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Let’s take a walk in the woods and sleep in wooden cabins! Close to Carcassonne, you’ll find the kind of natural accommodation we love: pretty and welcoming. Discover this original establishment.
During our trip to the Aude region, we were able to try out an unusual accommodation close to Carcassonne. If you are visiting the region, we invite you to read our article on discovering this land between sea and mountains. We’ve put together a complete itinerary for you to discover the Aude, with all the experiences we’ve tested over a few days.
| CABINS IN THE WOODS
Sleeping in awooden hutis a bit of a kid’s dream, as it is for all of us grown-ups, so I invite you to discover the cabins in the woods on the Fourtou estate for a delightful night out. Owner Odile and her husband had the crazy but above all brilliant idea of creating cabins in the woods, a cosy little nest on a 112-hectare agricultural estate facing the city of Carcassonne. Imagine reaching your room by a path in the woods, taking your place in your hut and enjoying breakfast on the suspended terrace with the morning sun, its rays and the sound of the river below! You’ll find a real sense of freedom and relaxation.
The site offers 9 types of spacious cabins, heated all year round, not overlooked, and all with lovely terraces. The view of the forest from the room is a real haven of peace. They are very well equipped, with a beautiful bathroom with shower, heating, flat-screen TV, Internet access, storage space, minibar and kettle (but no cooking facilities), but above all they are very comfortable. It’s a far cry from the rudimentary lost cabin, but it’s not unpleasant. Breakfast and dinner are delivered in the original way, in wicker baskets hung at the entrance to your cabin. It’s up to you to prepare the meal you’ve chosen on your table.
The establishment of 23 cabins for 2 to 7 people is located on the “Domaine de Fourtou” in Villalier, 15km from the medieval city of Carcassonne (about a 15-minute drive) and is part of the Les Logis de France network. It was also the home of Armand Barbes, a French republican activist, who lived there as a young man because his father was a surgeon from Carcassonne. He went on to become a fervent republican politician and a firm opponent of the last monarchical regime in 1848.
The cabins are linked to the town by the canal du midi, making it easy to explore the countryside on foot or by bike (rental available at the hotel), and to enjoy a wide range of sporting activities such as hiking. At the end of these articles, you’ll find a selection of things to do in the region. The hotel also features a communal bar and sunny terrace (perfect for aperitifs), a heated outdoor swimming pool with views over Carcassonne, free Wi-Fi in public areas, an archery course in the woods for children, and a discovery trail around the estate with a quiz on the life of Armand Barbes to help you find your next stopping-off point.
For us, it’s exactly the hotel concept we like, at a price we find reasonable and affordable for the standard on offer. Double cabins cost €165 in August, breakfast included, and €95 in low season.
It’s a beautiful place. Respectful of nature, it is ideally located for a short or long stay in Languedoc Roussillon, allowing you to visit the most beautiful tourist sites in the Cathar country. Why not spend a bucolic or romantic weekend here? Celebrate a birthday or special occasion. It’s an opportunity for families to get together, enjoy nature and recharge their batteries in the middle of a wooded park. The friendly staff make this place feel like home!
➡️ If you’d like to surprise your loved one, check availability and book directly online. click on this link
Practical information about this unusual accommodation
- 12 km from Carcassonne airport. On-site parking is free.
- 1 h from Toulouse, Albi, Perpignan and the beaches of the Mediterranean or the first ski slopes of the Pyrenees
- 3 h from Marseille and Bordeaux
- 3 h ½ from Lyon
- 3 h from Barcelona
- Wifi is freely available at reception and on the terraces, and secure access is available in all meeting rooms
➡️ For reservations and to check availability of these cabins in the woods,click on this link.
Net price per cabin per night:
Cabane from €97 to €277 per night. Prices vary according to the number of people and the size chosen.
Breakfast served in the hut 11€/adult and 8€/children under 10.
Local basket dinner from €25/p to €38/p (€13/p for children), board dînatoire + crémant brut millésimé included 56 € for 2 persons, romantic dinner €76 for 2, including vintage Crémant brut.
Children’s formula 13€/p, Pet 12 €/day
| THINGS TO DO AROUND CARCASSONNE
If you’d like an idea for a programme in the Aude, we invite you to take a look at our itinerary for this region. You’ll find a fairly complete itinerary based on our experience, as well as a list of activities to do with your family, your partner or your friends.
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THE CITY OF CARCASSONNE
We suggest you discover the city of Carcassonne, one of the most beautiful fortified towns of the Middle Ages, with this 2-hour walking tour. You’ll learn more about Catharism and the Wars of Religion that shaped the city. Accompanied by a local, visit the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire and learn all about the defensive techniques used in the past to protect Carcassonne. We did it and loved hearing the history of the city and its anecdotes.
➡️ If you would like to book and find out the availability of this 2-hour guided tour, please click on this link.
➡️ If you’re not interested in a guided tour, don’t forget to buy your skip-the-line tickets for the castle and ramparts in advance, which are very useful during the high season, school holidays, school outings, etc. Click on this link to go directly to the booking page. With these tickets, discover the castle and ramparts of Carcassonne through a 12-minute film combining 3D images and close-ups. Explore the exhibition galleries, fortifications and ramparts. Finally, visit the archaeological museum and many other attractions.
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BIKE OR PADDLE RIDES
Cycling is one of our favourite ways to discover the hinterland, as is paddle-boarding. The Aude has some lovely vineyards, countryside and rivers ideal for these activities. We recommend a few of them.
➡️ An electric mountain bike ride in La Clape near Narbonne. Information and bookings here
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THRILLING ACTIVITIES
The Aude is a French department that lends itself very well to sporting activities. We went kayaking when we were there, but we’d also recommend the following activities if you’re in the area.
- ➡️ Rafting from 2 hours to half a day. It’s 7 km of fun and easy descent. To book and check availability, click on this link
- ➡️ Canyon beginners in the Gorges de Galamus Bookings and availability here
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VISIT AND WINE TASTING
The region lends itself quite well to this and it would be a shame to leave here without trying some good wine. Take a trip to Limoux. Discover Limoux’s rich French winemaking tradition as you explore an estate dating back to the 16th century. Taste 3 premium wines after touring the vineyards, winery and cellar.
➡️ If you would like to book and find out about availability for this tour, please click on this link
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WATER ACTIVITIES
If you’re looking for sun, beach, relaxation and water activities, you’ll have to head for Gruissan, Narbonne and Port Barcarès, among others. There’s a wide choice of activities on offer and we recommend you take a look.
➡️ Wakeboarding in Barbarès. Info and bookings here
This article is our experience. It was made possible thanks to a collaboration with Aude Tourism Development Agency who we would like to thank for their invitation and this superb discovery of the region.
