Manoir Chenanson
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This 16-bedroom village house ticks so many boxes if you are looking for a characterful French home ideal for a large family holiday or special event. Just outs...
Read moreOverview
This 16-bedroom village house ticks so many boxes if you are looking for a characterful French home ideal for a large family holiday or special event. Just outside Carcassonne and within walking distance to the local bakery, wine-shop and grocery store, fantastic features include a cinema lounge and bar, a wonderful al-fresco dining area and hot tub as well as a heated swimming pool set within the landscaped garden.
Historic Manoir Chenanson has undergone an impressive renovation yet has retained so much charm with original flooring, fireplaces and other traditional features alongside a wealth of modern comforts. There are 16 bedrooms scattered across the manoir and its annexe allowing up to 30 people to stay here (there is also the option to rent just the main house for 15 guests). The pretty bedrooms are all so individual with simple furnishings, many with modern en suite bathrooms.
Gather outside in the sociable al-fresco dining area with its summer kitchen, barbecues and long tables. Enjoy good food and local wine as kids play darts, pool and table tennis. Furthermore, the cellar has been transformed into an amazing entertainment space with a home-cinema lounge and full bar with dance-floor and disco lights! Whether an informal gathering or a special celebration, this is such a brilliant area to spend fun time with family and friends.
The heated swimming pool is another great attraction, like a hidden gem set within a beautiful landscaped garden. The outdoor hot tub adds an extra touch of luxury – it will be hard to tear yourself away from this magnificent place, especially as the boulangerie, butchers, wine-shop and grocery store are all just a short stroll away for all your daily necessities. A private chef can also be arranged.
That said, for guests keen to explore this part of southern France, the location can’t be beaten. You are just a short drive from Carcassonne and its famous citadel, one of France’s most visited destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage site - there’s also a half-hourly bus service meaning guests without a car won’t feel too isolated. As well as visiting the world-famous medieval citadel, soak up the ambience of Carcassonne’s Bastide Saint-Louis with its wine-bars, restaurants, café terraces and vibrant market three mornings a week.
Hire bikes to cycle along the Canal du Midi coming across pretty places such as Trèbes, Homps and Castelnaudary. Discover summer swimming spots and canoeing by the Aude River or visit nearby vineyards, pretty villages and historic market towns such as Limoux and Mirepoix. You could even drive around an hour to the coast for sweeping Languedoc beaches, windsurfing and oysters overlooking the glistening Mediterranean.
What you should know…
- Manoir Chenanson sleeps up to 30 guests in total. The main house is for a maximum of 15 guests (by law) whilst the annexe can sleep a further 15 guests. Please note that the 15-person price (main house only) is only available approximately January to late-May and September to mid-December.
- As well as some interconnecting bedrooms, there are 12 bath/shower rooms including a romantic roll-top bath in one of the annexe bedrooms.
- In all instances, please see the ‘Property Layout’ for more information about the bedrooms and bathrooms.
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Property Features
1) Main House and Annexe (30-person rate)
2) Main House only (15-person rate) - available approximately January to late-May and early September to mid-December
Main House Interiors (15 guests)
Ground Floor
- Hallway and WC
- Lounge
- Study
- Main kitchen and dining area with large table
Cellar
- Lounge with home-cinema, bar, games, dancing area and glass-covered well
First Floor
- Hallway lounge
- Bedroom 1 with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom 2 (adjoining Bedroom 1) with bunk-bed
- Bedroom 3 with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom 4 with two double beds and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
Bedrooms 3 and 4 can connect to each other (or are accessed independently)
Second Floor
- Hallway lounge
- Bedroom 5 with double bed and separate bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom 6 with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom 7 with double bed, kitchenette and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom 8 with double bed
- Bedroom 9 (adjoining Bedroom 8) with single bed and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
Annexe Interiors (15 guests)
Ground Floor Wing I (independent access from courtyard)
- Bedroom 10 with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bedroom 11 (adjoining Bedroom 10) with single bed
First Floor Wing II (via independent stairs from side of annexe)
- Bedroom 12 (via independent stairs) with double bed, single bed and separate bathroom with shower and WC
Ground Floor Wing III
- Kitchen with breakfast table
- Bedroom 13 with double bed and single bed and en suite bathroom with shower (bedroom and bathroom suitable for elderly/disabled)
First Floor Wing III (via stairs from kitchen)
- Bedroom 14 with double bed and roll-top bath in the room
- Bedroom 15 with double bed
- Bedroom 16 with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bathroom with shower and WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (9x4m, depth max 2.2m) with safety gate access. Open approximately April to October
- Poolside terrace
- Large barn (70m²) with dining table, summer kitchen, barbecues, lounge area and pool table/darts/table tennis
- Hot tub
- Courtyard
- Swing set
- Pétanque
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Air-conditioning units (on request)
- Hot tub
- 4K Smart TV and SKY TV+/Netflix
- DVD player and DVDs
- Home cinema
- X-Box
- Bar
- Table tennis
- Pool table and darts
- Table football
- Pétanque
A short drive from Carcassonne, this fantastic family house is located in a bustling French village ...
| Nearest Airport |
Carcassonne Airport
(10km) |
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport
(99km) |
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport/Perpignan Airport
(110km/118km) |
Location
About the surrounding area of Manoir ChenansonA short drive from Carcassonne, this fantastic family house is located in a bustling French village in the Aude department of southern France. Carcassonne Airport is a 10-minute drive away or arrive by train into Gare de Carcassonne (6.5km).
Located on the road that connects Carcassonne and Castres, there is a butcher shop opposite as well as a boulangerie just 200m away for fresh bread and croissants every morning. There is also a pharmacy, wine-shop and a small supermarket as well as a visiting food truck twice a week in the summer.
Although a car is strongly recommended to be able to fully explore the surrounding region, there is a half-hourly bus to Carcassonne so guests without a car should not feel too isolated. Carcassonne’s train station has departures to so many places for lovely day trips including Narbonne, Béziers, Toulouse, Castelnaudary, Limoux and even the Languedoc coastline.
There are two main parts of Carcassonne – start off in historic Bastide Saint-Louis with its narrow lanes filled with restaurants, shops and wine-bars alongside Place Carnot with its café terraces, plane trees, fountain and vibrant market three mornings a week.
La Cité de Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s most visited destinations. One of Europe’s largest fortified castles, head there early to explore the medieval lanes with shops and restaurants, visit the castle and museums or walk along the historic ramparts. If staying in July, look out for the Festival de Carcassonne as well as the 14th July fireworks!
Cycle or walk along the Canal du Midi’s towpath in Carcassonne or hire a boat for a wonderful day out. Other lovely villages and towns along the canal include Trèbes, Homps and Castelnaudary whilst there are also many gorgeous places by the Aude River including summer swimming spots and canoeing/kayaking opportunities.
Wine-lovers can visit local vineyards around Carcassonne or venture a little further to Minervois wine villages to sample the excellent wines of the Languedoc region or the sparkling wine of Limoux (35km). Gastronomes will adore the picturesque market town of Mirepoix (53km) or head to the coast to sample oysters in charming Leucate (94km), also loved for its windsurfing.
Meanwhile, history enthusiasts are well located for spending the day visiting the famous Cathar castles, the nearest being Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours (12km) just a short drive away.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Carcassonne Airport
(10km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport
(99km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport/Perpignan Airport
(110km/118km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Carcassonne
(6.5km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
In a village
(0km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Bakery, butchers and small supermarket in the village
(A short walk) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local village and Carcassonne
(Within a 5 to 10-minute drive ) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Carcassonne
(5km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Carcassonne
(7km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Carcassonne
(14km) |
||
Region
Whilst most visitors flock to Carcassonne for its fortified citadel, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is so much to experience across the historic city and its beautiful surroundings.
It goes without saying that the great highlight of Carcassonne is Europe’s largest walled fortress with its warren of winding lanes with cafes and little shops alongside its impressive towers and ramparts – guided tours along the city walls can be arranged. It feels like a fairytale for young and old with knights in armour, horse-drawn carriage rides and fascinating museums.
Look out for festivities and events throughout the year, the most famous being July’s Festival de Carcassonne with cultural and musical events taking place across the city. What’s more, the Bastille Day fireworks are some of the most magnificent in France.
Beyond the citadel, cross the Aude River and soak up the vibrant ambience of Le Bastide de Saint-Louis, a bustling neighbourhood with its own rich heritage. Start at Place Carnot with its café terraces, impressive fountain and wonderful market three mornings or head straight to the gourmet stalls of Les Halles’ covered market. Dine out in atmospheric restaurants serving the best regional cuisine perhaps accompanied by a glass of Minervois, Corbières or other excellent wine from the vineyards surrounding the Cité de Carcassonne.
Then there’s the tranquility of the city's Le Canal du Midi just perfect to explore on foot, by bike or via boat. In one direction you can cycle along the canalside towpath to Castelnaudary, famed for its pretty marina and restaurants serving cassoulet. On another day head east towards Trèbes, Homps, Argens-Minervois and other picture-perfect wine villages across the Hérault’s Minerve region, the perfect trip out from your Carcassonne holiday home.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThis family-friendly home is wonderful for families – they have tried to make their home as welcoming as they can with a range of baby equipment (cot, highchair, baby bath, changing mat, plastic crockery etc.) as well as table tennis, table football, a pool table, darts, swings and pétanque.
The heated swimming pool is glorious, accessed only via a safety gate as per French regulations, and when the children have had too much sun then set up a movie in the cinema lounge which is next to the impressive bar for grown-ups!
Kids will love accompanying you to buy the morning croissants and baguettes each morning. There is also a large football area within walking distance.
Spend time in Carcassonne’s amazing citadel with its medieval lanes, museums, rampart walls and little shops. In the French school holidays there are often re-enactments and other festivities taking place. A seasonal tourist road connects the citadel to the other part of town, crossing the Aude River where there are play areas and lovely walks.
Keen cyclists and walkers will also love being so close to the Canal du Midi or hire a boat for a wonderful day out exploring. Other attractions around Carcassonne include go-karting near the airport, the much-loved Lac de la Cavayère for summer watersports and tree-top adventures as well as Le Parc Australien which is home to kangaroos and wallabies!
Discover canoeing and kayaking along the Aude River, partake in all sorts of adventures in the caves at Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine or drive to the Mediterranean for glorious Languedoc beaches and watersports.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Booster seat
- Baby bath
- Changing mat
- Plastic crockery
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Go-Karting
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Swings
- Xbox/Playstation/Wii
- Boules/Petanque
- Darts
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Children's books
- Board games
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Table Football
- Pool/Snooker
- Home Cinema
- DVD
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
At Oliver’s Travels 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 the Oliver’s 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
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Private chef
- Fridge-stocking
- Extra cleaning
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!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a hig...
Read moreEvent information
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €750 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before/upon arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €750 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before/upon arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, changed once for stays over 7 nights. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than 7 nights also included. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable to the owners before arrival (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately April to October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Pool heating charge? | Included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Changeover day | Friday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Minimum stay | 2 nights approximately January to late-May and early September to mid-December. 7 nights during all other periods. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The 15-person rate is for the main house only (nine bedrooms and seven bath/shower rooms) whilst the 30-person rate also includes the annexe. Please see the Property Layout for further information. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The main house sleeps up to 15 guests maximum (by law) whilst the annexe sleeps a further 15 guests. Please note that the 15-person price is only available approximately January to late-May and September to mid-December. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please request the use of a cot and highchair(s) in advance. A baby bath, booster seats, child's chair, changing mat, plastic crockery, baby pen and ball pool can also be requested. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 15 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29th 2024 - Dec 13th 2024 | £3,540 | £4,720 | £5,900 | £7,080 | £5,971 |
| Dec 13th 2024 - Jan 1st 2025 | £3,540 | £4,720 | £5,900 | £7,080 | £8,924 |
| Jan 1st 2025 - May 1st 2025 | £3,540 | £4,720 | £5,900 | £7,080 | £5,106 |
| May 1st 2025 - May 23rd 2025 | £4,130 | £5,310 | £6,490 | £7,670 | £5,616 |
| May 23rd 2025 - May 30th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £9,400 |
| May 30th 2025 - Jul 4th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £7,464 |
| Jul 4th 2025 - Jul 18th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £9,400 |
| Jul 18th 2025 - Sep 5th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £11,721 |
| Sep 5th 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | £4,130 | £5,310 | £6,490 | £7,670 | £6,569 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Dec 12th 2025 | £4,130 | £5,310 | £6,490 | £7,670 | £5,971 |
| Dec 12th 2025 - Jun 2nd 2026 | - | - | - | - | £8,924 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 30 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29th 2024 - Dec 13th 2024 | £3,540 | £4,720 | £5,900 | £7,080 | £7,464 |
| Dec 13th 2024 - Jan 1st 2025 | £3,540 | £4,720 | £5,900 | £7,080 | £8,924 |
| Jan 1st 2025 - May 1st 2025 | £3,540 | £4,720 | £5,900 | £7,080 | £6,382 |
| May 1st 2025 - May 23rd 2025 | £4,130 | £5,310 | £6,490 | £7,670 | £7,020 |
| May 23rd 2025 - May 30th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £9,400 |
| May 30th 2025 - Jul 4th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £7,464 |
| Jul 4th 2025 - Jul 18th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £9,400 |
| Jul 18th 2025 - Sep 5th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £11,721 |
| Sep 5th 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | £4,130 | £5,310 | £6,490 | £7,670 | £8,210 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Dec 12th 2025 | £4,130 | £5,310 | £6,490 | £7,670 | £7,464 |
| Dec 12th 2025 - Jun 2nd 2026 | - | - | - | - | £8,924 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
When did you become the owner?
In 2020.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The fact that it's a beautifully restored manoir pac...
Read moreOwner Profile
When did you become the owner?
In 2020.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The fact that it's a beautifully restored manoir packed full of original features, especially the three-storey stone staircase.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The house was owned by the Amiels and the Lapyre family and built 1810. Denys Amiel who was born in the house in 1884 was a famous playwright and theatre critic, his biggest success was La Souriante Madame Beudet. His mother was Augusta Amiel, the woman of the manoir, whose avant-garde memoirs Pensées Sauvages, live in the walls. A poetic philosophical woman ahead of her time. The Amiel family purchased six bells for the local church which are still in operation.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Not apart from the original owners.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really...
Must do?
Take a trip to O'Vineyards, the UNESCO La Cité and the Canal du Midi. Go to the Saturday market in Carcassonne and visit Les Halles for tapas and champagne. Find out about our local chef who can provide picnics in stunning locations.
Must eat?
Local French cuisine, try out the menu du midi ranging from 11-22 euros for a three-course lunch with bread, wine and coffee. Order a meal from our in-house chef.
Must see?
Lastours, La Cité, Collioure, visit the chalets in Gruissan, the salt factory and the fishing chalets.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Definitely worth hiring a car during a stay to explore the area, take a visit to the Mediterranean, especially Gruissan and Collioure. Explore the black mountains and take a visit to the Lac des Montaignes, and the lake at Carcassonne, Lac de la Cavayere, where visitors can swim, boat, enjoy jet skiing and tapas or take a picnic. Take a walk up the local hill, La Bade and take in stunning views of the surrounding countryside and Pyrenees on a clear day.
Reviews
-
We can't wait to return!
We stayed at Manoir Chenanson in June 2023 and couldn't have been more impressed and delighted with the house and the hosts.
We were the maximum number of guests but still the house felt spacious and luxurious, with everyone very happy with their bedrooms.
We enjoyed group meals both inside and outside, making the most of the multiple kitchens and we had a brilliant time around the pool in the afternoons.
The children had plenty of different spaces in which to play and the property was safe and secure for them to adventure.
The party room was perfect for celebrations and we danced until the early hours.
There was loads to explore locally but we hardly left the house as it was just so wonderful - we can't wait to return! -
A week we will remember forever
We stayed at Manoir Chenanson in August 2023 to celebrate my husband’s 50th Birthday… a party of 27 ranging from age 7 to 87.
We had a fantastic time which involved hosting a French quiz night, a Karaoke evening, a Bingo night and the 50th Birthday party where we booked a Jazz Band and had aperitifs in the barn, a glorious meal prepared by Fait Maison in the kitchen followed by dancing in the bar with a DJ.
It was a hectic week but a week that we will remember forever, in fact my husband said it was the best week ever of his life.
The house was beautiful with spacious rooms and in a beautiful setting. There was so much space so nobody was on top of each other which was great when you fancied a bit of peace and quiet.
The 3 kitchen areas were utilised every day and it was handy having the 2 main BBQs to prepare food for vegetarians on one and the meat eaters on another.
We loved the bar and had so much fun singing and dancing. There was not much time when there wasn’t someone chilling in the hot tub and pool or playing pool, there was plenty to occupy us.
The bus stop down the road made it easy to get into Carcassonne for some sightseeing. We visited the museums in Carcassonne as well as the Maison Hantée and the water park at Lac de Cavayere.
Everyone had a truly fantastic time. Maybe we will be back in a few years. I hope so!
Thank you to the owners for all their help in supporting this venture. -
Most wonderful week of our lives
Thank you so much for the most wonderful week of our lives. We chose to have our wedding at the Manoir for the absolutely beautiful location and facilities and it was the most perfect relaxed intimate vibe that we wanted. The owners went out of their way to make sure everything was exactly as we asked ready for our arrival and gave us a warm welcome. Our families and friends were equally blown away by the Manoir and it was just perfect. We cannot thank you enough! Xxx
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
