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Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Villa Lapis Lazuli
General Description
- Villa Lapis Lazuli is a detached, single-storey, south-facing, air-conditioned villa in a semi-rural location just outside the small village of Raissac d'Aude and 1km from the larger village of Canet d'Aude.
- Canet has a boulangerie, a small supermarket, a fresh fruit and vegetables seller, and a cafe bar. You can walk to Canet or use one of the 4 bikes available for local shopping.
- The villa has electric gates so once you close them you are completely private and can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the mature garden, relaxing on the terrace, playing games in the games room, playing 'boules' or swimming in the private pool.
- The air-conditioned accommodation comprises a lounge, dining room and kitchen; 3 double bedrooms, one of which also has a single bed, and 2 shower rooms both with separate WCs. There is also a summer kitchen, a games room, a terrace, a mature garden and a private swimming pool.
- The villa is equipped with a satellite TV (receiving mainly French and some other European channels), a CD and DVD player and high speed internet access; ideal if you need to keep in touch with work, or if you are house-hunting.
- A further feature of this villa is the 'summer kitchen' where you can prepare meals, salads, and fish and meats for the barbecue without having to be indoors.
- The swimming pool is 9m x 5m and is secured by a safety fence; ideal if you have young children.
- Villa Lapis Lazuli is a great base from which to explore the stunning Languedoc region being only 15 minutes drive from Narbonne, 25 minutes from the nearest beach resort, and 40 minutes from Carcassonne. You are in the midst of acres of vineyards here and many of the local domaines and chateaux invite you to taste their wines.
- This property lends itself to a multi-generational family or a group of friends holidaying together.
The Local Area
- The local village of Canet d'Aude is quite lively and is just 1 km away - it is walkable, or you can take a bike or your car. Facilities include a small supermarket, a boulnagerie, a cafe bar, a pharmacy, a fresh fruit and vegetable seller, and a pizzeria.
- Activities: This area is great for walking or cycling especially under the shade of the plane trees which line the famous Canal du Midi, just 2kms from here. If your prefer a mountain bike or a road bike, a cycle hire specialist is available locally. We can provide the details for you. All type of watersports can be found on the coast e.g. wind-surfing, or kite-boarding. If you enjoy a round of golf, there are courses in Carcassonne and Beziers.
- Sightseeing: There's a great deal to see and do in this area. However a visit to this region would not be complete without a trip to the medieval city of Carcassonne, the lively and attractive town of Narbonne, the world heritage site of the Canal du Midi, the vineyards of the Minervois and Corbieres, the Cathar Castles, Minerve and the abbbeys at Fontfroide and Lagrasse.
- For children: the giant caves at Cabrespine, the African Nature Reserve at Sigean, or even the Dinosuar Museum at Esperaza. A day trip to Spain is easily possible as the border is only 75 minutes drive away.
- Markets: The markets of the region are colourful and interesting and full of fresh local produce. They sell everything from jewellery to basketware to beds! Locally there a market in Lezignan Corbieres, 10 minutes drive away, on a Weds morning and in Narbonne on a Thursday and a Sunday. Narbonne has a great indoor food market in Les Halles which is open every morning of the week.
- Restaurants: In the summer months there's a good choice in the vicinity. Canal-side restaurants in Ventenac and Paraza, La Table du Chateau at Bizanet, and Cote Jardin in Conilhac Corbieres. There's also a good choice of restaurants in Narbonne.
- Supermarkets: Canet has a small supermarket, but larger supermarkets can be found in Lezignan Corbieres and in Narbonne.
Facilities
- Lounge: Comfortably furnished with a sofa and armchairs, a coffe table, a desk, and a satellite TV receiving mainly French and some European channels, a CD and a DVD player.
- Dining Room: This has a large dining table and seating for up to 8 people. A fridge/freezer is located here.
- Kitchen: In the house, close to the dining room, there's a galley-style kitchen with a cooker, microwave, diswasher, etc. Additionally there's a summer kitchen where you can prepare meals to eat outside.
- Utlility Room: With a washing machine, tumble dryer, a vacuum cleaner, an ironing board and an iron.
- Bedrooms: There are 3 double bedrooms with storage and hanging. One of the bedrooms has an additional single bed.
- Games Rooms: There is a games room for children complete with some toys, and table tennis.
- Outside: is a lovely mature garden with lawns, a terrace with garden furniture and a barbecue for relaxing and dining alfresco. There is a driveway with electric gates and ample parking for 2 cars. An area is set aside for enjoying a game of 'boules'.
- Swimming Pool: The lovely, private, pool is 9m x 5m and is secured by a fence for the safety of children. it is normally open from May to September according to the weather.
- Internet: A Broadband internet connection is available for use with your own laptop.
- Telephone: A telephone is available, however call charges are not included in the rental price and must be paid to the owners.
- Baby Facilities: A cot and a high chair are available upon request.
- Winter Heating: Is included in the rental price, as is the air-conditioning.
- Gas, Electric and Water: Are all included in the rental price.
- End of Stay Cleaning: Is included in the rental price.
- Bed and Bathroom Linen: Is included in the rental price.
- 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 800 euros on arrival. This will be refunded to you on your day of departure less the replacement cost of any breakages.
- Change over day: Saturday during the summer months. Other days may be possible, subject to availability, at other times of the year.
- Long weekend stays and mini breaks: May be available outside of June, July and August, subject to availbility.
- Pets: Small dogs may be permitted with prior permission - please enquire.
How To Get There
- By Car: The villa is located on the edge of Raissac d'Aude just 15 minutes by car to the North West of Narbonne. The nearest autoroute exits are No 38 Narbonne-Sud on the A9, and No 25 Lezignan Corbieres on the A61.
- By Air: Carcassonne, Beziers and Perpignan airports are the nearest being 45 minutes, 40 minutes and 1 hour away by car respectively. Toulouse, Nimes and Montpellier airports are good alternatives.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Narbonne. For details of train and ticket prices to this region please consult the link to RAIL EUROPE on our Home Page.
Full directions will be provided once you make a firm booking.
