La Vieille Boulangerie

Built about 170 years ago, it was a bakery until the 1950's. The bakery and shop now form a large garage. The house has been updated with modern facilities, WI-FI and Free Sat while maintaining its character with tiled floors and high ceilings. A wide front door leads to a large hall with a lounge on either side. The large lounge has a television, with French TV via the Internet, British TV via Free Sat and a DVD/Blue Ray player. The smaller lounge has a CD/MP3 player and a bed/settee. At the back of the hall is a large kitchen with gas cooker, microwave, electric multi-cooker, toaster, cafetiere and electric kettle. In an annex to the kitchen is a double sink and dish washer. Also downstairs is a WC and utility area with washing machine. Behind the kitchen is a secluded courtyard with a barbecue and garden furniture. Upstairs are four double bedrooms, but the fourth bedroom leads of the third.Three bedrooms have double beds. The fourth has a single bed (convertible to a double but not 2 singles, a folding bed and an infants travel cot. There is a bathroom with large shower, sink, bidet and WC. The property is situated in a village on the Canal du Midi with all amenities. In a central square are a Spar grocer, a boulangerie, butcher, newsagent/tabac and Post Office with ATM. There is a pharmacy towards the main road. For good wine at very reasonable prices I would recommend the Village Wine co-op. There are also many Chateaux in the area for tasting and buying wine. There are three restaurants in the centre of the village, one on the main road south of the village and Le Chat qui Peche situated on the banks of the Canal. For walking and cycling there are many quiet roads, paths between vineyards and along the Canal du Midi. On the northern edge of the Aude valley around to the south is relatively flat but a mile or so north are plenty of hills. There are also horse riding facilities nearby. For swimming there are river and lake beaches but the nearest Mediterranean beach is only 40 minutes away by car. There are three historic towns within easy reach. The closest Narbonne about 25 minutes has an attractive centre along the Canal de la Robine, a branch off the Canal du Midi. There is a magnificent cathedral, an oustanding covered food market (open every morning0 and outdoor markets held along the Canal on Thursdays and Sundays. Beziers dating back to the ancient Greeks is famous for its cathedral situated on the hill the top of the town and the nine locks on the Canal du Midi which has now been turned into a tourist attraction. The most famous place is Carcassonne, with the world famous 'La citie' a Cathar stronghold which looks the same as it has for centuries , with the modern town being to the north across the Aude river. This about 1 hour drive from Argeliers. Further to the north and east are Montpellier and Nimes. To the south are Perpignan and Spain with many attractive seaside resorts along the way. But the nearer places should not be ignored with many pretty villages along the canal and local rivers. Reviews from Tripadvisor Review re May 2017 by Alastair, Nothamptonshire Argeliers is a lovely village within easy reach of Carcassonne, Narbonne and Beziers. There are several local eateries within easy reach, including a pizza place just down the road. The village has a weekly market, and a square. The house was clean, spacious, light and airy, equipped with everything you would expect. We found plenty to do locally, cycling, swimming at the beautiful neighbouring village of Bize and even made it to the beach once or twice. We met several of the neighbours, who were charming, and even fed us one evening. We will definitely come back, and bring the children with us. Many thanks, for a lovely stay, and see you soon. Review re August 2017 by Alex of Yorkshire Great house with comfortable beds, large rooms and well equipped kitchen. The village is very traditional with small shops and a lovely river nearby