Gite des Cathares is a spacious holiday gite with 3 apartments set in the thriving village of Couiza which has 2 great patisseries, 2 restaurants, and a local Spar shop.  The holiday gite is a short walk from a train station and bus route, as well as a secluded river swimming spot and 4km from Rennes-le-Chateau, a village which inspired Dan Brown to write The Da Vinci Code.The holiday apartment itself is approx. 100 m2 and is beautifully decorated and hung with original works of art from up to 4 different talented local artists.  The apartment has a well-equipped kitchen with microwave, washing machine and fridge/freezer. A four-poster bed (we provide bedding and towels) in the bedroom and sofa bed in the lounge.  There is also a computer with free broadband Internet access.Some of the favourite places to visit in the area include:Carcassonne old city - an ancient castle which the new city has built up around, where you can walk the entire length of the battlements, visit one of the many restaurants to sample the French cuisine and really get a feel for what it was like in ancient times.  The bird city is also not far from here where you can see many large birds, including eagles and what a spectacle with birds flying close over-head.Rennes-les-Bains - a naturally heated outdoor swimming pool and thermal baths.Arques lake - a beautiful lake surrounded by rich red earth where you can swim and hire boats.Rennes-le-Chateau - the home of the real Sauniere and thought to contain buried treasure. Be warned, digging is strictly forbidden!Esperaza market - a bustling traditional French market on every Sunday.Our website includes photos and details of more activities in the area as well as links to tourist websites.  Please contact us for details.