Moulin 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 has been created from an ancient windmill 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 domain is said to be a 'domain 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 gite of 120 sq. metres has been created from an ancient windmill and retains original many original features. It has a light and very spacious open plan living area on the ground floor with a double bedroom, bathroom and WC. There's a twin bedroom on a mezzanine level, and a further twin bedroom up on the top level of the old windmill. Outside there is a terrace 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 a series of classical music and jazz concerts and vineyard tours in which you can take part if you wish. But do remember 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, very light and spacious area, making the flow of conversation and food and wine very easy for guests here. The decor and furnishings throughout are simple but comfortable. There's a large dining table seating 8 people. The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking with a cooker, fridge, freezer,microwave, dishwasher, and washing machine.
- Bedrooms: There are 3 bedrooms. On the ground floor a double room with views out over the domain. On an open mezzanine level via a staircase, there are twin beds ideal for older children (low headroom due to beams). And on the top floor of the windmill itself a further 'circular' twin bedroom with lovely views from the windows over the domain and surrounding countryside.
- Additional room: Also in the windmill is a further 'original' room with two armchairs that could be used for reading and a for perhaps a few quiet moments relaxation away from the rest of your party.
- Bathroom: There is one bathroom on the ground floor with a bath with shower mixer tap, a washbasin. The WC is separate.
- Suitability Note: due to the staircases in the gite, it may not be suitable for very young children or for the infirm or elderly.
- Additional accommodation: There is a further gite here in the grounds but it is set away from the windmill - it sleeps 4 - please see Gite la Chapelle.
- Outside: There is a terrace for relaxing, barbecuing and eating. There is private parking for your car in the grounds of the chateau.
- 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 pemitted to stay here - please enquire. Note: 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.
