Les Cypres

Description from the owner

Les Cypres is a very comfortable holiday home for up to four people which offers you a wonderful place to simply relax as well as an excellent base to explore Cathare country and the Languedoc. The house has it’s own private area of garden from which a staircase leads to the sunny and secluded balcony with glazed door to enter the fully equipped kitchen/dining room . The house has central heating radiators on the ground floor, making this a very cosy place for winter breaks as well as summer holidays. On the same floor as the kitchen/dining room is a small sitting room (with radio/CD player, TV/DVD player and UK Freesat receiver and... a small library of holiday reads and books about the local area) and the bathroom (bath with bath/shower mixer, washbasin and W.C.). The first floor has two double bedrooms (one with double bed and one with twin beds) and a WC/washroom. Outdoor furniture and BBQ is provided for the balcony and the garden. Laundry facilities are provided in an exterior utility room. Wireless internet access. Les Cypres forms part of a larger property, (dating back to the mid nineteenth century) the remainder being our home. The whole property is set in sunny, south facing grounds of about a hectare, leading down to the river Argent-Double. Part of the garden is set aside as a small plant nursery, with a demonstration garden containing over 500 varieties of plants, the remainder is garden consisting of mown grassland and young trees and shrubs. Guests are most welcome to stroll around and use the whole space, loads of room for children to play.

There is also a five by eleven metre swimming pool, depth 1m10 to 1m 80, which is for the use of guests in les Cypres and ourselves. The pool is normally in use from late May until early October. The pool is fitted with a sliding safety cover which conforms to NF. P 90-308.

The property is situated on the edge of the village and is five minutes walk from the village centre. Caunes is a charming and welcoming village with a network of mediaeval streets in the centre around the Benedictine abbey, founded in 790AD. The village is attractively situated, lying at the northern edge of the wine growing plain of the Minervois area, where the land starts to rise up into garrigue countryside (typical of the Mediterranean) and the foothills of the Montagne Noire. On the edge of the village is the famous marble quarry, used since Roman times, which has supplied marble for Versailles and the Paris Opera. The village has everyday facilities including post office, supermarket, épicerie, butcher, baker, pharmacy, bank with ATM/cashpoint, garage, bar/café and restaurants.

The Minervois is a wine growing 'pays' between Carcassonne and Narbonne in the Languedoc region, the tidiness of the vineyards contrasts with the wild countryside that is also typical of the area. Both scenery and climate are typically 'Mediterranean' but the Montagne Noire and the Parc Naturel Regional du Haut-Languedoc are only a few kilometres to the north with shady forests and mountain lakes. The area offers a great variety of potential holiday activities depending on personal preference, the time of year and energy levels! As well as the on site pool swimming and bathing are possible at a number of places. The coast is about an hour away but there are a number of easily accessible lakes or river swimming sites, such as the Lac de Jouarres near Olonzac, the Lac de Cavayére near Carcassonne or the Lac de Pradels, in the mountains north of Caunes. The variety of countryside and scenery makes this a wonderful area for car touring as well as walking or cycling. There are several walks which start in the village itself and many waymarked walks in the area generally. During April, May and June this is a wonderful area for wild flowers and bird watching is rewarding at most times of the year. The Canal du Midi (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is popular, either for a stroll along its banks or for boat hire . There are golf courses at Carcassonne and Mazamet.

The region is rich in natural features such as the caves at the Grotte de Limousis and the Gouffre Geant de Cabrespine. There are also many interesting historical and architectural sites; the Abbaye de Caunes, of course, but also the abbeys at Lagrasse and Fontfroide. The Languedoc is famous for its many Cathare castles and sites; Minerve, Lastours, Montsegur, Peyrepetuse and Queribus as well as the mediaeval walled cité at Carcassonne (also a UNESCO World Heritage site) The Pyrenées and the Spanish border are a little over an hour away. There are a number of local markets, the larger ones include Olonzac, Lezignan Corbieres, St. Pons and Carcassonne. There are many festivals and fetes celebrated throughout the year which can be interesting and fun, with opportunities to sample local wines and produce.Read more

Additional Location Information

Les Cypres is situated on the edge of the charming village of Caunes-Minervois where the Minervois plain starts to rise into the foothills of the Black Mountains yet is just a five minute walk from the village centre with it's network of winding mediaeval streets. The village has several cafés and restaurants as well as everyday shopping facilities. Les Cypres is set in a hectare of gardens - plenty of quiet corners to relax and space for children to play. Kitchen/dining room, sitting room, bathroom, washroom, double bedroom, twin bedroom and balcony.

The World Heritage cité of Carcassonne is just 25 minutes away and there are many local places of interest; Cathare castles, mediaeval abbeys, fascinating caves, stunningly beautiful countryside for walking, Mediterranean beaches and freshwater lakes within easy driving distance.

Caunes-Minervois is served by a number of local airports; Toulouse, Montpellier, Perpignan, Carcassonne and Beziers are all close at hand and the TGV (fast train) comes into Carcassone station.

Location Type Rural, Village

Rental fees

What Past Guests Are Saying

• Sue and Richard
  Sheffield, England

  A lovely peaceful place to stay

  Left on 03/11/2013 for a stay in April 2012
  
  

  We've stayed at les Cypres a number of times, in all seasons, and keep returning. The house is charming - traditional and simple, but with all neccessary amenities. We particularly like sitting and eating on the sunny balcony, overlooking the big, quiet garden. The village of Caunes-Minervois is most attractive and interesting. There are strolls through medieval streets with renaissance houses,the Romanesque abbey,river, little market, a cafe under huge plane trees to relax in,and we enjoyed the one very good restaurant.You can walk nearby through the vineyards or in the Montagne Noire, and further away there is the pretty village of Minerve, and the spectacular Cathar castles.Gill and Cei are very welcoming hosts, both friendly,generous and very helpful,and unobtrusive too. We will definitely be going again

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Families, Rugged

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• Jeannette
  Chiddingfold,Surrey

  Great gite, garden lovers paradise and warm welcome from hosts

  Left on 03/03/2013 for a stay in August 2012
  
  

  We have stayed at Les Cypres repeatedly over last 10 years -each time receiving a warm welcome from the hosts who go that extra mile to ensure a comfortable stay.The gite is well eqippped with balcony overlooking a beautiful garden with pool set in one corner of the valley - we have spotted eagles and listened to the golden oriele whilst swimming.The centre of historic Caunes Minervois is a five minute walk and has all amenities you need, including great cafe and weekly market.The area is rich in history,has numerous walks nearby and in the mountains where there are rivers and lakes for wild swimming.The landscape of carefully culivated vines is stunning and there are numerous 'caves' where you can experience the delights of wine tasting. A tranquil place to refresh the soul- no wonder we keep returning.

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  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Romantic, Families, Rugged

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  Was this review helpful? Yes