Aude

A quiet retreat with blissful gardens, a pool and charming hosts. You’re close to bastide towns, castles and the Canal du Midi

Organise a memorable get-together with your loved ones at these roomy houses with a large garden, acres of vines and two swimming pools

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

Charming 4-star gîte in an 11th-century castle in the foothills of the Pyrénées. Spectacular views, leafy terrace and wild swimming nearby

Readers adore this place run by warm, generous sisters Renée and Claude. Stroll the wild gardens - follow a path into the lovely landscape

Come for a rest and to be cosseted in this Virginia creeper-clad Languedoc house surrounded by ten acres of green permaculture and woodland

A 17th-century former dovecote standing in gardens and 100 hectares of vineyards, sheltered behind majestic pine, cypress and plane trees

A very spacious, comfortable 1860 manor house with garden and pool surrounded by acres of vineyards and trees, a short hop from Carcassonne

Character and quirk in old and new design and furnishing – private terraces, a shared pool, great walking, cycling and wine-tasting

Three airy gîtes set in 300 acres of vineyard and gardens. A welcoming base for exploring the marvellous Minervois – 15km from Carcassonne

Plenty of restful, comfortable space indoors and out in the Mediterranean garden with its courtyard pool – restaurants to walk to