We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay, with plenty of good food and an interesting time in the town of Mazamet.
The hospitality and quality of service was first class but with a nice touch of friendliness and lack of pomposity.
The rooms were brilliant, as was the experience of sitting in the garden or by the pool with drinks.

The only downside was the rain. South of France in July? What's that about?

But we still managed two days of cycling in the countryside, and visiting local markets by bike meant that we got to talk a bit more to local people.

Brilliant holiday! many thanks to Peter and Mark for making our stay memorable.

It seems to me that most people reading these reviews just want confirmation that what people are writing is true. Everything you have read about La Villa de Mazamet in recent reviews is true! I can't top any of the superlatives. I can't say enough about the warm treatment and our completely consummate hosts Peter and Mark, whose care and attention to our every need was expressed from the time we arrived until - unfortunately! - we had to leave. This is a charming and comfortable oasis for any sort of traveler whether it be business or personal, and I would not hesitate for a second to recommend this be part of your travel experience. It is a rare experience to be treated so professionally and have it feel so warm and friendly. You must choose this lovely villa if you are in the area!

If you are a student of marketing or hospitality, or indeed a professor thereof, you could do a lot worse then a stay here to see how the theory can really work in practice. It must take an enormous amount of hard work to make it appear so seamless and relaxed, while maintaining the highest of standards.
If you don't have a professional interest, you can just enjoy the experience of staying here. A rare treat indeed, from the rooms, to the food, to the spa and massage. Everything was first class.

Despite countless hours on TA, and great stays in lots of excellent hotels/B&Bs, I have never previously written a review.

I think the difference this time is that Villa de Mazamet, in addition to meeting the high expectations in terms of accommodation and service, has also, looking back now 2 months since our visit, simply left a stronger positive impression on us than any other establishment, and provided such great memories.

From the warmth of the welcome and the glass of wine in the garden, right up to the moment of our departure, it was an absolute pleasure staying in VdM.

I agree with everything that has been said about the perfect hospitality of Peter and Mark, which is of course the magic ingredient at VdM, and the daily banter and travel planning added so much to our trip. However I think another positive aspect is the fact that, given the small number of rooms, in what is a large house, there is a feeling of space, and it was not uncommon to have a whole lounge or the garden or pool area to ourselves. This means that you can very much have the best of worlds, engaging with Peter & Mark and other guests, or having a quiet escape.

Dinners were very enjoyable, not just for the excellent food and the interesting mostly regional wine list, but for the whole experience. From hearing Peter prepping in the kitchen in the late afternoon whilst we enjoyed the early evening sun on the terrace, to the choice of lounges for pre dinner drinks, to the beautifully presented dining room and Mark's friendly and knowledgeable service, it was a real highlight of the day. VdM wasn't full when we stayed, but I imagine the atmosphere many evenings would often add another positive dimension, as the ambience does encourage guests to relax and interact.

We had plans to travel much further afield from Mazamet but discovered that the surrounding area had plenty to keep us occupied, with many beautiful sights and scenic drives within 60 - 90 minutes. I needn't offer suggestions, as Peter and Mark have all the necessary advice, but Albi was certainly beautiful, and the drive to the lake that they recommend for a walk perfectly encapsulated this area, with tranquil tree lined roads alongside the canal and idyllic medieval villages, that in many countries would be of national renown, yet which here often had no tourists in sight. I'd also highly recommend the great value Michelin starred lunch on offer in Castres, at Le Bistrot des Saveurs.

To be rated top in the whole of France on TA is a real achievement, and I think definitely deserved.

I'm sure next year we will break out other habit, of not returning to places that we have vowed to revisit. We look forward to returning to such a special place.