No pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Whether you want to just soak up the beautiful scenery, explore the Cathar castles, walk in the mountains, sample wine from the Corbieres vineyards, canoe down the Aude, go horse riding from the village, or discover the holy secrets of Rennes-le-Chateau, a holiday at Les Reves has something for everyone.
The flexible accommodation consists of two dwellings - one for up to 11 people and the other for up to 4 - and can be rented either separately or together. Both have been completely modernised and refurnished over the past couple of years and have their own private terraces.
They sit in large grounds that are on the edge of a pretty village - Arques. There is a private swimming pool, summer kitchen, table tennis table, bikes etc.
The pool
Les Reves
One of the newly appointed bedrooms
The terrace outside Auriga
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/17222
The Languedoc-Roussillon / Aude region
Languedoc-Roussillon is a region of great visual contrasts and a fascinating history. In addition to the spectacular and largely undiscovered Prynenees, just three of the region's highlights are....
City of Carcassonne
Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral. Carcassonne is also of exceptional importance because of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of the modern science of conservation. A visit to the visually spectacular medieval city of Carcassonne is a must. This is where filming has taken place for many films including Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
Cathar Castles
Romantic and ruined, the medieval fortresses which range in a broad arc around Carcassonne have come to be known as the Cathar castles, though in fact many of the castles in question were built after the Cathars' demise. The Cathars were a sect strong in this part of France, who were proscribed as heretics by Pope Innocent III. The area has had a torrid history. None more so than during the 13th century when the Cathars were persecuted by Simon de Montfort. But the Cathars hill-top castles remain as spectacular as ever.
Canal du Midi
This 360-km network of navigable waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic through 328 structures (locks, aqueducts, bridges, tunnels, etc.) is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times. Built between 1667 and 1694, it paved the way for the Industrial Revolution. The care that its creator, Pierre-Paul Riquet, took in the design and the way it blends with its surroundings turned a technical achievement into a work of art.
Arques area
Rennes-le-Chateau (Birthplace of 'The Da Vinci Code'?)
Rennes-le-Chateau is a small village perched on a mountain top that has a staggering history. It is here that in the 19th Century the local priest is said to have discovered the Holy Grail! For those interested in such things there are many books on the subject and in the 1970s the BBC broadcast a series of documentaries on Rennes. If you have read 'The Da Vinci Code' then you will also recognise a number of names and stories here, as recently Tony Robinson discovered in his television programme 'The Real Da Vinci Code'.
Canoeing & White Water Rafting
There are many places locally where you can enjoy the thrills and spills of canoeing and white water rafting. It mainly takes place on the Aude which runs north out of the Pyrenees towards Carcassonne and eventually to the Mediterranean Sea. The whole family can join in and you don’t need previous experience. The closest canoe starting point is at Couiza just 10 minutes away by car.
Gorges de Galamus
There are a number of spectacular gorges in the area, non more so than the Gorges de Galamus. Here you can visit a mysterious hermitage built precariously on the side of the gorge and also view strange people ‘canyoning’ – throwing themselves into the water at one end of the gorge and hopefully getting to the other end in one piece!
Horse Riding
Enjoy a ride through the magnificent scenery with the instructor that taught Kevin Costner to ride in the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves! The stables are in the village just a 2 minute walk from the house.
Chateau d’Arques
Just 5 minutes walk is the Donjon on the western side of Arques. This is a 13th century castle, although an earlier castle was burnt to the ground by Simon de Montfort in 1217. It is open to the public.
Walking in the Hills & Mountains
The Pyrenees are both spectacular and largely undiscovered. There are many easy walks locally or you can drive into the high Pyrenees within the hour where you can find walks and climbs to suit all ages and abilities.
Windsurfing & Swimming
There is a beautiful lake just outside the village where you can swim, windsurf or just enjoy the view (10 minutes walk or 2 minutes in the car). There is also a large lake with watersports at Carcassonne.
Skiing
In the winter, skiing is also easily within reach, with the nearest ski resort only 45 minutes away. The high mountains of Andorra are within 1 hour 30 minutes drive.
Tennis
Excellent all-weather tennis court, just 100 yards away.
Tree Walking
You can walk amongst the trees on suspended walkways and ropes in exciting tree walking adventure playgrounds for all the family. Nearest is at Alet-le-Bains just 20 minutes away.
Do Nothing
Or you can simply relax by the pool and soak up the delights of doing nothing!
How to get there
There are a range of airlines and airports that serve the area.
The nearest airport is Carcassonne (40 minutes away) which is served by Ryanair from London Stansted, Liverpool and East Midlands.
In addition Flybe fly to Perpignan (1 hr 15 minutes) and British Airways and Easyjet fly to Toulouse (1 hr 30 minutes).
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Carcassonne: 30 km
Railway:
Couiza: 8 km
Activities near Arques
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, DVD player
General:
Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Table tennis, Satellite TV
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