Escape the busy tourist resorts and discover an unknown area of France with its spectacular backdrop of mountainous peaks. A romantic idyll in a picturesque setting with its famous Cathar Castle perched high above.
Wake up to the church bells, the birds singing and the sun pouring through the windows. Enjoy a peaceful breakfast on the balcony - what better way to start the day! Nestling in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the Aude, the house backs onto a field with fantastic views and the Chateau de Puilaurens behind you. It comfortably sleeps 7 plus a baby, and is an ideal base to explore rural France, the region and to savour the local wines.
Our aim is to make you feel you are home from home. We try to provide everything you could need in equipment and comfort. If you feel like cooking a gourmet meal, you can, if you want a quiet evening in front of the television or with music you can.
There are 3 double bedrooms plus a cot, and 1 single bedroom. There is a courtyard to the front of the property, ideal for alfresco dining. The house has a garden about 50 yards away, but the large grass field next to the house is just as accessible and no-one seems to mind it being used for the odd game of football!
Accommodation:
Ground Floor:
Living room with Woodburner
Dining area
Kitchen
Bathroom (Shower/WC)
Terrace
First Floor:
1 Double Bedroom
1 Twin Bedroom
Landing area leading to Balcony
Wash Basin
Second Floor:
1 Double Bedroom
1 Single Bedroom (with balcony)
Bathroom (Shower/WC)
Facilities include:
Satellite TV/Video (BBC/ITV)
Stereo System (CD/Radio)
Fridge
Microwave
Iron & Board
Hairdryer
Travel cot
Child booster seat
Washing Machine
Gas/Electric Cooker
Telephone
Barbecue & Outdoor Table & Chairs
Gas Central Heating throughout
The River Boulzane runs though the village and offers peace and tranquility. The lovely walk down to Lapradelle, with boulangerie, bar, restaurant and grocers, takes about 10-15 minutes and follows the river course. The whole area is one of peaks, gorges, valleys and spectacular scenery. Both the Mediterranean Sea and Ski-resorts are about an hour's drive. Closest towns are Axat and Quillan, 10 and 20 minutes drive.
No smoking. No pets.
LOCAL AREA
You can walk up to the Cathar Castle at Puilaurens, which takes about three quarters of an hour. The views are well worth the effort.
There are numerous opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, climbing, cycling, riding, and walking. Or just enjoy the spectacular scenery.
There are lakes for swimming at Puivert (30 mins drive), Chalabre and Arques and the Gorges de Galamus offers 3 rock pools deep enough to swim. There is an open air pool at Axat with slides and shutes and a small open air pool at St. Paul de Fenouillet.
There are numerous sandy beaches including Canet-Plage, St Cyprien and Argeles, with an Aquapark at St Cyprien. Further south to Collioure, Port-Vendres and Banyuls the beaches become smaller and less commercialised.
Ski resorts at Mijanes, Formigueres and Les Angles 1 hour. Andorra 2 hours. Barcelona 3 hours.
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Independent Comment
An endearing cottage-style village house (shaped not unlike a wedge of cheese!) in a pretty little village in a picturesque area in the southern Corbieres, best known for the majestic ruined Cathar castles (with one right behind the house) and excellent Corbieres and Roussillon wines. The house is towards the end of a traditional narrow village street with lovely views to the craggy hills beyond, especially from the first floor balcony. It is a “comfy” home with some unusual features including rustic doors to the winding wooden staircases which adds to the cottage charm. The upstairs bedrooms over 2 floors and large 1st floor landing all have their own character, whilst the open plan ground floor living area is homely and relaxing, having admired the view from the adjacent patio with a glass of local wine.
© A Week or 2 in Languedoc |
