My Shortlist
Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Maison Quartz Rose
General Description
· Located on a quiet road in the ancient, sleepy village of Paraza (very typical of a village in this part of the Midi) and just a few steps away from the Canal du Midi, this charming 3-storey house, with a private roof terrace, is maintained and decorated to a high standard. Ideally situated for sightseeing in this lovely region, it is approximately halfway between Narbonne and the Mediterranean beaches, and the medieval city of Carcassonne. This is an excellent area if you enjoy cycling, and the owners are able to offer you discounted cycle hire and have the bikes delivered to your door.
· It's the top floor of this house that is most interesting and appealing as the main sitting/living/dining area opens out through French windows onto the private roof terrace with lovely views of the village and surrounding area. You can sunbathe here in private, eat al fresco, or drink a glass of wine (or two!) on a warm evening watching the stars appear in the night sky.
· The village of Paraza has some engaging features such as two chateaux, an intersting church, several wine-producers, and of course the canal, interesting in itself, and often busy with passing boats. There is an excellent canal side bar and restaurant, and another restaurant in the village - both open from spring to autumn. There is a small grocery shop for bread and day-to-day necessities, a post office, and mobile vans (butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers) that deliver to the village on a regular basis. You can taste and buy wine direct at the Chateau de Paraza.
The Local Area
· In Paraza, you can play boules and there's a tennis court, but remember to bring your equipment! Opened in 2009 is the Shiloh Ranch in the village where you can hire a pony/horse and go riding. Boat trips on the Canal du Midi can be enjoyed at Homps, Trebes and Carcassonne. It's a great area for walking and cycling here either in the shade of the plane trees alongside the Canal du Midi, or for the more adventurous up in the Montagne Noir.
· All types of watersports can be enjoyed at the coast at Gruissan or Narbonne-Plage and the coastal lagoons are very popular for wind-surfing. More locally at Homps, you will find the Lac du Jouarres for swimming and for water-sports. You can enjoy a round of golf at Carcassonne or Beziers. In Narbonne, there's an extensive leisure centre 'Espace Liberte' with an Olympic size swimming pool and 10-pin bowling.
· There is an abundance of attractions in this area - it's hard to know where to start. But a visit to this area would not be complete without a trip to the medieval city of Carcassonne, the lively and attractive town of Narbonne, the Canal du Midi, the beach resorts of Gruissan and Narbonne-Plage, the vineyards of the Minervois and Corbieres, Minerve, the abbeys at Fontfroide and Lagrasse and the Cathar Castles. Children and adults alike will enjoy a day at the African Nature Reserve at Sigean where you can see over 3000 species of animals in close-to-nature surroundings. You can also buy the local wine direct from the many 'domaines' and 'chateaux' in the area - many of whom will offer you a wine-tasting - you just need to decide who is driving first!
· The Markets of the region are colourful, varied and full of local seasonal produce. Locally to Paraza they can be found at Olonzac on a Tuesday morning, Lezignan Corbieres on a Wednesday morning and in Narbonne - outdoor markets on a Thursday and Sunday morning and a superb indoor market in Les Halles every day except Sunday until 1.00pm.
· Restaurants - in Paraza itself at Cafe du Port and La Barracca, also in the surrounding villages: Ventenac, Bize Minervois, and Olonzac.
· Supermarkets - there are at least 3 with 10-15 minutes drive in St Marcel sur Aude, Lezignan Corbieres and Olonzac. There's a small supermarket in the neighbouring village of Roubia.
Facilities
· Living room / Dining Room: On the 2nd floor opening out onto the roof terrace. The owners have provided everything to make you feel at home. In the sitting area there's a settee, two armchairs, lamps and a coffee table. You can watch TV with Sky satellite channels or play your CDs on the CD player. The dining area has a sideboard, a dresser, a dining table and 4 chairs. Suitability Note: Due to the 2 staircases in the house needed to access the main living accommodation, it is not considered to be suitable for children under 5, or for people who are infirm or elderly.
· Kitchen: Also on the 2nd floor, this is open-plan to the dining area making it a very sociable space for the cook. The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking with 4 electric rings and an oven, microwave, dishwasher, food processor, toaster, wine rack etc.
· Utility room: On the ground floor off the lobby is a small utility room containing the washing machine. There's also storage here for bikes and outdoor clothing.
· Bedrooms: The two spacious bedrooms are on the 1st floor. One is a large double room, with plenty of storage and hanging, bedside tables and lamps. The other bedroom has twin beds which can be joined together to make a double if you prefer. Again this room has plenty of storage and hanging. A fold-up bed for a child can be provided on request.
· Bathrooms: On the 1st floor, this is a very spacious bathroom with a shower, twin washbasins and a WC. Under floor heating is available in winter - see note.
· Other rooms: On the 1st floor, a small comfortable area for reading or writing.
· Outside: A private roof terrace with a lovely view. There's a table and chairs with cushions for al fresco eating and a parasol. There's a barbeque, a drinks table, a small store cupboard - also lighting on the terrace.
· Swimming pool: No swimming pool here, but the Mediterranean beaches are only 35 minutes drive. Also near Homps is the Lac du Joarres which has a man-made beach and a safe swimming area. Lezignan Corbieres has an open air public swimming pool in the summer months.
· Internet: A FREE WiFi internet connection is available here for your own laptop.
· Telephone: There is no telephone here though there is a pay phone in the village.
· Heating for the cooler months: is available, but is not included in the rental cost. If heating is required, there is an additional charge of approximately 35 euros per week- please enquire.
· 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 180 Euros, or £150 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: Normally Saturday, but may flexible out of peak season according to availability - please enquire
· Long weekend stays and mini-breaks: Are available out of peak season, subject to availability - please enquire. Minimum booking period: 4 nights.
· Pets: are not permitted at this house - sorry.
· Smoking: is not permitted at this house – sorry.
How To Get There
· By Car - The village of Paraza lies just 20-25 minutes north west of Narbonne. The nearest motorway junctions are No: 25 Lezignan Corbieres on the A61 or No: 38 Narbonne Sud on the A9 Languedocienne.
· By Air - Carcassonne and Beziers airports are the nearest - about 45 minutes drive. (Both serviced by Ryanair form the UK and Ireland). Montpellier and Perpignan airports are just over a 1 hour drive. Toulouse, Nimes and Girona (N.Spain) are between 1hr 30 mins and 2 hours away.
· 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
