My Shortlist
Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Maison Ruby
General Description
- Nestling in the large garden of a wine-maker's house is this lovely, stone cottage. It is fully renovated, immaculately presented and decorated and furnished with good taste. From the property, you can walk to the village in just a few minutes to a small grocery/bread shop and 2 restaurants.
- The cottage comprises an open-plan living/dining room, kitchen, shower room, and 2 bedrooms. Outside is a garden and swimming pool where you can enjoy relaxing after a day's sightseeing.
- This lovely holiday property, open all year round, is in a quiet road in the ancient village of Paraza, alongside the Canal du Midi. The village is built on a hillside on the northern bank of the Canal and from the main square there are wonderful views across the vineyards, the valley of the River Aude to the Pyrenees in the distance.
- The property is a great base for exploring the Languedoc as Carcassonne, Narbonne and the Mediterranean coast and Beziers are all within an easy drive.
The Local Area
- In Paraza, there are lots of activities to enjoy - you can play boules or tennis, or enjoy horse-riding at the ranch on the edge of the village. It's a great area for walking and cycling either in the shade of the plane trees alongside the Canal du Midi watching the passing boats. Cycle hire is available in the village and the bikes can be delivered to your door - please enquire.
- Boat trips on the Canal du Midi can be enjoyed at Homps, Trebes, Carcassonne and Narbonne.
- For those of you interested in art, Paraza has an art gallery which can be found by the side of the Canal.
- Activities: 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. Towards Homps, just a 10-minute drive away, you will find the Lac du Jouarres for swimming, water-sports, walking etc. Golfers can enjoy a round of golf at Carcassonne or Beziers, both only 40 minutes drive away. In Narbonne, there's an extensive leisure centre 'Espace Liberte' with an Olympic size swimming pool and 10-pin bowling.
- Sightseeing: There's much to see and do in this region. A visit would not be complete without a trip to the medieval city of Carcassonne, the lively and attractive town of Narbonne, various villages on 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. A day trip to Spain is also a possibility as the border is only a 90-minute drive away and the coastal resort of Roses is lovely.
- Wine: Paraza is in the Minervois wine-producing area but also borders the Corbieres wine region. Specialities are red and rose wines. You can buy the local wine direct from the many 'domaines' and 'chateaux' both in the village and in the surrounding area. Many of the producers will offer you a wine-tasting - you just need to decide who is driving!
- 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 lunchtime.
- Restaurants - can be found in Paraza itself at Cafe du Port and La Barracca, also in the surrounding villages: Ginestas, Ventenac, Roubia, Bize Minervois, Homps etc. There's a wide variety to suit all tastes and budgets and a few really special ones if you are celebrating a special occasion. Joie de Vivre can provide you with a restaurant guide.
- Supermarkets - there are at least 3 with 10-15 minutes drive in St Marcel sur Aude, Lezignan Corbieres and Olonzac. There's a small mini-market in the neighbouring village of Roubia. Paraza has a small epicerie - a grocer's shop selling basic day to day products and bread.
Facilities
- Living room / Dining Room/Kitchen: The main living area is open plan and looks out over the garden. The dining area has an attractive dining table and 6 chairs. In the sitting area there's a comfortable sofa, a chair, a TV receiving French channels, and a DVD player for your own DVDs. Additionally in this area is a charming day bed which can be used for additional seating or for sleeping one person. The kitchen is next to the dining area and is newly equipped with a 4-ring hob, an oven, a cooker hood,a microwave oven, a fridge/freezer,dishwasher, iron and ironing board, electric coffee-maker, toaster and kettle. There's a washing machine located in the bathroom.
- Bathroom: On the ground floor. Newly fitted with a large shower, twin washbasins and a WC. A hairdryer is supplied.
- Bedrooms: The 2 bedrooms are on the first floor and comprise a charming double room with a double bed, storage, hanging and a dressing table. The second bedroom has twin beds, storage and hanging. Additionally to the bedrooms on this floor is a further terrace where you can sit out under the stars on a balmy evening and enjoy a quiet glass of wine. There's a table and chairs here for 4 people.
- Outside: The cottage has its own area of the quiet, peaceful garden equipped with a table, chairs, parasol and barbecue. It is South East facing and sunny around the pool - for those who prefer shade there are some mature trees where you can sit and relax out of the direct sun.
- Swimming pool: The lovely swimming pool is 10m x 5m and is secured by a fence. You will find sun-loungers around the pool. The pool is shared with the owners who will try only to use it when you are out sight-seeing. Near to the pool is a handy changing room and WC.
- Parking: there is space for one car near the entrance to the property, further parking is available in the village.
- Internet: There is not currently an internet connection here - though you can find many WiFi hotspots and internet cafes in France.
- Telephone: Sorry, no - but mobile phone signals are usually quite good.
- Baby Facilities: Sorry - there are no baby facilities here.
- Winter Heating: Heating in the cooler months is included in the rental cost.
- Electric and Water: Are included in the rental cost.
- End of stay cleaning: Is included in the rental cost.
- Bed and Bathroom Linen: Are included in the rental cost except pool/beach towels. Pool towels can be hired on a weeky basis for 5 euros per towel, direct from the owner - please reserve in advance if required.
- 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 cost.
- Damage Deposit: The owner requests a damage deposit of 300 euros 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, from June to the end of September. In Low Season, alternative arrival days are possible, subject to availability, please enquire.
- Long weekends and Mini Breaks: Are possible in Low Season, subject to availability - please enquire for price and availability. The minimum stay is 3 nights.
- Pets: are not permitted here - sorry.
- Smoking: is not permitted here.
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 - both about 45 minutes drive. (Both serviced by Ryanair from the UK and Ireland - (www.ryanair.com ). Beziers is also serviced by Flybe from Summer 2011. 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 the link to RAIL EUROPE on our Home Page if you are intetersted in travelling to this region by train. There is also an overnight Motorail service to Narbonne (summer months only). The nearest railway stations are in Lezignan Corbieres and Narbonne.
Full directions etc will be sent to you once you make a booking.
