Built in 1830, the domaine is known as a 'chateau pinardier'. These were wine chateaux that sprang up during the 19th century in the Languedoc region, producing cheap, low-quality wine. They were a feature of the region's prosperity at the time, which ended in overproduction and the winegrowers' revolt of 1907.

Domaine de Meilhan is situated on 5 hectares (over 12 acres) of land. About a third is still under vines, another third includes a vegetable garden and plenty of space to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and the final third is a woodland haven for wildlife that includes wild boar, hares and many bird species.

An important and prosperous port in Roman times, Narbonne is now about 15km from the Mediterranean Sea. It was located on the Via Domitia, a section of which you can actually walk on in the town square (Place de l'Hôtel de Ville) in front of the Archbishop's Palace (Palais des Archevêques).

See 'chill or thrill' for links to things to do and see in and around Narbonne.