Location: Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, Europe (Quillan - 1 Hour from Either Perpignan or Carcassonne) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2 Baths (Sleeps 5)
Keywords: Village House, ensuite, renovated, in town, view, new kitchen
Kitchen renovated May 2011 now offers ample counter space for cooking up those great market finds!
Located in the heart of Cathar Country, this quaint, renovated house is located on a quiet square in the center of Quillan. View of Chateau and just two houses from the Aude River. Walking to all amenities (bakeries, cafes, restaurants, train station, post office, banks, swimming pool, etc.).
Each spacious bedroom is totally private on a separate floor with its own bath featuring towel warmers. Windows face the chateau and offer ample light. Heat is electric. Kitchen is located on the ground floor. Comfortable beds with plenty of pillows. Nice linens in bedrooms and baths.
Quillan is a small town and commune in the Aude département, in southwestern France located at the foothills of the Pyrenees, on the road between Carcassonne and Perpignan. Located at the top of the Haute Valley of the Aude, close to the mountains, this is an excellent area for hiking and mountain biking as well. Horseback Riding is available nearby and the views are amazing. Take a short trail ride or sign up for multiple days.
Through the Pierre Lys and St Georges gorges, enjoy 12 km of sporting river! Rafters, white water swimmers, and kayakers from all levels of ability are offered the most exceptional water sports spot in the Pyrenees.
Markets in Quillan are on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Surrounding villages host markets, so you are likely to find a market nearby every day of the week. Why stay in a hotel, when you can rent an entire house and enjoy the many flavors from the markets.
Bugarach (30 minutes) has been in the news lately as many are convinced a nearby mountain will help them escape the end of the world in 2012. This is a quaint farming town of 189 residents. For more info, Google "Bugarach."
Carcassonne is a must see and just one hour away. The medieval walled town lies on the right bank of the River Aude and is featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It has 52 towers and 2 rings of town walls making a total of 3 km of battlements. There is no restriction on access to this area of Carcassonne. It is still home today to its population of approximately 120 and it boasts a large number of shops and craftsmen.
Saint-Hilaire (40 minutes) - Home of the blanquette. See the old benedictine abbey, the cloister in the church, and a sarcophagus decorated with scenes of the martyrdom of St sernin.
Limoux (30 minutes) - Famous for its 3-month long carnival. - Catha-Rama : a 30-min audio-visual show about the cathar religion and history. Musée-Petiet: a "belle époque" museum. Numerous Blanquette wine cellars, wine tasting and buying.
Alet les Bains (25 minutes) - Health spa- Village built around its abbey, old bishopric. Beautiful half-timbered houses in the village, after the old wash bridge supplied with a continuous flow of thermal water. Bring your empty water bottles and fill up with natural spring water and do laundry if you are into hand-washing!
Espéraza (15 minutes)- This village has been marked since the 19th century by the production of felt hats- In the old station, visit the museum of Millinery - Dinosaurs Museum: the paleontological excavation area that supplies the museum is open to the public in July and August, at a 5 km distance in Campagne/Aude.
Rennes le Chateau (15 minutes) - Loved The Da Vinci Code? Visit Rennes le Chateau, a small medieval castle village and a commune in the Aude département, in the Languedoc area in southern France. It is known internationally, and receives tens of thousands of visitors per year, for being at the center of various conspiracy theories. Starting in the 1950s, a local restaurant owner, in order to increase business, had spread rumors of a hidden treasure found by a 19th century priest. The story achieved national fame in France, and was then enhanced and expanded by various hoaxsters, who claimed that the priest, Father Bérenger Saunière, had found proof of a secret society known as the Priory of Sion. The story and society were later proven to be a hoax, but became the origin for hypotheses in documentaries and bestselling books such as Holy Blood Holy Grail and The Da Vinci Code. The village is still considered by tourists to be packed with clues to an alternate view of religious history which has long existed in the area.
Visit the famous Cathar Castles - Chateau de Peyrepertuse a Duilhac--If you see only one Cathar castle, make it Peyrpertuse (via the Gorges de Galamus-see below). You can drive most of the way up to its limestone outcrop, but the trail, on worn limestone footing, takes you around the back of the castle and undergoes several elevation changes. They won't let you use the path in a storm. It's treacherous when wet. Must be able to walk on uneven ground, as it is a bit of a hike from the parking lot.
Gorges de Galamus - For a magnificent day out - take a drive to the Gorges of Galamus, near St Paul de Fenouillet (from Quillan, take D117 towards Perpignan) and follow signs in from St Paul de Fenouillet.
You can see Peyrepertuse easily in one day along with nearby Chateau de Queribus in Cucugnan and Chateau de Puilaurens in Lapradelle. The drive between them is quite nice.
Head to Perpignan and spend the day at the beach (just an hour away) at your choice of village on the Mediterranean. St Cyprien-Plage is an attractive seaside town on the Mediterranean coast which can boast 342 days sunshine per year. The town has many amenities and attractions to make your stay enjoyable. The old town of St Cyprien lies 6km inland.
Mirepoix (1 hour) - Situated in the Ariége country, Mirepoix offers a wide range of shops and restaurants most of them under, or not far from, 15th century oak arcades framing the market square. Be sure not to miss St Maurice’s cathedral or the medieval corbelled half-timbered houses. Mirepoix holds its weekly market on Monday mornings.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Washer on lower floor of house.
- Linens Provided : Sheets and towels are of high quality.
- Off Street Parking : Ample parking on square.
- Beds
- Queen Bed : Memory foam mattress topper purchased May 2011 make this a comfortable bed.
- Double Bed : Memory foam mattress for ultimate comfort.
- Entertainment
- Music Library : IPod with varied music collection/IPod Dock
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : New cabinets with ample counter space. Fridge, gas range. All necessary cookware, dishes, glassware, etc...
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- View/Location
- Monument View : View of Chateau de Quillan.
- Communications
- Broadband Internet : High speed DSL
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : Well behaved children welcome.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
Rate Details (In Euros)
Oct-Apr .. €325/week (55€ per night + 50€ cleaning fee, min 3 nights)
May, Jun & Sept .. €375/week (60€ per night + 50€ cleaning fee, min 3 nights)
Jul-Aug .. €425/week (75€ per night + 50€ cleaning fee, min 3 nights)
Fifth person: add 65€ Single bed only: add 35€
Security Deposit - €250 (refunded, less damages, after cleaning & inspection)
25% deposit due at booking (non-refundable)
Final payment due 60 days prior (partially refundable only if dates rebooked)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Charming House - Historic Village of Quillan - South of France
Year Purchased: 2007
Why the Owner Chose Aude
Having spent some of my childhood in the area with my grandmother, it was an impulsive purchase during a vacation in 2006. My husband has also always loved the area and we are anxious to explore the area further now that we have done so much work on the house.
The Unique Benefits at this House
The daily fresh bread of course! This area of France has so much to offer as far as sites to visit. The Cathar region has become a very desirable area to visit and explore. It is fascinating to see how they built fortresses on rocks and cliffs. There are so many little towns where one can explore the architecture from various centuries. The river offers rafting, kayaking, etc, with the beach an hour away. In winter, one can hit the slopes in just over an hour. Spain is 1.5 hours away. The Pyrenees are waiting to be explored as well.
Owner's Map of Aude
Celine and David are the owners of the property. We purchased this 150+ old village house with nothing but a kitchen sink and a toilet and turned it into a very comfortable home. We have raised two daughters and now have two grandsons and we live on beautiful Whidbey Island in Washington state.
Property Photos
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- New Kitchen - Travel to Carcassonne, France
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- Sitting area in kitchen - Travel to Carcassonne, France
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- Bedroom 1 - Travel to Carcassonne, France
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- Sitting area in Bedroom 1
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- Bath 1
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- Bedroom 2
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- Bathroom 2
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- House Front
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- Quillan from above
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- The River Aude runs through Quillan
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- Owners on Place de la Republique, Quillan (on the river)
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- Rennes le Chateau
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- Carcassonne
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- Horseback on Plateau
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- Collioure
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- Pereypertuse
Traveler Reviews (23)
Great place to stay!
Guest: yface
(dublin)
Date of Stay: 12/30/11
Review Submitted: 01/11/12
This is a lovely house right in the centre of Quillan. It had everything we could have needed for our week including bicycles and an i-pod full of great music. The bed is really comfy and there is a power shower full of hot water perfect after a days walking. We ate several nights in the Cafe du Fleuve on the square near the river which was excellent. It only serves local food and wine and the bill with 2 mains and a bottle of wine came to €40. We cooked at home several nights too and the kitchen which worked our really well. There is plenty of parking in the square in front of the house. I would recommend renting a car as getting around would be tricky otherwise. All in all, we had a great time and I will be returning again in the future.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers.
Quillan - Hidden Gem
Guest: worzleSydney
(North Balgowlah, NSW, Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11
Review Submitted: 10/14/11
The house is in a small quiet square, centrally located in Quillan-boulangerie, bars and restaurants all within walking distance. It is comfortable and well equipped with everything we required for our stay. Falling to sleep with the sound of the river in the background was delightful-we had great September weather warm and sunny so windows open. Quillan is a fantastic base for exploring the Cathar Country. If you enjoy markets then the Sunday market as Espezel and Wednesday market at Quillan are fun. We also had a memorable meal at Le Relais du Pays de Sault, Espezel - wild boar head on the wall! The owners were really helpfull and there was plenty of information at the house to help plan our days-one week was no where near long enough to explore everything or try out the bikes - next time!
Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.
Great time in Quillan
Guest: Janell
(Las Vegas)
Date of Stay: 09/07/11
Review Submitted: 09/30/11
We had a great time staying here in Quillan.It was very quiet and peaceful.I loved kind of just mingling with the neighbors and not crowded with tourists. There was plenty to see all around. Wish we could have had more time there.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children.
Honeymoon Destination
Guest: Cait
(Eugene, Oregon USA)
Date of Stay: 08/22/11
Review Submitted: 09/02/11
My husband and I had a fabulous time in Quillan. The home is well appointed and very comfortable. We loved falling asleep to the sound of the Aude each night in the large cozy bed. Upon arrival, we rented a car and Quillan proved to be a fabulous jumping off point from which to explore castles, wineries and even the beach! We hope to come back again to enjoy the relaxing ambiance of Quillan, the delicious food of the region, and the lovely hospitality of Celine and David. Thank you!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
Great base to explore the surrounding area
Guest: Angela
(Ladysmith, B.C. Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/08/11
Review Submitted: 08/22/11
We spent a very enjoyable week in this house. It was bright, clean, comfortable, spacious and offered the extras all travellers appreciate, i.e. washing machine, iron, board, heated towel rails, good size bathroom and good detailed info sheets. There are so many interesting things to see and do in the area. After one week in Quillan we were beginning to feel very much at home and could have happily spent a further week. The house has steep stairs, so maybe not suitable for small children, but teenagers would love the upper bedroom (with its own bathroom). We would definitely recommend this house.
Owner response:So glad you enjoyed the house and area. We appreciate your business and look forward to your return for that second week!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, age 55+, sightseeing.
Return to Cathar Country
Guest: Steve
(Charlottesville, VA USA)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
I passed through Quillan in 2004 and vowed to return to explore the many Cathar castles in the area. The house is a perfect base as most of the castles (yes, I know, they have all been rebuilt since Cathar times) are within a couple of hours drive. I was completely satisfied with the house. It's located on a pleasant square within walking distance of many restaurants AND the delightful Au Coin des Gourmets Patisserie that Celine recommended. Not only was the house well-maintained, but the kitchen had just been redone. But I rarely used it, preferring to partake of the wonderful restaurants in town. Of the three hotel restaurants in the neighborhood, I liked Canal the best but the other 2 were certainly worth a visit. Less formal but also good is Le Capio across the square from the patisserie. Celine was very responsive and helpful both with my initial questions about the house and then via email when I was staying in the house. I would love to return some day!!
Owner response:Totally amazed at how many castles these folks visited during their stay, but hope they missed a few so that they come back to stay again. Thanks for booking with us!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.
Comfortable and modern base in a 'Time Warp'
Guest: Couple from 'Down Under'
(Melbourne Australia)
Date of Stay: 04/10/11
Review Submitted: 04/24/11
Coming all the way from Australia and dealing with all the renting details of this property over the internet one never knew quite how it would all work out. Well I can report all went well and we were delighted with the comfortable base this property afforded us to explore the region. What we liked was the fact you are 'embedded' in the village and after a few days feel like you are part of it. Quaint property in a quaint little village. If you are wanting the bright lights and shopping then you have the wrong location! If you want to explore the Cathar Fortresses, enjoy sampling the local wine or as we did love exploring the tiny mountain roads of the Pyrenees then you have got it spot on.Its also a great spot to launch a visit to Barcelona. We stayed in Barcelona one night and took in the sights and talented architecture of Gaudi. If you think the South of France could interest you..............book this charming house..you wont be disappointed!
Owner response:I very much enjoyed communicating with these folks before from down under, before, during and after their visit. Thanks for choosing us and we hope to have you as our guests again! Celine and David
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
Great place to stay!
Guest: M & T
(Willis, MI USA)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11
Review Submitted: 04/08/11
My husband and I loved having two bathrooms and two bedrooms: he claimed one bedroom as his dressing room! The house has everything we needed for a very enjoyable self-catering stay. The village is lovely and the people pleasant. One neighbor even took me by the arm and introduced me to her hairdresser when I told her I needed a haircut! We had a great time exploring the area and visiting Cathar castles. Since we were here in March, we really had them to ourselves. I would recommend this accommodation to anyone looking for a comfortable place and an interesting area. The market in Experaza is well worth a visit.
Owner response:Thanks M and T for your lovely comment. It was great to have you as our guests and we hope you will return someday. Enjoy the remainder of your vacation! Celine and David
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.
Guest: AJ & Lauri
(-)
Date of Stay: 03/07/11
Review Submitted: 03/11/11
Dropping you a quick note before we leave - wanted to thank you for allowing us to use your home. This week has been a great experience - Quillan has proved to be not only the perfect base to explore the southern areas but the weather finally changed from windy and slate overcast to bluebird skies!!!! We've enjoyed our stay - and all the day trips to the surrounding area. Your home is charming and worked well for us, couldn't ask for a better location.
Recommended for:
Perfect!
Guest: Catherine
(Ireland)
Date of Stay: 01/16/11
Review Submitted: 01/26/11
Everything about the experience of renting this property was perfect. It is a town house in Quillan with easy parking outside and very close to a river - which is a wonderful background sound when the windows are open. It is close to all of the places I was interested in visiting, which is why I chose it, and also close to several supermarkets and shops. The house itself is very comfortable. The bedrooms are spacious, the bed I slept in was very comfortable, the heating efficient (I was there in winter), the bathrooms are modern, the kitchen / sitting room is very well equipped and ideal for long conversations around the dining table. Celine was extremely prompt, helpful and welcoming in all transactions; her notes on the house and surrounding area very handy. Overall I strongly recommend this house and will return.
Owner response:It was a pleasure having Catherine as our guest and we look forward to hosting her again! Celine and David
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #178196
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