Your contact:	Thalia Reventlow
Telephone:	+33-(0)468 432 448
Fax:	+33-(0)468 432 821
Email:	Click here to contact Domaine du Viala

Perched on a hilltop, Domaine du Viala is a fully restored old fortified farm, with open gardens, trees, and a swimming pool, and panoramic views across the landscape of the Minervois and Corbières regions. Up to 14 guests can stay in seven double bedrooms.

The property began as a fortified abbey in the Middle Ages. It later became a farm and vineyard, which prospered until the 19th century, then fell into ruin. The current owners, Thalia and Régis, restored the property and turned it into a home and artist’s workshop for themselves, and a unique holiday home for guests.

The owners converted the southern wing of the building into the unique and fully independent gîte for guests. It has its own private entrance off a field, where cars can park. A French door leads into a large living-dining room furnished in the rustic Languedoc style. A well-equipped modern kitchen will easily accommodate the preparation of large meals.

The stairs lead up to a bright mezzanine, with access to five bedrooms, each of which have a double bed. Three of these rooms have bathrooms with a shower, sink and toilet, while the other two share a large bathroom with a bathtub, sink and toilet.

A small building adjacent to the patio contains the sixth and seventh bedrooms, which sharing a bathroom with a shower, sink, toilet and washing machine.

A shaded dining terrace with a large table provides an ideal spot to dine al fresco, while the "morning terrace" is open to the sun, withe a pergola overhead. The open gardens are full of wild plants, rosemary bushes, and olive and almond trees.

Should you wander around, Mato, the owners’ Labrador, will be happy to guide you. The owners, Thalia and Regis, live on the property. They fully respect their guests' privacy, but are always pleased to give advice and assistance. Thalia designs porcelain and stoneware, and Régis is a graphic designer, passionate about architecture, heritage, vineyards and olive groves.

Special features:

• Pool on the property • Pets welcomed • Bilingual assistance available on site • Maid, Cook and Driver can be arranged on request • Credit cards accepted

Le Domaine du Viala is tucked between the beaches of the Mediterranean sea (30 kilometres to the south) and the Cévennes Mountains (30 kilometres north). The Canal du Midi, the 17th century engineering marvel that links the sea to the Atlantic ocean, is just a kilometre away, where the merchant ships of a former time have been replaced with pleasure boats. Renting a houseboat or a barge is a very relaxing way to see the vineyards and olive grove that dot its banks.

The medieval city of Carcassonne and the Roman city of Narbonne are a stone throw’s away. Narbonne was an important Roman citadel, where one can still see remnants of the ancient civilisation, while the spectacular walled city of Carcassonne was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Many castles from the turbulent period of the Cathars are also nearby.

The Languedoc weather is hot and dry in summertime, mild and sunny in the winter. The region has a long and dramatic history. What is believed to be the oldest known European man, l'homme de Tautavel, was discovered in this area and prehistoric dolmens can be found everywhere.

Outdoor activities abound, including hiking, climbing, cycling, hang-gliding, and windsurfing. The owners will be delighted to assist you planning your day. Another popular activity consists in discovering the wines of the area. The Minervois is the oldest wine-growing region in France and his renown for its ever improving wines. Régis is passionate and very knowledgeable about the wines of this area and will be pleased to help you in your search.

The dining terrace	The swimming pool
The "Andalou" bedroom	The "morning terrace", with a pergola overhead
The Blue bedroom	The Yellow bedroom
The pool	The owners