Hotel Of The Week: Le Couvent d'Hérépian, Hérépian

Get thee to a cool, calm nunnery

Step through the doors of Le Couvent d'Hérépian and you'll find a bijou bolt-hole you can make your own in the leafy surroundings of the High Languedoc.

The sympathetic restoration of this 17th-century convent has resulted in a rural retreat characterised by cool, calm chic.

The building was stumbled upon first; the concept followed. The aim was to open a small, sophisticated hotel, where guests could delight in the discovery of this little-known part of south-west France.

The sleepy village of Hérépian is where you'll find Le Couvent, hidden in a landscape of such variety that one could easily while away a week here. The mountains, river valleys and Canal du Midi are the backdrop for active pursuits, and Blue Flag Mediterranean beaches are a 30-minute drive away.

Then there's the wine; this is the biggest vineyard in the world. Until recently it was the producer of the people's plonk, but today it offers enviable vintages.

The bedroom

The 13 suites are simply but elegantly furnished, blending modern and rustic, many with mountain views. Rooms vary in size, but all are spacious and en-suite, with kitchenettes and dining areas. Flat-screen TVs, DVDs, Wi-Fi, pre-loaded iPods and docks are standard.

The food and drink

A "petit-déjeuner du terroir" – fruit, cheeses, charcuterie and pastries – is laid out in the vaulted kitchen. There's a tapas menu and, with a day's notice, deli owner Michel Aninat will prepare regional dishes.

The extras

The small spa use natural local ingredients.

The access

Access is limited because of steps. Children are welcome. Small pets allowed.

The bill

From £130 per room per night b&b.

The address

Le Couvent d'Hérépian, 2 Rue de Couvent, 34600 Hérépian, France (00 33 4 67 11 87 15; www.couventherepian.com).