Maison De La Bastide | 6-Bedroom Apartment in Carcassonne Berriac

When twelve guests arrive at Maison De La Bastide in Carcassonne, they step into a 450-square-metre mansion that has watched over the Bastide de Saint Louis neighbourhood since the 19th century. This isn’t a modern build masquerading as heritage—it’s a genuine Art Nouveau structure with listed building status, where original stained-glass windows still cast coloured light across the grand staircase and marble floors speak to centuries of distinguished visitors.

Inside Maison De La Bastide

Maison De La Bastide sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with the interior layout spanning three distinct floors of character and comfort.

The ground floor welcomes you through an entrance hallway into a large double reception space with open-plan dining, where a 50-inch Smart TV sits ready for evening entertainment. French doors lead directly onto the courtyard garden and covered al-fresco dining terrace. A smaller reception room at the front of the property features a bar with guest glassware—perfect for evening aperitifs before heading out to nearby restaurants. The fully-equipped kitchen commands the ground floor with a six-burner range cooker (gas hobs), three electric ovens, substantial fridge-freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee-making station, and a large dresser displaying local pottery. A cloakroom and WC complete this level.

The first floor contains three distinct bedroom suites. The first suite features a king-size bed with doors opening onto a balcony overlooking the rear courtyard garden, air-conditioning throughout, a personal coffee machine, mini-fridge, and an en-suite bathroom with both a roll-top bath and separate shower. The second suite offers a double bed with air-conditioning, coffee machine, mini-fridge, and marble flooring with a 10cm step into the en-suite shower room and WC. The substantial two-bedroom suite provides a king-size bed in one room with balcony access and a double bed in the adjoining room with a Juliet balcony—both bedrooms have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and coffee facilities, with a shared dressing area and bathroom featuring a shower and WC.

The top floor, accessed via an open staircase, holds two final bedroom suites. One contains a king-size bed with air-conditioning, fridge, coffee machine, a small balcony, and en-suite bathroom. The second mirrors this layout with a king-size bed, air-conditioning, fridge, coffee machine, Juliet balcony, and en-suite facilities. All bedrooms benefit from air-conditioning and individual coffee stations—a practical luxury for those wanting morning caffeine without descending stairs.

Beyond sleeping arrangements, the property offers Wi-Fi connectivity throughout, a TV in the main reception, board games for rainy afternoons, a tumble dryer alongside the washing machine, and heating for cooler months. The open staircases connecting floors lack bannister sections in places, so families with very young children should note this detail.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The courtyard garden functions as the property’s social heart. A raised terrace overlooks planted borders and provides an al-fresco dining and lounge area where breakfast feels like a ritual and evening aperitifs stretch into the night. During Carcassonne’s warm months—particularly June through September—this space sees constant use, shaded by established plantings and furnished for extended entertaining. The courtyard’s intimate scale creates a private bubble within the bustling neighbourhood, a genuine rarity for a central-location townhouse.

Location: Carcassonne and the Surrounding Area

Maison De La Bastide sits in the Bastide de Saint Louis, the modern (post-13th century) quarter of Carcassonne, positioned precisely 20 minutes’ walk from UNESCO World Heritage-listed La Cité de Carcassonne. This isn’t a remote location requiring car journeys; you inhabit an actual neighbourhood where residents live, eat, and gather.

Place Carnot—a two-minute walk away—anchors local life with its grand fountain, café terraces, and a bustling market operating Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. Les Halles, the regional covered market five streets away, showcases Languedoc produce and gourmet goods. The area specialises in cassoulet (the slow-cooked bean and meat dish originating from nearby Castelnaudary), cured pork products, black Périgord truffles, roasted chestnuts, aged regional cheeses, and patisseries that draw queues by mid-morning.

Walking toward the Aude River (ten-minute walk) and crossing the medieval bridge transports you into La Cité—a 3-kilometre fortified rampart system with twenty towers, winding lanes, museums, and the Château Comtal. Book a guided tour along the ramparts or wander freely; this is France’s most visited fortified city after Mont-Saint-Michel. From July to September, the Festival de Carcassonne brings theatre, music, and comedy performances into La Cité’s atmospheric courtyards. If your visit coincides with 14 July, Bastille Day fireworks illuminate the ramparts in displays locals consider among France’s finest.

For further exploration, hire bicycles and follow the Canal du Midi tow path—a peaceful route with café stops at Écluse de Trèbes (8km east) offering boat hire and waterside dining. The keenest cyclists tackle sections of historic Tour de France routes through the Aude and Tarn region’s rolling vineyards and limestone plateaus.

Day trips from Carcassonne include the Cathar castle ruins at Lastours (40km north), Montségur (50km southeast)—perched dramatically on a mountain peak—and the pretty hilltop villages of Minerve (35km north), Lagrasse (30km northwest), and Limoux (25km south), where locals produce Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine. The Languedoc wine region surrounds the city; numerous estates welcome visitors for tastings of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre reds.

Beaches at Gruissan Plage and Leucate sit approximately 60km southeast (50-minute drive), offering both Mediterranean swimming and windsurfing opportunities. Parc de Camin del Garric, directly beside the Aude River, provides riverside picnicking and walking just outside the city centre.

Train connections from Carcassonne station (15-minute walk) reach Toulouse in 45 minutes—a rose-tinted city famous for aerospace industries, Renaissance architecture, and La Basilique de Saint-Sernin. Eastbound trains reach Narbonne (35 minutes), a Roman-founded city with impressive cathedral and Roman canals. Carcassonne Airport lies 30 minutes south by taxi or airport shuttle, with daily connections to major European cities.

For more destination context, explore our villas in Aude, check our collection of luxury properties across Europe, and discover what makes this region special in our comprehensive Languedoc travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families benefit from the six separate bedrooms spread across three floors—parents can occupy ground-floor spaces while grandparents and teenagers claim private top-floor suites. Groups of friends celebrating significant milestones find the formal dining room and lounge accommodate twelve comfortably, while the courtyard garden handles outdoor gatherings. Business groups occasionally book for working retreats, appreciating the Wi-Fi, separate reception rooms for meetings, and proximity to Carcassonne’s business district. Couples seeking historical immersion without sacrificing comfort will appreciate the authentic period details alongside modern heating, air-conditioning, and contemporary bathroom fixtures.

The listed building status and open staircases mean families with toddlers and guests with mobility limitations should consider this detail carefully. The marble flooring throughout requires careful footwear choices when wet.

Practical Information

Maison De La Bastide accommodates 12 guests in 6 bedrooms with 5 bathrooms. The nearest airport is Carcassonne Airport, located 30km south, approximately 30 minutes by car or airport shuttle service. The city centre supermarket lies within a 10-minute walk; the Saturday morning market at Place Carnot provides fresh produce and local specialities.

Included in your rental are air-conditioning in all bedrooms, Wi-Fi throughout, heating, hot water, linen and towels, and full use of kitchen equipment including the washing machine and tumble dryer. Board games and TV entertainment round out the offering. The property operates check-in from 3pm and check-out at 11am, though flexible arrangements may be possible by prior agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison De La Bastide

How many guests does Maison De La Bastide sleep?

Maison De La Bastide accommodates 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The breakdown includes two king-size suites on the first floor (one with roll-top bath and shower, one with shower-only en-suite), one two-bedroom suite on the first floor with a king-size and double bed sharing facilities, and two king-size suites on the top floor, each with private en-suite bathrooms. All bedrooms feature air-conditioning.

What is the nearest airport to Maison De La Bastide in Carcassonne?

Carcassonne Airport (CCF) sits 30 kilometres south of the city centre, approximately 30 minutes by road via car or arranged airport shuttle. The airport handles daily flights to major European hubs including Paris, London, and several Mediterranean destinations. For more extensive international connections, Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (120km north, approximately 90 minutes by car) offers broader route options. Montpellier Airport (95km southeast, approximately 75 minutes) also serves the region.

What is the best time of year to rent Maison De La Bastide?

May through September offers warm, dry weather ideal for courtyard entertaining and exploring La Cité on foot—expect temperatures between 20-28°C. July brings the Festival de Carcassonne and peak tourist crowds. June and September provide similar warmth with fewer visitors and lower accommodation costs. April and October offer mild conditions (15-22°C) perfect for walking and cycling, though evening air-conditioning becomes optional. November through March experiences cooler temperatures (8-15°C) with occasional rainfall, but the heating system functions well and crowds vanish. If attending Bastille Day festivities (14 July), book early as the city becomes fully booked.

Is Maison De La Bastide suitable for families with children?

Families with older children (8 years and upward) find the property works well, particularly those happy to split across multiple floors and enjoy urban exploration. The open staircases without complete bannister coverage require supervision for toddlers and young children. The courtyard garden provides safe play space away from street traffic. Proximity to Place Carnot’s cafés and markets appeals to food-interested families. The property lacks swimming pools, trampolines, or dedicated play equipment—families seeking these facilities should consider alternatives. Carcassonne’s historic centre and museums (suitable for ages 6+) lie walkable distance away. The nearest family beach (Gruissan Plage with shallow areas) requires a 50-minute drive.

What is included in the rental price at Maison De La Bastide?

Included amenities encompass all heating and hot water, air-conditioning throughout all bedrooms, Wi-Fi connectivity, full kitchen equipment (gas range, electric ovens, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, coffee facilities), bed linen and towels, TV entertainment in the main reception, and board games. Utilities are included. The property does not provide daily housekeeping, though arrangement of cleaning services before arrival or after departure is typically possible. The bar area contains glassware but is unstocked—guests purchase beverages independently or arrange sommelier services through the rental company.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison De La Bastide?

Place Carnot, two minutes’ walk away, hosts numerous café terraces and bistros—Café de France, La Vinotheque, and Le Patio count among locally-favoured establishments. Les Halles covered market (five-minute walk) stocks regional cheeses, charcuterie, produce, and prepared foods. A Carrefour supermarket operates within ten minutes’ walk for wine, basics, and supplies. The Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning market at Place Carnot sells seasonal vegetables, local honey, preserves, and prepared Languedoc specialities. For fine dining, Michelin-listed restaurants operate within the Cité de Carcassonne (20-minute walk) and the Bastide de Saint Louis quarter. Wine bars cluster along the narrow streets leading to the Aude River, many offering glasses of local Languedoc reds and the regional Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine.