Camellas-Lloret

Camellas-Lloret is an utterly charming and idyllic rural French retreat in the heart of Montreal, a small and delightfully picturesque 12th century hilltop village 20 minutes from Carcassonne. This boutique B&B has just five exquisite rooms leading off a fabulous round staircase, each one brimming with simple elegance and character. The art and décor is beautifully unique, ranging from stuffed partridges, antlers and old French magazines to a series of striking life drawings and sheepskin throws. There are marble fireplaces in each room, and the garden apartment has its own lounge and free standing bath. Neutral whites and light greys complete the air of ambience. Go antique shopping or visiting medieval towns in the region, making sure to take in the surrounding rolling countryside of vineyards and sunflower fields. Homemade and locally sourced breakfast in the morning completes this blissful country living.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
People choose to stay here mostly because of the design- we've been featured in books and magazines and our guests like being in a place that has that kind of style and attention to detail. It's modern and a little sexy and I don't think there are many other b&bs with this kind of look. At the same time the mood is very relaxed. You can come down to breakfast in your robe or hang out by the fireplace in your pj's...We're also in a very interesting part of France. There are lots of historic sites but it's also unspoiled and authentic.

What is there to do in the area or on site?
So much! Visit cathar castles and abbeys, the canal du midi by boat or bike, wine-tasting, medieval villages, antique shopping and summer markets. On site library with the latest coffee table books, vinyl record collection, jacuzzi in season, terrace for lounging. For kids there is a large pool and play area in the park by the lake 10 minutes walk away.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Filter coffee, croissants, country bread, homemade jam, yoghurt, seasonal fruit, fresh goat cheese, o.j., avocado toast. Organic and local as much as possible.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Dinners are available 3 times per week: 3 courses for 32 euros not including wine, served table d'hôte style. Cheese and/or charcuterie plates and green salad available on nights when dinner isn't served. We carefully select local restaurants to refer to our guests- from a summer-only bistro on the canal to the best fine dining. Picnics can also be arranged.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Everyone has their favourite! There is a romantic 4-poster bed in room 4, the apartment has a private entrance and a lounge overlooking the garden, flooded with light in the morning. All of our beds are hand made wool and cotton futons with linen bedding.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms?
We have some rooms with small beds for children and the garden apartment has 2 twin beds for older kids. We can usually set up extra futons for large families.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
Stay with us to chill out and enjoy the rhythms of the South of France. We'll put a glass of rosé in your hand and point you in the right direction.
p.s. Colin is a chiropractor and wellness consultant in case you need extra help!