Cottage Des Cathares

With a magical setting, this historical cottage is full of charm and character.  Located in the amazing Cathar country, near the delightful market town of Mirepoix, this is a special place where young and old can stay in this enchanting part of the Languedoc.

Built in the 18th century on the estate of an impressive château, yet with its own entrance and garden, this cottage has been a labour of love for the artistic owner who has sensitively restored the place into a warm and welcoming family home.

The bright and homely cottage has perfectly modern interiors yet still retains so much character throughout.  Each of the four bedrooms has been decorated in an individual style and feature interesting furnishings, artwork or prints across the walls and a real sense of charm and pride. The cosy living room has a fireplace for cooler months or enjoy the summer with the doors leading straight out on to the gardens. Contemporary bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen complement the sense of history across this lovely home. The owner can arrange for services such as a private-chef or babysitter to make your stay as relaxing as it can be.

The cottage sits near a remarkable thirteenth century castle, Château des Cathares, a ten bedroom family home that can be rented together with the cottage or separately.

Outside you can relax in the shady gardens at the front of the cottage or venture further afield.  This region is a hiker’s paradise with rolling hills and valleys full of sunflowers whilst there are also opportunities to cycle, horse-ride or fish nearby.

The local village, just five minutes by car, has a bakery, butchers and little grocery store or head to the historical town of Mirepoix, famous for its ancient timer-framed houses and amazing market on a Monday morning in the beautiful square. Food lovers take note that foie gras is produced in the farm just across from the estate and of course there are some stunning wines to sample in vineyards across the Languedoc region.

This is the Cathar country with so many spectacular castles and ruins to explore, such as the most famous in nearby Montségur. The incredible fortified city of Carcassonne is just forty-five minutes away, with delightful Limoux and vibrant Toulouse also within an hour’s drive. You may prefer to just head nearer to home such as pretty Castelnaudary (30km), the birthplace of the Cathars, where you can take a boat trip or cycle ride along the Canal du Midi.

After a day exploring this outstanding region, you will still feel the spirit of the Cathars in the surrounding area as you return to your lovely cottage, a wonderful place to stay in this very special part of southern France. 

Features:

Cottage Interior


Ground Floor

- Entrance Hall
- Dining room (14m2)
- Living room (15m2) with fire-place and doors leading outside
- Kitchen (11m2), well-equipped with breakfast table
- Double bedroom (14m2) with en-suite shower room (7m2)
- Separate WC

First Floor

- Bathroom with bath and washbasin
- Separate WC
- Twin bedroom (16m2)
- 2 x Twin bedroom (14m2)
- 1 cot available for guests use

Outside Grounds

- BBQ
- Garden

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- TV and DVD player
- Children’s books and toys
- Board games
- Access to a washing machine

Location:

In the nearby village (7km) you will find a bakery for your morning croissants and bread, a butchers, a small grocery shop with bar and a garage with a café.  It’s just a little further to larger supermarkets such as those in Mirepoix (15km) or Pamiers (24km).

This area is a paradise for hikers with the rolling hills and valleys. There is tennis in the local village as well as horse-riding and fishing nearby and golf lovers can head to Golf de Carcassonne within 45 minutes.  If you are a food lover then you may appreciate the foie gras producer in the farm just across from the chateau and don’t miss the highly recommended Monday morning market in nearby Mirepoix (16km), a delightful town known for its beautiful market square and ancient timer-framed houses.

Discover the Romanesque ruins and 13th century castles dotted around the landscapes; within a short drive you can be in the heart of the Cathar country. Visit the ruins of the famous Château de Montségur (45km), one of the last strongholds of the Cathars and there’s a museum in the village nearby.

Head north to Castelnaudary (27km), the birthplace of the Cathars, and be sure to try some local cassoulet as well as taking a boat trip around the grand bassin of the Canal du Midi. The cycle route along the Canal du Midi may also appeal as it’s suitable for all abilities and ages, making a perfect day out for the whole family with a picnic stop along the way.

It goes without saying that the fortified city of Carcassonne (48km) is a must see, there are guided tours and medieval shows throughout the summer to entertain all visitors. One of the largest local markets is in Carcassonne, held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at Place Carnot in the town centre.  

Other day trips should include delightful Limoux (45km), on the Aude River, always bustling with activity, especially in the summer. The market on a Friday morning is simply wonderful when shopping for local, fresh produce or simply find a picturesque café in one of the pretty squares for coffee and pastries.  You are also not too far from Toulouse (70km), known as ‘La Ville Rose’ (the pink city), a vibrant place full of history and culture with many cafes, restaurants, museums and shops as well as the City of Space, a must for all the family.

Terms & Conditions:

Security deposit?
€1000 paid to the owner by bank transfer one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time?
5.00 p.m.

Departure time?
11.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes, excluding pool towels.

End of stay cleaning included?
Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. This includes a clean kitchen, no papers or cigarette ends on the lawn or in the yard, removal of waste, etc and ensuring that all furniture, furnishings and fittings are left in their original place and condition as on arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Tax?
French Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required).

Changeover day?
Flexible.

Minimum stay?
2 nights except July, August and Christmas when 7 nights.

Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner.

Smoking Allowed?
Not allowed.

Insurance?
Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay (a copy of the policy must be provided to the owner prior to the arrival).

Other Ts and Cs?
Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges.
Pets - allowed
Smoking - not allowed