"le Merlot" : pool-sun-peace-beautiful view

"le Merlot" is one of our gîtes at ”Entre les Vignes” ***. We have 4 gîtes and a pool, on a small and very calm country road with no passing traffic, and with a stunning view on the surrounding vineyards and on the hills of the Corbières. This is the heart of the Cathar Country, 6 km from Limoux and 25 km from Carcassonne. Visit the Cité of Carcassonne, the ancient villages, mediaeval abbeys and the rugged castles. Gîte "Le Merlot" at "Entre les Vignes"*** has 2 large terraces: 25 m2 in front (east side), and 25 m2 at the back (west side), therefore you can choose either sun or shade. The terraces at the front are partly covered and have hardwood patio furniture (with cushions) and a barbeque. The terraces at the back have plastic patio furniture (with cushions). The gîte has 3 stars and is fully equipped for 4 to 6 people and is arranged as follows: A spacious living room with patio doors opening onto the terraces, a lounge, a dining area and a kitchen corner. 2 Bedrooms: one with a double bed and one with two single beds. There is a sofa bed in the living room The bathroom has a sink, a shower and heating and there’s a separate toilet There is free Wifi in all areas. The pool has a terrace with sun loungers and a childproof fence. The water is filtered by salt so soft water and no chlorine! In the garden is a swing for children. We have a cosy common space with exchange-library (take a book, leave a book behind) and sitting area. There is a washing machine for general use (free). We are a Dutch family living in France since January 2000. Because our house is next to the cottages we are always around for advise and suggestions, and we will personally welcome you and say goodbye. We live in the Aude, the "Pays Cathare" (Cathare Country), in the Languedoc-Roussillon, where we rent out our 4 comfortable gîtes***, located around the swimming pool. You'll find beautiful, rough castles, such as Peyrepertuse with its mediaeval festival or the mysterious Montségur from the Grail legend, ancient abbeys, the romantic Canal du Midi, and of course the magnificent medieval Cité of Carcassonne, with its knight tournaments and summer concerts: this is the best preserved mediaeval walled city of France and is on the World Heritage list of UNESCO. There are many charming old villages and mediaeval towns in the area, with cosy cafes, (antique) markets and village festivals, such as the medieval market town of Mirepoix and in Rennes-les-Bains you will find hot thermal pools, especially for rheumatism. Limoux is located at 6 km from our gîtes. It is a nice little old town situated on the river Aude, and has a lovely square with lots of terraces and a weekly market. During summer there are also weekly evening markets, antique markets, free concerts and an international dance festival. There are lots of beautiful walking tours through rolling vineyards or across open peaks with stunning views! Hiking maps are available, but of course we also like to give you some personal advice! The area is also very nice for those who prefer to let off steam on their bike. The Tour de France passes every year and regularly by Limoux. In the area you can swim in several lakes, on the river Aude you can go canoeing and rafting and the climbers will like the tree climbing parks. The mountains of the Pyrenees (where you can ski in winter) are at an hour's drive. Andorra is at 2.5 hours. The beaches of the Mediterranean are also about an hour's drive. In short: "Entre les Vignes" is a lovely place in what we consider as the most beautiful region of France! There is private parking on our property. Train: Limoux (10 min.) Airports: Carcassonne (30 min.), Beziers (90 min.), Toulouse (90 min.) Our cottages are located on a small country road outside the village. There is no public transport available to the cottages, so a car is necessary.