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Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Apartment Rivel
General Description
- In an area of exceptional natural beauty, and with a lovely garden stretching into several acres of meadows, Apartment Tivoli is ideal for lovers of the countryside. Especially those of you who like to wander into the village for your morning bread and croissants!
- This lovely apartment 'just for two' is part of a 16th century farmhouse with wooden beams throughout. It's been recently renovated and is on the first floor of the owners' property and has an independent entrance and car parking.
- This 45 sq ft holiday home comprises one double bedroom, one shower room, and an open plan sitting room, dining area and kitchen of 19' x 11'.
- Chalabre is in the South of the department of Aude and is in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The country house, of which this apartment forms a part, is unique in that it is in a countryside setting and yet the village with a selection of shops is just 10-15 minutes walk away down a riverside lane.
- If you love the countryside, tranquility, stunning views, walking, cycling, birdlife, nature, wild flowers combined with the opportunity to swim in a heated pool and enjoy the French 'art de vivre' then this could be just the right holiday home for you.
The Local Area
- Chalabre is on the border of the Aude with the Ariege allowing you the opportunity to explore both of these departments. Both regions are steeped in medieval history. Chalabre is in in heart of the Cathar country and is a lovely, interesting village. It has a good range of shops including a boulangerie, a butchers, a grocery shop, and a supermarket - in fact there's almost two of everything, so there's plenty to choose from! Other facilities include a bank, a post office, a pharmacy, two bars and a restaurant. All facilities are within walking distance of the apartment.
- Sport Facilities: Walking and cycling as there are a variety of routes locally and fantastic views. One footpath passes just by the apartment and goes to the lovely Lac de Montbel and in the other direction to Chalabre. There's also white water rafting and canoe-ing in the area. For winter and early spring visitors, the nearest ski-ing is at Mont d'Olmes, 45 minutes drive away.
- Other activities: Due to the beauty of the area, this is a fantastic location for painters, watercolour artists, photographers and ornithologists.
- Sightseeing: The nearest larger towns are Pamiers, Mirepoix and Limoux and all are worth a visit. Limoux is famous for its 'blanquette de Limoux', a delicious sparking white wine. The medieval city of Carcassonne is also just a 45 minute drive away. The beautiful lake, Lac Montbel, is just 3 miles away, less if you take the footpath. As well as lovely views, there are sailing and boating facilities here. You can visit two impressive Cathar castles within an easy drive; Puivert and Montsegur, and learn more about their fascinating history. A day at the beach is easily a possibility, as is visiting Spain or Andorra as the borders are both within easy reach.
- Markets: There are weekly markets in Limoux (Monday), also in Mirepoix and Carcassonne.
- Restaurants: There is a good local restaurant and two bars and there are other restaurants in the surrounding villages.
- Supermarkets: There's a small supermarket in Chalabre and other larger ones in Laroque d'Olmes, Lavelanet, Mirepoix, Limoux and Pamiers.
Facilities
- Sitting Room/Dining Room and Kitchen: This is a very pleasant open plan living space. In the sitting area there's a 3-seater sofa and 2 armchairs, a coffee table and from Spring 2012 a TV with UK satellite channels. There's a dining table with 2 chairs. In the kitchen there's a gas cooker with grill and extractor fan, a fridge, a kettle, a cafetiere and a toaster.
- Bedroom: The master bedroom has a comfortable double bed, bedside tables and lamps, a chair, a wardrobe and a mirror.
- Bathroom: There is a modern shower room with a shower, washbasin and WC. A hairdryer is provided.
- Additional Accommodation: There is a further two bedroom first floor apartment here which sleeps 2 to 4 people. Please see Apartment Montbel. If your party consists of 4 to 6 people, subject to availability it is possible to rent both apartments.
- Communal Area: The side entrance to the famhouse is the door to both the apartments here and there is a small flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs is the entrance to each of the apartments. Here there is a small library with a selection of books and DVDs for use by the guests.
- Suitability Note: As the apartment is on the 1st floor and accessed by a short staircase, it might not be suitable for young children or anyone who finds difficulty with stairs.
- Outside: Adjacent to the entrace to the apartments is a pretty garden area, ideal for relaxing and alfresco dining. To the rear of the property there is a very large garden leading to meadows and a river and a pond. The views over the wooded hillsides are just stunning. Here, there is also outdoor furniture for relaxing, enjoying a cooling drink or for dining. There is a built-in barbecue. There is plenty of parking for your car.
- A further lovely feature of the rear garden is the covered terrace, again with comfortable garden furniture, with the possibility of a log fire in an open fireplace allowing guests to sit outside even when the evening temperature is a little cooler in spring or autumn. The gardens and grounds are a shared facility with the guests in the smaller apartment and the owners.
- Swimming Pool: You are invited to use the lovely pool which is very attractive and set in a beautiful garden from which there are lovely views. The pool is a shared facility and it is heated and open from mid May to the end of September, according to the weather. It measures 10m x 5m with Roman steps down into the shallow end. It complies fully with French legislation and is secured by a fence. Sun-loungers and parasols are provided.
- Internet: You can connect to the internet here via WiFi and your own laptop.
- Telephone: Sorry there is no landline telephone here.
- Baby Facilities: A baby's cot is available upon request.
- Winter Heating: Heating in the cooler months is included in the rental price.
- Electric and Water: Are included in the rental price.
- End of Stay Cleaning: Is included in the rental price.
- Bed and Bathroom Linen: Is included in the rental price.
- Taxe de Sejour: In France it is necessary to pay a Taxe de Sejour at the end of your stay. It is included here in the rental price.
- Damage Deposit: The owners do not currently request a damage deposit.
- Change Over Day: Saturday in the high/peak season. Outside this time alternative days will be considered subject to availability.
- Long weekends and short breaks: May be available outside of the main summer season, subject to availability. The minimum stay is 4 nights.
- Pets: Sorry - pets are not permitted here.
- Smoking: Is not permitted here.
How To Get There
- By Car: The apartments are just on the edge of Chalabre which is approx. 50 kms to the South West of Carcassonne. The nearest autoroute exits are No's 22 and 23 on the A61.
- By Air: The nearest airports are Carcassonne (59 minutes), Toulouse (approx 1hr 30 mins) and Bezers (approx 2 hours). Good alternatives are Perpignan and Montpellier.
- By Train: The nearest main railway station is in Carcassonne. For details of trains and tickets to this area, please consult the link to RAIL EUROPE on our website. A car will be necessary here.
Full directions will be provided once you have made a firm booking.
