42 Rue Victor Hugo

Three stylish one-bed apartments in historic Carcassonne, for indulgent mini-breaks with cool Gallic chic and a warm English welcome, or self-catering

When was the last time you felt totally spoilt? Exactly. So how appealing is the idea of being met from a flight, driven to an old French townhouse, shown into a stunning suite and relaxing while your hosts serve apéritifs? Then bring canapés. Then serve you dinner, clean up, and leave. Yes, you might get that service in a 5* hotel, but here the entire place is yours and you get the front door key. It’s like borrowing a very stylish flat, and not having to lift a finger while you're there.

This is what Peter and Debrah Woodcock offer at 42 rue Victor Hugo, although during 2010 they are offering the opportunity to self-cater at certain times of year. Their apartments are beautiful and private, with all the luxury details you’d want - and then some: a pre-loaded iPod, a fridge full of wine, fresh flowers, 400tc bedlinen. It's an ultra-stylish place to unwind, and a great base to explore historic Carcassonne, with its fairytale walled city of drawbridges, towers and cobbled streets. Come with your partner and spend a romantic long weekend enjoying each other’s company and being thoroughly spoilt.

Highs

• Within walking distance of the Cité (the largest medieval city in Europe) and the Canal du Midi, both Unesco sites
• Fab decor: a decadent mix of original features and contemporary flair
• Close to restaurants, bars and major sights, so you don't need a car
• Fantastic food - 1 dinner is included, the rest are up to you (unless you're here to self cater!)
• Welcoming hosts who live onsite and are attentive and helpful without intruding on your privacy

Lows

• Being in the middle of town, there's some traffic noise
• La Cité can be heaving in summer; but here in the Bastide it's much quieter - and there's a free music festival in July
• If you are driving, there's no parking on site, although it is available nearby
• There's a minimum stay of 3 nights, so if you plan a weekend break, make it a long one
• The studio has steep steps and limited headroom on the mezzanine