La Villa de Mazamet is a luxurious yet affordable bed and breakfast in Mazamet, France, which is located in the southwest part of the country. It has five guest rooms with private bathrooms in addition to a restaurant, swimming pool, and a spa. Peter, the innkeeper, took the time to answer the following questions for us about the history of the inn, what makes it special, and why you should visit Mazamet.
1. What do you enjoy most about being an innkeeper?
It’s a great way to meet people from around the globe and share La Villa de Mazamet and the beautiful surrounding area with them.
2. How long have you been an innkeeper?
Since May 2009.
3. What was your inspiration for your inn? Did you have a certain vision for it?
Before opening La Villa de Mazamet, we had travelled extensively and stayed in a wide variety of inns and hotels. What we wanted to create at La Villa de Mazamet was a calm and luxurious property that still felt like home. We also wanted to provide our guests with the facilities normally at high-end hotels with an affordable and excellent value for the money.
4. Why did you choose this inn and this city?
We searched for many properties in many locations of France and chose La Villa, as it was a handsome property with the space in which to create something very special as an inn. Mazamet, the town in which La Villa is located, is a great base from which to explore Southwest France, as we are located equidistant between the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Carcassonne and Albi. As well, we have fantastic facilities on our doorstep.
5. What sets your B&B apart from others?
Our personal and attentive services, great local food, and exceptional quality accommodations.
6. Why do you think travelers should choose B&Bs over hotels?
Bed and breakfasts provide a much more individual level of comfort and service than larger, often anonymous, hotels. B&Bs also provide much better value for money, and as we do here at La Villa, provide all the services and amenities that you would normally find in a four/five star hotel but with a price tag that is much more affordable.
7. Does your B&B have any special history?
La Villa de Mazamet was constructed for a wealthy local accountant in the 1930s during a time when the town of Mazamet had worldwide prominence for its wool trade. The building is unique in many ways, in particular for its architectural style, which has a mix of French, English, and Italian design, as well as some Art Deco touches.
8. What makes your town worth visiting—are there any interesting local attractions or activities?
Mazamet is a traditional French market town, but what sets it apart is its rich history in the wool industry. Today, with much of the industry now gone, the town provides a great base from which to explore the area and within under an hour guests can be exploring hilltop medieval villages, vineyards and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition, in Mazamet itself we have a wonderful array of attractions from golf, cycling, shopping, markets and walking in the Montagne Noire mountain range.
9. Do you have any food specialties (for breakfast or otherwise)?
La Villa de Mazamet provides an excellent continental breakfast with fresh fruits, charcuterie, cereals, homemade preserves and pastries and breads made by our local baker each morning. Dinner, which is served six nights a week, serves fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients that are used in delicious traditional French and European dishes.
10. Do you have any special offers coming up?
Yes, from November 1 until the end of April, we offer a fantastic “three nights for the price of two” deal.