About Us
Villa Ripaud
Nestled on the edge of the spectacular Narbonnaise en Mediterranée National Park, surrounded by rocky gorges and rivers, lies this idyllically placed property. Villa Ripaud was originally built in early 1900 as a Railway station/Auberge for the old railway linking the coast to Narbonne via the vineyards and wineries in the Corbieres. It is now a family home and accommodation for holidays and residential courses. Situated on the Route des vins and Chemin des Cathars, it’s perfectly placed to enjoy the rugged natural beauty of the countryside. Wine, castles, breathtaking scenery, wild swimming on the doorstep and the vibrant city of Narbonne and beautiful Mediterranean beaches are just a 25 minute drive.
The Owners
Nikki looks after the marketing, website, bookings and day-to-day administration at Villa Ripaud, helping to ensure every guest enjoys a warm welcome from the moment they enquire.
Originally from the UK, Nikki has lived in France since 2004 and enjoys sharing her knowledge of the region with visitors. With a background in IT, marketing and publishing, she combines her professional experience with a passion for hospitality.
Nikki is also the author of “What Have We Got Toulouse? – A Family Moving to France”, a light-hearted account of her family’s move from the UK to France. She is currently working on her second book about raising a family and building a life in France.
Host & Horticultural Consultant
Gary looks after the day-to-day running of Villa Ripaud, welcoming guests and preparing breakfast each morning to help everyone start the day well.
With more than 40 years’ experience in horticulture, landscape design and consultancy, Gary has worked as a university lecturer, garden designer and business owner in both the UK and France. His lifelong passion for plants and the natural environment gives him a wealth of knowledge about the local landscape and gardens of the region.
When he’s not looking after guests or maintaining the grounds at Villa Ripaud, Gary continues to undertake specialist horticultural consultancy projects.
English (UK) 
Français