Domaine Du Minervois

About this property

Surrounded by vineyards and Aude countryside, Domaine du Minervois offers a rich and restorative retreat in the heart of Southern France’s famed wine region. Set within eight acres of verdant grounds, this elegant estate is a gateway to the cultural and natural treasures of the Languedoc.

Once owned by the Clarisses sisters, a religious order known for their devotion in the area, the domaine’s soul is steeped in history. A former chapel, now transformed into a quiet library, adds a contemplative charm, while the story of its most famous resident, aviation pioneer Léopold Gourp, lends an air of legacy and distinction. Today, the estate blends its heritage with thoughtful modern comforts, offering a memorable base for family gatherings, active holidays or graceful escapes.

Inside, the home spans two spacious levels. The ground floor opens with a grand entrance hall leading to a relaxed lounge with projector, a dedicated games room with full-size snooker table, and a country kitchen with its own dining area and pool table. Upstairs, five air-conditioned bedrooms await, three with gorgeous 200x200cm double beds and private ensuites, two with king-sized beds and a shared bathroom. This allows up to 10 guests to comfortably stay here (there are also sofa-beds in the three en suite bedrooms for an additional 6 guests on request).

Outdoors, the experience continues with a large private pool framed by loungers and parasols, a superb tennis court (with a football and basket net) and an atmospheric garden terrace for al-dining beside towering trees. Bicycles, table tennis and a barbecue invite easy, sociable days at home.

The setting is equally captivating. Just 30 minutes from Carcassonne and Narbonne, with the Canal du Midi a short cycle ride away, the domaine invites exploration. Wander local markets, sip your way through nearby vineyards, admire Carcassonne citadel’s fairy-tale turrets or venture further to Narbonne Plage and the Mediterranean coast. Whether rock climbing in Caunes-Minervois or drifting down the River Aude by kayak, adventure awaits in every direction.

Perfect for families, adventurous groups or anyone seeking an upmarket holiday home in a beautiful part of the Languedoc countryside, Domaine du Minervois offers a place to reconnect with nature, history and the pleasures of southern French living.

Located between the dramatic peaks of the Montagne Noire and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Domaine du Minervois sits in the heart of Southern France’s revered Languedoc wine country, only half an hour from the medieval cité of Carcassonne, a unesco World Heritage site.

Surrounded by vineyards and countryside, with only a small handful of neighbours, this is a place where time slows and nature takes centre stage, with walking trails through the vines on your doorstep. Yet you are not too secluded, with the main road connecting Béziers and Carcassonne only 800m away, allowing you to easily explore this captivating region.

A short drive brings you to La Redorte (3km), where you’ll find a well-stocked supermarket and essential amenities, while the historic village of Rieux-Minervois (4.8km) offers further conveniences alongside a striking 12th-century château. The nearby Canal du Midi, a unesco World Heritage site, winds gracefully through the landscape, perfect for leisurely boat trips, tranquil walks or scenic cycling routes, with charming waterside villages like Homps (9km) and Trèbes (20km) waiting to be explored.

For lovers of the outdoors, the options are endless. Head to Lac de Jouarres (7km) for a day of summer watersports and lakeside picnics – you can cycle through the vineyards to reach the lake in around 20 minutes. Rock climbing enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby cliffs at Caunes-Minervois (14km) or the dramatic Gorges de la Cesse (22km). Those seeking more aquatic adventures can also paddle or kayak along the River Aude or visit the larger Lac de la Cavayère (34km) for a full day by the water. An 18-hole golf course in Carcassonne (34km) offers further outdoor recreation.

Market lovers won’t want to miss the bustling Tuesday morning market in Olonzac (14km), a true slice of local life. Indeed, numerous villages in the region hold weekly markets where you can sample fresh produce and regional specialities. For wine connoisseurs, this region is a dream, with countless opportunities for wine-tasting and vineyard tours celebrating the area’s centuries-old traditions.

No visit would be complete without exploring the breathtaking medieval cité of Carcassonne (31km), with its cobbled streets, boutiques, summer jousting shows and fairy-tale turrets. Other fantastic day trips include the ancient hilltop village of Minerve (18km), the Roman town of Narbonne (36km) and the unspoilt coastline of Narbonne Plage, around an hour away, offering long sandy beaches alongside birdwatching, nature walks and seasonal watersports across the Parc naturel régional de la Narbonnaise.

Whether you crave history, nature or the simple joy of browsing markets and wine-tasting, Domaine du Minervois is your gateway to it all.

Accommodation

House Interiors

Ground Floor

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Large entrance hall
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Living room with projector
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Library (via steps, in converted chapel)
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Games room with full-size snooker table
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Kitchen and dining area, well-equipped. Includes table for 10 guests (an additional table for 6 guests can be added if necessary) and projector
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WC

Upstairs

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Bedroom with super king-size double bed (200x200cm), sofa-bed and en suite bathroom
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Bedroom with super king-size double bed (200x200cm), sofa-bed and en suite bathroom
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Bedroom with super king-size double bed (200x200cm), sofa-bed and en suite bathroom
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Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm)
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Bedroom with king-size double bed (180x200cm)
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Separate bathroom

Outside Grounds (set in eight acres of land)

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Swimming pool (12x6m) with safety alarm. Open approximately April to end-September
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Poolside loungers, parasols and seating area
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Al-fresco dining area
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Al-fresco seating area
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Barbecue
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Tennis court (with football and basket net)
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Bicycles

Other Facilities

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Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)