The Watermill large long term rental near Carcassonne France

Villepinte is a small village with a population of around 1200 people, located in the Aude department in Southern France. The village dates back to Roman times and was in the Middle ages, brought under the control of the Benedictine abbey of Sorèze. Today, the village features an ancient church, boulangerie, petrol station, local mechanic, a health centre, tennis courts and pizzeria. The nearest supermarket is 4 km away in the nearby town of Bram.

The Aude department is one of the most sunniest areas of France and is bisected by the famous Canal du Midi (which runs past the village). The Aude was also an important historical location for Catharism, a breakaway religion that spread rapidly in the region in the 13th century in this part of France. Locally, there are many ruins of Cathar castles, such as Peyrepertuse, Quéribus and Villerouge. For the more adventurous, the 200km Cathar Trail is highly recommended. It runs from the Mediterranean all the way to the Pyrenees and you can discover a number of medieval castles dotted along the way.

The town of Castelnaudary is 15 minutes away and it is famous in France for its local Cassoulet dish. There is a train station here (with services to Toulouse, Carcassonne and Narbonne), and local shops, supermarkets, schools and services.

Carcassonne has all the amenities of a mid-sized city - an airport, a bus station, and a mainline train station that connects to major cities throughout France. There is a good selection of cafes, bars and restaurants, together with the many supermarkets, shops, museums, a theatre and cinemas. There is also a lively farmer’s market three days a week and you can cycle along the Canal du Midi to local villages or rent a boat. Carcassonne enjoys an international reputation and welcomes several million visitors every year.

Carcassonne is famous for its castle, known locally as La Cité. Carcassonne castle is the second most-visited historical monument outside of Paris. The castle is classed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The Occitanie region (formerly the Languedoc region) is known for its natural beauty, historical landmarks and has a rich history of artisanal craftsmanship going back to the Medieval times. Today there are many thriving artistic communities that continue to attract artists, writers, and other creatives from all around the world. The surrounding landscape is a picturesque mix of Medieval villages, rolling vineyards, olive groves and the foothills of the Pyrenees. The region has some of the best preserved nature in all of France, perfect for birdwatching, hiking and other activities for absorbing yourself in nature.