A Tale of Two Houses: French Getaways in Quarante

Traci Parent |

Traci Parent

May 15, 2025

One small village – two amazing properties to choose from!

Quarante is a hidden gem – a hilltop medieval village in Occitanie, the “other” south of France. Not nearly as touristy as Provence, this relatively quiet village is perfectly positioned: just one kilometer from the captivating Canal du Midi and 35 km from the Mediterranean Sea.

This charming hamlet has everything you need: a middle school, bakery, butcher, grocery, pizza take-out, bar and restaurant, wine tasting, hair salon, B&B, pharmacy and post office, and strangely a strong anglophone presence.

When you are feeling like a detour, the beautiful cities of Carcassonne, Perpignan, Béziers and Narbonne are within easy reach. It is the perfect place for a vacation home.

I had the pleasure of discovering this tranquil treasure for the first time this past April, but Ginny Blackwell, my business partner at International Property Shares, knows it very well, choosing to it not once but twice as the location to create a fractional property. Moulin à Vent and Maison Bleue are both located here, just a few streets apart, but each has something unique and special to offer.

Moulin à Vent

The first thing to capture your attention (and your heart!) is the view. Perched on the hilltop, rolling greenery carries your gaze all the way to the Pyrenees. Whether it is sipping coffee in the morning or enjoying apéro at sunset, this is where the owners take pause and soak in the natural beauty of France. While the view alone is priceless, the house is pretty spectacular as well!

Sun-Filled Living

Walk into to a sun-filled, spacious kitchen with all you need—from a full-sized fridge to all the little extras that make cooking feel effortless, whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast or a leisurely dinner with local market finds. The newly added, south-facing living room is flooded with sunlight as well, the large windows inviting the outdoors to be the showstopper. There is ample room for guests, and this home is perfect for entertaining!

Space to Gather, Room to Retreat

While the open floor plan on the main level creates plenty of space to gather, everyone can retreat to their own private oasis thanks to the guest suite’s location on the main floor, and the primary suite upstairs. In true comfort, each bedroom has its own bathroom as well. The large, primary bedroom also enjoys the view above the treetops, making it hard to leave!

I immediately fell in love with Moulin à Vent, with its seamless indoor/outdoor living. Carefully placed flowering shrubs make you want to pull up a chair and just relax a while.

This 2 bed/2 bath home with private garden has 1/7th Share available for $65,000

One more look before we go …

Neighboring Maison Bleue (so named for its sky blue shutters) lies just a few streets away, but offers a completely different experience! Let’s take a look …

Maison Bleue

I will never forget the moment my friend Joni told me that she and her husband Chip had bought a house in France! It was during the pandemic, and they pulled the trigger, sight unseen! I was in awe of their “just do it” attitude, and a little envious that they had their pied à terre in France.

Over the years, Joni has shared so many stories of their time in La Maison Bleue, her eyes always sparkling when she speaks of it. Finally it was my chance to see their lovely home! (Although sadly their time slot had finished just weeks earlier).

Enchanting Architecture

If Moulin à Vent favors the garden and view, here it is the architecture that enchants. A perfect union of old and new: stone walls and spiral staircases … a modern kitchen with rustic wood beams … each room effortlessly blending tradition with every comfort.

Even with the address in hand, I walked right past it—the entrance is subtly tucked back from the road, offering a sense of seclusion right from the start. The foyer isn’t your typical entryway either; it feels more like a quiet invitation to explore, with each door hinting at something special beyond. With great anticipation, I opened the first door, stepping into a spacious bedroom with cheerful yellow and blue Provençal accents, joined by an ensuite bath. Continuing around the circular hallway (so fun and unexpected!) I discovered a WC and then another large bedroom (in Provençal blue this time) with another ensuite bath.

Rustic Elegance

Finally I ascended the spiral staircase to explore the main living area. It is both spacious and cozy, thanks to the contrast of high ceilings, large picture windows and grandiose doors anchored by a vast textured stone wall and cozy furnishings. The luminous kitchen feels like something right out of a French decor magazine.

There is one more floor to go, this time a straight staircase up. This is the primary suite, where an angled ceiling, sturdy wooden beams, and a massive stone wall come together to create something quietly poetic. But the most captivating detail is found in the bathroom—a window tucked beneath a carved wooden accent that offers a sneak peek into the living room below. Unexpected and utterly enchanting.

I quickly understood why Joni and Chip fell in love with this house, and grow more attached with every visit. It is truly a unique treasure – charming, comfortable and inviting.

This 3 bed/3 bath home has 1/10th Share available for $67,900

My time in Quarante was over all-to-quickly, and I en route to the Prison Hotel in Béziers (that is a story for another time) I was already planning my return to this tranquil village. There is something very special here – a certain je ne sais quoi – that just feels like home.

Traci Parent

Two houses, one charming village… now what?

If the idea of vacationing your way in France has you intrigued, reach out today. Get to know the villages, the shortcuts, and the stories. If France is calling, maybe it’s time to answer!

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