Welcome to Millepetit Ensoleille Location The gite is part of a handsomely restored rustic cottage which is located in a truly picturesque setting, almost uniquely located right on the banks of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. We are situated on a small working vineyard/farm or ‘Domaine’, only a few kms from the famous medieval ‘La Cite’, which overlooks the bustling town of Carcassonne. It is adjoined to a working barn that in turn is atached to the beautiful Chateau of the domaine. We are in close proximity to both the sea and mountains so you can explore fully this unusual region of South West France… all year round, whether for cultural pursuits, the history of the Cathars, sightseeing, sunbathing or just to take pleasure in tastings at any of the many wine domains of the region. We would highly recommend your own form of transport to truly profit and maximise your enjoyment of this beautiful part of France. Your neighbours A few friendly families also live on this small estate and dependant on the time of year you may find a few seasonal workers resident here and the farm a little livelier with farming activity…an ideal opportunity to sample rural life in the Languedoc-Roussillon. Apart from wine and olives, the farm also produces a variety of fruit and vegetables, which can be bought direct from the farmer, a fresher and more local source would be hard to find. Wine tasting The nearest ‘Cave’ for a ‘dégustation’ or tasting is only 10 minutes walk from the farmhouse…your neighbours at ‘Millegrand’ they produce amongst other varieties an award winning ‘Merlot’ and are well worth visiting. Sports Fishing enthusiasts take note, we are near the River Aude and fishing on the canal itself, golfers are not excluded, with the fabulous golf course at the ’Domaine de Auriac’ it’s open all year round and about 10km away from your gite, cyclists are also catered for with 245kms of flat canal towpaths to explore…and for those of you who enjoy skiing, well why not combine a winter City break in Carcassonne with a few days skiing; the nearest Ski stations being about 2 hour drive from us at Ax-Les-Thermes. A French Odyssey Both the house and estate were recently seen in TV chef Rick Steins’ ‘French Odyssey’, in his recent BBC2 TV culinary travelogue…as he sailed past his rented barge. The series celebrated the gourmet delights and sights of the 245km of the Canal du Midi. This unique part of the Aude inspired another celebrated British TV chef to produce his own television series. John Burton Race recorded a year of relocating to France with his family in Montferrand, in his TV series and book ‘French Leave’. Accommodation Our first floor lounge is bright, spacious and comfortable, full of character of wooden beams and rafters, it also retains the original old stone feature sink, there are cosy sofas to curl up on whilst relaxing or just watching TV. We have installed both British Sky satellite and French terrestrial TV. We have a DVD player, Stereo hi-fi, a broad range of books, puzzles and board games, some of which will take you back to your youth. We offer our guests two spacious double bedrooms, both furnished in the French country style. Our generously proportioned ‘family’ bedroom has a larger queen sized bed for added comfort plus a sofa which can become a double bed…ample space for the baby crib should it be required, all with new mattresses and bedding, plus lots of soft pillows to fall in to after a hard days sightseeing. The other very comfortable double bedroom has a very romantic feel with a 4 poster bed, a chaise longue and a view of the canal. There is a large family sized shower room with a modern powerful shower, an ionic hairdryer and lots of storage space for your toiletries, plus a baby bath if required. Downstairs you’ll discover a fully fitted modern kitchen, also facing the canal, again with a mix of old and new, retaining the beams and rafters, with all modern conveniences to maximise your time in the sun, including a new dishwasher. There’s a pine farmhouse table and chairs… and a high chair for baby too, from here you step almost straight out into the farmyard, with the canal only a few steps away. The downstairs area also comprises a separate utility room with washing machine, with iron, ironing board, airing rack etc. There is an outside drying area for washday. We have installed a safe for you valuables, which is also located in the ground floor. We hope that we haven’t forgotten anything, but let us know if you think we have. We very comfortably accommodate 4 adults, though we can cater for 3 adults plus a baby or toddler very easily with the new addition of our family room. Most rooms in the cottage overlook the Canal du Midi and have cooling fans for balmy evenings and reliable portable heating, for out of season rentals. Complimentary Baby Package consists of: High chair Cot with new mattress and bedding Baby bath The exterior A few steps from your door you’ll find our private canal-side terrace, complete with table and chairs, an ideal spot to perhaps enjoy a glass of the local wine whilst watching boats amble along the canal…it’s definitely life at a slower pace. Across the canal Crossing the small bridge over the canal brings you to a paddock where the farmer keeps his goat and horses, adjacent to here we have created a more secluded garden with shade fruit and olive trees. Next to the Almond tree under the pergola you’ll find a table and chairs plus sunloungers are available, if required…take some shade under the pergola, whilst taking in the stunning scenery, the breathtaking views of the Alaric and Corbiere mountains. Suitability Suitable for all ages and interests Lovers of history and culture Sports enthusiasts especially cycling, walking and skiing Cyclists…there’s the canal towpaths and excellent mountain roads Adventurers and…for those of you seeking a more rural retreat Exclusions Large groups Request no smoking in farmhouse Sorry, no pets