Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
This charming, immaculate 2-bedroomed cottage is in the village of Cailhavel, set in beautiful countryside with vineyards and montains as far as the eye can see. Cailhavel is a small hill-top 'circulade' village about 20 minutes drive from Carcassonne and about 15-minutes from Limoux and Mirepoix - all fascinating places to explore.
The property is a restored former farm cottage and provides both a romantic, rural feel together with modern comforts. It has renovated stone walls, exposed beams and a lovely welcoming ambience. The property is open all year round and features a wood-burning stove for the cooler months as well as central heating. All the rooms in the cottage are very nicely styled and furnished making for a lovely holiday home. Two exterior terraces are available for you - for barbecuing, dining or simply relaxing with a book and a cool drink.
The overall setting is rural but with good access by car to all the sight-seeing highlights in this lovely region. It's great too if you love walking, cycling, bird-watching or photography. Bread is delivered to Cailhavel daily and there are mobile shops (butchers, fishmonger and grocery) that deliver weekly. There are several small supermarkets, shops, restaurants and bars in 2 local villages, both less than a 10-minute drive.
Alouette terrace
Gite Alouette exterior and terrace
Dining kitchen
Double bedroom
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/62456
The Languedoc-Roussillon / Aude region
This part of the Languedoc has a sunny Mediterranean climate. It can be hot in summer, but the temperature is often tempered by a breeze. Now the 3rd most visited region in France by British people, the Languedoc offers something for everyone. Miles of long, sandy beaches, coastal lagoons, vibrant cities such as Narbonne and Montpellier, historical sites such as Carcassonne and the Cathar castles, fabulous scenery, great cuisine and vineyards, vineyards, vineyards.
Carcassonne / Cailhavel area
Cailhavel is a pretty, rural village with mobile shops as described above. The larger villages of Montreal and Belveze du Razes are both less than a 10-minute drive away. Here you'll find small supermarkets, shops, post offices, pharmacies, newsagents, restaurants and bars.
As well as walking and cycling on the many marked tracks and footpaths which surround Cailhavel, the outdoor swimming complex in Montreal is open in July and August. There are also tennis courts there. Indoor swimming pools can be found in Limoux and Carcassonne. For golfers, Carcassonne has an excellent golf course. Locally horse-riding, canoeing and fishing are also available.
This is a fantastic centre for exploring this lovely region. Carcassonne is only a 20 minutes drive away where you can visit the fairytale medieval city. Carcassonne has festivals in July and August, and a Christmas market. Don't miss a visit to Mirepoix, probably one of the most stunning medieval bastide towns we have ever seen.
You can also Limoux, again a very interesting town where the sparkling wine 'Blanquette de Limoux' is produced. Limoux has it's festival in February and March. Castelnaudary is the 'capital' of the local famous dish 'Cassoulet' and even has a cassoulet festival in August. The town has a great canal basin, public swimming pools, and a cinema. Castelnaudary is the main training centre for the French Foreign Legion.
For lovers of the montains you can visit the Pyrenees and Andorra to the South and the Black Mountains to the North. For those of you interested in Cathar history, there are several Cathar castles to visit as well as Rennes-le-Chateau for those of you interested in the Holy Grail stories.
Markets: There are some fantastic markets locally - very colourful and offering lots of fresh, seasonal local produce. Mirepoix on a Monday; Carcassonne on a Tuesday; Limoux - Wednesday evenings in July and August; Bram - Thursday; Esperaza - Friday; Limoux - Saturday etc etc.
Restaurants: 2 restaurants in the nearby villages of Montreal and Belveze du Razes, but a very wide choice in Carcassonne, Limoux and Mirepoix.
Supermarkets: Locally in Montreal and Belveze du Razes, and larger ones in Carcassonne, Limoux, Castelnaudary and Mirepoix.
How to get there
By Car: Cailhavel is situated West South West of Carcassonne - the nearest exit on the Autoroute A61 is No: 22 Bram.
By Air: the nearest airport is Carcassonne - some 20 minutes drive away. This airport is serviced by the low-cost airline Ryanair from various airports in the UK and Eire. The next nearest airports are Tolouse and Beziers - both just over an hour's drive. Perpignan airport is another good possibility - approx. 11/2 hour's drive.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Carcassonne.
Full directions will be sent to you once you make a booking
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Carcassonne: 20 km
Railway:
Carcassonne: 20 km
Activities near Carcassonne
Sports: Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Internet access, DVD player
General:
Central heating, CD player, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
Single beds (2), Double beds (1), Cots (1), Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 4, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, BBQ
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: LIving / Dining Room and Kitchen: This a light and airy space on the ground floor with renovated stone walls and exposed beams. There's a lovely wood-burning stove for the cooler months, surrounded by a 2-seater sofa,two armchairs and a coffe table.
For your entertainment there's a TV receiving both French and English channels, a DVD and a CD player. You can also access the internet via your own laptop and a WiFi connection. The dining area has a good size table and 4 chairs and looks out onto the terrace through French windows.
The kitchen has a hob, oven, fridge/freezer,dishwasher, washing machine and microwave is well equipped for cooking. It completes the convivial atmosphere of this open plan living area.
Bedrooms: On the first floor, the master bedroom is a lovely double room with an exposed stone wall and plenty of storage and hanging. The other room is a twin room, again with storage and hanging. Both rooms are very pleasantly and simply styled, decorated and furnished.
On the landing, you'll find a collection of books and indoor and outdoor games for your entertainment - and a quiet corner in which to read.
Shower Room: This is very nicely finished with a shower, washbasin, bidet and WC. A hairdryer is provided so you don't have to bring one in your luggage.
Extras to make your baggage allowance go further, or lighten the load in your car: Bed linen and towels supplied including beach towels, a hairdryer, a range of DVDs, a cot, a cool box, and a picnic set for those days out sight-seeing. Enjoy!
Further details outdoors: Outside: Immediately through the French windows is a lovely paved terrace area with a table and 4 chairs, a parasol and a barbecue. An ideal sun-trap in the afternoons! There's also a second terrace you can use which is opposite the cottage and shaded by a fig tree - ideal for those who prefer not to sit in the direct sun. There is safe and covered parking for up to 2 cars.
Further details
Baby Facilities: A cot, high chair and stair gate are available on request - please request when booking.
Cooler Weather Heating: The gite can be centrally heated from October to April and you can also use the wood burning stove - this makes the gite ideal for stays outside the main holiday season as it is nice and cosy. The supplementary charge for both types od heating is 35 euros per week, payable direct to the owners.
Electric and Water: are included in the rental cost.
End of stay cleaning: Is included in the rental cost.
Bed and bathroom linen: Is included in the rental cost.
Taxe de Sejour: In France it is necessary to pay a taxe de sejour at the end of your stay. It has been included here in the rental cost.
Damage Deposit: The owners request a damage deposit of 140 Euros on arrival, or the equivalent in Sterling. This will be refunded to you at the end of your holiday less the replacement cost of any breakages.
Change over Day: normally Saturday in the High and Peak Season - but please enquire for availability.
Long weekend stays and mini breaks: May be available out of High and Peak Season - please enquire.
Pets: are not permitted here - sorry.
Smoking: is not permitted here - sorry.
Conditions
Please see rental details and conditions above.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low Season
16 Nov 08
4 Apr 09
438£438
0-
0-
4 Nights
Easter weeks
4 Apr 09
18 Apr 09
495£495
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
18 Apr 09
1 May 09
438£438
0-
0-
4 Nights
Mid Season
1 May 09
1 Jun 09
495£495
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
1 Jun 09
1 Jul 09
547£547
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak Season
1 Jul 09
1 Sep 09
677£677
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
1 Sep 09
1 Oct 09
547£547
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
1 Oct 09
1 Nov 09
495£495
0-
0-
4 Nights
Low Season
1 Nov 09
19 Dec 09
438£438
0-
0-
1 Week
81
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Please note the owners requirement for a damage deposit. Please enquire the rental price for SCHOOL HOLIDAYS that are outside the peak season.
Preferred payment method, UK cheque or sterling internet/bank transfer. Payment can also be made by credit or debit card. We can also accept payment in Euros by bank transfer - please enquire.
Shorter lettings than 1 week may be available - please enquire, especially out of Peak and High Season
Guestbook
VERY CLEAN, recently renovated, helpful owners, good location for the Cathar country, lovely valley - we were very satisfied. Miss McP, North Yorkshire, UK, Sept 2008. (2 weeks)
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL, every little detail has been thought about. Mr. P, Kent, UK - August 2008 (3 weeks!)
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/62456
Contact details for home 62456
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Sue Caddick
Tel:
+44 (0)1509 600228
Mobile:
+44 (0)781 4656402
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: E-mail anytime
Advertiser joined: 19 Dec 2006 This property added: 16 Jun 2008
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