Location: Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, Europe (400m from the Medieval Castle of Carcassonne)
Accommodations: Townhome, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 3-5)
Keywords: Townhouse. Traditional charm in a stone built cottage with exposed beams.
Your perfect holiday home "en Pays Cathare"... sun, skiing, sports, culture, and over 2600 years of history. Mediterranean beaches, the Pyrenees, and the most beautiful scenery year round. Music festivals, gourmet cuisine, and the wines of Languedoc Roussillon.
Self-catering holiday cottage in the old town of Carcassonne. This little stone house was reconstructed in 1820 and renovated in 2005. Tucked away in a charming and tranquil old village square with trees and a fountain at the foot of "La Cité" yet only a few minutes walk from the River Aude, the Bastide St Louis, and all the facilities and attractions the medieval city of Carcassonne has to offer.
Sensitively restored to preserve the character of local construction methods the house has exposed beams and the original floor tiling characteristic of the area. It presents a cosy and comforting interior for all seasons.
There is no need to hire a car to enjoy the two cities of Carcassonne. All of the following are within a 15-minute stroll:
- La Cité, the medieval fortified citadel of Carcassonne is only 500 yards away and truly it is a fairy tale castle of epic proportions. La Cité is free to enter and inside you will find plenty of quality gift and craft workshops, restaurants, and cafés, plus the Chateau Comtal and the St Nazaire Cathedral with its fantastic stained glass windows. There are also guided tours and animated museums to bring the history of La Cité to life for you. During the summer months there is a full programme of musical entertainments including street musicians, an open-air theatre where the history of Carcassonne is re-enacted, and all the pageantry and excitement of medieval jousting displays.
- The ancient and picturesque rue Trivalle with its café’s, restaurants, antique and gift shops passes within 25 yards of Les Troubadours, connecting La Cité to the Bastide St Louis via the old bridge, the Pont Vieux.
- At the foot of the Trivalle is the river and the Pont Vieux with its beautiful stone arches and views of the Pyrenees, the Black Mountains, and of course La Cité itself.
- In the Roman built Bastide St Louis you can shop to your hearts content among the boutiques, antique shops, jewellers and parfumiers, chocolatier/patissiers, drapers, cookware and interiors shops, and of course the delicatessens stocking the speciality produce and vintage wines of the region. Place Carnot with its celebrated Neptune marble fountain and marvellous architecture is at the heart of the Bastide and is an excellent spot from which to base your shopping spree and it is to the many bars and cafés of Place Carnot that the Carcassonnais come to socialise and relax in the sun on market day.
- Carcassonne is proud of its green spaces and all along the river there are parks, gardens, play areas for children, and of course the wide tree lined banks. The river is home to a family of otters and a colony of herons.
- The Quai Bellevue makes a pleasant evening stroll especially if you stop for dinner at La Paicherrou restaurant where they cook over a wood fire and have live music and dancing in the garden.
On the Quai Paicherrou you will find tennis courts, a beautiful lido with sunbathing terraces and full lifeguard surveillance, and landscaped leisure areas for relaxing on the bank of the river.
- The gastronomic pleasures of the region are celebrated worldwide and Carcassonne has plenty of bistros and restaurants from which to choose. We can direct you to excellent local restaurants where you can explore Occitan cuisine.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Shared washing and drying facilities on request.
- Linens Provided : We also provide disposable dish cloths, washing up and cleaning materials. And who wants arrive to a place with no loo roll!
- Off Street Parking : There are 6 free public parking places on the square outside the house. There are also places in the quiet residential roads close by. You need not walk more than 100yds.
- Gas Fireplace : Actually an electric "living flame" convector heater which provides a cosy ambiance in the snug.
- Beds
- Double Bed : Standard UK double (140cm/4ft6inch wide) with head and foot board.
- Twin/Single Bed : 90cm/3ft) solid pine frame bed - suitable for adults and children.
- Convertible Bed : Easy action, pull out bed with good quality Bultex foam mattress (150cm wide), no head or foot board.
- Crib : Actually a travel cot with self contained mattress, conforms to European safety standards. Cotton fitted sheet, cotton flat sheet, and fleece blanket provided.
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Fully fitted kitchen with fridge (inc. freezer compartment), electric convection oven and electric hob. Microwave oven. Filter coffee maker, electric kettle, electric toaster.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : All the essentials you would expect to find including the bottle opener!
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio : Garden table and chairs are provided for dining in the courtyard immediately in front of the house, which being in a corner is sheltered and private enough. Please note however, that whilst it is attractive and very quiet, the square is actually a public space and you may find yourself sharing the wider area along with local residents enjoying the village dance and other social events that take place during the warmer months. We will always inform you if an event is known to be scheduled during your visit.
- Communications
- Computer : Shared desktop available for occasional use on request (it is not located in the rental unit)
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : High speed ADSL line.
- Other Amenities
- Off street in a very quiet traffic free square overlooking trees and a fountain.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Other Activities
- 400m from Unesco world heritage site La Cité de Carcassonne. 1km from Unesco world heritage site, Canal de Midi. Bathing lake resort and tree top adventure Parc with high wires and tyroleans 5kms (shuttle bus service).
Rate Details (In Euros)
Nov - Mar (exc Xmas) .. €75/night .. €450/week.
Apr - Jun & Oct, Xmas .. €85/night .. €550/week.
Jul - Sep .. €100/night .. €675/week.
Prices caluclated in €. Payment in £ accepted subject to exch rate.
Paypal accepted. Minimum stay value 3 nights. Additional adults 10€ per night.
25% deposit secures your reservation. Balance payment not less than 8 weeks
before holiday start date. Security Deposit of 200€ on arrival.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2003
Amanda and Andy moved to Carcassonne in the South of France from the UK in September 2003. UK "workculture refugees" they took a sabbatical - otherwise known as a giant leap into the unknown! - hoping to build a more wholesome lifestyle for themselves and their kids Fen and Kelsey (then aged 9 and 7). "Build" was the operative word and it took 2 and a half years of hands on labour by day and intensive research by night to restore "Les Troubadours", an 18th century townhouse beneath the ramparts of the now famous medieval citadel of Carcassonne. 7 years later on and the family have indeed found the home and lifestyle of their dreams. Amanda now welcomes guests to Les Troubadours with the passion of the liberated, while Andy uses the family home as base for his career in finance. Fen and Kelsey, now 17 and 15 are french/english bilingual and have blossomed into fine young Europeans, demonstrating an impressive array of sporting talents thanks to the amazing environment in which they live.
Why the Owner Chose Carcassonne
Carcassonne is our main home. We chose the South of France, and Carcassonne in particular, for its mediteranean culture and its extraordinarily beautiful and varied landscape. Carcassonne itself, despite having city status and being Prefecture town for our department, is actually a small community of only 50k resident population. It retains a strong sense of community founded on the Occitan heritage and traditions which have survived centuries of invasion and retreat. Colourful, magical, and rapidly becoming the cultural beacon of the south, Carcassonne is truly a beautiful place to be.
The Unique Benefits of this Townhome
From Carcassonne we are priviledged to enjoy both mountain and seascape within easy reach. Our landscape encompasses every type of outdoor leisure activity from rambling to extreme sports, and of course we have the climate to go with it. Here in the town we enjoy year round cultural and musical entertainment, all within a compact and easily walkable environment:
Les Troubadours itself is located in a surprisingly quiet and tranquil little square where you'll sleep easy all year round. Just a few steps however, will take you out onto the Trivalle and right into the heart of all that Carcassonne has to offer. Come Bastille day (14 July) and you can get a rooftop view of our incredible annual firework display culminating in "L'embrasement" - the burning of La Cité. Be here on the first Sunday in September and you'll be spot on for the annual Trivalle Fete, "vide grenier" (loft sale) by day and village dinner and dance by evening. The week before christmas could have you iceskating in Place Carnot - with the help of roasted chestnuts and plentiful mulled wine of course. The mad mad month of May is often the scene of "Lance Beret" and other traditional Occitan games taking place in the rue Trivalle just 25m way. As unpredictable as they are crazy, they have to be seen to be believed! And then of course there is the very bizarre water jousting tournament, not to mention the Spanish festival at the end of August, and the music festival in June when you'll find organ recitals in all the churches and a jazz, folk or rock band tucked into every street corner of La Cité.
Property Photos
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- La Cité de Carcassonne - Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, France Vacation Townhouse
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- Les Troubadours Carcassonne France - Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, France Vacation Townhouse
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- Historic home in medieval carcassonne - Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, France Vacation Townhouse
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- Family bedroom Carcassonne
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- Cosy and warm all year round in Carcassonne
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- Carcassonne market in Place Carnot
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- Take a day trip to Peyrepertuse Chateau
Traveler Reviews (37)
Our holiday in Carcassonne Sept. 2011
Guest: Black Adder
(Chandlers Ford Eastleigh Hampshire England)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11
Review Submitted: 09/18/11
We really enjoyed our stay at Les Troubadours it was very relaxing, the property was very clean and well maintained. Amanda made us feel very welcome and was very helpful with places to see and eat. We especially enjoyed our evening at the 'Fete du Trivelle'. which was a local celebration in the square outside, the people were very friendly and made a perfect beginning to our holiday. It was especially lovely to be picked up and dropped of at the airport by Amanda. The listing description and listing photos were accurate. Our favourite resturant was the 'Adelaide' in the old city, well worth a visit, the staff were very friendly and attentive. Carcassonne was everything we hoped it would be and hope to return sometime in the future,
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Charming Stone House!
Guest: Georgia Gardener
(Atlanta, Georgia USA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11
Review Submitted: 06/07/11
Amanda was warm and welcoming plus she had lots of helpful information and maps of Carcassonne. Les Troubadours is a charming, comfortable and a conveniently located stone townhouse just outside the entrance to Le Cite. It was well appointed, spacious and a quiet place that feels like home. During our May visit, we often sat in the small square outside the front door while relaxing with a book or a glass of wine. You are only a few minutes walk to the gate of Le Cite and a few more to Bastide St. Loius. The stone house's ambience only added to our overall positive experience of Carcassonne and the Languedoc-Roussillon area of France. We would highly recommend Les Troubadours! You won't be disappointed!
Owner response:I am feeling some pressure to justify these fabulous reviews! Can they be believable otherwise? Suffice to say, Les T genuinely is a super little house albeit a modest one. It exudes a sense of wellbeing and the experience of living in a piece of local history is authentic. The location is perfect, one of the most sought after addresses in Carcassonne. For my part I personally ensure it is well maintained, well equipped, thoroughly cleaned and tested for every visitor no matter how short the stay. And yes, it's also a matter of personal pride that every holiday is as perfect as it can be. I haven't yet mastered the art of controlling the weather however!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
The perfect short break
Guest: Gwen
(Glasgow)
Date of Stay: 05/08/11
Review Submitted: 05/19/11
Amanda's warm smiling welcome was matched by the clear blue skies and warm weather which greeted us as we arrived at Carcassonne airport. Cheap Ryanair flights had brought us here from Glasgow Prestwick for a 3 night short break stay. Within 20 minutes Amanda was settling us in to Les Troubadours. The property is perfectly located in a quiet square and is a short stroll away from the medieval walled town and the Bastide Saint-Louis area. The accommodation was spotlessly clean and well equipped for all our needs to enjoy our stay. The bedroom was particularly spacious and comfortable. Lots of maps and information on Carcassonne is provided. It was very relaxing to sit in the small pretty square fronting the property with the supplied bistro table and chairs enjoying a bottle of the locally produced Fitou red wine. We enjoyed several Fixed Price Menu meals with good house wines which were on offer within the medieval town. My attempts at ordering in French were welcomed! We walked east out of town along the towpath of the Canal du Midi and enjoyed the dappled sunlight on the water, ducks with broods of chicks bobbing about and birdsong. Occasionally, we wished "bonjour" to passengers on passing barges as they enjoyed gliding sedately along the canal. I would have no hesitation in recommending the accommodation to anyone wishing to spend time enjoying this lovely town in a beautiful part of France.
Owner response:May and June is certainly a great time to take a break in Carcassonne. There are often great flight deals to be had after the Easter getaway and before the school summer holidays begin. Carcassonne is stunning in all seasons, but the fresh green of spring with all the wild flowers under sunny skies is certainly a delight. We do get some rain showers (to fuel all that growth!) but overall you can expect pleasantly warm sunny days in which to explore at your leisure. Short breaks in spring cost from 85€ per night (min 3 nights) and you can start on any day.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Guest: Alex & Julia
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/24/09
Review Submitted: 04/01/11
"Perfect place to enjoy a beautiful city" This house is an absolute gem, situated in a very quiet courtyard, perfect for our little boy to run about in, but almost under the old city walls. It's less than ten minutes walk to the old city gates, and the same into the Bastide, with a brilliant market and great shops. We travelled on public transport so the location was ideal. The house is very comfortable and well equipped, the kitchen has everything you'd need for cooking up the local produce, and we were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived. We would love to go and stay here again.
Recommended for:
Guest: Donna & Dave, Edmonton, Canada
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/16/09
Review Submitted: 04/01/11
"Carcassonne Gem" Our initial stay at Les Troubadours was based totally on last minute internet information. We arrived to rain as we stepped off the train one late November afternoon. The warmth and convenience of our cozy, self catering cottage was akin to coming home each evening. After a full filling day exploring the multitude of sights within walking distance amanda would have suggestions to fuel our thirst for further adventures. Subsequent visits have been based on the friendship we established with amanda. She has helped us show our teenage grandson true, rural France and its culture. We will never travel to France without stopping by to visit amanda and Les Troubadours. We are forever in your debt amanda for sharing your world with us. It remains the most awesome experience of our many travels. Cheers to you.
Recommended for:
Guest: Kathryn, Arizona, USA
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10
Review Submitted: 04/01/11
"An experience that settled in our hearts" Staying by amanda is an experience that settled in our hearts and has us plotting our return one day. The old walled city is fantastic and the museum is a must. Stroll inside the walls or stand on the bridge at night and gaze up at the illuminated castle. It is a special place. As well, within an hours time we drove wonderful country roads along breath taking landscapes, scrambled up steep mountains to Cathor castles, saw beautiful vineyards and small villages where a stop for a pastry or a walk around the narrow winding streets is a must,rock climbed in spectacular settings, visited abbeys and beaches, ventured toward Spain to the fortress La Salsas, spent the afternoon at the Tauteval Man museum, walked the Midi canal, shopped at the outside market in town, and stayed in our cozy cottage cooking and enjoying a bottle of French wine on our sit around days! Being in this area in the fall we witnessed the vineyards in beautiful colors of amber, reds, and yellows sweeping across the countryside. Gorgeous! Carcassonne is a quiet city, but has good restaurants, great markets, and a charm that will capture your heart. Amanda is an amazing hostess and aims to supply you with everything you need, file folders full of first rate trip guides, maps, and inside information on the whole of the area. The cottage is immaculate and we loved our stay there. Being situated on a quiet square and just under the shadows of the old walled city makes this cottage a perfect stay and amanda is the jewel of the city. On the practical side; a car is a must, the laundry which is very near, the kitchen is well equipped and there is wi-fi. I recommend no less than a week. You will find no better place to stay.
Recommended for:
Guest: Ann & Martha, Edinburgh, UK
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/12/10
Review Submitted: 04/01/11
"Peaceful but central location" We had a very enjoyable week's stay in this house. The location, on a small square, is peaceful despite being so well placed for visiting the castle and the new town (via a lovely old bridge). There are local shops and restaurants close by. The accommodation was very clean and comfortable. The owner offered us helpful advice on arrival re shops, walks, restaurants etc and there is also a wealth of tourist info provided in the house. We chose not to hire a car, but had plenty to do. As well as exploring Le Cite, we enjoyed a lovely long walk along the Canal du Midi (bus in one direction and feet in the other!), a canal boat trip, an excellent all day wine tour and a train trip to Narbonne.The owner very kindly picked us up from and took us back to the airport and this was much appreciated.
Recommended for:
Wonderful holiday
Guest: Patty
(Bartow, Floridam, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/11
Review Submitted: 03/25/11
Had the most enjoyble stay at Les Troybadours with three wonderful girlfriends for five nights. The whole environment was ovewhelming. The accomadations were prefect and delightful. The owner, Amanda, was oustanding and such a joy to be around. She was most helpful and enthusiastic in explaining the many things to do and see in Carcassonne. I wish our stay could stay could have been longer, and perhaps next tme it will be.. The apartment was quite spacious and we never felt cramped in the least. It was centrally located and withing walking distance to many sites and attractions. Thank you again, Amanda, for allowing us to have a wonderful holiday.
Owner response:Patti and the girls arrived to a torrential downpour that, despite being much needed, was small consolation to them. Needless to say I was amazed by their stoicism and delighted by the pleasure they so clearly derived from following in the footsteps of Alais, Sajhe, and other characters from Labyrinthe.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Place de la Mutualite a little gem.
Guest: Jan
(Doonan, Queensland, Australia.)
Date of Stay: 10/09/10
Review Submitted: 11/02/10
We have recently be privileged to experience Amanda's hospitality and knowledge of the two Carcassonne cities and surrounding areas. Les Troubadours is perfectly set up and in an excellent location for walking to both cities, the river and the Canal du Midi where you can walk or cycle along the tow paths. We loved the Place de la Mutualite, the pretty little square in front of Les Troubadours, with its little water feature under the trees and seats for one to take their morning coffee, evening drink or just sit and reflect on the amazing history one is surrounded by.
Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car.
Sehr schöne Ferienwohnung in hervorragender Lage
Guest: Cassouletliebhaber
(Berlin)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10
Review Submitted: 10/02/10
Die Wohnung ist wirklich extrem gut gelegen. Ruhig an einem kleinen Innenhof, der direkt von der Rue Trivalle abgeht, die die Cité mit der Bastide St.Louis verbindet, wenige Schritte von der Pont Vieux entfernt. Die Wohnung ist in einem ausgesprochen gepflegten Zustand, in einem restaurierten alten Stadthaus gelegen. Besonders erfreulich war für uns die komplett ausgestattete Küche, da wir nach einem Ausflugstag auch gerne selber kochen und einen gemütlichen Abend verbringen. An dieser Stelle machte sich das einzige Manko bemerkbar. Der Wohn-/Speiseraum ist etwas dunkel und kühl.
Owner response:Les Troubadours is a heritage property constructed of stone in the traditional style. It faces east to catch the morning sun and provides an essential refuge from summer temperatures of 35 degrees or more. Sometimes it's better to enjoy the sun from a shady corner!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #96369
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