‘Just as lovely as we remembered,’ says a returning visitor to this converted 10th-century abbey, part of a castle in this lovely old fortified village, way south-west of Carcassonne. The owners, Peter and Katie Lawton, are warm, friendly and helpful. The meals, all taken on a lovely terrace, were excellent: traditional dishes nicely cooked; plentiful breakfasts.’ Earlier praise still holds good: ‘The situation is idyllic; the views of wooded hills, Pyrenees in the distance, are splendid. The building exudes ancient character, and the bedrooms are superb, light, spacious, tastefully decorated, with lovely views.’ The more expensive rooms are former monks’ cells. The dining room has tapestry-like murals; there is a pleasant inner terrace, a large terraced garden with a pool. Weddings are sometimes held. The château of Montségur and the caves of Niaux are not far away.