Location: Castelnau-de-Montmiral, Midi-Pyrenees, France, Europe (Toulouse (TLS) 70 km Gaillac 13k Albi 40 km RDZ & CCI 145 km) View Map
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2 Baths (Sleeps 9)
Keywords: House, Gite, Village, Vineyards
Castelnau de Montmiral is a magnificent 13th century bastide (fortified town) perched on a hilltop with views over the fields and vineyards of the Vere valley, in the Tarn region. Castelnau was chosen by the government in 1991 as one of the most beautiful villages in all of France, and it was among the villages on the route of the Tour de France in 2011.
Our three-story house has four bedrooms (two with queen beds, one with two twin beds and one with three twin beds) and two baths, as well as a living/dining room, full kitchen and a balcony overlooking the village esplanade, with sweeping views of the countryside. The house is fully furnished, with a well stocked kitchen, linens, towels, wireless internet access and a small collection of CDs and books, including local guidebooks and maps.
The house is on Rue de la Porte Neuve within the village walls, a short walk from a boulangerie, a patisserie and two small hotels with good restaurants. There is a market every Tuesday morning offering fresh local produce, meats and cheeses, as well as local handicrafts. Castelnau de Montmiral also has a pharmacy, post office, hairdresser, and doctor's surgery. Two painting schools are based in the village, as the architecture and countryside offer ample inspiration for artists. The village is also home to a beautiful church, Notre-Dame-de-L’Assomption, which is home to the 14th century Cross of the Counts of Armangac, studded with 310 jewels.
The area surrounding Castelnau de Montmiral is rich in cultural, gastronomic, and outdoors offerings. The village is in the heart of the Gaillac wine region, which has been producing excellent wines for more than 1000 years. There are dozens of wineries in the countryside offering degustation (tastings).
The town of Gaillac is just 13 kilometers (eight miles) away, with its Musee des Beaux Arts, natural history museum, and tenth-century Abbaye St. Michel, on the banks of the Tarn River. Gaillac hosts a large, colorful market every Friday morning. The city of Albi is less than half an hour away, with its elegant squares, many cafes and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum and the impressive Cathedrale de Ste. Cecile.
The village of St. Antonin Noble-Val is half an hour north of Castelnau, overlooking a gorge with the Aveyron river below. This is home to a popular Sunday morning market, as well as hiking, canoeing and kayaking trips and good fishing opportunities.
There is also a lively performing arts scene in Gaillac, Castlenau and the surrounding bastide towns, with theater performances, jazz, and classical music festivals throughout the spring and summer months.
The area offers many outdoor diversions as well - hiking in the adjacent Gresigne forest, and swimming, boating and fishing in the lake at the Base de Loisirs, just two kilometers from Castelnau. The country roads around the village are excellent for cycling and running (bicycles can be rented in Gaillac) and there are facilities for golf, tennis and horseback riding nearby.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided : Ample linens and towels for 8 guests. Linens changed and cleaned in between rentals.
- Off Street Parking : 6 free parking spots at the back of the house on the esplanade
- Wood Fireplace : Seasonal
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2) : two queen beds
- Twin/Single Bed (5) : five twin beds (3 in one room, 2 in another)
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Music Library : Small collection of classical/jazz/pop CDs
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Well equipped kitchen with microwave, blender, coffee maker, etc.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : We cook often when we stay at the house.
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Balcony : Balcony with views, umbrella, chairs and table - big enough for a meal for 6 people
- View/Location
- Mountain View : Sweeping views across the Vere Valley
- Communications
- Telephone : Free local calls.
- Free Long Distance : Internet phone, free to Europe, North America, Australia
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Kid Friendly : House has stairs but is suitable for kids - we have stayed here with kids aged 3 to 18.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Wine Tasting - dozens of vineyards in the Gaillac region are within a few minutes drive. There is a painting and printmaking school in the village.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
High Season: June 1 through September 15:
€750/week .. €1400/2 weeks .. €2700/month.
Low Season: September 16 to November 30/March 1 to May 30:
€500/week... €950/2 weeks. €1800/month
Nightly rentals: €130/night low season €160/night high season (3 night minimum)
Cleaning fee: €50 per stay
Payment By Check/Paypal - US Dollars (at current exchange rates)
Credit cards accepted via Paypal (3% surcharge)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2005
Why the Owner Chose Castelnau-de-Montmiral
Our mother spent many happy summers in this village. When a house within the village became available we were thrilled to be able to carry on the family tradition. It is a charming place off the beaten tourist path and we are delighted to be able to introduce it to others.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Castelnau de Montmiral is a quiet village, yet one with some of the conveniences of a more urban environment - shops and restaurants within walking distance, wireless internet access. The house is a serene environment from which to explore the surrounding countryside, but the amenities of Toulouse are less than an hour away. There are dozens of expatriates who have moved to Castelnau and its environs - both retirees and younger families - and the attractions are clear.
Property Photos
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- The House (on right) - Castelnau-de-Montmiral, France House Rental
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- Castelnau's Main Square and two restaurants - Castelnau-de-Montmiral, France House Rental
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- View from Balcony - Castelnau-de-Montmiral, France House Rental
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- Living/dining room looking onto balcony
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- The kitchen
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- Kitchen window
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- Middle floor rear bedroom
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- Top floor front bedroom
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- Middle floor front bedroom
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- Top floor back bedroom
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- View from top bedroom
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- Game of boules (petanque) on esplanade below balcony
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- Guest enjoying balcony
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- Rue de la Porte Neuve (road outside front of house)
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- Castelnau from road below village
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- Aerial view of Castelnau
Traveler Reviews (14)
Enjoyable Stay in Late October/Early November
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/29/11
Review Submitted: 11/15/11
We thoroughly enjoyed our Bastide-town stay with the opportunity to wander around the town anytime during the day or evening. Our previous accommodation was predominately rural so this was a nice change. The house was very comfortable and the heaters were quite welcome. We really liked the beds and linens. The weather was warm enough at times to have our coffee on the verandah, enjoying the view and the fall colour.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Quaint French Village
Guest: Dianne
(San Juan Capistrano, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11
Review Submitted: 10/28/11
Three of us enjoyed the warm October days, and cool evenings in the tiny French village of Castelnau de Montmiral. Below the deck, where we sipped our local wine , villagers played petanque each evening. The Crepe lady fed us well at the local Tuesday market where we enjoyed shopping. The kitchen supplied all our needs to prepare the super produce we purchased. There are many wineries in the area to visit, as well as bastides. Galliac was our favorite place to go for coffee and bakeries, since we were less than impressed with the local bakery. The owner is extremely helpful and his local contact was warm and welcoming. We would love to return.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Quiet, Comfortable House, with Beautiful Views
Guest: Two Francophiles
(Boston, MA area)
Date of Stay: 08/18/11
Review Submitted: 09/15/11
We stayed about 16 days at this very comfortable home, and it was perfect for us. The house has a very functional layout, with a central staircase. The rooms are all clean and bright and uncluttered. For us, the most attractive feature was the small balcony, where we took all our meals; it has a beautiful view over rolling farms and fields and hills that seemed to go on forever. The master bedroom has the same amazing views. The house has all the amenities you'd want, plus free Internet service and free phone calls to anywhere in the world. The English-speaking house manager lives right around the corner and is very helpful. Castelnau itself is charming and small, with a few basic services. Gaillac is only 15 minutes away for all your major shopping needs, and it has a terrific market on Friday mornings. We spent much of our vacation taking day trips to a dozen different towns and cities in the immediate vicinity -- there are many hill towns, some "beaux villages," the beautiful city of Albi, etc. -- and we were always delighted to return to "our" house. Castelnau is in farming country. You are surrounded by rolling fields of sunflowers, corn, and grapes. This makes for beautiful scenery wherever you go, and there are many opportunities (and maps) for very pleasant walks in the countryside. There is blessedly little traffic anywhere you go. We were two people, but the house could easily have accommodated more. If you're looking for a quiet, relaxing, get-away-from-it-all vacation in the French countryside, this house is the perfect place to stay. We had a wonderful time and are happy to recommend it with no reservations at all.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, age 55+.
Terrific spot
Guest: walker
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11
Review Submitted: 09/14/11
Perfect for our quiet getaway without the kids, tho we plan to bring them next time, so if you're thinking about it, book now before we take it again. Avoid the fete weekend (mid-August), but other than that, this is a lovely spot in a lovely town in a lovely part of France, great food, great people, great towns to tour. Highly recommend. We'll definitely go back.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, sightseeing.
Five spend a week in the Tarn
Guest: TheFamousFive
(Newbury, UK)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11
Review Submitted: 09/13/11
Our stay in this beautiful house exceeded our expectations in every way! The house was more spacious and atmospheric than we imagined, wonderfully clean and comfortable, very well equipped and with stunning views at every turn. The free wi-fi was also a nice touch. The village was more ancient and "authentic" than we had expected. We had never imagined that we would feel comfortable in sending our daughters (junior school age) out to fetch croissants every morning but the beautiful cobbled streets were virtually pedestrianised and very safe and the owner of the patisserie very patient with their french! The other amenities in the town (pharmacy, post office, grocery shop) were also very good; we especially enjoyed eating at the bar in the Place where we were made to feel very welcome. Lastly, the "caretaker" could not have been more welcoming or helpful. We really enjoyed meeting her! All in all - a fantastic stay. We would definitely love to come back some day. PS The number of stairs might make this difficult for those with mobility problems. Otherwise we would be coming back with the grandparents!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Canadian/American couple--who had two new friends join us for 3 days
Guest: therev
(Marina del Rey, California and Vancouver, BC, )
Date of Stay: 07/21/11
Review Submitted: 08/03/11
After 10 wonderful days in Paris, my wife and I rented a car and drove to Castelnau-de-Montmiral. We arrived about 10:30pm--and should have gone straight through the town roundabout and THEN turned right and followed the town wall. We arrived without a flashlight, but a lady walking her dog helped us find the house--fourth from the end of the street--with a door mat! Location, location, location. What a view. Free local and international phone service was great. Internet worked fine. A few CD's helped provide a little music. Stove, oven, coffee pot were well used by us--we ate most of our meals in--shopping at the various markets in nearby cities. Lots of plates, glasses and silverware. Beds were comfortable. House was clean. Loved walking in the town, and loved the stairs in the house--got some exercise! Pictures and posters made it feel like home away from home. The Gaillac area (in which Castelnau is located) is a "hidden gem" We thought we'd travel for hours to visit well known wine areas, etc. but local wines here were excellent and reasonable. We brought 11 bottles home with us!! The farthest we travelled was about 65 kilometers in one day--saved a lot on gas because the countryside was beautiful, wineries (we didn't visit all 128 of them) were welcoming. Travelled to Albi one day to tour the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum--what a treat. Bought a poster of his lithographs (like one on the wall in the Castelnau house). Were able to visit a church in Vieux (only open 6 hours per week)--the front door is from the year 200! Views of the river gorge nearby (where people can kayak and canoe) were lovely. Ordered a BBQ chicken from the local store in Castelnau on Sunday... We had two other Canadians join us for 3 of our 7 nights--and they stayed on 2 days after we left. The local manager (and her husband) for the house are Canadian, and the 6 of us got together for dinner (we hosted) one night, and for appetizers and wine another night. Our dinner at the hotel in the town square was outstanding (the best meal our 2 guests had had in their 2 months in Europe!). Thank you for sharing your unique house with us. We will definitely recommend it to friends.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+.
Charming town, beautiful home
Guest: From Buffalo NY
(Buffalo NY USA)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11
Review Submitted: 07/26/11
We were lucky enough to be at this wonderful home when the Tour de France came through the town. The house is perfect for sharing with another couple as the bedrooms and full bathrooms are on different floors. The view from the balcony is amazing, and the house is really special. Yvonne, the contact in Castelnau is helpful and very nice. I already want to go back!
Recommended for:Pet owners, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+.
Sue and Bob Anderson Australia
Guest: Sue
(NSW Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/21/11
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
Loved the house and the village. We stayed with 2 friends but it was large enough and comfortable enough for 8. We had a floor of 2 double bedrooms and bathroom to ourselves and our friends had a separate floor of 2 double bedrooms and bathroom for their own use. Fantastic country views from balcony and we particularly enjoyed looking down from the balcony to the local village boules games every afternoon at 3pm for a douple of hours. Have already recommended this place to friends planning a trip and have no hesitation recommending it to anyone.Very clean and well equipped.Very generous free wifi and worldwide phone calls. Loved it! Thankyou
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
Sue and Bob Anderson Australia
Guest: Sue
(NSW Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/21/11
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
Loved the house and the village. We stayed with 2 friends but it was large enough and comfortable enough for 8. We had a floor of 2 double bedrooms and bathroom to ourselves and our friends had a separate floor of 2 double bedrooms and bathroom for their own use. Fantastic country views from balcony and we particularly enjoyed looking down from the balcony to the local village boules games every afternoon at 3pm for a douple of hours. Have already recommended this place to friends planning a trip and have no hesitation recommending it to anyone.Very clean and well equipped.Very generous free wifi and worldwide phone calls. Loved it! Thankyou
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
Comfortable house in fantastic village in beautiful Tarn
Guest: denise
(Seattle, WA, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/12/11
Review Submitted: 04/21/11
Our party of seven Seven of us stayed at this house in early April. The surroundings are lush rolling hills dotted with charming farms and vineyards, very picturesque and beautiful. The Village is well-situated, not too far from Gaillac, and incredibly charming, unspoiled, and beautiful, with two very nice restaurants. The house is also very charming, while at the same time being comfortable. We had everything we needed: fast internet, plenty of hot water, comfortable beds, a very well-equipped kitchen, plenty of linens, and every feature well well-functioning and in good repair. We have stayed at many vacation rentals, and this was one of the most comfortable and well-equipped we have seen. We did need the space heaters because the weather was cool, but they worked just as well as everything else. I would definitely stay at this house again. The house and village are even more charming in real life than the photos on the internet. Thank you for this lovely retreat.stayed at this house in April. The surroundings are verdant, bootiful
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #108240
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