Authentic Charm-Filled French Village House Caunes Minervois Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 132313
Location: Caunes Minervois, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, Europe (Carcassonne 20 minutes; Toulouse airport 1 1/2 hours)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4)
La Gaillarde is a beautifully restored French village house located on a narrow cobblestone pedestrian-only lane in the heart of the Medieval village of Caunes Minervois. Its walls are stone and pastel-colored plaster, its floors are wood and tile, and the furnishings are antiques purchased at local village markets. La Gaillarde has all the charm of the 16th century with all the conveniences of the 21st.
When you enter the house from the tranquil, pedestrian-only lane, you'll step into a comfortable sitting room, off of which is the downstairs bathroom. Beyond the sitting room is a large bedroom with exposed stone walls and twin beds that can be put together to form a king-sized bed. The bedroom opens out into a private courtyard, perfect for sipping your morning espresso and savoring the croissants you purchased at the boulangerie just around the corner.
On the second floor is the country kitchen with an enormous fireplace and round oak table that seats 6. Beyond the kitchen is the living room with pale blue plaster walls, comfortable antiques and french doors opening into a lush garden. In the corner of the garden is an outdoor table where you can enjoy a lazy luncheon under the cherry tree, sip a sunset aperitif or dine romantically under the stars.
Upstairs, is the sun-drenched master bedroom with its plaster walls and deep window overlooking the garden. And then there's the master bath - an elegant room centered by an antique claw foot tub perfect for relaxing after a strenuous day hiking in the hills outside the village or exploring some of the many local wine chateaux.
We have two lovely gardens at the back of the house. The lower one opens off the guest suite and the upper one, flower-filled and sunny in the afternoons, opens off the living-room.
The house is located right in the middle of the village - just a minute's walk from the 8th century abbey, a village market, two boulangeries, a gourmet country restaurant, a typical cafe, small specialty stores carrying everything you need to cook your own french feasts, and local wineries where you can taste and buy exquisite vintages for less than $10/bottle.
A sparkling river, L'Argent Double, runs through the village, vineyards spread out below it, and the Black Mountain, with hiking trails that could take you off for days is right outside our back door. Nearby the village are numerous vineyards and wine chateaux, historic castles and the Canal du Midi.
We're talking Paradise here!
Carcassonne, a Medieval walled village and the second most visited tourist site in France, is 20 minutes away with fine restaurants, antique shops, museums, movie theatres and boutiques.
The Canal du Midi, a world heritage site, is 10 minutes from the house. You can rent a canal boat for a day or a week, ride your bike down the tow-path alongside, or stop for lunch at an outdoor cafe along its banks. The beach is only an hour away - and cities like Perpignon, Narbonne, Avignon, Toulouse, Montpelier and Arles are all within a couple of hours. You can get to Carcassonne by air or fast train, or fly into the international airport in Toulouse.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- VCR
- CD Player
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Exploring vineyards and wine chateaux, castles, Roman ruins and prehistoric sites. Boating and bicycling along the Canal du Midi. Hiking in the mountains directly behind the house.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$900wk./$3000mo. - June, July, Aug., Sept.
$700wk./$2500mo. - Apr., May, Oct., Nov., Dec.
$550wk./$1800mo. - Jan., Feb., March CONTACT OWNERS for 3+ month rates
A booking deposit of 50% of the rental amount is due at time of reservation. The
balance plus a $400 security deposit is due 60 days prior to arrival.
The security deposit, minus a wkly fee of $80 for electricity,
gas, water, phone and internet will be refunded within 30 days after the rental
ends. Payment can be made by PayPal, wire transfer or check. PayPal preferred.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- garden off living room - France Rental
- Living room opening out to the garden - France Rental
- guest bedroom - France Rental
- Country kitchen with huge fireplace
- master bedroom
- master bathroom
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #132313
There have been 3296 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009
