Gite Leela - Beauty, nature and calme.

A perfect base, in the heart of the 'Parc naturel régional du Seronais' from which to explore the beautiful, wild Ariege, by car, foot & bike. An exquisite well equipped ecologically renovated cottage. Good access to many tourist attractions. Escape to the tranquility of this lovingly restored home in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. Situated in a peaceful French hamlet, 600 m above sea level, Leela makes for a perfect base from which to explore the wild and beautiful Ariege. Romantic, magical and calm, come, let go, unwind and relax. Over a decade Leela has been sensitively restored using ecological building techniques and materials. Leela resonates a beautiful energy, full of light and warmth; cosy in winter and cool in summer. The old wood and natural stone are offset by the beautiful curves of the simple plastered stone walls. Passing under the charming stone carving above the arched front door the entrance is paved in original stone slabs mined in the hills locally. Stop and rest on the chaise longue or continue down into the cozy living room, with a wood burning stove at its heart. From here either climb the original wooden stairs to the first floor or continue straight on into the dining area. There is a second wood-burning stove in the dining area, which fires the central heating. French windows lead to the small courtyard garden. The garden is surrounded by scented climbing roses, sweat peas, clematis, lavender and abundant herbs, to be used by all. A perfect place to relax in the hammock with the sound of trickling water falling into the pond. There is also a deck for outdoor eating and a BBQ. Continuing past the dining area is a utility room/kitchen, which is well equipped with large gas oven, 5 gas rings, washing machine, dishwasher, toaster, kettle, microwave, iron, ironing board and 12 complete place settings. Please enquire if anything else is needed. First Floor: The master bedroom has a lovely private balcony, overlooking an enchanting, ever changing, wild valley. The blue bedroom is full of light and the king sized bed can be transformed into a twin if preferred. There is an additional comfortable single mattress which fits under one of the beds, suitable for an additional child. Two cots and high chairs are also available. There is a hairdryer. Whether you are looking for a romantic hideaway for two or a special family holiday, Leela offers much to delight your senses. Externally there is access to a small courtyard garden and private balcony. The entire house is accessible. I check my emails several times during the day, and have a mobile phone and landline so am usually very easy to get hold of incase of need. I am always very happy to help out with any issues, booking trips, advice etc and you must not hesitate to keep in touch if need be. Laborie is a very peaceful hamlet set in the midst of forested hills, away from the sound of traffic and the bustle of modern life. The inhabitants of Laborie are mostly young alternative folk, living off the land with vegetable plots and various animals. There is fresh goats cheese for sale in the village for 8 months of the year and the possibility of taking part in milking, collecting the goats in the evening etc. Many experience their stay here like returning to another time, a more simple time. Back to nature and natural living. The Immediate Area Situated in the midst of the Séronais National Park, Leela lies between Foix and St Girons, conveniently placed close to some of the most spectacular views of the Pyrenees and to many of the attractions mentioned above. Within a radius of 30 minutes from Leela there is: Foix, with its magnificent castle and various museums; St Lizier, a UNESCO site and host to a multitude of fabulous classical concerts which take place in its cathedral, St Girons with one of France's most colourful, vibrant markets; Le Golf de Ariège, a challenging and beautiful golf course; Le Maz D'Azil with its impressive grotto and buzzing market; Labouiche, Europe's longest underground river trip; Le Merens Equestrian centre; the cycle path that runs between Foix and St Girons, which can be accessed 2.7 km from the front door; rivers and lakes to swim, many walks to explore, including the ancient tracks in the hills immediately around Laborie ............. Le Golf de l'Ariège, only 20 minutes away, is a championship 18 hole golf course with magnificent views of the Pyrenees. It also has a fabulous compact 9 hole course for a more leisurely round, a driving range, putting green, club house and restaurant. Castelnau Durban, situated at 2.8km from Leela, is as far as you need to go to enjoy the traditional French ambiance, sitting under the plane trees watching the petanque matches being fought out by all ages. Here you will also find two bars, an excellent traditional restaurant, Chez Victor, busy with local people, a small Tuesday market, a tiny post office, an antique tennis court, a small village store and a shop selling local produce. Just 2.8km from the old railway line cycle path, which runs between Foix and St Girons, with horses nearby and nestled in beautiful walking countryside, Leela is the perfect location from which to explore by foot, horseback, bike or car. The Midi-Pyrenees / Ariège region Wild and beautiful the Ariège, 'France's best kept secret'. Situated in South-Western France it is the most untouched and magnificent part of the French Pyrenees and is home to a vast population of plant, insect, bird and animal life. The possibilities to dive into the natural environment are endless, from river and lake swimming, to walks for all levels of fitness, (including the Chemin de la Liberté, the pilgrims route to Santiago Di Compostela and the well know GR routes) to horseback riding, canoeing, painting .... With the wealth of historic, archaeological and cultural interest found in the Ariège it's so easy to feel transported to another age long ago. Prehistoric man left his mark in various grottos and caves, including Niaux and Le Maz D'Azil. Fantastic medieval settlements include Carcassonne, St Lizier and Mirepoix. There is a legacy of religious history seen in the cathedrals and churches throughout the area, not to forget the story left by the Cathar people, with castles including Monsegur open for viewing. Various picturesque ski resorts can be reached within 90 minutes, including Ax Bon Ascre and Guzet Neige and the higher resorts found in Andorra are easily accessible. For winter holidays it is not unknown to be able to play golf in the morning in beautiful sunshine and ski in the afternoon. Fabulous The gite has it's own parking place. There is no public transport in the hamlet so a car is necessary. Dogs and cats are welcome for a 35 euro fee per stay per animal, payable on arrival. They must be clean and dogs may not be left in the gite unattended. The courtyard garden is completely closed off so they can be left there if necessary.