The apartment is more like a glorious self-contained suite. It’s huge at over 50square metres and boasts a large salon (living room) with four metre high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, an original marble fireplace and a cleverly concealed mini-kitchen with oven, hob and fridge, which comes fully stocked with wine, beer, nibbles and soft drinks. There's also a DVD player and flat screen for watching movies and an IPOD dock (loaded IPOD available on loan for those who don't have their own). The separate bedroom has a king-sized bed and a small but elegantly formed en-suite with a luxurious walk-in shower.

'Le Weekend' at 42 Rue Victor Hugo costs £450 per couple and includes three nights bed and breakfast (served in your suite or in the building's shared dining room). transfers to and from Carcassonne's airport, cocktails and canapés on one evening, a 3-course dinner with wine and fully-stocked mini kitchen with wine, beer, soft drinks, teas, coffees, crisps, biscuits, olives etc. Additional nights are £125.

"I am currently sitting the bedroom of one of your European boutique boltholes (42RVH) and it is very lovely indeed. A very nice place, beautifully designed and finished with the most delightful hosts. I will definately use your site again."