Regions of France

Hôtel Restaurant La Villa Mazarin Aigues Mortes, Gard, Languedoc Surrounded by the medieval splendour of the fortified Camargue town of Aigues Mortes, the Villa Mazarin is an equally historic building dating back to the 15th century. This peaceful and bright 5-star hotel consists of 23 rooms and suites, each with their individual charm and period provencal style. The indoor heated swimming pool and the spa area (jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, massage room) are accessible all year round. La Table Restaurant delivers gourmet cuisine, and is one of the top restaurants in town. Château Capitoul Hotel Spa & Luxury Villas Gruissan, Near Narbonne, Aude, Languedoc Perched on a breezy hillock, Chateau Capitoul is all wow-factor. Its sunset- facing terrace overlooks pure Languedoc pastoral, with pinstriped vines sloping down to the flamingo- dotted Bages Lagoon. Only a 15-minute bucolic waterside cycle from the small town of Guissan and the coast, and 7 miles from the historic city of Narbonne, the original chateau has eight rooms. Nearby, 44 new self- catering villas (26 with private pool), perfect for families with older children, are discreetly set into the hillside. Great food and wine are at the heart of Château Capitoul. Choose between Méditerranéo, the fine dining restaurant (overseen by Narbonne 2- star Michelin master chef Lionel Giraud) in the original Château dining room, or Asado, a lively but laid back bar and brasero restaurant where regional meats and fish are grilled on vinewood and charcoal fires with seating in the original wine cellar or on the terrace with it's spectacular views and sunsets across the lagoon to the Pyrenees. 38 La Domaine de Verchant A member of Relais & Chateaux, Castelnau-le-Lez, Languedoc At the end of a drive bordered by century-old trees, this 16th century country house, set in the heart of magnificent landscaped grounds, offers an exquisite, tranquil retreat, just minutes from Montpellier city centre. The 17 hectares of Verchant vineyards which surround the house, produce wines which can be sampled in the restaurant served with Mediterranean cuisine. Its stand-out feature is certainly its two-level 2000 m 2 swimming pool, complete with an infinity pool overlooking the ancient vines of the estate. NEAR THE SEA... From the Rhone Estuary...