Authentic village house near Carcassonne

Experience life in the tiny village of Pennautier in the south of France at newly redecorated home. Exposed stone walls, a spiral staircase, and French windows add to the charm of this centuries-old property. Ground floor includes living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchen, and 1/2 bath (toilet and sink). Upstairs includes bedroom, 1-1/2 bathroom (shower, sink, and toilet), and study/recreation room. High-speed Internet. Free parking close by. Not suitable for children under 12.

-Newly redecorated
-Bright & airy with lots of windows
-Full kitchen includes cooker/stove, washer, dryer, microwave, American-size fridge
-2 sets of double doors open to quiet street and small stone sitting bench
-Remote-control Velux skylight windows
-2 bicycles, helmets, and locks
-Flexible check-in and check-out times

Away from the crowds of central Carcassonne, you can enjoy the rhythms of this authentic French village. The narrow streets -- kept meticulously tidy -- lead you to nearby boulangerie, take-away pizza shop and "superette" for your everyday needs. Only steps from our property is a chocolate "atelier-boutique" where you can sample unique hand-crafted chocolates.

A 1-minute walk takes you to Chateau Pennautier, whose tranquil gardens are available to you free for quiet strolls. The Chateau's wines are also featured at their restaurant, La Table Cave du Chateau, which serves elegant and reasonably-priced meals, a 3-minute walk from our door.

Look for the "Village Fleuri" sign at the entrance to the village. The sign’s two red flowers against a yellow background have been awarded in recognition of the village’s dedication to green spaces and respect for the environment and biodiversity. In Pennautier you’ll see flowers adorning balconies and window boxes, colourful hedges, flower beds along the sidewalks and hanging baskets.

Close by is the famous medieval walled city of Carcassonne (the "Cité") as well as many shops and restaurants. You can get to Carcassonne town centre by car (underground parking is cheap and plentiful) or by a bus that leaves Pennautier hourly. Once in Carcassonne, you can use various bus services around the town. Returning to Pennautier, you will appreciate the calm and quiet -- punctuated by the sound of church bells and the cooing of pigeons on the rooftops.

We are in the heart of Cathar Country, home to remarkable historic monuments, castles and villages dating back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The plane-tree lined roadways also provide the way to take in this impressive wine-growing region and to visit its many wineries. The Canal du Midi, one of the oldest canals of Europe still in operation, runs through the area. There are boats and barges to rent and trails for cycling or walking alongside the canal. Plenty of hiking trails are here too. And, finally, take some time to scout around the impressive "brocantes," or flea markets, in many local towns, where you can find unexpected treasures.

Whether your interest is in history, outdoor recreation, wine tasting, antique shopping, or French culture, Pennautier will help you find your way.