France Vacation

11th Century Chateau in South of France - Privacy and Elegance Carcassonne Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 105507

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Location: Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, Europe (28km south of Carcassonne near Medieval village of Limoux)

Accommodations:  Chateau, 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths (Sleeps 13-16)

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)
    • Child Bed
    • Convertible Bed (3)
    • Crib (2)
  • Entertainment
    • TV (No Cable/Satellite)
    • DVD
    • VCR
    • Video Library
    • CD Player (2)
    • Stereo System (2)
    • 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 (on site and nearby)
    • Theme Park (Amusement Park)
    • Zoo/Wildlife Park
    • Shopping
    • Sightseeing
    • Restaurants
    • Rafting
    • Kayaking
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Biking
    • Mountain Biking
    • Hiking
    • Rock Climbing
    • Horseback Riding

 

Rate Details (In Euros)

Personal Currency Assistant

Jan 05-March  .. €2000/week
April - June .. €3300/week
July - Aug .. €4500/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.

Dates available: Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates.

Links to more information:

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Owner's Profile

Owner Description

Year Purchased: 1997

We are a French/American couple living in London.

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 of this Chateau

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

Guest Comments (10)

  • 01/15/09
    Positive Rating
    The Martin Family , Yorkshire, UK
    • 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.
  • 01/10/09
    Positive Rating
    , Suffolk, England
    • 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 !!
  • 12/16/07
    Positive Rating
    Ben Parrott ,
    • 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 the kitchen was a delight, even with 4 women and 3 men we never seemed to get in one another’s way!! There was an abundance of every facility you could wish 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 information and 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
  • 06/15/07
    Positive Rating
    Marcus Hagley , Cowbridge/Pembrokeshire
    • 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.
  • 10/03/06
    Positive Rating
    Ian G. Macpherson , Perth - Western Australia
    • 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!!
  • 09/28/06
    Positive Rating
    Frank Tempesta , Winchester, MA
    • 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.
  • 09/26/06
    Positive Rating
    Gary Phillips , Hidden Hills, CA
    • 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.
  • 09/17/06
    Positive Rating
    agnes , London,uk
    • Tournou-le-haut is a wonderful place to unwind and relax.The views and the setting are unforgettable.The accomodation and facilities are of the very highest standard . There is something for everybody whatever their age and interest.I would highly recommend it. A hard place to leave...
  • 08/22/06
    Positive Rating
    Jo Charles , London, UK
    • Tournou is the most relaxing place to be. I have visited 3 times now in different seasons and is truly a fantastic place to escape to and unwind. The house is oustanding, beautifully decorated,to a very high standard & has amazing art everywhere. The views are incredible, and the ambience is peaceful and relaxing. I will definitely be back again soon!

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Dates available: Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates.

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #105507

There have been 9417 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2006.
This listing was first published here in 2006.

Date last modified - October 07, 2009