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Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Gite Audalie
General Description
- This unusal and attractive gite, full of character, is situated in a tranquil spot near the chateau which overlooks this lovely Minervois village on the Canal du Midi. It's an ideal base for exploring this lovely region of the Languedoc being midway between Carcassonne and Narbonne, and within a 45-minute drive of the Mediterranean beaches - and fantastic if you enjoy cycling!
- On the ground floor is a pleasant sitting room with a satellite TV receiving UK channels, a kitchen/diner and a 'garden room' looking out onto the garden and the views beyond; also a shower room with separate WC. On a mezzanine level above, there's a double bedroom with a beamed ceiling. Further sleeping accommodation for 1 child/person is possible by utilising the convertible chair/bed in the sitting room.
- What's great about this property is it's spacious Mediterranean garden - quite unusual for a smaller holiday home in this area. There are no less than three separate terraces for you to enjoy eating, relaxing or reading with a glass of wine.
- The fabric of the property is very ancient having originally been one of the stables in the old 'working' village. However it has been carefully restored and well-equipped by the present owners and it is now a delightful holiday home within walking distance of the village shop, bar and restaurants.
The Local Area
- In Argens, there's a general store selling fresh bread and croissants, a bar and two canal-side restaurants open in the summer months. It's a lovely village to stroll around and to walk or cycle up and down the Canal with the added interest of the passing boats.
- The nearest small town is Olonzac (just 3kms away) which has further shops, a bank, a post office, a pharmacy, further cafe-bars and restaurants and a market on a Tuesday morning. Also close by is Lezignan-Corbieres (5 kms) - plenty of supermakets, a market on a Wednesday, and all the other facilities you would expect to find in a small French town.
- Sports Facilites: If you enjoy walking or cycling, this really is an ideal spot - we can help you with a local English-speaking cycle hire company, please enquire. There are lots of opportunities for swimming - at Lac du Jouarres locally, or at the open-air pool in Lezignan, or at the large swimming pool at Espace Liberte in Narbonne. If you enjoy water sports, or swimming from long sandy beaches, these can be found on the coast approximately 45 minutes drive away. Fishing, canoe-kayaking and horse-riding are also available locally.
- Wine: This region is one of France's largest wine-producing areas and there are plenty of opportunities for wine-tasting and buying wine direct from the producers. There are some excellent wines now being made in the Languedoc.
- Sightseeing: There's much to see and do in the region, but a visit would not be complete without a trip to Carcassonne, Narbonne, Minerve, and the abbeys of Lagrasse and Caunes-Minervois. A day to trip to Spain is easily possible with the border being only a 90 minute drive away. For both adults and children, there's the African Nature Reserve near the coast at Sigean, or the giant caves at Cabrespine or Limousis. Further information will be sent to you upon making a reservation.
- Markets: You'll find markets locally in Olonzac, Lezignan-Corbieres, Narbonne, Trebes, Carcasonne.
- Restaurants: In Argens there are two - open in summer months. In the nearby villages of Roubia, Paraza, and Homps, you'll find other restaurants where you'll enjoy eating. In Olonzac and Lezignan, there are restaurants that are open all year round.
- Supermarkets: The nearest supermarkets are in Olonzac and Lezignan-Corbieres.
Facilities
- Living Room: This room has a vaulted ceiling with original stonework and a door which opens onto a small terrace overlooking the garden. There are two comfortable chairs (which are convertible to beds), an additional wicker chair and a foot stool. There is a satellite TV receiving UK channels, a DVD and a CD player.
- Kitchen/Diner: The kitchen is newly fitted in a contemporary style and has a ceramic hob with an fan-assisted, multi-function oven underneath, a microwave, a fridge, a washing machine, iron and ironing board. There is a dining table with 4 chairs. From the kitchen a door leads to the garden room which is south-facing and overlooks the garden.
- Air-conditioning: There is a reversible air-conditiong/heating unit in the kitchen/diner which effectively cools or heats the whole of the gite.
- Shower room and WC: This is on the ground floor and is again newly fitted. The WC is separate.
- Bedroom: The double bedroom is on a mezzanine floor up a flight of steps. Due to the original beams there is limited headroom on one side of the bed - please refer to the photograph. There is storage and hanging available on the ground floor.
- Outside: Is a spacious Mediterranean garden with attractive planting. Three terraces and a barbecue are at your disposal. One terrace is for dining and has a teak dining table and six chairs. Another has a large sun canopy and is surrounded by mulberry trees and lavender - this has a teak coffee table, a bench and two armchairs. The third terrace is just outside the front door - with two comfortable, folding chairs for relaxing.
- Parking: There's parking for 2 cars either just inside or just outside the lockable gates to the garden, which ever you prefer.
- Internet: There is a wireless internet connection for use with your own laptop.
- Telephone: There is no landline telephone here - sorry.
- Baby Facilities: A cot and a high chair are 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: This is included for you in the rental price.
- Bed and bathroom linen: Included in the price are bed linen for the double bed and towels for 2 people. If your party is larger and you wish to use the chair bed/s or the cot - there is an additional charge of £4 per week per person for bed linen and towels.
- Taxe de Sejour: In France it is necessary to pay a Taxe de Sejour at the end of your stay. It has been included here in the rental price.
- Damage Deposit: The owners request a damage deposit of £100 or 100 Euros payable on arrival. This will be refunded to you at the end of your stay less the replacement cost of any breakages or damage.
- Change over Day: Completely flexible subject to availability.
- Long weekend stay and mini-breaks: Are welcome here subject to availability - please enquire for the price.
- Pets: The owners do not allow pets here.
- Smoking: is not permitted in this property.
How To Get There
- By Car: The village lies 3kms to the South of Olonzac off the D611. The nearest autoroute exit is No: 25 - Lezignan Corbieres on the A61 Autoroute des Deux Mers. Carcassonne is about a 40-minute drive and Narbonne about 30 minutes.
- By Air: The nearest airports are Carcassonne and Beziers (both approximately 40 minutes drive) - they are both serviced by the low-cost airline Ryanair from the UK, Ireland and Belgium. Beziers airport is also serviced by FlyBe. Toulouse and Perpignan airports are also good options - Perpignan is about 1 hour away and Toulouse 1hr 45 minutes. . You can also fly to Montpellier and Nimes - both under 2 hours drive - and Girona (N.Spain) - approx 2hrs 30 mins drive.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is in Lezignan Corbieres - about 3kms away. Please click on the link to RAIL EUROPE on our Home Page foe details of trains and tickets to this region. A car is recommended.
Full directions will be sent to you upon booking.
