Vacation Rental Description
A period cottage in historic Cathar country market town, south west France. Broadband available, close to SNCF and amenities. An ideal location to explore the mediteranean, the pyrennees and thousands of miles of footpaths in forests and countryside. The gîte is off the main square, overlooking trees and gardens, near to the River Aude. Car parking is free around the main tree-lined square.
Visit its web site at www.esperaza.info
The town is typical of the region. Architecture in local stone dates back to the Middle Ages. Boulangeries, patisseries, tabacs, bars, restaurants, banks, a post office, and a grade I listed church. are all nearby. People come from miles around for the Sunday Market.
Unusually for such a small town, Espéraza also boasts two museums
Espéraza lies on a meander of the River Aude, just north of the foothills of the Pyrenees.
The D118, passes near the town, out of sight and hearing, but giving rapid access to many local places of interest.
The cottage has books and games. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Hairdryers and fans are available. The kitchen is well equipped to sample local produce. While retaining many of its original features it also offers modern comforts.
In the area are castles, mountains, historic abbeys, churches, gorges, grottoes and spas. The region was home to some of the most important and portentous events of medieval Europe, vestiges of which can be seen everywhere. Cathar sites are only a short drive or cycle ride away. The hilltop village of Rennes-le-Château is a popular hike.
The area is a delight for those seeking active holidays. Cycling, horse riding, hang-gliding, white-water rafting, kayaking and canoeing, mountain climbing, fishing and walking. In the winter, there's skiing in the Pyrenees, less than an hour's drive away. Hot springs, naturally heated swimming pools and natural lakes.
Visit www.esperaza.info for more details.
Countryside is stunning throughout the year. To the South are the foothills of the Pyrenees, then the real Pyrenees, and the Spanish border. a To the East are the Corbièresand beyond the Mediterranean coast; Perpignan, Collioure.
To the north are vineyards and historic cities like Carcassonne. Local wines include Blanquette de Limoux and Fitou. To the north the famous red wines of the Minervois.
The area is rich in prehistoric fossils. Some of the digs are open to visitors. Because of its varied terrain, The Aude department is home to more than twice the number of plant species than the whole of the UK, including some 80 types of orchid.
Broadband and telephone facilities make it a perfect choice for those wishing to take a short sabbatical or do some house hunting.
Distances to
Espéraza is 50 kilometers south of the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. flies daily from Stansted, London, UK to Carcassonne, and regularly each week from Sheffield (UK), Liverpool (UK) East Midlands (UK) Dublin (Ireland), Shannon (Ireland) Cork (Ireland) Ryanair flies daily from Stansted (Near London in the UK) to Perpignan, offering cheap flights mid week during the low season. C
Espéraza is almost an hour and a half's drive from Toulouse Blagnac airport served by British Airways from London Heathrow, Air France from London Gatwick, and Buzz (cheap mid-week flights) from London Stansted and Bristol.
Facilities
Cleaning Service
Cooking Utensils
Heating
Kitchen
Linen Service
Refrigerator
Washer
Fans, shutters, automatic shutters, free safe street parking, radio, library, extractor fan, grill and toaster, bath and shower
Activities
Adventure Sports
Beach
Biking
Boating
Playground
Fishing
Golf
Horse Riding
Hunting/Rock Climbing
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Night Clubs
Restaurant
Shopping
Rafting
Skiing
Snow Boarding
Tennis
Water Sports
Zoo/Wildlife
The countryside harbours an abundance of wild flowers, butterflies, and wildlife. Esperaza lies in the Haute Vallée de L’Aude, a river hosting several popular whitewater rafting, canoeing and canyoning clubs. There are many swimming spots along the river as well as tree parks and authorised fishing. In the nearby market town there are sporting and cultural events including motor racing, boules tournaments, international cycling race, international folk dancing festival and numerous concerts of all genres of music.
Over ten ski stations are within a 45 to 90 minute drive. Mediterranean beaches and the Spanish border are also about 90 minutes away. Nearer at hand are numerous lakes that offer water sports and swimming. The area is known as the Pays Cathare and contains a large number of not only fortified châteaux perched on rocky peaks, but magnificent mediaeval cités and Abbeys including the world famous Cité of Carcassonne.