La Bourdette Du Ray, Puylaurens.

Description for B&B:

La Bourdette du Ray is a charming hamlet consisting of approximately 7 families. Located at the heart of the hamlet is an enchanting old farmhouse, where the gite can be found at one end. This delightful cottage-style gite offers picturesque views and shares a spacious garden with a 12m x 7m pool, which is shared with the owner. Additionally, the garden features a boules area, croquet, table-tennis, and a barbecue, ensuring endless entertainment. Guests also have the privilege of holiday membership at the local tennis club, just 1 km away.

Surrounded by a small orchard and an array of trees and shrubs, the gite offers complete self-sufficiency. Its interior boasts a warm and characterful decor, and a patio overlooking the pool provides the perfect setting for al fresco dining or leisurely reading.

The first floor of the gite, known as "Hibou," features a cozy sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, chairs, television (with French TV reception), DVD player, video player, and CD player. A collection of over 100 DVDs and videos are available for guests to borrow. The open-plan kitchen, fully equipped with a fridge-freezer, hob, oven, microwave, coffee percolator, kettle, toaster, iron, and all necessary utensils, crockery, and cutlery, seamlessly connects to the lounge. Washing and drying machines are also provided as needed. A shower room with a vanity unit and WC, as well as a bedroom with a double bed, wardrobe, and chest of drawers, complete the accommodations. From the bedroom windows, guests can enjoy views of the pool area and garden.

The garden offers a dedicated area for the gite, complete with a picnic table, hammocks, and barbecues. The swimming pool, measuring 12.6 x 7 meters, is shared between the owners and is fully enclosed for safety. Sun beds and garden chairs are available for all guests, and ample parking space is conveniently located next to the gite. Additionally, the garden features a boules area and a croquet lawn, providing plenty of opportunities for enjoyable outdoor activities.

Various attractions and activities can be found in the surrounding area. The Montagne Noire, located 14 km away, offers a beautiful lake called Lac de St Férréol with watersports facilities, as well as excellent hiking opportunities. Nearby, the renowned vineyards of Corbière and Minervois await exploration. Further west lies Limoux (50 km), a charming town famous for its Blanquette sparkling white wine. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in tastings at numerous wine caves in the area, while the town itself offers pleasant strolling and dining options.

Situated on the Canal du Midi, Castelnaudary (33 km) is renowned for its hearty bean stew called Cassoulet, which is worth savoring. The town is also known for its pottery and ceramics, and visitors can rent boats to explore the canal for a day or half-day excursion.

The medieval cité of Carcassonne (50 km) is a must-visit destination, providing breathtaking views as you approach. To the north, approximately an hour away, lies Albi, a city situated along the banks of the river Tarn. Like Toulouse, Albi features impressive red brick architecture, a grand cathedral, boulevards, and expansive squares and gardens. The city is also home to a museum dedicated to the renowned painter Toulouse Lautrec. East of Albi, the Gaillac vineyards are known for their red and rosé wines. The old part of Gaillac showcases a labyrinth of ancient streets lined with medieval colombage houses and picturesque squares adorned with fountains.