-time Masters House has become the family home and also provides B&B accommodation, and outbuildings have been transformed into two guest cottages for self-catering rentals.

Les Amandiers

Les Amandiers is a brand new villa with a luxury B & B wing and beautiful landscaped pool area, situated in the 'circulade' village of Cailhau, in the wine growing area of the Malepère. Positioned in a large plot, the property has wonderful views over the vineyards towards the Pyrenees and Andorra. It is 5 minutes from the renowned Domaine Gayda with its excellent restaurant and Vinécole, wine school. The Bed & Breakfast has its own guest entrance. There is a large, air-conditioned sitting/dining room exclusively for guests which has a small refrigerator for guest use, with complimentary mineral water. Patio doors take you from here onto the south facing terrace and pool area with panoramic views to the Pyrenees. Relax on the terrace and watch the large birds of prey soaring over the vineyards or catch a glimpse of the hoopoe who visits us for the summer months. Stroll through the vineyard at the bottom of our garden and pick up the many signposted walks and cycle tracks. The 2 guest bedrooms are on the ground floor are non-smoking and have luxury en-suite shower rooms. Bedrooms can be either superking or twin, with Egyptian cotton bed linen and towels. In each room there are tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV, hairdryers and tower fans for those warmer evenings. A substantial continental breakfast is served with freshly baked bread and pastries, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, yogurts and cereals. See our first season reviews on Trip Advisor; we look forward to welcoming you.