The Old Epicerie - Traditional house in hill village
Cottage with 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6
Whether you are looking for a short romantic break or a relaxed family holiday, this recently-renovated house (formerly the village shop) in Belvianes is the ideal place. It is furnished in simple french provincial style but is newly equipped to ensure a comfortable stay.
Belvianes is perched on a promontory above the Aude river at the entrance to the dramatic Pierre de Lys gorge, but is only 2km from the lively market town of Quillan. The house is well-located to enjoy numerous outdoor activities and to explore Carcassonne, Rennes-le-Chateau, Cathar castles and other places of interest. Ski resorts and the Mediterranean coast are both approximately 1 hour away.
The house has been sensitively restored to retain its charm, and to expose original features such as the beams and wooden floors, and the historic murals on the front facade The accommodation is flexible with 2 bedrooms sleeping up to 6 people, and is suitable for year-round use with woodburner and electric heating.
On the ground floor the entrance hallway with antique-tiled floor leads to the sitting room furnished with 2 comfy sofas, woodburning stove, a TV (for video use only), video library, books, board games and a folder with local maps and information.
The kitchen beyond is well-equipped and has a central oak table seating six, a large fridge/freezer and electric cooker with gas hob. French windows lead onto a west-facing balcony with table, chairs and parasol, perfect for enjoying an aperitif while watching the swallows dive and the sun sink over the mountains.
Upstairs is the shower room, master bedroom with king-size double bed and washbasin, and a family bedroom which has bunk beds and a sofa bed (which can be made to provide a second double bed if required).
Belvianes has a small playground and large level grassy area (suitable for ball games) close to the house. There is a cafe/bar within a short walk, and the baker's van passes the door twice daily (there is no longer a shop). The market town of Quillan can be reached in 5 minutes by car or by scenic footpath along the bank of the Aude. The town has several supermarkets, a choice of bars and restaurants, an internet cafe, outdoor swimming pool and in summer regular music festivals and night markets take place in the square.
Electricity and linen are included, but not logs, which can be purchased in the town.
A local English-speaking couple will welcome you and can deal with any queries during your stay.
Facilities for this holiday cottage in Quillan, Languedoc-Roussillon
1 Double Bedroom, 1 Family Bedroom. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and washstand with glass basin, and views to the mountains. The family bedroom has bunkbeds and sofa bed which can be used as a single or second double bed.
Bathrooms:
1 Shower. The shower room is simple but newly fitted with a modern suite
Kitchen:
Cooker, Fridge, Freezer, Washing Machine, Iron. The kitchen is light and sunny and well-equipped with a range of utensils and cookery books. The washing machine is a washer/dryer
General:
Real Fire, Central Heating, House Linen, Towels Provided. Logs are not provided but can be purchased in the town.
Dining:
Seating for 6. The kitchen table seats 6 and enjoys views out through the french windows. It is a sociable place to gather while meals are prepared.
Entertainment:
Video, Radio, CD System, Board Games. The TV has no reception but there is a wide selection of family videos available.
Outside:
Parking, Balcony, Garden Furniture. Parking is in the village square a minute's walk from the house, although there is room for a car to park outside the house for loading. The west-facing balcony gets afternoon and evening sun.
Suitability:
Children Welcome, Not Suitable For Wheelchairs, Sorry - No Pets Allowed.
Smoking on the balcony only.
Local activities in and around Quillan, Languedoc-Roussillon
From the doorstep walkers can enjoy a number of marked trails into the surrounding country, the mountain air scented by the wild flowers of the garrigue. Glow worms can often be spotted on an evening stroll to the river.
A range of outdoor activities, from horse-riding to fishing, canoeing and white-water rafting, are available locally. The Tour de France passes through the village every other year.
Families will love the dinosaur museum with its outdoor paleontology trail at Esperaza, the tourist train through the vineyards and the swimming lake and beach at nearby Puivert with its cafe and pedalos. Further afield are the coastal resorts around Perpignan, picturesque Collioure, Aqualand water park, Sigean Safari park and the Space park at Toulouse.
The house is well-placed to explore the many historic towns and Cathar castles in the area, as well as numerous Roman sites and pre-historic cave paintings.
The public swimming pools fed by thermal springs are also a must for all ages.
In the winter there are a number of friendly ski resorts within reach.
Belvianes is 2km from Quillan on the road to Perpignan.
Easyjet offers flights to Toulouse, and Ryanair flies to Carcassonne, Perpignan and Beziers; all are within easy reach.
Rental rates for this cottage
Price Per Week
Quoted In
Approximately equivalent to
UK Pound
Euro
US Dollar
1 Oct - 31 May 2008
£250.00
€275.00
$375.00
1 Jun - 30 Jun 2009
£300.00
€330.00
$450.00
1 Jul - 31 Aug 2009
£350.00
€385.00
$525.00
1 Sep - 31 Oct 2009
£300.00
€330.00
$450.00
Rental Notes: The rental price is for up to 6 people.
Short breaks available. Flexible arrival dates to suit your flight by agreement.
Electricity is included but we will read the meter before and after departure and reserve the right to charge a supplement at cost if usage is considered excessive.
The rent plus a £150 breakage deposit is payable 8 weeks before arrival.
The property must be vacated by 11 am on the day of departure. Arrival time can be agreed by arrangement.
Availability of The Old Epicerie
This property is normally available
for rent between January
and December each year.
Click Here
to add this property to your "Shortlist"
which will save you time by allowing you to send
the same enquiry to several different property owners:
Owner joined site on:
19 October 2008
Property listed since:
19 October 2008
Holiday Cottage in france - Languedoc-Roussillon - Aude - Quillan
