Le Petit Chateau is situated in some
of the most beautiful countryside imaginable |
Le Petit Chateau is set within a co-proprietry community
called Domaine La Goutarende. There are a total of 36 apartments
and houses within the co-proprietry, owned by a number of
English, Dutch, Irish and French. Everyone within the community
makes an effort to promote the peace and tranquillity of
the area for the benefit of all concerned. |
One of our friendly neighbours |
There is very
little in the way of traffic, and there is a communal free
car park opposite the chateau. Street lighting also makes
the area feel safe and secure. |
Walks in the forest are a delight,
and are literally seconds from the apartment. Highly detailed
maps are provided for guests, showing pathways galore, including
several that lead to the village |
There is an abundance
of lovely walks all around. The unspoilt national park
forest is just a few metres from the chateau, and you can
drive, cycle or walk down the hill to Cuxac-Cabardes (although
cycling back may require a shot of espresso from the village
bar beforehand!). If you’re feeling a little more
intrepid, why not borrow the map and compass from the apartment
and follow one of the several paths through the woods? |
'Our' village of Cuxac-Cabardes is
a delight, complete with supermarket, bar-restaurant, pharmacy,
doctor, dentist, butchers, local wood carver, and the all-essential
baker. There is even a library, but it's only open on Thursdays
between 4.30 and 6pm. Except in August.
Ah - the French way
of life! |
About a mile away
is the charming village of Cuxac-Cabardes. It is sometimes
referred to as ‘The
Hidden Village’, because you may not see it when driving
along the main Carcassonne-Mazamet road. It is only when
you enter the village that you discover why so many people
love it. You will find all that you need – a small
supermarket, a butcher’s, a baker, a pharmacy, and
of course the friendly bar with excellent (and very reasonable)
restaurant. |
"Zut alors! We forgot that many
shops close early on Mondays in France!" No problem -
in fact a treat - with the arrival of the local Pizza van in
the village at tea time. |
La Goutarende riding stables are next door to Le Petit Chateau, and offer inexpensive horse riding all year round |
And of course there are the riding stables,
which are presently situated literally next door to Le Petit
Chateau. They have full-size horses and Shetland ponies available
for lessons or for hire by the day, half-day or hour. |
This excellent bar/restaurant, in the
neighbouring village of Fontiers-Cabardes, also puts
on regular live music and gets packed with locals and
ex-pats |
There are many beautiful nearby villages, including the
neighbouring village of Fontiers-Cabardes, which includes
the world-famous Club 620 Bar Restaurant (world-famous to
those who drink there, that is!)
|
The local marie's office (town hall)
in Cuxac-Cabardes |
A typical picturesque street in Cuxac-Cabardes |
A small river runs through the village,
with picnic benches alongside, and also a beautiful church
welcomes you in the centre of the village.
|
