Domaine de Badens

Our cottage is in the heart of Cathar country in southern France. Although it is very private and blissfully quiet, it is also accessible. The regional airports of Toulouse and Carcassonne, the train and autoroute are all within a short drive. A wide range of family-friendly activities are available in the area, as are markets, village fairs and other attractions. The house is cosy and great for couples, families, and we are happy for you to bring pets (but don't let dogs chase the deer). The Domaine de Badens is a beautiful 5 hectare property, situated on the edge of the village of Cenne Monestiés in the southern French department of Aude. It is nestled in mature oak, chestnut and pine forests and borders the Lampy river. Wildlife is abundant, and a wide range of native European animals have been seen on the property (deer, wild boar, badgers, martens, foxes, red squirrels, dormice, bats and a slew of smaller creatures) as well as a wide variety of birds (three species of owl, many birds of prey, jays, golden orioles, hoopoes, green woodpeckers, European rollers and many many others). The domain is very private, very calm and entirely at the disposition of the renters. The gite is situated 100 metres from the main house on the property, an old mill that was built in 1885; the other buildings onsite are being renovated (though never when we have guests) and are not inhabited and unless we happen to be around. The gite is renovated in a manner that respects local traditions but also assures comfort. The gite includes: -Two principal bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and electric heating. A good quality travel cot is also provided for babies. -An additional small room (the mezzanine) that can serve as a single bedroom or office. This room has views over the valley of Cenne Monestiés, with distant glimpses of the Pyrenees and the Pic de Bugarach. -A fully equipped kitchen (though no dishwasher). -A large open plan dining and sitting area with wood-burning fireplace. A high chair is also provided. -Two large terraces (one a wooden deck surrounded by mature oaks) with barbecue. -A small pool (5 x 3 metres). -Washing machine and dryer. -A HiFi, ADSL-WiFi internet connection (which is decent but not high capacity), telephone and television with local and international channels, including Canal+ premium channels. -Outdoor furniture on both terraces, dining and relaxing outdoors is easy. The house is generally child friendly - we are also parents and our young son has put it through its paces. We are working to improve areas of concern on the grounds and would encourage parents of young children to be vigilant when outside. Dogs are welcome on the condition that they do not harass the wildlife or destroy furniture and fittings. Dogs should be restrained from chasing the neighbours cats who are also occasional visitors to the property! Guests have access to the gite and the land. There are other buildings on the property that are either being renovated or otherwise shuttered - guests should avoid these. The gite has a private access track and private parking less than 10 m from the front door Guests will typically have the place to themselves. We live overseas but typically return at some point during June-September to make sure everything is ok and to visit family. We stay in the larger house on the property which has a separate access road. If we are there then we are very happy to help guests with their trip/holiday planning. The village of Cenne Monestiés is a well known artists haven. The village is also situated on the southern slopes of the Montagne Noire and is on the edge of a Natura 2000 site, close to the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut Languedoc. It is in the heart of Cathar country and there are numerous castles, abbeys and ruins in the region that can be readily visited during a day trip from the gite. It is close to the castle of Saissac, the ancient towns of St Papoul, Bram and Fanjeaux, 25 km from Carcassonne, and 90 km from Albi, the latter two being UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A trip to the market in Foix (in the neighbouring department of Ariège) can be combined with a visit to the Paleolithic cave paintings of Niaux, making for a spectacular day out. The gite is situated 12 km from the very pretty Canal du Midi where excursions can be had in boats as well as on bicycle or on foot. The top room of the gite also provides a distant view of the 'magical' mountain of Bugarach, the recent focus of a bizarre new age doomsday prophesy and a prominent feature in Cathar legend. Bugarach is also a fantastic hill to climb, easily manageable in less than 2 hours if you are reasonably fit. The top (which can be blowy so take something warm) provides gorgeous views of the Pyrenees as well as the Corbière hills (fantastic wine), the mystical village of Rennes-le Chateau and the Cathar castles of Quéribus and Peyrepertuse, all of which could be visited the same day if you are efficient. Skiing can be found within an hours drive. Although generally less challenging than the Alps, there is sufficient variety to suit skiers of all aptitudes. The region boasts a busy and diverse schedule of festivals, as well as musical, theatrical and artistic events. Visitors are welcomed at summertime village fetes. The Abbey of Villelongue (close to St Martin le Vieil and less than 7 km from Cenne Monesties) has an active calendar of musical performances. The Festival of Carcassonne includes a wide variety of events, including many activities for kids (including displays of jousting!). The many other regional festivals are reviewed at the excellent (Website hidden by Airbnb) and a comprehensive listing of events is provided on the Aude departmental website. For those simply wanting to relax the Domaine is hard to beat. Cicadas, crickets and many birds provide the soundtrack. Walks and quiet corners are abundant, with the sound of babbling water ever-present. The river is well known amongst local trout fishermen and fishing permits can be bought locally (ask at the mayors office or village shop) or online. Children should be supervised when playing near the river and dam. Nights are wonderfully quiet, save for a few hooting owls and barking deer (September-October). You might see an occasional walker from the village passing through the property from the dam with their dogs on a weekend, but otherwise it is totally private. Food and wine There are a number of picturesque villages in the surrounding area that have range of restaurants to suit all tastes and where you can sample local foods and wines. There are several Michelin starred restaurants within a quick drive. Good meals can be had at Domaine Gayda, a vineyard that boasts a fine restaurant, good wine and beautiful views over the Razès. Both Cenne Monestiés and Villemagne have small village shops with a good selection of snacks, drinks and some fresh foods, including fresh breads (if you are early). Excellent bakers can be found in Alzonne, St Papoul, Saissac and Bram. Traditional markets are held in many local towns with those in Revel, Bram, Carcassonne and Limoux recommended. Bram also has a range of shops, including a large supermarket (Carrefour) open Monday - Saturday from 9:00 to 19:30 as well as an excellent delicatessen. The village of Alzonne is also home to the Patrick Bareil and Sons butchers, legendary for the quality of their locally sourced meats, including items ideal for a barbecue. Castelnaudary and Toulouse are home to Cassoulet, a traditional casserole of white beans and various meats, good for a winters day. Aude is becoming increasingly well known for its wines, including extremely good Pinot Noir. Less well known is Blanquette de Limoux, the grandfather of Champagne (and perhaps all sparkling wines), discovered by monks in the Abbey of St Hilaire in 1531. Blanquettes are generally excellent and available in many local shops and vineyards. Flights The airports of Toulouse-Blagnac (80 km) and Carcassonne (25 km) provide routine connections to many European destinations. Both airports have a range of rental car agencies. A convenient and frequent shuttle bus (the navette) transfers passengers between Toulouse Airport and Toulouse-Matabiau train station. Trains to Bram and Carcassonne are reasonably frequent (every hour or so). Driving The gite is about 14 km from the village of Bram where you can access the A61 AutoRoute (exit 22). To reach Cenne Monestiés follow the D4 towards St Martin le Vieil and then follow the signs. To reach the domaine you need to drive through the village towards the barrage (which is signposted); a small panel with 'Badens' written on it marks the entrance of the drive we share with our two neighbours. Stay on the main track until you arrive at the house. The city of Toulouse is 75km to the west, Narbonne (the Mediterranean coast) 80km to the east and the Pyrenees are less than 50 km away. Barcelona is a four hour drive (assuming no traffic) and Andorra is within two hours. Count on an hour to arrive in Toulouse and an hour and a half if you are heading for the airport - traffic can be slow during rush hour. Carcassonne can also reached via the AutoRoute but the local roads are as efficient. There are no shops in the village, although there are small grocers and bakers in neighbouring villages. Larger supermarkets are available in Bram, Castelnaudary and Carcassonne. It is a good idea to stock up before you arrive - there is a large fridge/freezer and plenty of storage.