Villa Aude France

With a luxurious vibe and set in the most beautiful unspoilt surroundings, Villa Aude offers guests the chance to unwind with high-end comfort, impressive features and wonderful services in the glorious Corbières, just half an hour from Carcassonne.
In a region rich with vineyards, this former 18th-century wine store has been exquisitely renovated into a fine holiday home sleeping 12 guests across its stunning house and garden wing with space for up to four more in a simpler guest house. Styled and decorated by a top London interior designer, the attention to detail across the maison is incredible. In the six main bedrooms guests can expect waffle bathrobes, high-end linen, complimentary toiletries, air-conditioning and satellite TVs with DVD players.
Downstairs, the sense of space is superb allowing you to socialise with family and friends or seek a little privacy when preferred. The elegant living room has its own stylish bar whilst the large kitchen-diner opens out to one of the splendid terraces. A cinema room features Sky TV as well as a BluRay/DVD player whilst the games room, part of the garden wing, is yet another joyful place to relax.
Follow the pretty stone paths through the lavender to reach the private tennis court or lounge by the 15m long swimming pool surrounded by picturesque flowers and a pool house. The gardens are a delight with the scents and colours of the Mediterranean – find a tranquil spot for a glass of wine, perhaps from the owners’ vineyard, then come together for al-fresco feasts in the courtyard garden or one of the other idyllic terraces dotted around.
There are some wonderful walks from your doorstep or drive a little to discover waterfalls and rivers for swimming, local wineries, lovely villages and a sculpture trail, all amid magnificent scenery that will take your breath away.
Lagrasse, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ is a 15-minute drive away or head a little further to explore atmospheric market towns and of course the great city of Carcassonne. Narbonne is home to one of France’s best covered food markets and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean can be reached in under an hour.
With Cathar castles and the Pyrénées also within striking distance, there’s no doubt that this enchanting part of southern France will appeal to everyone in so many different ways. Set in the beautiful countryside of the Aude valley, just half an hour east of Carcassonne, Villa Aude enjoys a spectacular location for exploring this enchanting part of Languedoc.
It’s an incredible setting, with just one other villa close by yet otherwise surrounded by 120 acres of unspoilt landscapes with wonderful walking paths, many kilometres of cycling trails and vineyards for wine-tasting – the villa even produces its own wines.
Despite this rural idyll, a characterful local village is only a 5-minute drive away with a grocery store (closed Mondays), butchers and pharmacy whilst the next village along, 8km away, is home to a restaurant which makes its own mozzarella from buffalos in a nearby field. There are more restaurants in other nearby villages such as Fabrézan and Lagrasse, both around 15 minutes in the car.
Lagrasse is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and its an enchanting place to explore with its abbey, medieval houses and weekly covered market. Picturesque bridges cross over the River Orbieu where locals love to swim in the summer. There are more idyllic swimming spots around Ribaute, just 9km away and Labastide-en-Val (13km).
This area is a paradise for hikers with so many trails across the surrounding landscapes, including some lovely walks straight from Villa Aude or within a short drive. The hiking trail through the sculptures at Sentier Sculpturel de Mayronnes is especially wonderful, usually open in the summer months. There are also horse-riding stables close by whilst cycling enthusiasts can hire bikes in Trèbes and discover some superb cycling routes or mountain biking trails.
Lezignan-Corbières (20km) is the nearest town for larger supermarkets and there is a wonderful market on a Wednesday morning. The town centre is also home to further butchers, patisseries and other useful amenities. In terms of supermarket shopping, the owners will also give you information on a Super U in Carcassonne where you can pre-order food and collect on the way to your holiday villa.
It’s fantastic being so close to Carcassonne (27km) with all its historic beauty and splendour. The atmospheric market on a Saturday morning is not to be missed and there is a covered market daily. A variety of guided tours can be arranged of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or take your own time exploring the warren of narrow lanes and city walls. The villa’s gardiens can advise on some excellent restaurants in this exquisite city.
Narbonne is another great day out, especially for its covered food market every morning, and you can reach the coast in well under an hour. Spend the day at the beach at Leucate or La Franqui, both of which can be reached in around 45 minutes via the toll road.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras included at this property:
– Daily cleaning (4hrs a day)
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Chef service- Daily deliveries from local delicatessen (breakfast items)- Extra cleaning – Babysitting- Wine-tasting tours (or at the villa)- At-home spa treatments
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!