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Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Maison de la Circulade
General Description
- Maison de la Circulade has been created during 2011 by fully renovating and extending the owner's grandfather's ancient wine 'cave'. The family are still wine-makers today. Inside the house is really modern being designed, decorated and furnished in a truly contemporary style.
- Where possible the original features such as the old wine stores have been kept contrasting nicely with the otherwise ultra modern interior.
- There's a large open plan kitchen and dining room with glass walls letting in lots of natural light. There are no less than three sitting areas i.e. a TV room, a light and bright sitting area just off the dining room, and a further area on the first floor. There's plenty of space to enjoy quietly reading a book or joining in with the family's conversation.
- Upstairs you'll find 4 en-suite double bedrooms plus a family suite consisting of two rooms, one a double and the other a twin which share a family shower room. The decor and soft furnishings are truly delightful and the shower rooms smart and crisp.
- The rear of the house has a large terrace for alfresco dining, soaking up the sun, or relaxing in the jacuzzi. There are really pretty views over the lovely countryside and the valley of the Cougaing.
- The house is on the edge of a small, pretty and ancient 'circulade' village typical of the Languedoc - it's about 4 kms, an easy run in the car, into the delightful town of Limoux.
- The property is ideal for an extended family, perhaps for a special birthday or celebrations, for two families holidaying together or for a group of friends. The owners have thought of everything to make your holiday here both both comfortable and enjoyable.
The Local Area
- La Digne d'Aval is in the heart of the Limoux vineyards renowned for 'Blanquette' and 'Cremant' de Limoux - both delicious sparkling white wines. Rose and red wine is also produced in this area. The village is in the foothills of the Pyrenees and therefore there are lovely views in the surrounding area.
- The nearest town is Limoux, just 4kms away, where you'll find supermarkets, shops, a bank, cafe-bars and restaurants, a Friday market and concerts and events almost all year round. In the other direction is the beautiful town of Mirepoix (30kms) with its medieval galleried arcade and market place.
- Sports facilities: Locally you can enjoy fishing, walking, cycling, tennis, sailing, and canoe-kayaking. You can enjoy a round of golf at Carcassonne. Swimming is possible at Lac Montbel and at Lac de la Cavayere near Carcassonne and from the Mediterranean beaches.
- Sightseeing: Limoux is famous for its 'blanquette de Limoux' a delicious, sparkling white wine. The medieval city of Carcassonne is also just a 30 minute drive away. The beautiful lake, Lac Montbel, is just a few kms away. 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: In Mirepoix, there's a market every Monday and in Limoux on a Friday. In Carcassonne, there's a market on a Saturday morning.
- Restaurants: In the village there's 'Au Soquet' where it is possible to dine by reservation. And in Limoux and Mirepoix there is a wide choice of restaurants and cafe-bars to suit all budgets and tastes. We recommend Domaine Gayda just outside Limoux.
- Supermarkets: The nearest large supermarket is in Limoux, and there's a smaller one in Chalabre.
Facilities
- Dining Room and Kitchen: This is a stunning open plan area with lots of natural light - the kitchen is ultra modern with an oven, a hob, dishwasher, large American fridge, extractor, kettle, cafetieres, mixer - everything you need for cooking. The dining table is large and seats 10 people in comfort.
- Sitting Rooms: There are 3 sitting areas. The first is just off the dining room with leather armchairs and a trendy leather sofa. Next you have a TV room (actually in one of the wine 'caves') with a TV receiving French channels and a DVD player, 2 leather sofas, and a coffee table. Upstairs on the landing is a further sitting area with two comfortable armchairs, a sofa, coffee table and a lamp.
- Utlility Room: There's a laundry room with a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board.
- Bedrooms: There are 3 delightful bedrooms with double beds all with well-appointed en-suite shower rooms. Additionally there's a family suite of 2 bedrooms: one is a double bedroom and the other one a twin-bedded room separated by a family shower room. All the bedrooms are on the first floor.
- Bathrooms: There are 3 en-suite shower rooms with shower, washbasin and WC. The fourth shower room is slightly larger with twin washbasins and a WC. Two hairdryers are provided. On the ground floor is an additional cloakroom with a WC.
- Outside: Is a large spacious terrace of 60 sq.m. with a lovely view over the surrounding countryside - it's ideal for relaxing, dining and soaking up the sun. There's a teak dining table with 10 chairs and a 'plancha' + accessories for cooking outdoors. There is private secure parking for one car, and further street parking is possible in the village.
- Jacuzzi: There is a 5-person jacuzzi on the terrace and an outside shower which is available to all those over 14 years of age. Hygiene regulations are enforced. If you wish to use the jacuzzi the first session is offered free of charge. Afterwards there is an additional cost of 2 euros per person per session, payable direct.
- Internet: There is an internet connection for use with your own laptop - more details available soon.
- Telephone: Sorry there is no landline telephone here.
- Baby Facilities: A cot and a high chair are available upon request.
- Winter Heating: The house is fitted with electric radiators for the cooler months. Included in the price if 16 KW of electricity per day. If you have the heating on and use more, there may be an additional charge based on your metered consumption.
- Electric and Water: Water is included in the rental as is Electricity up to 16KW per day, which is the average usage for a family in a warmer climate.
- Bedroom & Bathroom linen: These are not included in the price as it is envisaged that smaller parties may wish to reserve this property. The price for bed linen is 10 euros per bedroom per week. The price for bathroom towels is 3 euros per person per week (bath towel and hand towel). If you wish to reserve these please let us know when enquiring or booking and we can give you a total price. Tea towels are not included and guest are requested to take 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 owners request a damage deposit of 400 euros payable upon arrival. It will be refunded to you at the end of your stay less the replacement cost of any breakages.
- Change Over Day: Is Saturday, except in low season when other days will be considered.
- Long weekend stays: May be possible, subject to availability, in the Low Season - please enquire.
- Pets: Sorry but pets are not permitted here.
- Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in this property.
How To Get There
- By Car: The property is just 4 kms west of Limoux, which is approx. 25 kms to the South West of Carcassonne (35-40 mins drive). The nearest autoroute exits are No's 22 and 23 on the A61.
- By Air: The nearest airports are Carcassonne (34 minutes), Toulouse (approx 1hr 22 mins) and Beziers (approx 1hr 33 mins). Good alternatives are Perpignan and Montpellier.
- By Train: The nearest main railway station is in Carcassonne, although Limoux has a local station. For details of trains and tickets to this area, please consult the link to RAIL EUROPE on our website. A car is recommended here.
Full directions will be provided once you have made a booking.
