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Peace and quiet within minutes of the famous Canal du Midi!
Cottage House is a pretty one bedroom village cottage situated seconds from the famous Canal du Midi, just 15 minutes from the Medieval City of Carcassonne. Originally built for the grape-pickers, the cottage is light, airy and full of charm. It has been restored to a high standard making it a perfect, friendly base from where to explore this famous wine and Cathar region.
Cottage House in the heart of the old part of the village, on a small quiet lane, has a spacious kitchen/dining area on the ground floor with oven, hob, washing machine, dryer, fridge etc. Also on the ground floor at the back of the cottage, there is a pretty shower room with toilet. Up original stone stairs to the airy double bedroom which has beautiful views of the vineyards & hills beyond. Also upstairs is the lounge with comfortable large sofa, radio/CD, games & plenty of books.
From the cottage it's just a minute's walk to the Canal du Midi where you can stroll along or cycle, enjoying the stunning countryside & waving to the barges making their relaxed way along the Canal. You are also free to walk for miles amongst the vines, tasting the odd grape that you can enjoy later when you've visited the village 'Wine Cave' and bought a couple of bottles of local wine.
There's a very good restaurant and a bar with pool tables in the village. A van from the next village visits everyday between 7-11.30am with fresh bread, croissants, selling locally grown fruit & vegetables. A wonderfully typical French village.
The neighbouring village of Trebes is just a few kilometers away and there you'll find more restaurants, two supermarkets, a specialist wine shop, two estate agents, hairdressers etc.
Being in the Aude, you are in the heart of the largest wine producing region of France, with a choice of Minervois, Corbieres, Cabardes, Fitou & Blanquette de Limoux (the original sparkling wine). Chateaux to visit for wine tastings, tours etc. are in abundance and the owners are very proud to show off their knowledge, experience, history etc.
You are also in the heart of Cathar Country, the Medieval City of Carcassonne being the flagship. You can easily loose yourselves in thought whilst wandering the cobbled lanes of the great city or climbing the steep hills to one of the other many ancient Abbey. You can't help but be drawn into the history of the 13th Century and all the wonder that came with it. This region is steeped in fascinating history, seeping out of the rocks, vines and ancient trees lining the Canal du Midi.
From here you can walk, cycle, swim, taste wine, ski, raft the rapids, hunt for truffles, horse ride, etc. 14th July, Bastille Day, Carcassonne celebrates with the most unforgettable fireworks display, second only to Paris. Not to be missed!
All year, Carcassonne and surrounding villages celebrate life - launching of wines (all year), masked festival in Limoux, concerts all summer, Spanish week in August, truffle competitions, trips along the Canal, wild asparagus hunting at Easter, ice-skating rink at Christmas. Fantastic!
Whether you're looking for a relaxing, time away from reality holiday, or speeding down the rapids, wind surfing holiday or seeking a house hunting base, Valley View Cottage is perfect.
This area of France has so much to offer. It's rich in Cathar history offering many ancient Abbey to visit. Simply put in 'Cathar Castles' in your search engine & be surprised! The famous site of the Holy Grail, Rennes le Chateau is just the other side of Carcassonne. The Dinosaur Museum of Esperaza to see dozens of locally found remains. Two of the most stunning Grottes are within 30 minutes drive. The fantastic Center of Prehistory in Tauteval will take you back to the origins of man, with caves, skeletons, hunting scenes.
Calm boat trips along the Canal du Midi and wonderful walks in the forests of the Montagne Noir finding the source of the Canal or slightly faster white water rafting along the River Aude or beachsurfing on the Mediterranean are all within easy reach.
You can take in nature at the stunning African Reserve of Sigean and enjoy swimming at the miles of white sandy beaches of Narbonne.
Take the waters at Ax-les-Thermes or Alet les Bains followed by a little gambling at the Casino.
Golf lovers can be happy with the very high quality of the course at Carcassonne - but watch for the first hole! And Rugby lovers can feel at home at Toulouse.
Skiing in the winter can be reached within two hours either in the Pyrennees or Andorra. If you're wanting a taste of Spain, you can be on the beach eating Paella within 90 minutes! Within a short drive you have two stunning lakes, Lac de la Cavayare & Lac Jouarres - perfect for swimming & fishing. Wine tasting!!! Red, white, rose & sparkling. It's all here!!
Carcassonne City is a must both during the day & night. It's a sight to be believed. Visit the Chateau & the Cathedral inside the walls and don't miss 14th July celebrations. Christmas time, sees the lower city turn into a wonder land; ice-skating, wooden chalets, hot wine, etc.
Carcassonne is truly spectacular at Christmas with a wonderful outdoor ice-skating rink, wooden chalets selling local produce and beautiful handmade specialities for that extra special Christmas gift, magical Christmas lights all around the upper and lower cities plus a fantastic 40m Big Wheel that runs day and night to experience a sky view of the wonderous City and surrounding areas. It's like walking into a winter wonder land!!! |
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