Hotel du Pont Vieux

Expect old-fashioned, family-run charm at this small hotel which sits at the borders of Carcassonne's UNESCO World Heritage-listed citadel town. The exterior's wooden shutters, antique lanterns, flower boxes, and wrought-iron touches make for a quaint first impression. Inside, the lobby's antique furnishings and small piano get contemporary touches from studded fabric armchairs in powder blue and red. The wood-paneled front desk sells regional products when it's open (until 9 p.m. during our visit), after which guests can let themselves in with a door code. The breakfast room is a simple affair with wooden tables, plus a cute arched doorway that leads to a small room housing the buffet station and heavy oak dressers. A charming walled garden has terra-cotta planters, climbing greenery, and modern wicker dining furniture. It's a popular spot for summer breakfasts, as is the third-floor terrace which offers great views of the citadel and bar service. Guests are primarily couples on vacation, plus some families.

The hotel is ideally located between the citadel's borders and New Town, both of which are within walking distance. Uphill walks of seven minutes take guests to Carcassonne's Citadel and Chateau Comtal and it's just a few minutes farther for the 12th-century Basilica Saint-Nazaire and Beaux Arts Museum. Fifteen-minute walks across the river lead to the New Town. Plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants dot charming streets near the main Place Carnot (a 13-minute walk) and it's the same distance for La Ferme Fromagerie's giant cheese wheels. Carcassonne train station is a 20-minute walk (or quicker drive) and an airport shuttle drop-off point is a three-minute walk from the hotel. Allow 12-minute drives for Carcassonne Airport and closer to an hour for Castres-Mazamet Airport.

Contemporary rooms are divided into older Standards and refurbished Privileges, the latter of which are sleeker and have bold decor in red and black hues. Regardless, all are good-sized and well-maintained, with Standard Rooms outfitted in tufted headboards and traditional desks. Amenities across the board consist of wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, desks with chairs, phones, and air-conditioning. Unfortunately, no safes, fridges, or kettles are provided. Garden views in Privilege units these are partially obstructed by walls, while street-facing Standards have picturesque views but can be noisy. Triples and Quads are ideal for families, cribs can be fitted for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free in rooms. Bathrooms vary between older shower/tub combos and more up-to-date walk-in rainfall showers. All have hairdryers and basic toiletries.

There's no full restaurant but the hotel serves a buffet-style breakfast for a fee. Hard- and soft-boiled eggs are the only cooked item, but continental options are locally sourced and include breads, homemade jams, local cheeses, cereals, yogurts, and fruits, plus great homemade cakes. The charming pebbled garden has umbrellas and chairs, while a third-floor terrace has stunning citadel views, although the space is tiny. Drinks are served during select times on the terrace. Five garage spaces can hold vehicles for a fee or guests can use nearby public parking. The hotel can arrange car and bike rentals and packed lunches are available for a fee. Wi-Fi, meanwhile, is free throughout the property.