Domaine des Etoiles Tranquil, eco friendly, former wine domaine at Routier between Carcassonne & Limoux
Tranquil, eco friendly
Former wine domaine at Routier
Located in the beautiful wine producing region of the Malepere, occupying an elevated position in the picturesque hilltop village of Routier in the Aude department of Languedoc-Rousillon.
Staying at Domaine des Etoiles, if you are not already familiar with the propery, is like staying in a large friendly family home. Families, couples, individuals and small groups are welcome. Domaine des Etoiles looks out over a sea of vineyards, farmland and forest towards the majestic Pyrenees.
The region produces exciting flavours reflecting the countryside and sunny climate. It is reputed to enjoy not less than 300 days of sunshine each year, with dramatic colour changes of scenery with the seasons. This area is steeped in history, with many Roman spas and buildings, historic villages and towns, and of course the Cathar religion, its castles and mysteries associated with Rennes Le Chateau.
The landscapes vary significantly, with rolling hillsides, forests, gorges, plains and all with the backdrop of the Pyrenees and the Black Mountains.. In all weathers and on all occasions, this countryside is here to be enjoyed.
Located only 90 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea, the Spanish border and the mountains, what can be better than to discover the surroundings of the South of France.
Domaine des Etoiles was in former times a wine producing Domaine, now lovingly restored by its current owner Steve Hedges to provide an eco friendly family home large enough to accommodate family and friends.
Hot water is produced by solar power and the winter rain water is collected and stored in the 200,000 litre wine cuves and used to nourish the garden plants during the long hot summer months.
Word got round about Steve's hospitality, friends of friends were asking to visit and very soon Steve had a permanent house party.
Before long, guests wanted to contribute to the running costs and the permanent house party became a business.
The one-time Masters House has become the family home and also provides B&B accommodation, and outbuildings have been transformed into two guest cottages for self-catering rentals.
Steve Hedges, in addition to being your host at Domaine des Etoiles writes a local newsletter the Aude Flyer and is a presenter of local interest programmes on Contact FM Radio and has a wealth of local knowledge which he is happy to share with guests - interesting places to visit, great shops, market days, the in restaurants, vide greniers (local equivalent of the car boot sale) property for sale, etc.......
To find out more please contact Steve Hedges on 0468691846 or email info@domaine-des-etoiles.com
Accommodation
Bayard
Bayard - is a small self contained cottage with one bedroom for two people sharing, it is self catering with private terrace and BBQ.Ground Floor
Open plan living, kitchen and dining room, featuring original red tiled (tomettes) floor, comfortable sitting area with television (satellite reception of free to air UK channels currently BBC 1, 2, 3, 4, ITV1, 2, 3 and numerous UK radio stations along with the normal French channels) DVD/CD player.
The bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin is accessed from the lounge area via two steps,
The kitchen is equipped with combination oven/microwave, two ring stove, fridge, pans, crockery & cutlery etc.
Mezzanine Floor
Open plan bedroom with double bed, accessed by a narrow wooden baker's staircase, (not for the infirm).
Outside
Private south facing terrace & separate dining area with direct views to the Pyrenees.
Plus use of the communal gardens and pool etc
This cottage is quite secluded, tucked away on the edge of the property, the perfect location for a romantic get away!
What it costs to stay in Bayard
Book a cheep seat not a peak seat, no set change over day no minimum stay
The pricing structure is very simple based on per person per day plus a one off cleaning charge.January, February, March, November, December £15
April, May, September, October £19
June July August £26
Cleaning charge £40
Domaine des Etoiles is only a short drive from Rennes le Chateau here are some interesting books about the area
If you don't like conventional history books you will love Kate Mosse Labyrinth & Sepulchre
Things to do
Days out for all the Family
"If the children are happy everyone is happy", so here are some suggestions for a stress free day out.
Le Moulin à Papier
11390 Brousses et Villaret
open 365 days per year.
Tel 04 68 26 74 67 43
An ancient wind powered paper mill 45 minutes from Domaine des Etoiles
More information on
http://www.moulinduverger.com/
Grotte de Limousis
11600 Limousis
open 01/03 to 30/11
Tel 04 68 26 14 20
A cave system 45 minutes from Domaine des Etoiles
More information on
Grotte de Limousis
Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine
11160 Cabrespine
open 01/02to 30/11
Tel 04 68 26 14 22
One of the worlds biggest cave systems 1 hour from Domaine des Etoiles
More information on
Goufre Geant de Cabrespine
Le Moulin à Vent
11160 Villeneuve-Minervois
open 01/04 to 30/09
Tel 04 68 26 57 56
A flour mill with play area and shop1 hour from Domaine des Etoiles please see website (in English) for details and opening times.
Le Moulin a Vent
Jardin aux Plantes La Bouichère
11300 Limoux
open 01/05 to 31/10
Tel 04 68 31 49 94
A garden where children are allowed to touch the flowers and turn summersaults on the grass if they wish, 20 minutes from Domaine des Etoiles.
La Bouichere
Le Labyrinthe Vert
11500 Nébias
This is a sign posted walk around a ruined wind mill set on a limestone pavement, it's advisable (and enjoyable) to take a pick nick as there are no facilities. 40 minutes from Domaine des Etoiles. Have a look at the web site which (in English), for more details.
Le Labyrinthe vert
Chateau de Chalarbre
11230 Chalarbre
open spring and summer holidays
Tel 04 68 67 37 85
This castle is a favourite with dads and small boys. Watch jousting, try on armour and be a Knight for the day. 30 minutes from Domaine des Etoiles.
Chateau-Chalabre
Le Musée des Dinosaures
Avenue de la Gare
11260 Espéraza
Open all year
04 68 74 02 08
The Aude valley has been inhabited by some very big animals find out more at this museum. If you are mad about dinosaurs you could join DINOSAURIA.
More information about the museum and the club on the web site (in English)
musee dinosaures
Fontestorbes
Near the village of Belista
This is a small cave on the roadside, famous for its 'intermittent spring' - when the water is low it is possible to enter the cave over stepping stones across the stream, then without warning the flow increases to cover the stones and block off your exit! Fortunately the problem is only temporary as the spring returns to normal over a 10-15 minute period before repeating the whole thing 20 minutes later. Great for children, you can almost set your watch by its cycle during Summer months, there is a café just across the road with public toilets - just as well with all that running water!
Le Parc Australien
Take a trip to Australia without the trauma of being on a plane for 24 hours. This is a safari type park at Carcassonne designed to walk around rather than drive.
Open every day from 10.30 guided tour available at 11.00. Snacks and drinks available
Le Parc Australien
Follow this link for more suggestions from the Carcassonne Tourist Office
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