Le Domaine d’Auriac, Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Built on the ancient Carsac oppidum where Carcassonne's story begins, and owned and run by the same family for three generations, Domaine d'Auriac is awash with centuries-old art and artefacts – though it does feel very homely.
Each of the 24 rooms, suites and houses is unique, the former stables' upscale farmhouse-style rooms proving particularly popular with families. Outside, the 300-year old park has running and walking trails, an unheated pool, tennis court and year-round golf course set amongst the Domaine's ancient vineyards, and dining comes courtesy of Bistrot d'Auriac and Michelin-starred Restaurant Bernard Rigaudis.