If Provence's overpriced hôtelleries have kept you off the French Riviera, set your sights a bit west to the Languedoc. The region is home to fine Roman buildings in Nîmes, the medieval hilltown of Carcassonne, and the Pic Saint-Loup area brimming with untouristed wineries. The regional capital, Montpellier, is a garden city by the sea. In Castelnau-le-nez, just three kilometres from Montpellier, the Castle's Cottage offers three double rooms, as well as a two-person flat of 40 square metres, in a 3000-square-metre garden, with access to the manor house's outdoor pool. Luxe surroundings starting at €78.(011-33-467) 726-308.
http://castlecottage.free.fr