Canal du Midi, Millepetit Ensoleille holiday cottage on banks of this famous canal

• Almost unique canal side location on a 12th century wine domaine on the Canal du Midi
• In the heart of Cathar country and close to Carcassonnes medieval 'La Cite'
• Close to sea and mountains, an ideal base from which to explore the 'Land of the Oc'

• Bedrooms: 2
• Sleeps: 4
• Distance from the nearest beach: 60 km
• Distance from nearest golf course: 10 km
• Distance from the nearest ski slopes: 70 km

Self-catering Gite
On the banks of the picturesque Canal du Midi

Location
Our holiday cottage is almost uniquely located in a handsomely restored 18th century rustic farmhouse in a truly picturesque setting on the banks of the Canal du Midi. Situated on the ’Domaine de Millepetit’ a small vineyard and working farm, conveniently only a few kms from ‘La Cite’ and the town of Carcassonne. The farmhouse has been restored with 21st century comforts in mind, creating a welcoming home from home, whilst retaining much of its French country charm with stone features, wooden beams and rafters set in the most superb canal-side location.

We cater mostly to couples but can quite comfortably accommodate up to 4 adults plus 1 child or baby with our family room.

We are situated on a small working estate or farm, known as a ‘Domaine’ in France, overlooking the stunning Canal du Midi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. We’re only a few kms from the famous medieval ‘La Cite’, which in turn overlooks the bustling town of Carcassonne. The gite is part of a larger farmhouse it is adjoined to a working barn that in turn adjoined to the beautiful Chateau of the domaine with its historic 12th century tower.
We are in close proximity to both the sea and mountains so you can easily fully explore this unusual region of South West France… all year round, wether for cultural pursuits, the history of the Cathars, sightseeing, sunbathing or just to take pleasure in tastings at any of the many wine ‘Domaines’ of the region. We would highly recommend your own form of transport to truly profit and maximise your enjoyment of this beautiful part of France.

Your neighbours
A few friendly families also live on this small estate and dependant on the time of year you will also find seasonal workers resident here and during the summer months the farm may be a little livelier with farming activity and vehicles. This means that there can be some farmyard traffic but there are no animal smells or noises to contend with (except for the birds, occasional dog bark or horse whinny). Thia ia truly an ideal opportunity to sample rural life in the Languedoc-Roussillon.
Apart from wine and olives, the farm also produces a variety of fruit and vegetables, which can be bought direct from the farmer, a fresher and more local source would be hard to find.

Wine tasting
The nearest ‘Cave’ for a ‘dégustation’ or tasting is only 10 minutes walk from the farmhouse…your neighbours at ‘Millegrand’ they produce amongst other varieties an Bronze medal award winning ‘Merlot’ and are well worth visiting.

Sports
Fishing enthusiasts take note, we are near the River Aude, with fishing on the Canal du Midi itself, bt fishing permets are needed.
Golfers are not excluded, with the fabulous golf course nearby at the ’Domaine de Auriac’ it’s open all year round and only10 kms away from your holiday cottage, both cyclists and Hikers are also catered for with 245kms of flat canal towpaths to explore…whilst later in the season, for those of you who enjoy skiing, well why not combine a winter City break in Carcassonne with a few days ‘on piste’… the nearest Ski stations being only a 2 hour drive from us at Ax-Les-Thermes.

Your French Odyssey
Both the farmhouse and vineyard were recently seen in TV chef Rick Steins ‘French Odyssey’, as he motored past in his rented barge. This BBC series celebrated the gourmet delights and sights of 245kms of the Canal du Midi. This unique part of the Aude inspired another celebrated British TV chef to produce his own television series. John Burton Race recorded a year of relocating to France with his family in Montferrand in his Channel 4 TV series and book entitled ‘French Leave’.



Accommodation
Upstairs… Our first floor lounge is bright, spacious and comfortable, full of character with wooden beams and rafters, retaining the original stone sink as a feature, there are cosy sofas to curl up on whilst relaxing or just watching TV. We have installed both British Sky satellite and French terrestrial TV. There’s a DVD player, Stereo hi-fi, a broad range of books, puzzles and board games, some of which will take you back to your youth. We also have a small library of current films on DVD but don’t forget to bring your favourites.

*The nets around the beds are for decorative purposes only, as the area around the farmhouse and this section of the canal is a mosquito free zone *

We offer our guests two spacious double bedrooms, both furnished in the French country style. Our generously proportioned ‘family’ bedroom has a larger queen sized bed for added comfort plus a sofa which opens into a double bed…with ample space for the baby crib should it be required, all with new mattresses and bedding, plus lots of soft pillows to fall in to after a hard days sightseeing.

The other equally comfortable double bedroom has a romantic feel with a 4 poster bed, chaise longue and canal views.

There is a large family sized shower room located close to the bedrooms, fitted with a modern powerful shower, with lots of storage space for your holiday toiletries plus a baby bath if required. We also supply a hairdryer to save a little space in your suitcase.

Downstairs…You’ll discover a large fully fitted modern kitchen, also facing the canal, again with a mix of old and new, retaining the beams and rafters, with all modern conveniences to help maximise your time in the sun, including a new dishwasher. There’s a pine farmhouse table and chairs… and a high chair for baby too.
From here you step almost straight out into the farmyard, with the canal only a few steps away.

The downstairs area also comprises a separate utility room with washing machine, with iron, ironing board, airing rack etc. There is an outside drying area for washdays.

Most rooms in the cottage overlook the Canal du Midi and have cooling fans for balmy evenings and reliable portable heating, for out of season rentals.

Baby package
High chair
Cot with mattress and bedding supplied…all new
Baby bath

Safety deposit box
For peace of mind we’ve also installed a strong box for you valuables.

The exterior
A few steps from the front door you’ll find your private canal-side terrace, complete with table and chairs, an ideal spot to perhaps enjoy a glass of the local wine whilst watching boats amble along the canal…

Across the canal
Crossing the small bridge over the canal brings you to a paddock where the farmer keeps his goat and horses, adjacent to here we have created a more secluded garden with shade fruit and olive trees. Next to the Almond tree under the pergola you’ll find a table and chairs plus sunloungers are available if required…take some shade under the pergola whilst taking in the stunning scenery, the breathtaking views of the Alaric mountains. Look out for our very own 9th Visigoth castle perched on a promontory overlooking the garden, better known as Chateau de Miramont, an unsung Cathar stronghold destroyed by Simon de Montforts troops after the siege of ‘La Cite’ in the year 1210… perhaps you’ll be the one to find the treasure of the Knights Templer hidden in the dense forests of the Alaric mountains.

Suitability
Quite simply, there is something here for everyone to enjoy…
Lovers of history and culture
Cycling, along the old towpaths of the Canal du Midi or on the excellent mountains roads
Hiking, again along the canal towpaths
Sports enthusiasts in general with the nearest ski station around 70 kms away, at Ax-les-Thermes
Adventurers, or for those of you seeking a more rural retreat … the choice is yours!

Exclusions
Large groups
We kindly request no smoking in the farmhouse
Sorry we don’t accept pets

Booking details
A 20% non-refundable deposit is due within 7 days of booking, and the balance should be paid no later than 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the holiday or by arrangement can be paid on arrival at the gite.

Special Offers
Winter Weekend rate= 3 nights for €120 during low season

It’s a great spot to catch your breath before heading onwards to Carcassonne…

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