Location: Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, Europe (28km south of Carcassonne near Medieval village of Limoux) View Map
Accommodations: Estate, 6 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 4 Baths (Sleeps 13-16)
Keywords: Chateau
Imagine living in an 11th Century chateau in the middle of history-- the crusades, the Cathars, Knights Templar and the Inquisition, ruined mountaintop fortresses, vast vineyards, great vine and sparking Blanquette de Limoux, and fabulous French country meals.
Tournou le Haut was completely modernized in the late 90's and served as a family home for several years before being opened up for rental. Fully furnished. Sit in the Great Room in front of the massive fireplace with a glass of local wine and a good book. Hike in the hills, visit castles, study the crusades, enjoy your own pool, barbecue on the terrace, visit local wineries, dine in excellent restaurants. Secluded hilltop location in the countryside, 10km from the pretty Medieval village of Limoux.
Skiing in the Pyrenees and swimming in the Med are only 1 1/2 hours away.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Garage
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed (3)
- Twin/Single Bed (5)
- Convertible Bed (3)
- Child Bed
- Crib (2)
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator (2)
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner by qualified chef
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill (2)
- Deck/Patio (2)
- Balcony
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone (2)
- Computer
- Computer w/ Dial-up Internet
- Other Amenities
- Private, located on a hill overlooking vineyards and the Pyrennes Mountains.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
Rate Details (In Euros)
Jan 05-March .. €2000/week
April - June .. €3300/week
July - Aug .. €4950/Week
Sept - Oct .. €3300/Week
Nov - Dec 14 .. €2000/week
Dec 15-Jan 04 .. €4500/Week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
11th Century Chateau in South of France - Privacy and Elegance
Year Purchased: 1997
Why the Owner Chose Carcassonne
It was love at first sight when we saw Tournou le Haut which is steeped in history of the Cathars period when the French performed crusades against their own people. The stone tower is imposing but the whole house had a very homely feel about it. It took us 5 years of total renovation to get it to the standard it is today. We also landscaped the garden, put in an infinity pool, it was a labour of love. My husband John Childress was so inspired he wrote his first novel 'The Perfect Conspiracy' at the house, it took him 3 months!
The Unique Benefits at this Estate
This is our family home first and foremost. We go to Tournou as much as our busy schedule allows us. All seasons are great as there are real seasons here. The freedom to roam in the woods above the property, walking in the vineyards, cycling in the country lanes, all this is magical to us. There is total quietness in the evening, you can hear the owl or the wild boars roaming in the vineyards. Carcassonne is nearby with its medieval city but there are also lots of interesting things to do such as exploring the market town of Mirepoix, white water rafting in the local river, swinging from the trees in the adventure parks in Alet les Bains or Lac de Cavayere.
Our keepers are wonderful people, they can also cook, Mathew was a chef, get fresh croissants for breakfast in the morning, babysit the kids if you wish to go to some of the excellent restaurants nearby. We have a cellar full of wine and champagne, the pool and 'pirate ship' is great for the kids. I could go on forever....
Property Photos
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- Tournou le Haut - Carcassonne, France Vacation Rental
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- Our private rock pool overlooking the valley - Carcassonne, France Vacation Rental
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- The Great Room: ideal for reading and relaxing with a glass of wine - Carcassonne, France Vacation Rental
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- Master Bedroom
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- Summer at Tournou is glorious
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- Dining Room
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- Country Kitchen
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- Tournou le Haut drive way
Traveler Reviews (12)
Guest: Crate Family
(-)
Date of Stay: 04/09/10
Review Submitted: 04/09/10
Our time at Tournou le Haut was nothing short of perfect! We all agreed that we couldn't have found a better place to enjoy our time together. The weather was great, we only had one day of rain and the rest were moderately cool, which was a very pleasant change. Kate and Simon were exceptional! They seemed to appear out of nowhere at just the right time when we had questions or to lend a helpful hand when we were in need. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful home with us.
Recommended for:
Guest: Virginia Rowden
(Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/26/09
Review Submitted: 06/26/09
Beyond our wildest dreams. Beautiful home - converted Cathar Fort, immaculate, fabulously appointed, wonderful attentive housekeepers. Set in picturesque countryside - fields of vineyards, wheat, flowers. Fresh herbs, cherries and other wonderful treats. We celebrated a joyous unforgettable family holiday. The photos don't do justice. Words cannot describe. Thanks to my brilliant and kind sister for hosting our whole family.
Recommended for:
Guest: Catherine & Serge Delaquis
(Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/24/09
Review Submitted: 01/24/09
We enjoyed cosy nights in the spectacular sitting room, playing games and cuddling by the fireplace. Sunny days were never wasted, spending hours lounging in and around the pool, staring out into the hills around us, as though we’d happened upon a marvellous hot spring in the countryside all to ourselves. I think my favourite part of everyday was being the first one awake and stepping outside onto the beautiful chateau grounds, feeling like the only person for miles, amazed by the calmness of the view and breathing the freshest air France has to offer. It really was the perfect retreat into the French Countryside. Next time we’ll be sure to book for a longer stay. Thank you.
Recommended for:
Guest: The Martin Family1
(Yorkshire, UK)
Date of Stay: 01/15/09
Review Submitted: 01/15/09
We have just got back from what we can only describe as the most wonderful Christmas and holiday ever. The icing on the cake was to have snow on boxing day, which made the whole place look like a winter wonderland. We shall never forget this holiday and would love to see the area again in summer, who knows we may come back one day hopefully? The house and facilities were much better than we could have ever imagined. The children were never short of things to occupy them selves with the games, books, Dvd's, Cd's etc, it really has been very well thought out. Well worth a visit.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/10/09
Review Submitted: 01/10/09
We would like to thank the owners of Tournou for a wonderful stay in their fantastic home. We enjoyed our holiday more than words can say and would love to return with the whole family again in the future. The accommodation is luxurious and the Aude is a fabulous area with lots to do and see !!
Recommended for:
Guest: Ben Parrott
(-)
Date of Stay: 12/16/07
Review Submitted: 12/16/07
Our stay in Tournou le Haut was in June 2007.The location of Tournou le Haut is perfect, within easy drive of Carcassonne airport and situated in a peaceful setting amongst fields and vineyards, yet close enough to all the conveniences of Limoux and the surrounding area. The chateaux itself has been beautifully renovated and furnished to a very high and luxurious standard. It surpassed all our expectations. Cooking in thekitchen was a delight, even with 4 women and 3 men we never seemedto get in one another’s way!! There was an abundance of every facility you couldwish for, even to three barbeques should we have wished to cook individually!!We were fortunate enough to experience a terrific thunder storm one evening whilst there, and were treated to a 360 degree spectacular thunder and lightning display. Even the elements were of the same high standard!We found the presence of Bruno and Marianne pleasant and reassuring, they where there when we needed them and were extremely helpful, nothing was too much trouble. When relaxing around the chateaux, we hardly noticed they were there. They certainly added to the holiday experience with helpful informationand advice on where to go and what to see and also for shopping etc. With a young child it was comforting you know that should we have a problem we could certainly count on them.Hopefully we shall be returning 2008
Recommended for:
Guest: Marcus Hagley
(Cowbridge/Pembrokeshire)
Date of Stay: 06/15/07
Review Submitted: 06/15/07
Wow, where do I start? We decided to take a family vacation to celebrate my father’s 60th birthday. From reading the positive reviews we were very excited, but when we got there we were all truly blown away. Tournou le Haut is so beautiful. It is impossible to find any faults. The whole house is equipped and decorated to the highest of quality, you couldn’t wish for any more. The location is absolutely perfect, Close to the beautiful city of Carcassonne and we even managed to drive to the Spanish coastal town of Cadaques, which is 2 hours drive away.Marianne and Bruno were so fantastic to us and were such a help, and the children loved taking Jesse and Tosca for a walk.To sum up the holiday, it was an unforgettable time and will be a lasting memory for all the right reasons. I can’t recommend it enough, and defy anybody not to have the most wonderful time. If I could give it 11/10 I would. We all agreed we would love to go back in the near future. Thank you for everything.
Recommended for:
Guest: Ian G. Macpherson
(Perth - Western Australia)
Date of Stay: 10/03/06
Review Submitted: 10/03/06
We stayed at Tournou le Haut during May/June 2004 and had the get-away of a life time. Although we had been told about the Tournou le Haut, nothing could prepare us for the first time we saw the property. As we drove along the driveway and up the hill, when the main building came into view, we all said Wow in unison. The setting for this 11th century Fort is truly spectacular, sitting atop it’s majestic perch surrounded on virtually all sides by grape vines growing on the slopes back down to the valley. The Wow’s didn’t stop here either. Inside the Fort has to be seen to be believed. The fixtures and furnishings, together with the fine art works are absolutely five star luxury. We actually spent much of our time enjoying the local cuisine and regional wines in the huge gourmet kitchen which adjoins the central tower of the Fort. As we explored the central tower stair case and its rooms, you can feel the history and grandeur with each step taken up to the stunning master bedroom which is simply breath taking.We spent many days exploring, visiting the local markets and villages which abound throughout the Languedoc region and it’s surrounds. Anyone visiting, must set aside at least day to visit the massive medieval walled fortress at Carcassonne which offers some of the best photo opportunities we’ve seen………truly amazing. Tournou le Haut is not just a place to stay…..it’s a an experience and a credit to the owners of the property. Highly recommended 10/10!!
Recommended for:
Guest: Frank Tempesta
(Winchester, MA)
Date of Stay: 09/28/06
Review Submitted: 09/28/06
Tournou le Haut provided us with an unforgettable holiday....very comfortable, high quality home with stunning views and privacy, great location for touring Roman and Medieval sites, some great restaurants, and right in the midst of Langeudoc's vinyards. The great kitchen and dining room provided a great cook-in experience too. Caretakers were very helpful (fresh bread every morning)and unobtrusive in their separate house on the property. We'll very likely come back.
Recommended for:
Guest: Gary Phillips
(Hidden Hills, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/26/06
Review Submitted: 09/26/06
There are 5 components to a good vacation for us. Good food, good wine, good friends, luxurious accommodations and interesting surroundings. The Languedoc region has good wine wineries and the restaurants were top notch. The region is rich in interesting history, much of which I was not familiar with until our visit. Tournou Le Haut provided us with luxurious accommodations and the surroundings were beautiful. Combine all these attributes with our good friends and you have a 5 star vacation.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #105507
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