The nearest airports are Toulouse and Carcasonne 45km away. The house is situated within the village of Caignac. La Maison Cagneau is perfect for a relaxing holiday just soaking up the atmosphere and exploring the grounds. If you want to explore this attractive part of France you will be spoilt for choice. The vibrant city of Toulouse is just 40km away and Carcassonne is 60km. There are many local markets, the best being in the town of Mirepoix which boasts a fabulous Monday morning market with in excess of 200 stalls. If you care to travel, you can find a market for every day of the week!

The Pyrenees are a 60 minute drive away and telecabines, at Ax les Thermes, take you up to the ski areas where you can enjoy mountain walks in the summer or skiing in the winter. For beach lovers, the Mediterranean sea is only 1 hour's drive away. The area is perfect for sports lovers too. Golf, horse riding and white water rafting are within easy reach from the house and a nearby lake, only 4km away, offers swimming, pedalo hire, sailing and windsurfing. Another lake, 50 km away, offers waterskiing and jet-skiing. Boats can be hired on the Canal du Midi or you can cycle the towpath either towards Toulouse or the Mediterranean.

The cuisine of the area reflects the two staples, namely that of the local (Castelnaudary or Toulouse) white bean stew - cassoulet, or the variations of duck - magret, confit or foie. The salade of the region is almost a meal in itself and, as in most French restaurants, children are well catered for with a menu enfant at a less than €12. With two or three exceptions you'll eat well (in the exceptions you'll eat splendidly) with a friendly ambiance and probably get out for under €30 a head for four courses excluding drinks. Local wines on the list are usually not more than €14. Booking is advisable - usually on the day.