Cottage Des Cathares
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Overview
With a magical setting, this historical cottage is full of charm and character. Located in the amazing Cathar country, near the delightful market town of Mirepoix, this is a special place where young and old can stay in this enchanting part of the Languedoc.
Built in the 18th century on the estate of an impressive château, yet with its own entrance and garden, this cottage has been a labour of love for the artistic owner who has sensitively restored the place into a warm and welcoming family home.
The bright and homely cottage has perfectly modern interiors yet still retains so much character throughout. Each of the four bedrooms has been decorated in an individual style and feature interesting furnishings, artwork or prints across the walls and a real sense of charm and pride. The cosy living room has a fireplace for cooler months or enjoy the summer with the doors leading straight out on to the gardens. Contemporary bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen complement the sense of history across this lovely home. The owner can arrange for services such as a private-chef or babysitter to make your stay as relaxing as it can be.
The cottage sits near a remarkable thirteenth century castle, Château des Cathares, a ten bedroom family home that can be rented together with the cottage or separately.
Outside you can relax in the shady gardens at the front of the cottage or venture further afield. This region is a hiker’s paradise with rolling hills and valleys full of sunflowers whilst there are also opportunities to cycle, horse-ride or fish nearby.
The local village, just five minutes by car, has a bakery, butchers and little grocery store or head to the historical town of Mirepoix, famous for its ancient timer-framed houses and amazing market on a Monday morning in the beautiful square. Food lovers take note that foie gras is produced in the farm just across from the estate and of course there are some stunning wines to sample in vineyards across the Languedoc region.
This is the Cathar country with so many spectacular castles and ruins to explore, such as the most famous in nearby Montségur. The incredible fortified city of Carcassonne is just forty-five minutes away, with delightful Limoux and vibrant Toulouse also within an hour’s drive. You may prefer to just head nearer to home such as pretty Castelnaudary (30km), the birthplace of the Cathars, where you can take a boat trip or cycle ride along the Canal du Midi.
After a day exploring this outstanding region, you will still feel the spirit of the Cathars in the surrounding area as you return to your lovely cottage, a wonderful place to stay in this very special part of southern France.
What you should know…
- Due to the immense character, you’ll find some low ceilings and doorways
- The cottage has its own entrance and front garden, yet it is located on the estate of Château des Cathares, which can be rented alone or in addition to the cottage
- When guests rent the cottage alone they do not have access to the château estate, pool or parkland but they have their own lovely garden in front of the cottage
- If the château is unoccupied during your stay, it is possible to use its swimming pool (from May to early October) at a supplement of €250 per week payable directly to the owners locally
Property Features
Cottage Interior
Ground Floor
- Entrance Hall
- Dining room (14m2)
- Living room (15m2) with fire-place and doors leading outside
- Kitchen (11m2), well-equipped with breakfast table
- Double bedroom (14m2) with en-suite shower room (7m2)
- Separate WC
First Floor
- Bathroom with bath and washbasin
- Separate WC
- Twin bedroom (16m2)
- 2 x Twin bedroom (14m2)
- 1 cot available for guests use
Outside Grounds
- BBQ
- Garden
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- TV and DVD player
- Children’s books and toys
- Board games
- Access to a washing machine
Location
About the surrounding area of Cottage Des CatharesIn the nearby village (7km) you will find a bakery for your morning croissants and bread, a butchers, a small grocery shop with bar and a garage with a café. It’s just a little further to larger supermarkets such as those in Mirepoix (16km) or Pamiers (24km).
This area is a paradise for hikers with the rolling hills and valleys. There is tennis in the local village as well as horse-riding and fishing nearby and golf lovers can head to Golf de Carcassonne within 45 minutes. If you are a food lover then you may appreciate the foie gras producer in the farm just across from the chateau and don’t miss the highly recommended Monday morning market in nearby Mirepoix (16km), a delightful town known for its beautiful market square and ancient timer-framed houses.
Discover the Romanesque ruins and 13th century castles dotted around the landscapes; within a short drive you can be in the heart of the Cathar country. Visit the ruins of the famous Château de Montségur (45km), one of the last strongholds of the Cathars and there’s a museum in the village nearby.
Head north to Castelnaudary (27km), the birthplace of the Cathars, and be sure to try some local cassoulet as well as taking a boat trip around the grand bassin of the Canal du Midi. The cycle route along the Canal du Midi may also appeal as it’s suitable for all abilities and ages, making a perfect day out for the whole family with a picnic stop along the way.
It goes without saying that the fortified city of Carcassonne (48km) is a must see, there are guided tours and medieval shows throughout the summer to entertain all visitors. One of the largest local markets is in Carcassonne, held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at Place Carnot in the town centre.
Other day trips should include delightful Limoux (45km), on the Aude River, always bustling with activity, especially in the summer. The market on a Friday morning is simply wonderful when shopping for local, fresh produce or simply find a picturesque café in one of the pretty squares for coffee and pastries. You are also not too far from Toulouse (70km), known as ‘La Ville Rose’ (the pink city), a vibrant place full of history and culture with many cafes, restaurants, museums and shops as well as the City of Space, a must for all the family.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Town/City |
Mirepoix
(16km) |
||
| Nearest Airport |
Carcassonne Airport/Toulouse Airport
(45km/85km) |
||
| Sightseeing |
Mirepoix/Castelnaudary
(16km/27km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Avignonet-Lauragais
(33km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(7km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
(Lake) Lac De Montbel Cote Leran
(40km) |
||
Region
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of those areas of France where you can feel like you’re totally cut off from the rest of the country. Commercial tourism has been very slow to capitalise on the region, meaning you can still enjoy a slice of authentic French rural life at its finest. A mixture of landscapes also makes it a great place to visit, with a good stretch of coastline offering a totally different experience to more bucolic interiors. Whatever you’re looking for, our range of villas and chateaux in Languedoc means you can get exactly the kind of holiday you want with accommodation that’s perfectly tailored to you, your friends and your family.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThere is tennis in the local village as well as horse-riding nearby. Discover the Romanesque ruins and 13th century castles dotted around the landscapes, including the ruins of the famous Château de Montségur and there’s a museum in the village nearby.
Head north to Castelnaudary and take a boat trip around the grand bassin of the Canal du Midi. The cycle route here may also appeal as it’s suitable for all abilities and ages, making a perfect day out for the whole family with a picnic stop along the way.
The fortified city of Carcassonne is a must see, there are medieval shows throughout the summer to entertain all visitors. You are also not too far from Toulouse, a vibrant place full of history and culture as well as the City of Space, a must for all the family.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Board games
- Children's books
- Indoor Games
- DVD
- Toys
Services Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Fridge Stocking/Shopping Service Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available at this property:
- Catering
- Cleaning
- Fridge stocking/Shopping service
- Baby-Sitting
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Château des Cathares, alongside the cottage, is an ideal place for large events and a fairy-tale lo...
Read moreEvent information
Château des Cathares, alongside the cottage, is an ideal place for large events and a fairy-tale location for a spectacular wedding and reception.
Please see the Events tab for Château des Cathares for further information.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation. Third party liability insurance is mandatory.
| Security deposit | €1000 paid to the owner by bank transfer one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €1000 paid to the owner by bank transfer one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, excluding pool towels. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Tax | Tourist tax must be paid locally on arrival. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Minimum stay | 2 nights except July, August and Christmas when 7 nights. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Stag&Hen Parties/Celebrations authorised on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner. |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay (a copy of the policy must be provided to the owner prior to the arrival). |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 17th 2019 - Aug 31st 2019 | - | - | - | - | £1,437 |
| Aug 31st 2019 - Dec 14th 2019 | £872 | £948 | £1,023 | £1,098 | £1,231 |
| Dec 14th 2019 - Jan 4th 2020 | - | - | - | - | £1,437 |
| Jan 4th 2020 - Jun 27th 2020 | £924 | £999 | £1,074 | £1,149 | £1,283 |
| Jun 27th 2020 - Aug 29th 2020 | - | - | - | - | £1,488 |
| Aug 29th 2020 - Dec 12th 2020 | £924 | £999 | £1,074 | £1,149 | £1,283 |
| Dec 12th 2020 - Jan 2nd 2021 | - | - | - | - | £1,488 |
| Jan 2nd 2021 - Feb 17th 2021 | £924 | £999 | £1,074 | £1,149 | £1,283 |
Please note that prices may not be 100% accurate for dates outside of the current calendar year. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
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