BY PETER FRIEND

estled in the foot of the stunning Montagne LA VILLA DE Noire mountain range, which divides the Midi- Pyrénées from the , sits the town of . MAZAMET: NNot on the traditional tourist map, Mazamet holds onto its wealthy 19th “The Australian century heritage from its wool industry and lasting links with Australia. At its height, 1 million kilos of Connection” sheepskins passed through Mazamet each year from the southern hemisphere, much of which originated and a great base in Australia where every single kilo of Europe-bound wool passed through the to stay! Town (and continued until the 1990s). Australia, and many Australian individuals & businesses, developed Peter Friend operates a luxury award winning long lasting relationships with Mazamet; so much so that wandering boutique bed and breakfast in the town of Mazamet in the around the town today you will discover south west of and tells us about the towns’ unique “rue d’Australie” as well as streets such relationship with Australia. as rue de Tasmanie, rue de Brisbane, rue de Melbourne, rue de Sydney La Cité, & rue Adélaïde. The town hall also holds a plaque from the Australian government in recognition of the close ties that existed between the town and its antipodean friends. The wealth created from the wool & leather industry in Mazamet “Testament to manifested itself in the creation of many bourgeois family residences. the success of La Built between the 1850s and 1950’s, Villa de Mazamet these beautiful homes, with a mix of European architecture, line the wide comes in the form streets and stand testament to how Mazamet rose to become the 15th of winning the wealthiest town in the whole of France. coveted Trip Advisor Since the end of the 1990’s, Mazamet has looked to re-invent itself. “Traveller’s Choice Playing on its strengths of a traditional market town located in a stunning Award” in five natural setting, Mazamet now attracts international visitors who come to successive years experience a true slice of French life since 2011 (the without it being a typical tourist-trap and using the town as an excellent only property in base from which to explore an area not widely known nor discovered. France with such an A number of the beautiful family accolade) ….” residences have been given a new lease of life, playing host to boutique guest accommodation, like the 1930’s “La Villa de Mazamet”, completely renovated by

Photo from La Marie du Carcassonne two Brits, myself & Mark Barber and La Villa at Dusk opening for business in 2009. FRENCH provincial FRENCH provincial 12 13 Pont Neuf & Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, Photo from Tourisme du Photo from Tourisme

LOCATION FACTS  Mazamet (Department of the Tarn in the Midi-Pyrenees) is located three hours from , Provence, the & Barcelona.  Carcassonne’s UNESCO World Heritage “La Cité” is 45 mins to the south and the 13th century red-brick gothic cathedral in Albi (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is 45 mins to the north. Guest can arrive by air into Carcassonne continental buffet of cold meats, the regions even closer ties with river-front shopping. or airport and hire a car or “Not on the traditional tourist map, Mazamet holds cheeses, fresh seasonal fruits and Australia, explorer Lapérouse hails Six evenings a week, a four- a transfer may be arranged. Those exploring France by rail can arrive in French favourites like pain au raisin, from Albi where his discoveries are course table d’hôte dinner is served onto its wealthy 19th century heritage from its wool industry Mazamet by train via Toulouse. croissants & pain au chocolat – as well documented in a designated museum. at La Villa (poolside during the and lasting links with Australia.” as home made banana bread, Bircher For those seeking exercise over balmy summer evenings) using fresh culture, the provides local & seasonal produce to create LA VILLA DE MAZAMET muesli and flapjacks….and don’t be  Open from 1st April to October extensive walking options, lakes for a menu that changes daily….and afraid of asking for a flat white here as 31st annually; rooms range from 110€ a refreshing dip as well as great road complemented with a wine list of La Villa offers six luxuriously showers, have large fluffy Egyptian excellent coffee is served alongside a - 190€ per night, for two, including cycling (and for those who like pedal more than 25 labels, all from SW appointed ensuite guest rooms, each cotton towels on heated towel rails, choice a choice of juices. welcome drink, Wifi & breakfast. A 15% with an individually styled marble dressing gowns, slippers and luxury During breakfast, we talk to our power but on the level, a 65km cycle France and personally selected (and discount from the third night onwards fireplace and the original parquet Gilchrist & Soames amenities. guests about plans for the day, what’s track, using a disused railway line, tasted!) by myself and Mark. is available throughout the season and online booking is available via flooring. Hotel quality beds, fine As part of the extensive on locally, where to have lunch or starts just 200 metres from the gates of Testament to the success of La the website. monogrammed bed linens, Tassimo renovations, Le Petit Spa (with where to take a picnic. For the La Villa and bike hire is available). Villa de Mazamet comes in the form  Dinner is priced at 35€ pp for the hot beverage makers, flat screen TV/ a sauna, Jacuzzi and massage enjoyment of guests, we have written Guest not wishing to venture far of winning the coveted Trip Advisor can explore Mazamet on foot, two 35 “Traveller’s Choice Award” in five four-course table d’hôte menu that DVD and iPod dock (together with treatments) and an outdoor pool in a series of 8 self-drive day changes daily. min architectural tours; three weekly successive years since 2011 (the only fast free Wifi) provide guests with the landscape gardens were added. (with a map & driving directions)  Payment is available with MasterCard everything expected in a high quality Two guest lounges, a small library which take in the must-see locations markets (plus a night food market property in France with such an & Visa at no additional charge. hotel, yet with the personality and and a restaurant for breakfast & in the area from two UNESCO in July & August), a beautiful park, accolade) as well as being included in shops, cafés & bars are all within 10 “Le Guide Michelin” since 2012 for its individuality of a B&B. dinner provide space for guests to World Heritage Sites of Albi & LA VILLA DE MAZAMET To complement the guest rooms relax & unwind. Carcassonne, to small medieval mins walk…or 15 minutes by train well appointed accommodation and Owners: Peter Friend and Mark Barber and explore the neighbouring town the Alistair Sawday’s guide of high W: www.villademazamet.com the ensuites, with deep baths & Guests start their day with a fresh villages & vineyards. For those seeking E: [email protected] of and its Goya museum and quality French B&B’s. FRENCH provincial FRENCH provincial 14 15