Maison Lilybelle is a charming and tranquil historic home located in the South of France near the ancient city of Carcassonne. Renovated with an eye to simplicity and utility, the house is a maison de maitre (master’s house) with eight bedrooms and six bathrooms, conveniently located in the centre of an ancient abbey village.

Maison Lilybelle provides a secure base for Francophile ladies to explore and enjoy together this most fascinating region of France. Whether you come for the wine, the food, the history, the beautiful countryside, promenades through the Mountagne Noire or to shop in a vibrant French marketplace, at Maison Lilybelle you will meet likeminded friends with whom to share your experiences.

With your hostesses, Carol Williams and Vicki Shelley on site to advise, organise and guide you during your stay, you won’t waste any time or miss a minute of your French soujourn.

Carol will consult with you prior to arrival. You can advise her exactly what you hope to achieve during your stay at Maison Lilybelle, whether it be to improve your French language, learn more about the Cathar history of the region or discover delicious new vintages! Each week, Carol will devise a bespoke itinerary that seeks to address the goals of all the ladies in the house. With a maximum of only five ladies per week, your experience will be enriched by their goals too! Together, we will explore prehistoric cave paintings at Niaux, shop in the grand marketplace at Narbonne and sip café at Place Carnot in Carcassonne.

Each room in Maison Lilybelle is typically French with simplicity, comfort and privacy being paramount. The rooms are ensuited with modern bathrooms.

In the morning, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast together courtesy of the local boulangerie. Then we will set out on a day of discovery and adventure. We may take into consideration the weather while determining our programme to ensure we make the most of the time – there is no point in walking in the rain if a French lesson or cooking class is available! If there weather is particularly beautiful, we can take advantage of a glorious vista or a stroll by the Canal du Midi. Read through our suggested itineraries to appreciate the broad scope of potential activities!

In the evening, you may choose to stroll out to one of the village’s restaurants or cafes, you may choose to venture further afield to one of the Michelin restaurants in the region, or you may choose to cook at home. Variety is, as they say, the spice of life! If you do venture out, you may be sure that your hostess Carol will be the designated driver!

Booking dates for Maison Lilybelle.