Mas De La Griotte | 10-Bedroom Villa in Cestayrols Bernac

Twenty-two guests converge at Mas De La Griotte each summer, drawn to this sprawling country estate in Cestayrols where the Tarn countryside unfolds in every direction. Positioned squarely in the golden triangle formed by three of southern France’s most captivating towns—Gaillac, Cordes-sur-Ciel, and Albi—this luxury villa rental in Cestayrols commands views across rolling vineyards and cypress-studded hillsides that feel almost Mediterranean, yet distinctly French.

Inside Mas De La Griotte

Mas De La Griotte sleeps 22 guests across 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, distributed across the main house and a converted barn annexe that connects directly to the primary residence. The layout accommodates multigenerational families and friend groups with remarkable flexibility.

Ground Floor centers on an entrance hall opening into a generous living room anchored by a fireplace that draws guests on cooler evenings. The kitchen and dining area combine in open-plan configuration, outfitted with professional-grade equipment and dominated by a wood-burning stove—the heart where meals materialize. A compact snug offers intimate retreat space, while a larger snug with its own wood-burner provides secondary gathering room. A dedicated office with desk, monitor, and printer serves those who cannot fully disconnect. The winery room showcases the property’s heritage, while a laundry room ensures practical needs are met. A reception room with vintage dining table accommodates formal gatherings, and the children’s recreation room (positioned adjacent to the summer kitchen and pool access) features an adult bar area, bridging family and grown-up entertaining.

First Floor comprises eight bedrooms across the main house. The master suite features a super king-size bed, air-conditioning, and en suite shower room. A twin-bedded chamber with air-conditioning and en suite bathroom serves couples preferring separate sleeping arrangements or families with younger children. A dorm-style children’s bedroom houses three single beds, a bunk-bed arrangement, and air-conditioning—ideal for groups with multiple kids. Three additional bedrooms each contain king-size double beds with air-conditioning; one includes an en suite shower room. A small bedroom with bunk-bed and air-conditioning provides flexible sleeping for children or single adults. The adjoining bedroom to the bunk room features a double bed and en suite shower room. A shared bath and shower room serves the remaining bedrooms requiring additional facilities.

The Converted Barn Annexe extends sleeping capacity through three additional bedrooms: one with double bed, air-conditioning, and en suite; one with double bed and air-conditioning; and one with twin beds and air-conditioning. A shared bathroom serves the annexe, which opens into a substantial sitting room—effectively creating a self-contained guest wing for extended family or close friends desiring some separation from the main house. Nine bedrooms feature air-conditioning throughout.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds reveal themselves gradually as you move through the property. A heated salt-water swimming pool (5 metres by 10 metres, depth ranging from 1.2 to 2 metres) anchors the garden, operational from approximately May through October, complete with electric safety cover. The pool area sprawls across multiple sun-lounging zones and hammock spaces—the kind of setup where afternoon hours dissolve into evening without conscious effort.

Covered al-fresco dining and lounge pavilions frame the pool, while a dedicated summer kitchen handles outdoor cooking duties alongside a substantial barbecue. Morning coffee tastes different here, consumed on terraces where lavender scent carries on the breeze. The organic vegetable garden supplies fresh produce for kitchen experiments, whether you’re preparing simple lunches or elaborate dinners.

For active guests, recreational facilities include a badminton and short tennis court, a full-size tennis court (separate from the badminton area), a trampoline, and provided bicycles for exploring the local lanes. Inside, a games room keeps groups entertained with PlayStation, Nintendo Switch docking station, board games, table tennis, and pool table. Two Sonos sound systems (positioned inside and out) allow music to flow seamlessly across entertaining spaces.

The Wi-Fi network extends throughout the property, while satellite television includes English-language channels, Netflix, and Apple TV. Wood-burning stoves operate in both the main living space and larger snug, with firewood provided. Heating and air-conditioning systems ensure comfort across all seasons.

Location: Cestayrols and the Surrounding Area

Cestayrols occupies a pastoral corner of the Tarn department, 19 kilometres south of Albi, France’s UNESCO World Heritage-designated river city. Just 2 kilometres away, a small village hosts an award-winning restaurant (reservations essential during peak season). Gaillac, famous across centuries for its wine production dating to Roman occupation, lies 15 kilometres northwest—a riverside town where Friday morning markets overflow with locally-grown fruit, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, flowers, and handmade crafts. The Abbey Saint-Michel dominates Gaillac’s skyline, while numerous wineries and the Maison des Vins offer educational tastings and historical context for the region’s viticultural renown.

Cordes-sur-Ciel, a 12th-century hilltop settlement, perches 14 kilometres north with narrow medieval lanes and Gothic architecture commanding 360-degree views across the Tarn valley. Albi, 19 kilometres southeast, combines its UNESCO status with cobbled streets, an indoor market hall, the distinctive rose-brick cathedral, and waterside walks along the Tarn. The region claims multiple villages in France’s prestigious “Plus Beaux Villages de France” designation—Castelnau-de-Montmiral (20km), Puycelci (22km), and Bruniquel (30km) each warrant day-trip exploration. Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, 35 kilometres east within the Aveyron River gorges, specializes in kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, and climbing, while its Sunday morning market ranks among southern France’s most vibrant. Supermarkets appear near Gaillac, approximately 10-15 minutes by car, with local bakeries and delis scattered through nearby villages. Explore our villas in Tarn for additional luxury rental options across the department, or browse our luxury villas in Cestayrols for comparable estates. For destination inspiration, consult our Midi-Pyrenees travel guide detailing seasonal highlights and cultural events. The region earned its “French Tuscany” nickname through rolling hills, green valleys, authentic regional cuisine, and welcoming communities—plus proximity to cycling routes where the Tour de France occasionally passes.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multigenerational family reunions thrive at Mas De La Griotte. The combination of children’s recreation facilities, dorm sleeping arrangements, multiple snugs and sitting rooms, and diversified entertainment (pool, trampoline, games, bikes, tennis) prevents the typical cramped-together sensation of large family gatherings. Parents and grandparents occupy the main house while adult children and their kids inhabit the barn annexe, creating peaceful physical separation with full social connection.

Groups of 12-22 friends celebrating milestones—significant birthdays, reunions, bachelor/bachelorette gatherings—find the scale and layout accommodate both collective activities (pool lunches, group dinners, games tournaments) and smaller breakaway moments. The games room and multiple entertainment systems prevent the monotony of forced togetherness.

Working groups—creative teams, corporate retreats, mastermind circles—benefit from the dedicated office space, reliable Wi-Fi, and peaceful setting that encourages both focused work and informal collaboration. The pool and recreation facilities provide genuine breaks between working sessions.

Couples seeking a peaceful countryside base without isolation will appreciate the property’s proximity to Gaillac’s wine scene, Albi’s cultural attractions, and numerous restaurants within 15-minute drives. The romantic potential of candlelit dinners on terraces surrounded by Tarn views shouldn’t be underestimated.

Practical Information

Mas De La Griotte accommodates 22 guests across 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. The nearest commercial airport is Toulouse-Blagnac (Aéroport Toulouse-Blagnac), approximately 90 kilometres northwest, requiring roughly 90 minutes by car. Regional alternatives include Béziers Airport (110km, 75 minutes) and Montpellier Airport (140km, 90 minutes). A rental car is advisable for exploring the surrounding region, though local villages offer basic amenities within walking distance.

The heated salt-water pool operates seasonally from May through October, with electric safety cover provided. Rental rates typically include utilities, Wi-Fi internet, linen, towels, and pool heating. Wood for the stoves is provided. A professional cleaning service prepares the property between guests.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mas De La Griotte

How many guests does Mas De La Griotte sleep?

Mas De La Griotte sleeps 22 guests across 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. The main house contains eight bedrooms, while the connected barn annexe provides three additional bedrooms. Bed configurations include super king, king double, twin, single, and bunk arrangements, accommodating various group compositions. No sofa beds supplement sleeping arrangements.

What is the nearest airport to Mas De La Griotte in Cestayrols?

Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport (TLS) lies 90 kilometres northwest, requiring approximately 90 minutes transfer time by car. Montpellier Airport (140km, 90 minutes) and Béziers Airport (110km, 75 minutes) provide alternative options. Car rental from any of these airports is recommended for exploring the Tarn region’s dispersed attractions.

What is the best time of year to rent Mas De La Griotte?

May through September offers optimal conditions: warm days (22-28°C), minimal rainfall, and the pool operates throughout. June hosts the Tour de France’s Pyrenean stages (occasionally passing nearby), making cycling pilgrimages especially meaningful. July and August bring peak temperatures and increased tourist activity in towns like Albi and Cordes-sur-Ciel. April and October provide shoulder-season alternatives with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation costs. The heated pool remains accessible during these months. Winter (November-March) experiences cooler temperatures and occasional rain, though fewer crowds appeal to contemplative groups.

Is Mas De La Griotte suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated salt-water pool features an electric safety cover and controlled depth (1.2-2 metres), minimizing drowning risk. A dedicated dorm-style children’s bedroom and separate recreation room keep kids entertained during rainy periods. The trampoline and badminton court provide active outdoor play. Nearby villages offer bakeries and small shops where children enjoy local food culture. The property lacks direct beachfront access (the nearest swimming occurs 35 kilometres away at Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val’s river beaches), making it better suited to families prioritizing countryside exploration and communal entertaining over seaside holidays.

What is included in the rental price at Mas De La Griotte?

Rental typically includes utilities (water, electricity, heating, air-conditioning), Wi-Fi internet, provided linen and towels, pool heating (May-October), firewood for wood-burning stoves, and professional turnover cleaning. PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and board games remain on-site. Bicycles are provided for local exploration. A preliminary deep clean precedes check-in. Clarify catering arrangements, babysitting services, and special events coordination directly with the property manager.

What restaurants and shops are near Mas De La Griotte?

A 2-kilometre drive reaches a small village restaurant with award-winning reputation (advance reservations mandatory). Gaillac (15km northwest) offers multiple dining options, a Friday morning market, bakeries, and wine shops. Albi’s extensive restaurant scene (19km southeast) ranges from casual bistros to fine dining, while its indoor market hall (Halle aux Fleurs) supplies fresh produce. Supermarkets cluster near Gaillac (10-15 minutes by car), with smaller grocery shops and local delis in intervening villages. Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (35km east) hosts Sunday morning markets featuring regional specialities.