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Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Villa Loriot Jaune
General Description
· If you want to wake up in the morning, wander out onto a lovely terrace, listen to the birdsong and look out over what must be one of the most fantastic views in Herault, then Villa Loriot Jaune is for you. This well-presented and delightful 'bijou' villa of about 60m2 is in a peaceful location in the extensive grounds of the owners' property. With no less than 3 separate outdoor areas for relaxing, sunbathing and eating, the villa is in the hills just above the lovely village of Azillanet, near Olonzac, and has a fantastic vista stretching out over the countryside, the vineyards, the local villages and a lake - to the Pyrenees in the far distance.
· The villa has an airy and light living / dining area with a TV receiving English, German and French channels, a DVD player and a stereo system. The kitchen area is open-plan to the main living room. The double bedroom has twin beds that can be made up into a large double if you prefer, and the other sleeping accommodation is provided by a large, comfortable, convertible bed settee in the living room - the villa sleeps 2-4 people. Outside to the front is a beautiful paved terrace area overlooking the view with pretty planting, sun-loungers and a parasol. To one side there's an attractive decked dining area, dapple-shaded by a bamboo cover, and again with attractive planting. To the rear of the villa, in a sheltered location, is another covered terrace with a barbeque and a further table and chairs for dining.
· New is the fabulous 10m x 6m infinity swimming pool - decked on 3 sides with the 4th side looking straight out over the stunning view, together with a poolside shower. The pool is shared only with the owners, who will endeavour only to use it when you are out sight-seeing etc., so that you have the full enjoyment of it.
· Ideal for lovers of the countryside and wild-life, bird-watchers, walkers or fairly serious cyclists (the immediate area is hilly), the villa is situated on the road to the ancient city of Minerve, a former Cathar stronghold. It's an energetic 15-minute walk (or 5-minutes by car) to the village of Azillanet where you can buy bread, croissants and a few basic necessities. The grounds of the villa extend to some 2.5 acres here and consist of beautiful gardens, the landscaped pool area, woods and thyme-scented garrigue. For those who like a bit more exercise, there are a number of footpaths locally where you can enjoy some lovely walks.
· This is an ideal spot for a romantic holiday, a quiet relaxing break or, indeed, some family fun - and is highly recommended by Joie de Vivre. Although in a quiet location in the countryside, it's not too far from anywhere and is a great base for exploring this lovely wine-producing region, where Carcassonne is a 40-minute drive, and the Mediterranean coastal resorts about 45 mins.
The Local Area
· The local village of Azillanet is a brisk 15-minute walk from the villa, or 5-minutes in the car. It's a pretty village with lots of stone houses, a little grocer's who sells bread, a boulangerie van that arrives daily at 8.30am, and an 'auberge' open in the summer months for delicious local cuisine, with wine included, at a very reasonable price. Azillanet also boasts a great wine cave 'Les Trois Blasons' where you can taste the local wines and buy direct. The neighbouring town of Olonzac, and other local villages have further shops, banks, markets, bars and restaurants - all within an easy drive.
· Sports facilities: you can swim in the lovely pool at the villa, or for something different try swimming in the man-made 'swimming hole' in the River Cesse at Bize-Minevois, or from the Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean coast 45-minutes from here. All types of watersports are also available at the coast at Narbonne Plage or Gruissan - and many at the Lac du Jouarres more locally. Although hilly, the quiet roads are great for cycling and both mountain and road bikes can be hired locally - please ask Joie de Vivre for details. Walkers - please take your boots, and birdwatchers your binoculars! You can also enjoy a round of golf at Carcassonne or Beziers. And 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 - just 4kms away, 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! A little further afield but well worth the drive - why not try a day trip to Spain as the border is only an hour and a half away.
· The Markets of the region are colourful, varied and full of local seasonal produce. Locally to Azillanet 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 until 1.00pm. In high season there's an evening market fortnightly at the canal-side town of Homps. Out of season, many of the villages hold a 'vide grenier' on a Sunday morning - these are very popular with both locals and visitors.
· Restaurants - in Azillanet itself in the summer months you can dine at the Auberge, or various restaurants in Olonzac, Homps and Bize Minervois.
· Supermarkets - There's a supermarket 10-minutes drive away in Olonzac and another 15-minutes drive in La Redorte.
Facilities
· Living/Dining Room: An airy open plan room with a large convertible sofa making a large double bed. There's a further comfy sofa, table and chairs, a bookcase, a stereo, a DVD player and a TV receiving English satellite channels and some German and French channels. There's ample storage space.
· Kitchen: Open plan to the living/dining room, there's a 4-ring gas hob and full oven, a fridge. A microwave is available.
· Washing Machine: With a little notice you can use the owner's washing machine. An iron and ironing board are provided.
· Bedrooms: The bedroom is spacious with twin beds that make up to a 200cmx200cm double bed if preferred. There are bedside tables with lamps, a chair, a cupboard, shelves and hanging nearby.
· Shower room: There's a shower room with a large shower, a washbasin and a WC.
· Outside: The villa has 3 separate outdoor areas; a lovely terrace to the front for sun-bathing, a shaded, decked eating area to one side, and to the rear a covered, sheltered terrace. There is parking for your car in the grounds. Additional accommodation: from 2011 there is also Studio Loriot Jaune, ideal for a couple or two older children - please enquire.
· Swimming pool: A beautiful 10m x 6m infinity swimming pool and a poolside shower. The pool is alarmed for safety purposes, and is kept clean and pristine without the use of chlorine. The pool may be shared with the guests in the small studio apartment here (maximum 2 people normally).
· Internet: Sorry there is no internet facility at the moment.
· Telephone: Use of the owner's is possible with permission.
· Baby facilities: A cot and a high chair are available by prior request.
· Winter heating: Heating in the cooler months is provided by a wood-burning stove and supplementary heaters. It is included in the rental cost.
· Gas, electric, & water: are all included in the rental cost.
· End-of-stay cleaning: is included here in the rental cost.
· Bed & bathroom linen: is included in the rental cost. Pool towels may be hired from the owners at €5 per towel per week, payable direct.
· 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 150 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: Saturday in June, July, August and September. Other months flexible, subject to availability.
· Long weekend stays: A 6-night stay is the minimum - only available out of the main summer season.
· Pets: Dogs are permitted at this villa with prior permission.
· Smoking: is not permitted inside this villa – you are permitted to smoke outdoors.
How To Get There
· By Car - The village of Azillanet lies just 5 minutes north of the Minervois town of Olonzac, to the West of Beziers. The nearest motorway junctions are No: 25 Lezignan Corbieres on the A61 (Entre Deux Mers) and No: 36 Beziers Ouest on the A9 (Languedocienne).
· By Air - Carcassonne (Ryanair from East Midlands, Gatwick, Liverpool and Ireland) and Beziers Airports (Ryanair from Bristol in 2008) are the nearest - approximately 40 minutes drive away. Other possible airports are Montpellier, Nimes, Perpignan, Toulouse and Girona (N.Spain).
· 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
