The space

Set in Villegailhenc, just outside beautiful Carcassonne, Le Manoir d'Amiel is a grand French manor with the kind of space that lets a hen group spread out, relax and celebrate in total privacy. The house is exclusive-use, so your group has the pool, gardens, entertainment spaces and bedrooms to yourselves, whether you are planning a long weekend of sunshine and cocktails, a refined pre-wedding gathering, or a full itinerary of activities, food and dancing.

The setting feels peaceful and tucked away, with Provençal-style gardens, shaded seating areas and plenty of room for everyone to gather without feeling on top of each other. Days can be slow and sociable around the swimming pool, with the adjoining paddling pool adding extra flexibility for mixed family celebrations, while evenings can move naturally from alfresco dining to hot tub drinks, games and music. It is a brilliant choice for a hen party that wants more than just a place to sleep: this is a house designed for hosting.

Inside the house

Inside, the manor blends restored character with the practical comforts a large group needs. There are 16 bedrooms, including king and double rooms, a single room and a bunk room, giving the group a flexible layout for close friends, bridesmaids and family members. With 12 bathrooms, including 9 en-suites, plus an extra WC, getting ready for dinner, a day out in Carcassonne or a big evening in is much easier than in a standard holiday rental. Bathroom and pool towels are provided, which is one less thing to squeeze into the suitcase.

The communal areas are made for group living. The house is fully equipped, so you can keep things relaxed with self-catered breakfasts, grazing boards and late-night snacks, or arrange catering and breakfast services if you would rather hand the hosting over. Extra cleaning can also be requested, which is especially useful for longer stays or a celebration weekend with lots of shared meals.

The basement entertainment room is a major bonus for hen parties. It includes a home cinema with 4K Smart TV, 4K Blu-ray player and Denon sound system for a film night, bride quiz, photo slideshow or chilled recovery evening. There is also a bar with drinks fridge, a dance floor with sound system and disco lighting, plus table football. Add in the pool table, dart board and table tennis, and there is plenty to keep the group entertained between meals, swims and trips out.

Hen weekend highlights

The outdoor space is where Le Manoir d'Amiel really shines for a celebration. The swimming pool is ideal for lazy afternoons, poolside playlists and group photos, while the hot tub gives the bride tribe a relaxed spot for drinks and catch-ups after a day exploring. There are plenty of seating areas throughout the gardens, along with a shaded hammock area for anyone who wants a quiet moment away from the main group.

For food and drinks, the 80m2 open barn creates a fantastic social hub. It comes with a summer kitchen, two gas barbecues, a built-in charcoal barbecue and a large dining area, so you can plan everything from a casual BBQ night to a dressed-up dinner under cover. It is the kind of setup that works well for themed evenings, catered feasts, cocktail making, games, speeches or a relaxed pre-wedding meal with everyone around one table.

The entertainment options also mean you do not need to leave the property to create a full weekend itinerary. Start with brunch in the garden, move to pool games and sunbathing, book in a private chef or activity provider if you wish, then head to the basement for bar drinks, dancing and party games. The private cinema is also great for a low-key night before travel home, especially after a lively evening in Carcassonne.

Location & getting around

Le Manoir d'Amiel is located in Villegailhenc, a peaceful village setting close to some of the best-known sights in this part of southern France. The UNESCO-listed medieval Cité de Carcassonne is around 10 minutes away by car, making it easy to plan a day of sightseeing, lunch, wine, shopping and evening drinks. Carcassonne also has restaurants, bars and atmosphere for groups who want a night out without travelling too far from the house.

Carcassonne airport is around 10 minutes away by car, which keeps arrivals and departures simple for hens flying in from the UK or elsewhere. The UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi is about 5 minutes away, ideal for gentle walks, cycling, boat trips or a scenic afternoon between bigger celebrations. For groups wanting to explore further, the Languedoc-Roussillon region offers vineyards, the Black Mountains and access towards the Mediterranean coast for a longer day trip.

A car or pre-booked transport is recommended, especially for supermarket runs, airport transfers and nights out. Once at the manor, though, the beauty of the setup is that you can keep whole days on site without needing to coordinate taxis or split the group.

Enquire today

If you are looking for a spacious, private hen party house with a pool, hot tub, entertainment room, gardens and excellent group dining space, Le Manoir d'Amiel is a standout option near Carcassonne. Send an enquiry with your dates, group size and any plans you have in mind, and the host can help confirm availability and the details you need to start shaping the celebration.