4 Best Hotels in Toulouse and the Languedoc, France

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.

At the very top of the village, tucked away from the pedestrian-busy streets, sits this small, family-owned hotel with magical views of the countryside. The comfortable rooms are simple, spacious, and quiet. This attractive hotel is also family friendly, with a two-room suite (no extra cost), a tolerant host, and rooms with enough floor space to stave off claustrophobia on a rainy day. Breakfast (an extra cost) is served outside in a pretty courtyard, or in the cozy kitchen nook.

At the base of the Cirque du Cambre d’Aze (an extra-impressive glacially formed peak) is an immaculately restored stone farmhouse turned eco-lodge that combines comfort and design. This affordable abode welcomes hikers, skiers, adventurers, and travelers seeking fresh mountain air. In the evenings, guests meet around the inn’s oak tables for meals entirely sourced by local farmers and organic producers. The inn offers several comfort levels from standard double-occupancy rooms to custom-designed yurts with cloth walls and wood floors. Arrive on foot, by bus, or by train to get a green discount.