10 hotels for a holiday in the Middle Ages

A must in the very heart of the medieval city! The Hôtel de la Cité is one of those places with a soul, one that carries the weight of the past with elegance and charisma. This charming address conveys its history through its thick stone walls and neo-Gothic style. Dating from 1909, the building stands on the site of the former bishop's palace in the medieval city of Carcassonne. Following in the footsteps of Churchill, Johnny Depp, Diana Ross and Sting, come and discover this little gem, now an Accor Group MGallery by Sofitel, where it's good to stay...

With 61 accommodations, including 40 luxury rooms and 21 suites, it's hard not to find what you're looking for. The basic room is spacious, but the king-size bed takes up most of the space. The decor reflects the hotel's medieval ambience, with a comfortable, elegant style. The suites are larger, and therefore necessarily airier. Some even have terraces.

The hotel closes for one month a year, from around the end of February until the end of March. For fans of massages, the hotel does not have a spa but does offer in-room treatments. Finally, if you want to go further than the ramparts and the city of Carcassonne, the hotel offers various excursions to discover the region.

The Brasserie Chez Saskia, located in the second wing of the hotel, serves a full buffet breakfast. The home-made pastries are a real treat. At lunchtime, an elaborate menu offers regional specialities flavoured with taste, such as delicious ravioli and poached eggs.

For dessert, fabulous chocolate eclairs will delight the most demanding palates. The restaurant is closed in the evening, except on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the Barbacane tables take a break. They are run by Jérôme Ryon, winner of the Pierre Taittinger International Culinary Prize. La Barbacane has one star in the Michelin Guide. Its menu offers top-quality French cuisine, accompanied by a cellar of 600 to 800 appellations, expertly supervised by Georges Gracia, a sommelier who graduated from the prestigious Tain l'Ermitage school. All this is served in a setting surrounded by imposing cathedral-style furniture and illuminated by magnificent stained-glass windows.

This hotel is right in the middle of the medieval city, so it's hard to imagine anything better. Rooms overlook the street, the citadel or the garden. Reception is open 24 hours a day. Valet parking is available between the hotel and the guarded car park.

The buffet breakfast is continental and can be enjoyed on site; it is both copious and varied. The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine using local produce. Terrace dining is available, weather permitting.

The hotel has family-sized rooms where our animal friends are welcome. Room service is available on request, as is a dry-cleaning service.

This establishment, housed in an 18th-century building in Villeneuve-Minervois, is highly rated. The decor is in keeping with the building, both classic and classy. The elegantly appointed rooms and bathrooms feature free Wi-Fi internet access.

This large historic residence is equipped with all modern comforts. Each room has a TV and air conditioning. The furnishings are rustic yet elegant. You can enjoy a continental breakfast every morning on the outdoor teak terrace or in the dining room.

For other meals, you can feast on seafood and grilled meats in the cellar, in a place that's both fresh and unusual, or in the dining room. 📍 Address: Avenue de la Clamoux, 11160 Villeneuve-Minervois.

Les Cabanes dans les bois is located on the Domaine de Fourtou, ten kilometres north-east of Carcassonne in the commune of Villalier. Set in the heart of the countryside, you can enjoy views of the Cité de Carcassonne. Around the cabins, you'll see vineyards, forest and nature as far as the eye can see. Dressed entirely in wood, the cabins are decorated in the most natural way. Wood is everywhere.

Inside, you'll find all the modern comforts, including television, minibar, safe, heating and hairdryer. The cabins consist of a main room, dining area and bedrooms. The bathroom has a view of nature. For your well-being, you'll find a lovely walk-in shower and welcome products. The washbasin is original, carved from a piece of stone. The cabins have a lovely terrace overlooking the vegetation. Here you can enjoy breakfast or dinner, or relax on the sun loungers.

The cabins can accommodate 2 to 5 people, depending on the model. All have been built with respect for the tree in which they nestle. They adapt to the shape of the tree. On the catering side, the chef prepares excellent dishes that are delivered directly to the cabins, in attractive meal baskets. You can order breakfast, consisting of orange juice, a hot drink, fresh bread, mini pastries, butter and jam. Yoghurts, cereals, honey and spreads are also available on request, free of charge. For dinner, a choice of baskets is available. Menu of the day, Etape Terroir, aperitif and romantic menu. There are also children's menus.

On the Domaine de Fourtou, you can wander to your heart's content. Bicycles are available at an additional cost. A swimming pool (heated from November to April) overlooking the countryside allows guests to relax and sunbathe. Tourist information is available at reception. There is also a sitting area with a fireplace where you can sit and read for a while. A bar serves refreshments. Address: Domaine de Fourtou, 11600 Villedubert.

Situated 4 km from the medieval city, in the peace and quiet of the countryside, Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Carcassonne offers 120 studios and flats from 20 to 45m², furnished, equipped and air-conditioned, for 1 to 6 people. All studios and flats are served by lifts and include free internet access, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

The residence has a buffet breakfast room, which is served on the poolside terrace in summer. Laundry facilities and a snack and drinks vending machine are also available on site. You can prepare your meals in the kitchenette (fridge, dishwasher, hob, microwave and crockery) and enjoy them in the dining area.

The swimming pool, a must in the south, is always appreciated after long visits to the town. The hotel's location is ideal for visiting Carcassonne. There is also secure parking and a bicycle room for cyclists. 📍 Address: 14, route de Villemoustaussou, Carcassonne.

"Fabulous!". These are the words used in online comments about the hotel. Here, all the words are superlative: the rooms are spacious and the beds comfortable. The staff are attentive and the welcome impeccable. And the nights are silent. Perfect for recharging your batteries.

Guests will appreciate the large rooms in soothing tones and the teak terraces with Jacuzzi. The 4-star hotel has a concierge and laundry service, luggage storage and room service. Free private parking is available without reservation.

The continental breakfast is copious, as is the perfectly presented Sunday brunch. The Michelin-starred restaurant La Table de Franck Putelat is open by reservation. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Address: 80, chemin des Anglais, 11000 Carcassonne.

The Domaine du Prieuré offers you two semi-detached villas. These are a renovated former convent and a presbytery. The property features a teak-lined outdoor swimming pool and flower garden, as well as a children's play area and free private parking.

The rooms are spacious and decorated in pastel tones, in an airy style with exposed stonework. The bathrooms are of Provencal inspiration. Room sizes range up to family size. The establishment, which has the architectural features of a Provencal mast, boasts a restaurant that will delight you morning, noon and night.

The homemade breakfast is hearty. A barbecue is also available outside. Carcassonne airport is just a few minutes away. The hotel is located in Grèzes, a 10-minute drive from Carcassonne. 📍 Address: 9, rue Des Saumes - Hameau de Grezes, Carcassonne.

This Ibis hotel is located within the city centre, about 15 minutes' walk from the medieval city. Modern and well-equipped, the rooms are non-smoking and accessible by lift. They are all equipped with cable TV and quality bedding. Pets are welcome. Breakfast is served as a continental buffet and is described as copious by guests.

This establishment is located in the Bastide Saint-Louis, the historic district on the outskirts of the medieval city, i.e. in the city centre. The rooms are clean, bright and well-equipped. In addition to its terrace, the Couvent boasts a bar-restaurant serving gourmet cuisine. An all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast is served every morning. 📍 Address: 31 rue du 4 septembre, Carcassonne.

This establishment consists of a flat with 3 bedrooms, a dining room, a fully marbled bathroom and a kitchen. It enjoys a prime location, just a few steps from the city walls and boasts stunning views of the medieval city. Clean, airy and perfectly maintained, this flat is ideal for large families. 📍 Address: 34, rue Longe.