Arc-en-Ciel is on the south-facing edge of the village of Azillanet in the Midi. The villages in this area have a French character with a Spanish feel to them. It's a beautiful spot, with mountains behind and vineyards as far as the eye can see. The Pyrenees can be seen in the distance to the south.

Wild flowers are abundant, especially in spring, when the countryside is covered with red poppies; varieties of orchids and many others. The area is rich in bird life including birds of prey. It is a nature-lovers' paradise. The countryside is always green, even in winter, because of the many cypress, pine and olive trees.

In the summer the hot sun and the sound of the cicadas give the whole day a magical quality and one is lulled, into a feeling of gentle relaxation.

Accommodation

Arc-en-Ciel offers self-catering or bed and breakfast accommodation. Self catering, Bed and Breakfast or Half-board bookings are options for the guest. Holidays are tailor made, from the simplest renting of a gite (self catering accommodation), to full blown holidays including activities such as yoga, meditation and healing workshops. Therapies on offer include massage and reiki. There is time to do as little or as much as you wish.

The catering is wholesome and includes vegetarian, fish and meat dishes.

The accommodation consists of 3 large bedrooms - 2 are en-suite and can each sleep 3 people. The other is a double room. There is a large country kitchen with lounge space, dining area and a beautiful, huge marble fireplace.

There is an extra toilet downstairs for guests and a large room for yoga, workshops etc. There is also the use of a lovely garden and inflatable swimming pool for guests.

Holidays run right through the year. In winter, the emphasis is on indoor pursuits, of course.

When there is a special seminar or workshop, there is accommodation for extra visitors at the lovely Chambres d'Hote just over the road, where our friendly neighbour Marie-Paul makes guests very welcome.

LOCAL AREA

Azillanet has a small grocery shop. Visiting sales vans bring bread and provisions too. The 'cave' is just up the road and the restaurant (summer) has a delightfully French atmosphere. 

The small town of Olonzac has all the facilities and a bustling market. Lake Jouarres is 10 minutes away where you can swim, fish, do water-sports and is also a good area for cycling and walking. It has a pebble beach, free parking, a café, lifeguards, barbecue facilities, gardens and grass for sunbathing and games.

There are many medieval towns and villages of note, including Minerve a few minutes away. The nearest seaside beach - 50 minutes away, at Narbonne-Plage - is long and sandy. Walks in the mountains afford breathtaking scenery. The senses are charged with the smell of thyme trodden underfoot. Rosemary, lavender, juniper, sage and hollyoaks grow everywhere around the rocky outcrops and under the olive and pine trees. The freshness of the energy touches the soul.

Please quote 'A Week or 2 in Languedoc' when contacting the owners: