Deep in the South of France, nestling in the foothills of the French Pyrenees this stone cottage offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside by day, with the twinkling lights down in the valley to remind you of your elevated position by night. The recent renovation, with exposed beams, expert stone work and tastefull decor contribute to the charm & atmosphere of this village cottage.
The cottage is at the centre of the Cathar region with hill top castles and the medieval city of Carcassonne to remind you of the fascinating and often tragic history for which this region is renowned. Just across the valley from the cottage is Rennes le Chateau, centre of a mystery still very much alive with many books written & films made on the subject. The mystery is one of sudden wealth, secret codes and a search for treasure in the latter part of the 19thC. The link with the village is very strong as in 1852 Bérenger Saunière, the priest at the centre of the mystery was born in Montazels. (Just type Montazels into any search engine and take your pick of the many web sites if you wish to delve deeper).
The medieval city of Carcassone is 40 minutes drive, or why not take the train - a 10 minute walk to the stop from the cottage. Buy your ticket on the train & travel the heart of the city without the bother of parking. The town of Mirepoix is also worth a days visit with its medieval marketplace surrounded by bars & restaurants under buildings of great character & beauty. Market Day is Monday.
The Spanish border is just 90 minutes away with Barcelona another hour, drive just across the border and take the train from Figares, birthplace and home to a fascinating museum dedicated to Salvador Dali. You can also drive across to Andorra for fantastic scenery, skiing & duty free shopping.
The weather in the Languedoc is very mediterranean with 300 days of sunshine a year claimed. The local rivers, lakes and natural spas provide bathing opportunities plus the coast is just 90minutes away. If skiing is your thing, the nearest resort at 40kms away is Camurac, with 15 slopes, two of which are green, 8 blues, 2 red and 3 black. With 7 ski lifts, 13 snow canons and 14 km of cross-country ski tracks. Buses leave twice a day from Quillan (7kms) during the season.
We have 3 very good restaurants within 15 minutes walk over the river bridge in Couiza. Montazels is also home to La Cave Des Haute d'Aldae, where the excellent local wines can be tasted and bought.
Aude en Pyrénées is the crossroads of the Corbieres and the Pyrenees, an ideal location to go hiking with 190km of waymarked trails. For anglers the aude is a Grade 1 trout river just 10 minutes walk from the door, where you can also find mediterranean barbel, while rafters, white water swimmers, and kayakers of all levels of ability are offered the most exceptional water sports in the gorges of the Aude Valley. The local markets with vegetables, fruit, regional products & tasty food stalls add to the convivial atmosphere. Couiza market is on Saturdays, Espéraza market (3kms) on Thursdays & Sundays and Quillan market (11kms) on Wednesdays & Saturdays.
