La Palmeraie
To see more pictures of the property, click on Foto just above.
La Palmeraie is and old, large stonehouse from 1800. The property is situated in the middle of Cépie, a small quiet village between Carcassonne (25 km) and Limoux (4 km). Cépie has a bakery and a post office. Wine, fruit and vegetables can be bought from local farmers in the village.
In Limoux you will find a variety of shops, restaurants and bars. Limoux is a charming town (15 000 inhabitants) with the river Aude and a attractive town square. The town is famous for the longest lasting carnival in the world; it lasts from January to Easter. During this time, various local guilds take over the town square (Place de la République) each weekend and parade and dance in their costumes. During the summer there is an evening marked every Tuesday.
It is only 80 km to the beaches nearby Narbonne and about half an hour by car to the Pyrénées. The house is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the beautiful landscape and the many medieval villages and historic sites with Cathar castles, abbeyes and wineyards and their mysteries. In the house we have a collection of maps and guide books to assist you in exploring this beautiful area of France.
The house contains four large bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is ideal for one or two families. The house has a lush private garden with a 9 x 4.5 meter swimmingpool, palm trees, outdoor dining area with a mobile charcoal barbeque and ample parking space. The spacious living rooms offers a great space for indoor activities and contains two open fireplaces, a large dining table, sitting areas, television, radio, CD and DVD-player etc. The kitchen contains all modern appliances; fridge/freezer, dishwasher, electic cooker and, microwave. There is a washing machine and tumble dryer in the ground floor bathroom.
A summarized descriptions of the house/property
| Built | 1800 |
| Living space | 240 sq.m |
| Levels | 3 |
| Heating | Electricity and fireplaces ( suitable for year round rental) |
| Size of garden | 750 sq.m |
| Sleeps | 10 (You also find a baby cot as well as junior bed in the house) |
Ground Floor
| Hall: | Main entrance, open log fireplace, sitting area, 24 sq.m |
| Kitchen: | Fully fitted independent kitchen with dining area, 20 sq.m |
| Living room: | Large living room (64 sq.m) comfortably furnished, icluded a sofa convertible to double bed, open log fireplace and a dining area |
| Shower-room | Shower, toilet, washbasin, washing machine and tumble dryer |
First Floor
| Bedroom 1 | Double room, twin beds, 24 sq.m |
| Bedroom 2 | Double room, twin beds, 16 sq.m |
| Bedroom 3 | Double room, twin beds, 15 sq.m |
| Bathroom | Double basin, bidet bathtub/shower |
| Separate toilet |
Second Floor
| Bedroom 4 | Double room, double bed, 12 sq.m |
Areas and Activities
The "Aude département" is situated in the Languedoc-Rousillion region in the south of France. Aude is called "The little France " due to the different landscapes going from the Mediterranean coast to the ski resorts of the Pyrénées Mountains. The region benefits from a moderate climate with warm and sunny summers and mild winters with about 300 sunny days a year.
The coast of the western Mediterranean is a land of unspoiled countryside, uncrowded beaches, ancient cities, sleepy hill top villages and some of the finest wine producing country in France. Cépie is in the middle of the appelation controlée "Blanquette de Limoux", a sparkling white wine that was discovered by monks before champagne. Next door you find "Cotes de la Malepère", "Minervois", "Corbières" and other appelations.
The region is also known as "le Pays Cathare", after the 12th and 13th century "heretical" Cathars, Christians who rebelled against what they saw as a venal and materialistic Catolic church. For those interested in history, the story of their extermination by the Pope`s armed forces is fascinating and well worth exploring. There are many remains of the Cathar castles, such as Montségur, Quéribus, Puilaurens and Peyrepertuse. These sites also offers a spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Spain and Andorra are both within easy driving distance. It takes about 3 hours by car to Barcelona and 2 hours to Andorra.
The stunning medieval walled city of Carcassonne is just 20 minutes away. The Cìte is surrounded by 52 towers and is spetacular when lit at night. A day out in Carcassonne is a must with its many world class and yet reasonably priced restaurants and arts and craft shops. Carcassonne as well as Canal du Midi are both designated by UNESCO as part of the world's heritage.
- Golf: The 18 holes golf court in Carcasonne is situated 15 minutes from the house. The court is pleasant and varied, offering spetacular views over the Pyrénées.
- Tennis: There is a small tennis court in Cépie and another one at the golf club
- Boating and fishing: on Canal du Midi
- Caves: There are well known caves as "Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine", "Grottes de Limousis" within half an hour drive
- Rafting: Alet les Bains (15 km) is the base in the département for rafting/kayaking on the river Aude
- Museums: There are different kinds of museums in the area; art, wine, history, hatmaking, pottery, dinosaurs etc
If you are looking for more trills we can recommend hiking in the Pyrénées, horse riding, safari park and a lot more.
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PRICES AND AVAILABILITY 2008
All prices are per week Saturday to Saturday. Arriving at 5 pm - departing at 10 am.
Weeks marked with red are already booked, green weeks are still available. Prices for non priced weeks are available on request.
All prices are in Euro.
Rates can be negociated for long term rentals.
- Electricity is included in June, July and August
- Final cleaning 80 €uros
- Bedlinen and towel is provided for 13 €uros per person.
- A 30% deposit secures your booking.
- Final payment due 4/5 weeks before the start of the holiday
- Damage deposit required of € 200