My Shortlist
Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Gite la Chapelle
General Description
- For wine-enthusiasts and those that have a great interest in wine-making, for lovers of the countryside, walking, cycling, tennis, swimming, bird-watching and photography - this gite, with its own private garden, is located in the beautiful grounds of a Chateau producing award-winning wines of AOC Minervois....just relax in these beautiful surroundings and get away from it all!! You might find it hard to tear yourselves away...
- What sets this holiday property aside from others is its location in the delightful grounds of this Chateau near Laure-Minervois. They extend to over 200 acres, a 1/3rd of which are under vine. The domaine is said to be a 'domaine to closely follow' in the world of wine. Since 2001 the British owner has completely transformed the vineyards, installed a winery, an underground cellar and a wine shop. Whilst here, you can not only learn more about wine production by visiting the winery but also you can purchase and enjoy the quality wine produced here with your meals. We were lucky enough to try it when we visited and found it be really excellent!
- The single-storey gite of around 60 sq. metres has an open plan living area with a sitting and dining area, a well-equipped kitchen,a double bedroom, a further bedroom with twin beds and a bathroom with a separate WC. Outside is a small private garden with a barbeque and a table and chairs for al fresco dining. The shared swimming pool is a short walk away and enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding hills and there is a professional standard tennis court for those of you enjoy playing tennis.
- Here you will find a truly relaxing location for your holiday in attractive, peaceful surroundings with stunning views in all directions. Thought to date back to Roman times, the site here was abandoned to the Visigoths and in the grounds you'll see an ancient 10th century chapel which will one day be renovated.
- In the high summer the owners organise an occasional classical music or jazz concert and vineyard tours in which you can take part if you wish. Do remember however that this is one of the sunniest parts of France and very often the weather in Spring or Autumn can be really lovely - and this would be a fantastic location for an 'out of season' holiday.
The Local Area
- It's just 2kms into the village of Laure-Minervois - an easy drive or bike ride. The village has a cafe-bar, a post office, a grocer's, and a bakers - so all your day-to-day basic needs can be met. The village is also visited by the mobile butcher, fishmonger and greengrocer. Further shops can be found in Caunes-Minervois, Trebes, Villeneuve, Peyriac and Rieux-Minervois, all within a 15 minute drive. For a wide choice of shops and restaurants Carcassonne is just a 25 minute drive.
- Sport Facilities: In the grounds of the Chateau you can enjoy swimming and tennis and you can start your walks from here or further afield. If you love cycling (mountain bikes or road bikes) we can assist you with having rental bikes delivered to your door - please enquire. Rafting and canoeing in the River Aude, swimming and watersports in the lakes of the Montagne Noire, golf in Carcassonne and horse-riding are all possibilities.
- Sight-seeing: The region is famous for the medieval city of Carcassonne, which you should not miss visiting and seeing lit up at night ,and the other Cathar Castles many of which are in breath-taking locations. 'Montsegur' the last stronghold of the Cathars is within easy reach of here. The lovely, vibrant city of Nabonne and the Mediterranean beaches are about a 50 minute drive - and day trips into Spain and Andorra are also great possibilities. The local town of Trebes is a 'port' on the Canal du Midi and you can take a boat trip from here. Also worth visiting are Toulouse, Foix, Revel (especially for the market on Saturday mornings), Lastours, Limoux and Fanjeaux.
- Markets: The markets in the region are colourful and lively and are full of local, fresh, seasonal produce - ideal for those of you who love cooking. Locally they are in Caunes-Minervois, Trebes and Carcassonne.
- Restaurants: Trebes has 3 restaurants on the Canal du Midi and there's a wide variety of restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes in Carcassonne.
- Supermarkets: There are 2 supermarkets in Trebes, and larger ones on the outskirts of Carcassonne.
Facilities
- Living room/dining area/kitchen: This is an open-plan area making the flow of conversation, food and wine very easy. The decor and furnishings throughout are simple but comfortable. There's an oval dining table seating 6 people, a sofa and 2 armchairs, a TV receiving French channels and a CD player. The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking with a cooker, fridge, dishwasher, and washing machine.
- Bedrooms: There are 2 bedrooms - a double room and a twin bedroom.
- Bathroom: There is a bathroom with a bath and a shower mixer tap, and a washbasin. The WC is separate.
- Suitability Note: although the property is on a single level there are a few steps up to the front door so it might not be suitable for the elderly or those with mobility problems.
- Additional accommodation: There is a further gite here in the grounds but it is set at a distance - please see Moulin la Chapelle.
- Outside: There is a small, private garden for relaxing, barbecuing and eating. There is private parking for your car in the grounds of the chateau. The grounds of the Chateau are available to you for walking.
- Swimming Pool: Set in the grounds of the chateau this is a large 12m x 6m pool with a paved surround, sun-loungers and parasols. It has stunning views over the surrounding countryside. It will normally be open from late May into early October, according to the weather, and may be shared with the owners and holiday-makers in the other gite.
- Tennis Court: There is a professional standard tennis court available for your use. Please bring your own equipment and white soled tennis shoes.
- Internet and Telephone: These are not available here - sorry.
- Winter Heating: Is not included in the price - please enquire for the supplementary price for winter heating.
- Gas, Electric and Water: are all included in the rental cost.
- End of stay cleaning: is included in the rental cost.
- Bed and bathroom linen: are included in the rental price except for pool/beach towels. Guests are requested to provide their own.
- 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 owner requests a damage deposit of £100 on arrival, This will be refunded to you at the end of your stay less the replacement cost of any breakages.
- Change Over Day: Saturday in High/Peak Season. May be flexible at other times of the year according to availability,
- Pets: Your dog may be permitted here by prior arrangement but please note that the owners have two friendly dogs on the domain.
How To Get There
- By Car: The village of Laure Minervois is situated about 20kms to the North East of Carcassonne. The nearest autoroute exit is No: 24 Carcassonne-East on the A61.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Carcassonne - about 25 minutes drive and serviced by Ryanair from the UK and Belgium. The next nearest airports are Beziers and Toulouse (just over an hour's drive) - and then Perpignan, and Montpellier.
Full directions etc will be sent once you have made a booking.
