Medieval Cordes-Sur-Ciel on your doorstep

THE HOUSE AT NUMBER 11 Uniquely quirky, yet elegant and comfortable with stunning views of Cordes Sur Ciel, our 17th Century house in the tranquil village of Les Cabannes is the perfect base for short or longer stays. This light and airy three storey house has been newly renovated to a very high standard, preserving many original features, and offers comfortable accommodation for up to 4 people. The house is on three floors. On the ground floor is a large entrance hall, laundry area with washing machine and dryer and the bathroom with over bath shower. An ideal base for cycling enthusiasts, there is ample secure storage in the hall if you are bringing your own bikes. if not we have three bicycles you can use or we can arrange bike hire locally- just let us know. The original timber staircase leads up into a spacious kitchen/dining /sitting room . The hand built kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, fridge, hob , combined microwave/convection oven, and coffee machine. There are both British and French TV by satellite and comfortable seating. Wifi is available throughout the property A new craftsman built staircase leads up to the third floor and the master bedroom with double bed and a fabulous view over the rooftops to the romantic medieval hilltop village of Cordes Sur Ciel. The two full size twin beds are in a large alcove area, curtained for privacy, on the landing . There is a toilet and wash hand basin on this floor. The garden and summer house are located round the corner near to the owner's house . Here you can enjoy shady breakfasts or a relaxing aperitif sampling the local Gaillac wines. There is a barbecue with charcoal supplied. Living close by I am happy to share my love of the area and to help you enjoy your holiday . The quiet village of Les Cabannes is a short distance from the bustling 12th C. medieval village of Cordes Sur Ciel. Les Cabannes has a small weekly market, bread is delivered daily to the cafe, and there is a wonderful traditional grocery shop with local produce and wines. The area has numerous scenic walks, and one, about a 5 min drive then a 15-20min walk away, even includes an ancient cave where millstones were mined; their is still one whole one and one partly damaged lying in the cave for unknown decades. Cordes is a ten minute walk away and has all essential services - 2 small supermarkets, pharmacy, patisserie, bakery, butchers, 2 banks, hairdressers, and post office. There are 2 doctors surgeries, and a dentist. The lively Saturday morning market should not be missed. Famous for its stunning medieval architecture and steep cobbled streets, Cordes was voted France's Favourite village in 2014. The 'little train ' will take you to the top of the village leaving you to visit the shops and studios of local artists and artisans, admire the far reaching views and enjoy a a meal or a drink under the splendid 'Halle' - market hall. Albi ( 25kms) -' la ville rouge', its magnificent red brick Cathedral designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2010 (said to be the largest brick built building in the world!) , the Toulouse Lautrec museum and the numerous cafés and restaurants make for a perfect day trip. The medieval fortified villages of Najac, Penne , Puycelci and Castelnau de Montmiral with reminders of the area's turbulent past are all within 20 kms . St Antonin Noble Val (28kms)with its lively Sunday market, winding medieval streets and numerous cafés and restaurants is situated on the River Aveyron. You can enjoy canoeing or kayaking from several locations and spend the day on the river travelling through the spectacular Gorges de l'Aveyron. Gaillac, home to the oldest vineyards in France ( Bordeaux's first Roman settlers drank Gaillac wine !) is a 30 minute drive away . We are surrounded by vineyards and most offer dégustations so that you can sample their fruity reds, crisp whites and refreshing rosés . You will also love the gently sparkling delights of the little known Gaillac Perlé or the Méthode Ancestrale ( a rival to any Champagne !) Wild swimming in the Viaur river at Laguepie ( 15km) and at the tiny village of Lagarde Viaur (22km) . The local swimming pool Le Garissou, just over 1km away with plenty of facilities for children including the 'accrobranche' acrobatic tree, and trails for children and adults. Cap' Decouverte (24km) is an outdoor leisure facility complete with beach, cycle tracks, skateboarding and large outdoor pool with flumes There are also Tennis Courts in Cordes, and horse riding is close by. The nearest train station is Cordes Vindrac about 6 minutes away . There are regular connections to Toulouse . We are happy to collect you from the station . The airports of Toulouse Blagnac and Rodez are both just over an hour away. The area is a walkers paradise with many well marked hiking trails with circuits ranging from 2km to as far as you want to go ! The GR36 passes through Les Cabannes and Cordes is one of the halts on the age old Chemin de St Jacques taking pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Cycling - local enthusiasts have mapped 47 different routes around the area catering for all levels of fitness.