As seasoned vacation renters, our search for a pied-à-terre in France was guided by highlights from luxury homes we'd stayed in over the years. This house ticks all the boxes, it has every modern luxury your heart desires yet the exposed stone walls and wooden ceiling beams remind you of its history and charm.

South-facing with spectacular uninterrupted views of the mountains on all sides, Chez Montagnes is a peaceful place to unwind, relax and take it all in. The pool, terraces and summer kitchen provide ample space to enjoy the outdoors.

Chez Montagnes is an historic post-World War 2 stone house situated on the outskirts of a small village nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Ideal for families, cyclists, hikers, skiers, runners and thrill seekers, it's an ideal base from which to explore the entire picturesque region of the Pyrenean piedmont plateau if you tire of lounging by the pool!

There is an aerodrome down the road for glider flights, several adventure parks and world-class white water sports in Quillan. Stage 16 of the Tour de France will pass through neighbouring towns in 2022, as it has done in previous years.

As well as being a hotbed of outdoor pursuits, the region is steeped in history, from beautiful Cathar castles and villages to dinosaur discoveries and prehistoric cave drawings.