La Sauterelle, Le Bezu near Esperaza, Aude - Pool - Sleeps 6 + cot
This maison in a hillside village is a rural escape offering tranquillity with panoramic views of the Pyrenees 1 hr from Carcassonne in Labyrinth/Da Vinci Code country.
Mountain walking, rivers, Wine tasting! Med is 1 1/2 hours with fantastic beaches; Spanish border is 2 hours. Historically it is dominated by the Cathar’s incredible Castles. Nature is apparent in abundance - England in the 50's!
There are 3 bedrooms with a large sitting room with exposed beams, wood burner and a Dining Room with an open fireplace.
The house is situated in a small remote village offering a tranquil location in the mountains with panoramic views of the Pyrenees. It is situated close to the towns of Quillan and Esperaza in the heart of Cathar country. It is within easy reach of the airports of Carcassonne (1 hour) and Perpignan (1¼ hrs). There are various airlines offering cheap flights. Car hire is available, easy and essential from all airports.
If the sea tempts you the Mediterranean is 1½ hrs drive where there are beautiful beaches and coastal village to explore. The Spanish border is only a couple of hours drive with Barcelona and the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres a must to visit.
There is skiing available in the winter in the nearby resort of Mejanes.
ACCOMMODATION
There is ample parking as you arrive at the property. You enter the house via the kitchen, which is well equipped. There is a small utility room with a large fridge, dishwasher and washing machine. Off the kitchen is a Dining Room that comfortable seats 12 just in case you want to invite guests. It boasts a wonderful fireplace, which on a chilly evening in spring or autumn is an ideal place to congregate.
The winding staircase leads up to the next floor. There are 3 bedrooms sleeping 6. Each bedroom has the option of a double or 2 single beds. Each room has an electric radiator and there are some electric blankets available. All bed linen, towels and beach towels are provided.
The bathroom has a wonderful view of the mountainside. The large beamed sitting room has a double and 2 single sofa beds if more sleeping accommodation is required. It also has a woodburning stove, which is perfect during the chillier evenings of spring and autumn.
The view as you open the French doors on to the terrace in the upper garden are a delight. There is a large outdoor table with seating for 10 and a BBQ.
The swimming pool is carved into the rocky area at the end of the garden. It is possible to stand in the pool and see nothing between you and the distant mountains.
SHOPPING
The nearest places to shop are Quillan and Esperaza (each about 12 minutes away) – both of which boast supermarkets and local shops. Esperaza has a wonderful market on Sunday morning. There are other markets in local towns but the renowned Monday market in Mirepoix is a must.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
There is much variety in the area. If you love walking there are numerous marked paths leading you through spectacular scenery in the mountains. On the way there is an abundance of wild flowers and butterflies. There are many birds of prey local to the area and during the migration season many species of migratory birds.
Wine – the grape and its end product vino is in abundance here. Blanquette de Limoux is famous in the vicinity – delicious Champagne substitute at wonderfully low prices. Discover the small local producers and visit the Degustation to find what you like.
Down in the valley you can cool off in the River Aude and/or go canoeing. Riding is available in the next-door village. The Thermal Baths at Rennes les Bains are an ancient site and well worth a visit even when the weather is cooler. The nearby lake at Arques is a perfect place to swim and have a picnic.
Most importantly the house is in Cathar country dramatized by Kate Moss's book Labyrinth. The castles are spellbinding, seemingly impossibly, perched on the top of mountains they are well worth a visit.
Then there are the summer Fetes in the towns – full of open-air music, dance and fun. Perpignan is a wonderful place to explore during the festival season. If you are visiting on July 14th Carcassonne boasts one of the best firework displays around.
