18th Century Artisans Cottage - featured in Sunday Times Best Gites 2018 & 2022
Listed in the Sunday Times 30 best self catering gites in France for 2022 and best 20 gites in the Languedoc 2018. Maison des Fleurs is an ancient two bedroomed cottage with a sunny balcony where you can eat your morning croissant and watch village life go by. The cottage was formerly a vineyard worker's house and is now beautifully renovated and furnished with an eclectic mix of French antiques and practical modern furniture having a well equipped kitchen and wi fi - the top floor (bedrooms) has air conditioning. The house offers all the amenities necessary for a relaxing holiday at any time of the year - it has air con and fans for the summer and, for the cooler winter evenings, radiators in all rooms. Should you be visiting with friends or family we have another gite just 9km away, please see Appartement de Roses et de Vignes..
Thezan des Corbieres is still a wine making village and vineyards surround the property offering enticing walks and bike rides. The village has all the amenities necessary, Boulangerie/Grocery Shop, Tabac/Post Office and a Pizzeria/Bar.It is only 15 minutes from the market town of Lezignan-Corbieres and 20 minutes from the larger town of Narbonne. Many airports serve this region, a testament to its popularity, Carcassonne and Beziers are the closest being about half an hour away, but Toulouse, Montpellier and Perpignan are also quite close being less than 2 hours drive.
Situated in the heart of historic Cathar country this area is a dream for those interested in history. Ancient abbeys such as Fontfroide (10 minutes drive) and World Heritage Sites like Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi are only half an hour away and, in Narbonne, you will find interesting evidence of the presence of the Romans when Narbonne was the centre of Roman Gaul. If, however, you just want to relax, there are also 44 beautiful beaches from which to choose, some only 16 miles distant. Just ten minutes away at St Laurent de la Cabrerisse is a fabulous river where locals and tourists swim and relax in the summer. For further information visit our website: www.maison-fleurs.com
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Important information
You need to know
Property # 3711121
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Thézan-des-Corbières
Located in Thézan-des-Corbières, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Fabrezan Tower and Abbey of Fontfroide are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Reserve Africaine Sigean and Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Natural Regional Park. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and rock climbing.
Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Natural Regional Park - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
Abbey of Fontfroide - 19 min drive - 18.9 km
Reserve Africaine Sigean - 24 min drive - 26.7 km
Les Halles de Narbonne - 30 min drive - 28.5 km
Narbonne Cathedral - 31 min drive - 28.9 km
Getting around
Lézignan-Corbières Station - 21 min drive
Carcassonne (CCF-Pays Cathare) - 42 min drive
Restaurants
La Petite Auberge - 11 min drive
McDonald's - 14 min drive
Château Sainte Lucie d'Aussou - 8 min drive
Bar le Saint Laurent - 7 min drive
La table des Amis - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 18th Century Artisans Cottage - featured in Sunday Times Best Gites 2018 & 2022 pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at 18th Century Artisans Cottage - featured in Sunday Times Best Gites 2018 & 2022?
As of 19 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 18th Century Artisans Cottage - featured in Sunday Times Best Gites 2018 & 2022 on 20 June 2026 start from AU$90, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at 18th Century Artisans Cottage - featured in Sunday Times Best Gites 2018 & 2022?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 18th Century Artisans Cottage - featured in Sunday Times Best Gites 2018 & 2022?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 18th Century Artisans Cottage - featured in Sunday Times Best Gites 2018 & 2022?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is 18th Century Artisans Cottage - featured in Sunday Times Best Gites 2018 & 2022 located?
Situated by the sea, this cottage is 2 mi (3.2 km) from Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Natural Regional Park and within 9 miles (15 km) of Fabrezan Tower and Charles Cros Museum. La Maison du Rire and Domaine de Mingraut are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to write a review James, it is much appreciated
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ken C.
21 Jan 2019
Beautiful Little cottage in a wonderful area
The house has been lovingly restored to a beautiful little cottage filled with interesting objects picked up from the local markets. It is very comfortable and situated in a good area for touring round this part of France. The host, Diane was more than accommodating making sure we had adequate supplies for our first day and providing great advice on the local area and this part of France. I would have no hesitation in recommending a stay here, to enjoy the area, and the hospitality of the host
Ken C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you Ken, for this review, it was a real pleasure to meet you both.
My partner and I really enjoyed our stay in Thézan. The apartment was as described, clean, and ideal for our two week stay. Everything is small, but perfectly functional – it's possible to cook a full meal in the kitchen, and the house keeps relatively cool in the unbelievable heat because of how thick and solid the structure is (the beauty in staying in an old building!). Diane and Peter provided a binder of all the information about the area you could possibly need, which we referenced almost daily. Richard, the property manager, was also incredibly kind.
The location was perfect for us for exploring all the region, and neighboring regions, have to offer -- the Mediterranean, all the way down to the Spanish border, Narbonne, Carcassonne, and all of the smaller cities and towns in between, and then south towards the Pyrenees and you're in the forest and mountains! So many beautiful swimming holes, and delicious food. Everyone that we met in Thézan was also extremely friendly. Overall, what more could you ask for?
Isadora
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2022
Thank you for your thoughtful review Isadora, it is so lovely to hear that you fell in love with the region as we have done....I am so glad the cottage was cool for you, even during a heatwave. I hope you spread the word in America that the Corbieres is special. Come again!
Unser Aufenthalt in dem kleinen, sehr netten Häuschen war wunderbar, was nicht zuletzt an der überaus herzlichen Gastgeberin Diane lag. Wir wurden sowohl von ihr, als auch von einer Flasche regionalem Wein und leckerer Patisserie begrüßt. Da wir mit einem kleinen Kind angereist sind, hat sie allerhand nette und durchdachte Extras bereitgehalten. Von ihrem Angebot, sie zu kontaktieren, wenn noch etwas fehlt oder gebraucht wird, mussten wir zwar nicht Gebrauch machen, weil alles da war, aber es besteht kein Zweifel, dass sie sogleich hilfreich gewesen wäre..
Maisonette tres joliment décorée, adaptée que pour un couple située dans un village calme.
Possibilité de faire de nombreuses visites aux alentours, voiture obligatoire.
Elodie G.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2023
Merci d'avoir pris le temps de nous donner votre avis. Nous sommes ravis que le cottage vous ait plu et nous espérons que vous reviendrez nous rendre visite.
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour avec notre fille dans la maison des fleurs. Diane nous a accueillis avec une grande gentillesse et de délicates attentions. La maison est bien située, aménagée avec beaucoup de goût et très fonctionnelle. Nous n'hésiterons pas à la conseiller à nos amis et à revenir à l'occasion.
Elise L.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you Elise, it was a pleasure to meet you all, I am so glad you enjoyed your stay and we hope to see you all again quite soon.
Wundervolles Häuschen, liebevoll eingerichtet, perfekte Lage für Ausflüge, tolle Gastgeberin
Klein, aber sehr fein :)
Super sympathischer Empfang - im Kühlschrank Leckeres aus der Patisserie, auf dem Tisch zwei Fläschchen Wein, da fühlt man sich gleich wie Zuhause.
Voll ausgestattet mit allem was man braucht.
Wir möchten wiederkommen, da wir uns dort sehr wohl gefühlt haben und bisher nur einen Bruchteil der fantastischen Umgebung erkunden könnten.
Danke Diana
Andrea S.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
What a lovely review Andrea, thank you so much. I am so glad you are thinking of returning, you will be most welcome. As you said, the location is perfect and there is so much to do and to see at any time of the year, so come back soon!
wundervolles authentisches Haus in einem lebendigen Dorf
Maison des Fleurs ist ein wundervolles authentisches Haus in einem lebendigen Dorf. Es hat Charme und strahlt in allem ein herzliches Willkommen an die Gäste aus. Die Dorfbewohner sind freundlich und hilfsbereit.
Diane hat mit Kaffee, Tee, Milch, Zucker, Törtchen, Wein u.s.w. für die ersten Stunden, bzw. Tage vorgesorgt. Badetücher, Sonnenschirm und Matten sind für Strandbesuche und Flussbadestellen vorhanden. Es gibt ein Handbuch (in Englisch und Französisch) mit wichtigen Adressen (Ärzte u.ä.), Geschichten über das Haus, das Dorf, Tipps für Ausflüge, Märkte und Restaurants. Bücher und Bildbände über die Gegend. Man kann gar nicht alle Kleinigkeiten aufzählen mit denen Diane das Haus ausgestattet hat.
Die Lage ist eine gute Ausgangsstelle für viele Ausflüge.
Wir haben sehr gut im bequemen Bett geschlafen. Das Zimmer im Dachgeschoss wird trotz Sommerhitze nicht zu warm. Im Obergeschoss befinden sich ein kleines Wohnzimmer. Der Balkon und das Duschbad in ausreichender Größe liegen nebeneinander. Vom Bad aus geht ein hochgelegenes Fenter zum Balkon und lüftet dieses gut. Im Erdgeschoss befinden sich die einfach, aber mit allem wichtigen, ausgestattete Küche. Die Toilette befindet sich zwischen Küche und Treppe und ist sehr gut belüftet mit einem Ventilatorenschacht. Rückseitig liegt die teils gewendelte Steintreppe. Diese ist zwar altersgemäß uneben, woran man sich aber schnell gewöhnt. Das Haus ist liebevoll ausgestattet. Parken kann man auf dem Platz an der Kirche, nur einmal um die Straßenecke. Alles ist sehr sauber.
Wir emfehlen das Haus und kommen sicher gerne noch mal wieder. Gerne würde ich noch mehr Sterne vergeben.
Diane, vielen Dank für die schöne Woche im Maison des Fleurs.
silke D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
What a lovely review Silke, thank you both so much. I have put it on facebook so that future guests can see it as it is so comprehensive and useful. We really enjoyed meeting you and very much hope to see you again. Meanwhile, we hope you have some very happy memories of your stay. Thank you.
Verified
8/10 Good
Ursula K.
6 June 2019
Kleines romantisches Stadthäuschen
Kleines romantisches Stadthäuschen (über 3 Etagen) ist ein optimaler Ausgangspunkt für Ausflüge in das Reich der Katharer und den Languedoc. Diana ist eine sehr freundliche Vermieterin und es fehlt an nichts. Eins müssen wir noch hervorheben, wir haben in dem Häuschen unter dem Dach (2.Etage) richtig gut geschlafen!
Ursula K.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you for your lovely review Ursula and Thomas, it was such a pleasure to meet you both (and your lovely dog) we hope that you come back soon.
Archival
8/10 Good
Patricia H.
16 Aug 2017
Schnuckeliges Häuschen in wunderschöner Landschaft
Nettes Häuschen mit guter Ausgangsposition für Ausflüge. Mehrere sehr schöne Bademöglichkeiten in der Nähe.
Patricia H.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Claudia S.
29 June 2017
Fantastische Gastgeberin
Diane ist eine fantastische Gastgeberin. Zum Empfang gab es Tomaten und Obst, im Kühlschrank fanden wir eine Tarte Framboise vor, und wir wurden sogar mit ganz frischer, selbstgemachter Aprikosenmarmelade verwöhnt - Hmmm!
Das kleine Häuschen wurde sehr ursprünglich renoviert und von ihr mit sehr viel Liebe und Bedacht gestaltet. Überall finden sich Zeugnisse der lokalen Vergangenheit, die sie zudem in hervorragender Weise in ihrer Gästeinformation zusammengefasst hat. Hierin befinden sich auch zahlreiche hilfreiche Tipps - insbesondere zu erwähnen die herrliche Badestelle in St. Laurent.
Uns hat es sehr gut gefallen - vielen Dank Diane. Wegen des unebenen Treppenaufgangs über drei Stockwerke sollte man allerdings fit sein.
Claudia S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you Claudia and Alphonse, you made it easy to be a good host as you were perfect guests - it was so lovely to see your enjoyment of the region and to share in your experiences. I hope you both come back soon.
Archival
8/10 Good
Christine S.
24 June 2017
A charming cottage in a sleepy town
Diane was more than welcoming, even stocking the house with food and wine for our first night. The house is charmingly furnished and well-equipped. This is not a good choice for someone with mobility issues, as the stairs are steep and the toilet is on the first floor and bedrooms on the third, but was OK for us. Our neighbors were welcoming, but the town is very small, with few amenities.
Christine S.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you to these American guests for their review; we appreciate a rural French village, and French culture, is very different for them. Thezan des Corbieres has many more amenities than most French villages, but it is true, it doesn’t have a Starbucks (!) – though it does have 2 cafes where freshly ground French coffee is available. The village has a Pizzeria/Café plus a new Restaurant/Bar, it also has a Tabac/Post Office and a Grocers shop that doubles as a Boulangerie, a Brocante (Antique shop), an Estate Agents and a little market once a week. The village is beautiful, ideally situated and the people are very friendly.
Worth noting Americans call the ground floor the first floor – this cottage has a toilet on the ground floor then there is a middle floor and a top floor, it’s a small house, there are few steps on the stairs.
Archival
8/10 Good
michel v.
1 Apr 2017
Peut faire mieux
Gite pour 2 adultes et un enfant mais pas pour trois
michel v.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Rita und Thomas G.
19 Sept 2016
Rundum verwöhnt!
Das schön renovierte Häuschen erinnert ein bisschen an ein Museum, wer einen Hang für Antiquitäten hat, wird es ebenso bezaubernd finden. Für 2-3 Personen ist es vollkommen ausreichend. Wir fühlten uns durch die Vermieter sehr gut betreut. Im Kühlschrank standen erste Aufmerksamkeiten, die Vermieter informierten uns über Ausflugstipps in die Umgebung. In der Nähe eröffnete ein netter Imbiss, vor dem sich abends der Ort traf. Fazit: sehr empfehlenswert.
Rita und Thomas G.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you, we are so glad you enjoyed your holiday, come back soon.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Agnès M.
26 Feb 2016
Petite maison décorée avec goût, hotesse Diane très sympathique
J'ai passé une semaine reposante et ressourçante. Le village et les alentours sont splendides
Agnès M.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2016
Archival
10/10 Excellent
23 Nov 2014
Wonderful
We loved the house! It is beautifully renovated and decorated and it is very comfortable. The toilet is on the first floor and the bedrooms are on the third floor, but that wasn't a problem for us. Also we did not miss the TV and there was always plenty of parking available around the corner. Diane was a very welcoming host, and she went out of her way to help us and make us feel comfortable. We can't wait to go back!
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Nancy & John were a pleasure to meet. We are so pleased they loved the house and the region and look forward to welcoming them back soon.
About the host
Hosted by Maison des Fleurs
Why they chose this property
.
What makes this property unique
We fell in love with Maison des Fleurs the minute we walked through the door - strange to most as the cottage was derelict and in a terrible state. It had, however, a lovely 'feel' to it. We have researched the history and found that it has always been a family home - at first it was a vineyard worker's house, the ground floor being used for the donkey or pony that would help the family till the vineyard. Later on the downstairs became a small shop where carts and bicycles were repaired, then it was converted again into a cottage where a family with 4 daughters lived. On the front door you can see initials carved by one of the owners who started their married life there - EH and PH. We spent two years restoring this little cottage using materials that were consistent with the age of the cottage and keeping as many features as possible, such as the beams and floor tiles, it was a real labour of love. Every day someone from the village would pop in to see our progress, usually uttering 'bon chance' when they saw what we were doing and always offering advice! Gradually we could see the cottage as it had been, a warm, family home with great character. We added our brocante (antique shop) and vide grenier (flea market) finds and voila (!) it was finished. Every single guest has remarked on the lovely ambiance of the cottage and the decor - all have found it a relaxing place to be with all the comforts of home. Everyone has also commented on how lovely it is to sit on the balcony and watch village life go by and how friendly people are in the village. Maybe that's because they feel they helped with the renovation by giving us advice!