La maison Rives, Montolieu. Holiday Rentals & B&B

Description for B&B:

Maison Rives, a historic building dating back to before the French Revolution, has a captivating story that mirrors the charm of Montolieu itself. The rooms are beautifully adorned with furnishings that perfectly complement the abundant natural light streaming through the windows. Regardless of your room's view, whether it overlooks the bridge and Alzeau Gorge or the quaint village street, you can expect spacious, bright, and airy accommodations with en-suite facilities.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast in the salon, where we are more than happy to assist you in planning your day or providing directions if needed. Additionally, we offer dinner options and organize a variety of thematic courses, including innovative cooking classes featuring regional and organic produce, photography walks and introductions, as well as calligraphy training.

Families with children are warmly welcomed at Maison Rives (unfortunately, we do not allow pets). Conveniently, there are two easily accessible car parks, one located 150 meters away and another 200 meters away.

Situated atop a rocky ridge between the Alzeau and Dure Rivers at the base of the Montagne Noire, Montolieu, originally known as Montis Olivis or Mount of Olives, greets its many admirers. With its surrounding Cathar castles, caves, abbeys, forests, open fields, pristine rivers, and lakes, this picturesque village in the Aude region of France boasts a rich historical background that matches its natural beauty. Notable figures such as Charlemagne and Colbert have played a part in its heritage, with Charlemagne establishing the Monastery of St. Jean de Mallast in 800 AD and Colbert, Louis XIV's minister, founding a Royal Manufactory that exported high-quality woolen cloth. The village was fortified by the Viscount of Carcassonne in 1146. Its early inhabitants, aside from nuns and monks, made a living working in the bountiful vineyards and olive groves. They also harnessed the power of the river torrents to operate successful textile and paper mills. As times changed, the village's population of over 3,000 dwindled to around 900 more than fifty years ago.

However, thanks to a passionate book lover, Montolieu experienced a modern-day renaissance as a "book village" or "village du livre." Today, countless visitors include this village in their itineraries each year. Even those who aren't bibliophiles find joy in Montolieu, taking advantage of the outdoor activities and historical treasures that the village offers, while their book-loving companions explore the numerous bookshops.