Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
The most fantastic feature of this lovely, well-presented village house is the view from it's roof terrace - you can see the rooftops and church of the ancient, sleepy village of Paraza (very typical of a village in the Midi), the surrounding countryside and vineyards, the Canal du Midi and, in the distance, the Pyrenees. This must be the best view in the village! Just a few minutes walk from the Canal, in a quiet narrow street, is this welcoming 3-storey house, maintained and decorated to a high standard. It is ideally situated for sightseeing in this lovely region and is approximately halfway between Narbonne and the Mediterranean beaches, and the medieval city of Carcassonne. This is an excellent area if you enjoy walking and cycling, and cycle hire is available in the village.
As you enter this bright and airy house, the bedrooms and shower room are on the first floor level. Bedroom 1 is a double room with ample storage and hanging; Bedroom 2 has a high level single bed and a sofa bed that can be used as a further single or double bed if your prefer. The shower room has a shower, washbasin and WC. There's a further separate WC on this floor too. Up the staircase, you'll find the main living area with a very well equipped kitchen, breakfast bar and stools. a dining table to seat 4, a comfortable sofa and armchair, international satellite TV, DVD player and a stereo system. For the colder months there's a fantastic open fire place. Another short staircase takes you to the 3rd floor level and the fantastic roof terrace, with table, reclining chairs, parasol and barbeque. You can sunbathe here, or just enjoy the lovely view, eat al fresco, or drink a glass of wine (or two!) on a warm evening watching the stars appear in the night sky.
The village of Paraza has its own interesting features with two chateaux, several wine-producers, and of course the canal, interesting in itself, and often busy with passing boats. There is an excellent canal side bar and restaurant, and another cafe in the village - both open from spring to autumn. There is a shop for bread, a butchers, and a fresh fruit and vegetable stall on a Thursday morning. Other local canal side villages such as Ventenac and Roubia offer further shops and facilities, as do the local towns of Lezignan Corbieres and Olonzac, both within 10 minutes drive.
View from roof terrace
Kitchen/dining area
Kitchen
Sunset over the Pyrenees
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/32127
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.
Paraza area
In Paraza, you can play boules and there's a tennis court, but remember to bring your equipment! Boat trips on the Canal du Midi can be enjoyed at Homps, Trebes and Carcassonne. It's a great area for walking and cycling here either in the shade of the plane trees alongside the Canal du Midi, or for the more adventurous up in the Montagne Noir.
All types of watersports can be enjoyed at the coast at Gruissan or Narbonne-Plage and the coastal lagoons are very popular for wind-surfing. You can enjoy a round of golf at Carcassonne or Beziers. In Narbonne, there's an extensive leisure centre 'Espace Liberte' with an Olympic size swimming pool and 10pin bowling.
There is an abundance of attractions in this area - it's hard to know where to start. But a visit to this area would not be complete without a trip to the medieval city of Carcassonne, the lively and attractive town of Narbonne, the Canal du Midi, the beach resorts of Gruissan and Narbonne-Plage, the vineyards of the Minervois and Corbieres, Minerve, the abbeys at Fontfroide and Lagrasse and the Cathar Castles. Children and adults alike will enjoy a day at the African Nature Reserve at Sigean where you can see over 3000 species of animals in close-to-nature surroundings. You can also buy the local wine direct from the many 'domaines' and 'cahteaux' in the area - many of whom will offer you a wine-tasting - you just need to decide who is driving first!
The Markets of the region are colourful, varied and full of local seasonal produce. Locally to Paraza they can be found at Olonzac on a Tuesday morning, Lezignan Corbieres on a Wednesday morning and in Narbonne - outdoor markets on a Thursday and Sunday morning and a superb indoor market in Les Halles every day except Sunday until 1.00pm.
Restaurants - in Paraza itself at Cafe du Port - also in the surrounding villages: Roubia, Ste Valiere, Bize Minervois, and Olonzac.
Supermarkets - there are at least 3 with 10-15 minutes drive in St Marcel sur Aude, Lezignan Corbieres and Olonzac. There's a small supermarket in the neighbouring village of Roubia.
How to get there
By Car - The village of Paraza lies just 20-25 minutes north west of Narbonne. The nearest motorway exits are No: 38 Narbonne Sud on the A9 Languedocienne or No: 25 - Lezignan Corbieres on the A61.
By Air - Carcassonne (Ryanair) and Perpignan (Flybe and Ryanair) Airports are the nearest being 45 minutes and 1 hour away respectively. Other airports close by are Nimes (1hr 30mins), Toulouse and Girona (N.Spain) both about 1hr 45 mins.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Carcassonne: 45 km
Railway:
Lezignan Corbieres: 15 km
Activities near Paraza
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (1), 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:
BBQ
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Living room / Dining Room / Kitchen: On the 2nd floor of the house; the owners have provided everything here to make you feel at home. In the sitting area there's a settee and an armchair in front of the fireplace (where you can have a fire in the colder months). There's a TV receiving international satellite channels, a DVD player and a stereo music system. The dining area has a dining table and 4 chairs, and there is also a breakfast bar with 4 stools. The kitchen is very well-equipped for cooking and has an oven, a microwave, dishwasher, 4-ring hob and an oven.
Utility room: There's a utility area in the garage with a washing machine and tumble dryer for your use. There's also storage for bikes here.
Bedrooms: The two spacious bedrooms are on the 1st floor. One is a large double room, with plenty of storage and hanging, a bedside table and CD alarm clock. The other bedroom has a high level single bed and a sofa bed which can be made up into a sigle or a double bed as you prefer. This room has drawers and a cupboard. A cot can be provided on request.
Shower room: On the 1st floor, there is a shower room with a shower, washbasin and a WC. There is a further separate WC.
Swimming pool: No swimming pool here, but the Mediterranean beaches are only 35 minutes drive. Also near Homps is the Lac du Joarres which has a man-made beach and a safe swimming area. You can also swim locally in the River Cesse which has some man-made swimming areas.
Telephone: There is no telephone here though there is a telephone box in the village.
Further details outdoors: Outside on the 3rd floor: A spacious roof terrace with a fantastic view. There's a table and reclining chairs with cushions for al fresco eating and a parasol. There's a barbeque, and a wind breaker.
Further details
Winter heating: Is available, but is not included in the rental cost. Please enquire the price if considering a low season rental.
Electric, & water: are all included in the rental cost.
End-of-stay cleaning: is included in the rental cost.
Bed & bathroom linen: is included in the rental cost.
Taxe de Sejour: in France, it is necessary to pay a “Taxe de Séjour” at the end of your stay. It has been included here in the rental cost.
Damage deposit: The owner requests a damage deposit of £150, or the equivalent in Euros on arrival and this will be refunded to you at the end of your stay, less the replacement cost of any breakages.
Change over day: Normally Saturday, but may flexible out of high season according to availability - please enquire
Long weekend stays and mini-breaks: Are available out of high season, subject to availability - please enquire.
Pets: are not permitted at this house - sorry.
Smoking: is not permitted in this house – sorry.
Conditions
Please see Rental Details and Conditions
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
11 Apr 08
31 May 08
406£406
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
31 May 08
28 Jun 08
441£441
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
28 Jun 08
30 Aug 08
609£609
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
30 Aug 08
4 Oct 08
441£441
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
4 Oct 08
13 Dec 08
406£406
0-
0-
1 Week
41
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
SPECIAL OFFER - for booking for a minimum of ONE WEEK in April and May 2008 a special rental rate of £379 per week and a FREE CASE OF WINE on arrival.
Preferred payment method is UK sterling cheque, or bank transfer. Credit cards accepted. We can also accept payment in Euros, please enquire.
Non Saturday - Saturday bookings may be available in Low and Mid Seasons.
Guestbook
Very good, clean (!), comfortable and exactly as described on this website. Miss P, Scotland, Sept 2007.
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/32127
Contact details for home 32127
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: 25 Jul 2007