La Bourdette Du Ray, Puylaurens.

Description for B&B:

Welcome to La Bourdette du Ray, a charming hamlet consisting of approximately 7 families. Situated at its heart is a rustic farmhouse, where you will find our delightful cottage-style gite. This cozy accommodation offers picturesque views and shares a spacious garden with a 12m x 7m swimming pool (shared with the owner), as well as amenities such as a boules area, croquet, table tennis, and a barbecue. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to enjoy holiday membership at the nearby tennis club, just 1 km away.

Surrounded by a small orchard and an array of trees and shrubs, the gite is fully self-contained and exudes warmth and character. A patio overlooking the pool provides the perfect spot for al fresco dining or relaxing with a good book.

The first-floor Hibou apartment features a comfortable sitting room with a sofa-bed, chairs, and entertainment options including French TV reception, a DVD player, a video player, and a CD player. We offer a selection of over 100 DVDs and videos for you to borrow. The open-plan kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge-freezer, hob, oven, microwave, coffee percolator, kettle, toaster, iron, and all necessary utensils, crockery, and cutlery. Washing and drying machines are also available as needed. The apartment includes a shower room with a vanity unit and WC, as well as a bedroom with a double bed, wardrobe, and chest of drawers, offering lovely views of the pool area and garden through its windows.

The garden provides a designated area for the gite, complete with a picnic table. Guests have access to the swimming pool, shared with the owners, as well as hammocks and barbecues. Sun beds and garden chairs are available for everyone, and ample parking space is provided next to the gites. The pool, measuring 12.6 x 7 meters, is securely fenced off. Additionally, there is a boules area and a croquet lawn, offering plenty of fun with a complete set of croquet equipment.

For those seeking outdoor activities, the Montagne Noire's Lac de St Férréol, located 14 km away, offers water sports facilities and excellent hiking opportunities. Nearby, you can explore the renowned Corbière and Minervois vineyards. To the west lies Limoux (50 km), a town famous for its Blanquette sparkling white wine. Wine enthusiasts can stop by numerous wine caves in the area to taste the local produce. Limoux itself is a pleasant town to stroll around and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Situated on the Canal du Midi, Castelnaudary (33 km) is famous for its hearty bean stew called Cassoulet, traditionally made with pork, lamb, or goose. The town is also known for its pottery and ceramics. Visitors can hire boats for day or half-day trips along the canal.

A must-visit destination is the medieval cité of Carcassonne (50 km), which offers breathtaking views as you approach. Located on the outskirts of the town, it is a sight not to be missed. Alternatively, an hour to the north lies Albi, a city situated on the banks of the river Tarn. Like Toulouse, Albi is constructed predominantly with red brick and boasts a grand cathedral, boulevards, large squares, and gardens. The city is also home to a museum dedicated to the renowned painter Toulouse Lautrec. To the east of Albi, the Gaillac vineyards are known for their red and rosé wines. The old part of Gaillac is a maze of ancient streets lined with medieval colombage houses and charming squares adorned with fountains.