Fodor's Expert Review Château La Villatade

On a sprawling wine estate, far from Carcassonne's madding crowd, this serene retreat is owned by ever-hospitable hosts who happily share their best vintages and fine countryside lifestyle with guests. Accommodations are in cottages, including one cozy retreat for two, some that sleep 2–4, and a couple that are ideal for large family groups and sleep 8–10. They're decorated in neutral tones and accented with exposed barn beams and lime-washed plaster walls; the 314 surrounding acres are wrapped in rolling hills with grapevines and a few olive groves. Be sure to try La Villatade's Rituel, a deep red wine.