Le Jardin Des Fleurs
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Overview
Pretty climbing roses, jasmine, lavender and terracotta pots of geranium. Soak up the charming ambience of this authentic farmhouse in southern France, set in beautiful gardens by the banks of a historic stream and surrounded by wheat fields and summer sunflowers of the Lauragais countryside.
Around a 15-minute drive from Castelnaudary and the Canal du Midi, Le Jardin Des Fleurs is a delightful farmhouse that dates back to the 19th century. Its gorgeous garden leads down to a gentle-flowing stream where water flows from the Montagne Noire to the Canal du Midi – if you follow the stream and walk for 40 minutes it brings you to an attractive lake with a play area and French restaurant serving traditional fare. Look out for red squirrels on your way and you may be lucky enough to spot an otter!
Back to the enchanting home, up to 12 guests will be made to feel welcome at Le Jardin Des Fleurs and there will be a bottle of sparkling Limoux waiting in the fridge for you. Split across three wings and with six bedrooms across two different parts of the house, the layout could suit two families travelling together or a group of friends. Gather in the grand salon with its high ceilings, comfy sofas and large dining table or cook up a feast in the kitchen, the central heart of the home with doors leading out to the kitchen terrace and barbecue.
The six bedrooms are all a good size, two with en suite bathrooms including the romantic double in the east wing with its own clawfoot tub. We also love the ground floor bedroom with French doors opening out to the garden terrace. Across the home there is a true sense of rustic French character with exposed stone walls and traditional furnishings alongside a wonderful feeling of warmth and charm.
Dine together in the shade by the stone barbecue, cool off in the large swimming pool which can be heated on request and drink coffee or Languedoc wine beneath the picture-perfect pergola with trailing roses and passionflower. The more energetic can play badminton and boules or wander down to the little bridge near the house for picnics by the stream and a game of pooh sticks!
Find a fantastic boulangerie and excellent auberge (formerly with a Michelin star) in Saint-Félix-Lauragais, about a 10-minute drive away, or head south to nearby Castelnaudary for boat trips along the Canal du Midi and restaurants serving Cassoulet. The Saturday morning market in Revel is not to be missed, considered to be one of the finest in France, whilst food lovers will also appreciate the especially pretty Monday morning market in the gorgeous town of Mirepoix.
You could even spend the day in Carcassonne visiting its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before leaving the hordes of tourists behind as you return to the sleepy Lauragais landscapes of this captivating region.
What you should know…
- A car is needed to be able to reach shops and to explore the beautiful region. There is a restaurant you can walk to following the towpath by the stream (around a 40-minute stroll) whilst other excellent places to eat are within driving distance.
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
House Interiors
West Wing (via steps)
- Grand Salon with lounge and large dining table (for 14 guests), table tennis and French windows opening on to front drive
Central Wing Ground Floor
- Dining room with table for 8 guests
- Kitchen, well-equipped including electric cooker, hob, kettle, fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher, blender and cafetiere. Doors lead to al-fresco dining terrace and barbecue
- Pantry with dishwasher, sink, small fridge and laundry area
- Den
Central Wing Upstairs
- Bedroom 1 with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Bedroom 2 with twin beds and cot. Both bathrooms on this floor can be accessed from Bedroom 2 (via lockable doors)
- Bedroom 3 with double bed and en suite bathroom with corner bath and two sinks
East Wing Ground Floor
- Library with choice of books and desk
- Bedrooms 4 with double bed, sink and French windows opening out to garden terrace
- Shower room (shared between bedrooms 4 and 5)
East Wing Upstairs (via ironwork spiral staircase from library)
- Bedroom 5 with double bed and sink
- Bedroom 6 with large double bed and open-plan bathroom with clawfoot bath
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (12x6m including Roma steps) with perimeter alarm system. The pool can be heated via oil heating (extra charge) or via the solar pool cover (free of charge). Open approximately May to October
- Pergola with table for 8 guests
- Shaded area for al-fresco dining (12 guests) and stone barbecue (a few steps from the pool)
- Badminton and boules
- Field opposite the house with two stone buildings
- Garden leads to stream
Facilities
- Broadband Wi-Fi
- Heating
- TV with British channels and Apple TV
- Library with desk and books
- Board games
- Boules and badminton
- Table tennis
- Washing machine
Location
About the surrounding area of Le Jardin Des FleursLe Jardin Des Fleurs is set amongst the beautiful Lauragais landscapes in the Aude department, close to Haute-Garonne and Tarn, 14km from Castelnaudary and the Canal du Midi. Both Carcassonne and Toulouse Airports are less than an hour away by car whilst Castelnaudary is the nearest train station (with connections to Narbonne or Toulouse for TGV services from Paris).
This is a relatively unknown area of France meaning you can soak up the authentic ambience of local villages and towns without hordes of tourists. Start off at the end of your garden where a gentle-flowing stream passes, taking water from the Montagne Noire to the Canal du Midi. This stream has historical significance and in the late 18th century the then US president, who so loved the Canal du Midi, walked along this very stream. Nowadays you can potter along the pretty towpath and reach a lakeside restaurant (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) in about 40 minutes for traditional French cuisine and ice-creams as well as a play area. Otters have been spotted in the stream recently and look out for red squirrels in the garden.
Food-lovers note that there is an excellent restaurant (formerly with a Michelin star) with a picturesque terrace in Saint-Félix-Lauragais (8km) - it’s the perfect place for a special celebratory meal but do book ahead as with all good restaurants in the region. The same village’s main square is home to a boulangerie with a fantastic reputation (closed Mondays). Closer to home, the tiny village within walking distance usually has a travelling pizza van on a Monday night.
The Saturday morning market in nearby Revel (15km) is known to be one of the best in France, taking place in the central square. Mirepoix (50km) also hosts a gorgeous market on a Monday morning and it is such a pretty town to visit. Meanwhile, Castelnaudary (14km) is the place to go for a delicious lunch of cassoulet, perhaps followed by a boat trip along the Canal du Midi. Other local delicacies include goat’s cheese, foie gras, venison and duck whilst wine-lovers can venture further afield towards the Languedoc vineyards of Carcassonne and Minerve.
This region is wonderful for cycling along the country lanes as well as lakeside walks, summer swimming and seasonal watersports at Bassin de Saint-Ferréol, just a 20-minute drive away. The incredible scenery of the Black Mountains is also waiting to be explored with its little villages, forests, streams, lakes and historic castles.
You may also wish to spend the day in Carcassonne (58km), one of France’s most visited destinations with its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For a change of scene, don’t miss the old town, La Bastide Saint-Louis, with its atmospheric café terraces, restaurants, wine-bars, shops and markets.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Carcassonne Airport
(51km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
(59km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Castelnaudary
(15km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Small rural village
(550m) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Bakery in Saint-Félix-Lauragais
(9km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local area
(40-minute walk or short drive ) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Castelnaudary/Revel
(14km/15km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Near Castelnaudary/Villefranche-de-Lauragais
(14km/18km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Toulouse
(46km) |
||
Region
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of those areas of France where you can feel like you’re totally cut off from the rest of the country. Commercial tourism has been very slow to capitalise on the region, meaning you can still enjoy a slice of authentic French rural life at its finest. A mixture of landscapes also makes it a great place to visit, with a good stretch of coastline offering a totally different experience to more bucolic interiors. Whatever you’re looking for, our range of villas and chateaux in Languedoc means you can get exactly the kind of holiday you want with accommodation that’s perfectly tailored to you, your friends and your family.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesFamilies will love the rustic charm of this 19th century farmhouse and its glorious garden and swimming pool. Find table tennis in the grand salon and board games in the library. Outside, head to the grassy field to play badminton or just relax by the banks of the historic stream.
There is a little bridge near the house where you can play pooh sticks and it’s a picturesque spot for summer picnics – you may even be able to spot sunflowers in neighbouring fields. Following the stream’s pretty towpath, it’s around a 40-minute walk to a lake with a traditional French restaurant and play area.
Families can discover plenty of days out across the area as well. Bassin de Saint-Ferréol is just a 20-minute drive away, a lovely spot for nature walks, picnics, supervised swimming (some summer afternoons) and seasonal watersports (pedaloes, stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing). It is also the home to the Canal du Midi museum. Venturing into the Montagne Noire, Bassin de Lampy is another lovely place for lakeside walks through the woodland.
Other outdoor activities across the region include horse-riding, cycling, boat trips along the Canal du Midi from Castelnaudary and tree-top adventures (accrobranche). The wonderful Vélorail du Lauragais is also nearby, a great trip out where you can pedal vehicles along a former railway line whilst admiring the spectacular scenery around you (check opening times in advance as it is only open daily in the height of the summer).
Finally, children will be enchanted by the medieval citadel of Carcassonne – in the French school holidays there are often family-friendly festivities, tours and re-enactments taking place.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Badminton
- Boules/Petanque
- Board games
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- DVD
- Waterfront
Services Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge 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):
- Pre-stocked fridge
- Extra cleaning
- Mid-stay linen change
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 | £500 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 | £500 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. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes (see below re. heating). |
| Heating costs included? | Extra £150 per week, paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | No. Extra £250 per week, paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival. This is for a standard changeover clean. 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 is included. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May 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? | Extra £150 per week if required (oil heating) paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival or there is a solar pool cover which is free of charge. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Changeover day | Saturday in July and August. Flexible during all other periods. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties and any other special events are not allowed. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 12 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 29th 2024 - Apr 5th 2025 | £1,612 |
| Apr 5th 2025 - Jul 5th 2025 | £2,418 |
| Jul 5th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £4,299 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 13th 2025 | £2,418 |
| Sep 13th 2025 - Jun 2nd 2026 | £2,149 |
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?
Francophile and former TV executive-turned-chef, I first bought the house as a wreck back in 2001. After 4 fraught but rewarding...
Read moreOwner Profile
When did you become the owner?
Francophile and former TV executive-turned-chef, I first bought the house as a wreck back in 2001. After 4 fraught but rewarding years, Le Jardin Des Fleurs was finally habitable and fit for guests in the summer of 2005.
The following year my wife, Emma and I got married in the village church and we held the reception in the house and grounds. Without a doubt the happiest day of our lives, all the better for it being in France's loveliest corner...
After 15 years in London we now live in the bustling port city of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands where we run a restaurant and catering business.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The beautiful stonework and its idyllic setting on the banks of the Rigole - which is a feeder stream for the famous Canal du Midi. The shady walks along the stream are an absolute joy and if you keep going for 40 minutes you'll find a delightful lakeside restaurant perfect for a cool beer or a well deserved lavish lunch.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The British army, led by the Duke of Wellington, camped in the surrounding fields before the Battle of Toulouse in 1814 during the Napoleonic wars. It's thought the troops made use of the bread ovens in the ancient boulangerie in the grounds of the house.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Not yet!
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really...
Must do? A stay at Le Jardin Des Fleurs wouldn't be complete without visiting at least one of the fabulous local food markets. They start early and finish soon after midday but they're well worth the effort. Revel is a destination market for miles around and is said by many to be among the best in France.
Must eat? Cassoulet. Every guest must try the world famous and utterly delectable bean and confit duck stew. Oven baked in its traditional terracotta casserole dish it is one of life's greatest pleasures!
Must see? Gosh difficult. There are so many including the obvious day trips to Carcassonne and Toulouse or a boat trip down the elegant Canal du Midi but honestly I'd recommend the Abbey at Villelongue. Despite their best efforts to market it wider, this Cistercian abbey remains well off the tourist trail and we reckon all the better for it. Remote, serene and slightly eccentric, Villelongue makes for a very rewarding afternoon out. The 12th century cloister is perhaps the highlight but the ruined church is spectacular and the extensive gardens encourage the contemplative. A real medieval mindwarp - as one visitor said the perfect place to "pause for an instant and taste the calm of eternity".
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
The nearby restaurant Lac de Lenclas has a special place in our hearts as it is just a 40 minute walk along the Rigole stream adjacent to the house and has been the venue for some memorable family celebrations. It has a delightful setting just by the lake and there's a great picnic and play area for the kids. Food is good quality traditional French and offers fantastic value and a relaxed al fresco atmosphere.
Reviews
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We had a lovely time
We had a lovely time. Accommodation was amazing and the weather was beautiful.
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It really was like escaping to a slice of paradise
The villa itself was beautiful, perfectly located- it really was like escaping to a slice of paradise. We had towns and markets and restaurants available but were in a quiet and secluded beauty spot.
We have all reflected on how relaxed we feel after our stay. -
A very nice week!
We had a very nice week. We were 11 adults and the house is very large, the spacious rooms (all equipped with fans), the kitchen very well equipped: the 2 fridges are a plus when there are many of us to avoid going shopping every day, the 2 nice dishwashers too! The place is quiet, the garden nice and the pool huge! In addition, a stone's throw from the house flows La Rigole, a river bordered by a path under the trees, ideal for walking, jogging or cycling. At the end of this path, 4km away (about 40 minutes walk, in the shade) is a guinguette where we spent our last evening. Sam is very responsive and answered my questions before and during the stay in record time! We will keep a very good memory of our holiday with friends in Saint Paulet!
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Fabulous house, gardens, pool
We had an awesome time - fabulous house, gardens, pool. The owners have created something quite brilliant! Professional, attentive communication with the owner. Most definitely my favourite part to France too, a region I plan to spend many more summers in the future.
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Happiest of memories
It is seldom that reality exceeds expectation. I needed to find somewhere that would cater for the needs of everyone from one year olds to sixty year olds and most decades in between. The house was just outstanding! The facilities were perfect for those who wanted to swim and play, for those who wanted to sunbathe and for those who wanted to explore the extraordinary cultural heritage of the region. The last two weeks have been idyllic and sunflowers will always now bring back the happiest of memories to all of us. I would unhesitatingly recommend this property to anyone.
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Just wonderful
We were delighted to find the property, delivered on everything promised. The restoration has been done well, with quality workmanship and many stylish features. The salon is an amazing room with ample space for even the largest party... The house was spotlessly clean on arrival and the owner even emailed to check that all was well. There are plenty of places to visit locally and we especially enjoyed the river walk. A second week would have been even better!
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Perfection
Fabulous farmhouse that is beautifully decorated and with stunning gardens. We loved the roses, the pool, the sun loungers, the shutters - in fact everything. When we stayed the surrounding fields were full of sunflowers... lovely local walks too! I would love to come back with my mum and step-dad (there are downstairs bedrooms and they are all quite spread out, so it feels very private). The owner was very charming and full of good local knowledge. 10/10. Perfection!
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Like a picture postcard
Le Jardin Des Fleurs is the kind of place you're reluctant to review honestly in case it leads to the place being booked up next time you want to visit. Perfectly positioned on the edge of a sleepy Lauragais village, if the temptations of nearby markets and vineyards weren't so great it would have been easy to stray no further than a few yards from the swimming pool for the duration of our stay. The fields of sunflowers flanking the farmhouse leave you wondering whether you've woken up in the middle of a picture postcard.
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Ideal family holiday
We chose this for our 30th wedding anniversary celebration, we had a party of 11 people ranging from 1 to 60, on arrival we were amazed at the stunning approach to the property which can be seen from the village on the hill, the house is amazing, younger members loved the snug, the grand salon was impressive and we enjoyed many an evening with everyone playing cards, games etc. The children especially enjoyed the table tennis. The pool is awesome and even in late May to early June was very warm. The bedrooms were huge and each one unique. We would have no hesitation in recommending this as an ideal family holiday.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
