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Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Maison Jais
General Description
· This self-contained gite for up to 12 people is situated on an organic wine-producing 'domaine' on the edge of Cascastel-des-Corbieres, a village 30 kms south of Narbonne and 40 kms north of Perpignan, nestling in the rolling hills of the Corbieres. The owners of the property who live nearby will share with you their love and knowledge of the wine produced from almost 30 acres of vines, all with 'Appellation d'Origine Controllee' - AOC Fitou, Corbieres, Rivesaltes and Muscat de Rivesaltes.
· The property was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has been totally renovated to provide comfortable accommodation. What's interesting is that the gite is fitted with solar panels taking advantage of the fact that this area typically enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year. The solar panels are used to heat the hot water for the house and to keep the private swimming pool on the terrace a comfortable temperature. They also provide most of the electricity for the house which is then topped up by the national grid supply.
· Whilst in a rural setting in the midst of Cathar Country, this property is only 25 kms (30 minutes drive) from the Mediterranean beaches. It is one of 3 holiday properties on the domaine, all with completely separate facilities. Located on the edge of Cascastel, it's only a short walk to the village restaurant, and the local baker delivers bread.
· The gite has 4 bedrooms in total, each with its own bathroom and WC. There's a large living room with a fireplace making this is cheery place to stay in the autumn and winter. Outside there are two private terraces which look out onto the vines, one of the terraces has a heated swimming pool of 5m x 4m . The outside table and chairs are shaded from the sun so you can eat in comfort.
The Local Area
· Cascatel-des-Corbieres is a small village associated with the production of wine. It has a chateau, an 11th century church, along with a grocer, a 'tabac', a post office and a restaurant. There are further shops and facilities in Villeneuve-des-Corbieres (2km) and in the little town of Durban Corbieres (6km).
· As well as walking, or mountain-biking in the Corbieres hills, or playing boules in the village square, you can play tennis at Villeneuve-des-Corbieres (2kms). Within an hour and a half are the ski-slopes of Font Romeu, Pyrenees 2000 and Les Angles.
· When sight-seeing, you can discover the Cathar Castles of Aguilar, Queribus, Peyrepertuse, Villerouge-Termenes, as well as visit the fabulous medieval city of Carcassonne and the romanesque abbeys of Fontfroide and Lagrasse. Both children and adults will have a great day out at the African Nature Reserve at Sigean where over 3,000 different species of animals can be seen in close-to-nature surroundings. And don't forget to visit the fine sandy beaches of the Languedoc coast and, further south, the more dramatic coastline of the Cote Vermeille and the lovely fishing village of Collioure.
· There's a Saturday market at Villesque, 10km away. And it's also well worth visiting Narbonne on a Thursday morning to shop at the large outdoor market, but also to buy fresh food at the fascinating indoor market 'Les Halles'.
· It's just a short stroll down to the restaurant in Cascastel called 'Le Clos de Cascastel'. You'll find another restaurant nearby in Villeneuve-des-Corbieres, and also at Fontjoncouse, where there's restaurant with 2 Michelin stars.
· The nearest supermarket can be found at Durban Corbieres, 6kms away.
Facilities
· Living room: A large sitting room furnished with Art Deco and Art Nouveau armchairs, a coffee table, a TV receiving French channels, a DVD, and a music centre etc. There is an open fireplace to make your stay cosy in the cooler months.
· Dining room/Kitchen: The dining room is open plan to the fully-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine and drier, microwave oven etc. The dining table can seat up to 12 people.
· Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms for 2 people with either a double bed, or twin beds on request. The 4th bedroom sleeps 6 (ideal for children) with either a double and 4 singles, or twin beds and 4 singles (bunk beds). All rooms are furnished with period furniture blended with more contemporary pieces and have ample storage and hanging.
· Bathrooms: 4 en-suite to the bedrooms - all have twin wash basins, a bath and a separate WC.
· Additional accommodation: Outside of the main summer season, this gite can also accommodate either 5/8 people or 4 people with the lower level accommodation closed off. Please enquire for price and availability.
· Outside: There are two terraces overlooking the vines, one with the swimming pool, and table and chairs for al fresco dining, and sun loungers.
· Swimming pool: Heated by the solar panels - a 5m x 4m private pool situated on one of the terraces.
· Internet: You can connect to the internet here via WiFi and your own laptop.
· Telephone: Sorry - there is no telephone.
· Baby facilities: A cot and a high chair can be provided on request.
· Winter heating: is included in the rental cost
· Electric, & water: are all included in the rental cost.
· End-of-stay cleaning: is included in the rental cost.
· Bed & bathroom linen: is included in the rental cost.
· Taxe de Sejour: in France, it is necessary to pay a “Taxe de Séjour” at the end of your stay. It has been included here in the rental cost.
· Damage deposit: The owner requests a damage deposit of 1000 Euros on arrival and this will be refunded to you at the end of your stay, less the replacement cost of any breakages.
· Change over day: Saturday
· Long weekend stays and mini breaks: Are available but not in July and August. Please contact us for price and availability.
· Pets: are not permitted - sorry.
How To Get There
· By Car - Cascastel-des-Corbieres is situated 10 minutes from the town of Durban Corbieres about 30 kms south-west of Narbonne. The nearest motorway exits are on the A9 Exit No. 39 Sigean, or the A61 Exit No: 25 Lezignan Corbieres.
· By Air - Perpignan, Beziers, Carcassonne and Montpellier are the nearest - approximately 50 minutes drive away. Girona airport in N. Spain is also a good option. These are all serviced by low-cost airlines from the UK and Ireland such as Ryanair.
· By Train - Please visit www.raileurope.co.uk for details of the overnight Motorail service to Narbonne (summer months only).
Full directions etc will be sent once you make a booking
