Self catering cottage (gîte) for holiday letting
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Testimonials - Extracts from Visitors' Comments
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This is our last night in this lovely cottage. We have had a wonderful holiday. Loved the Sunday market. Highlights:
We loved the fact that nearly everyone we met stopped to admire or coo at our baby. People are very friendly. Fionula & Ross, Ireland, October 2007
... thank you for a wonderful and peaceful stay in the Espéraza Cottage. We enjoyed our week very much!!!. First we did the "musts": Château de Queribus, Rennes-le-Château and Carcassonne. We found in this wonderful place a lot of inspiration. ... With the help of the Tourist Information at Quillan (very helpful and friendly) we found the "Accro Parc" in Alet-les-Bains. We had a great time there climbing like Tarzan from tree to tree... We also had a great day in the mountains in "Les Angles". We visited the "Parc animalier" which is really beautiful with lots of animals from the Pyrenées. PS [from Alicia, 11]: The brown bears in the Parc animalier are very sweet and everybody should go there to see them. Michael, Sabine and Alicia, Germany, October 2007
Enjoyed our seven nights in the gîte. We were very lucky to arrive on the weekend of the delayed festival. Really enjoyed the dancing on the Sunday night in the square. ... Store next to bar [in the square] is well stocked and very friendly people. Patiserie near by is great too. ... Sunday market a highlight ... some fabulous jewellery and there was a "juggler with glass balls" who was awesome. Trip to Andorre was great - especially as we went by the route of Day 14 of the Tour de France. ... Thanks to previous directions to Rennes-le-Château [in the visitors' book]. Great walk both ways. Wine tasted at Sieur d'Arques just out of Limoux. Very nice and well priced. Carcassonne - touristy but worth it - even the 20 year old enjoyed it. Carol & Rob, Justine & Mike, Australia + New Zealand, October 2007
Many thanks. We have enjoyed our stay and discovered a lovely part of France. Can highly recommend Auberge de Faby [at Rouvenac] for lunch or dinner - wonderful food and service. Sany & Ted, Australia, September 2007
Cathar Castles - we found clambering over one (Peyreperuse) was enough - it was great - enjoyed checking out several others from the roadside. Gorges de Galamus (narrow, scary road!) + the Ermitage St-Antoine de Galamus both worth the trip Museums in Espéraza - both worth a visit We caught a train from Espéraza to Carcassonne and back. Very relaxing way to do it. Also walked from Carcassonne station up to the medieval city and back - took us than half an hour each way & a great way to see the part of the Bastide [de St Louis = Carcassonne Ville Basse] + Canal du Midi. The Yellow Train further south leaves from Villefranche-de-Conflet to Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via (or Latour-de-Carol) & back. Great trip. Try & sit in the open carriage. Winds its way up to the ski resorts. Mirepoix - good to see - the drive up and then across the plateau was wonderful. Take country road drives wherever you can - so many wonderful and interesting villages & scenery. We loved Espéraza's market square - the best part of the village & right next door! Grotte de Niaux - allow one-and-a-quarter hours to get there (south of Foix) - Loved it - [prehistoric] cave paintings were fascinating & the 800m walk in (&800 m return) to see the cave art was also fascinating. Dennis & Pip, Tasmania, September 2007
We found Espéraza the perfect centre for short travels to most points of interest in the area The New and Old City of Carcassonne are well worth a visit, but allow a full day to fully explore. Another good day's trip is to Mirepoix via Puivert & Chalabre. Visit the museum in Puivert & the château in Chalabre. The medieval city of Mirepoix is an excellent spot for lunch. The village of Rennes-les-Bains is worth a visit. It is worth a visit to Lagrasse via Villerouge-Termenes where you must visit the Château. In Lagrasse the abbey is impressive... The road to Mouthoumet is picturesque (Gorges de l'Orbieu) but narrow & windy. Enjoy your stay as we did Kevin & Gail, Australia, August 2007
Enjoyed our 2 week stay at Espéraza. ...Enjoyed eating out at a varying range of establishments. Fernando (end of street) - good food and good fun with the owner who is Portuguese. For a special meal the Auberge-de-Faby at Rouvenac. Carcassonne at night is quite an experience - well worth the visit. Enjoyed various walks in the area. Anne and Andrew Both, England, June 2007
It is well worth the hour or so's drive to the Grotte de Niaux but you must book in advance. There are 2 English guided tours a day. We went to the 1pm tour & it lasted about one-and-a-half hours. ... you have a torch lit walk into the maintain to see [prehistoric] cave art in situ. We have been to a wine tasting as Castel Negre. The owner speaks excellent English and can explain his wines very well. Prices are good too. At Sigean near Narbonne, there is an African Nature Reserve. It costs 23 Euros but is well worth the money and time spent getting there. We took >100 photos! We also bought wine from Domaine de Mayrac which is an organic vineyard. Adam, Claire & Baby Bruno, UK, June 2007
Thankyou for a wonderful stay in the Espéraza Cottage! Using this as our centre, we've explored almost every Cathar Castle in the environs between Foix, Carcassonne and the Mediterranean Sea. Beautiful landscape. We look forward to coming back! Ingrid, Daniel, Ulva, Norway, February 2007
We had a fabulous time! We're even looking at buying a house and a poodle! Gail and Stephen Sauter, USA, early 2007
Day1: Espéraza market - fun atmosphere + yummy cheese Day2: Queribus + Peyrepertuse, Gorge de Galamus - all fantastic. Very windy day Portia (aged 8) blown off her feet at Queribus entrance. Very scary. Day 3: Limoux, Rennes-les-Bains + Rennes-le-Château - very pleasant day Day 4: Collioure on the coast. Beautiful - nice market, very friendly. Two-and-a-half hour drive via Perpignan Day 5: Carcassonne. Interesting place - try to ignore the tourist shops. Look up! Day 6: Andorre - rather ambitious drive for a day - but great mountain views Weather has been kind to us. Clear views of scenery which is beautiful. Stephen, Sian, Zoe and Portia, September 2006
Walking from the house north of Espéraza through Croux, making a loop & home again (3 hours), saw buzzards, dragonflies, butterflies, praying mantis (?!), lizards, unusual (for me) wild flowers, walnut trees, sunflowers, vineyards... Anita and Peter, September 2006
All beautiful. Thank you!! Rach & Ron, September 2006
Lovely area of France. Day trips included canoeing along the river Aude in Couiza, a bit shallow water but rapids were awesome. Horse riding at Centre Equestre de Léran through forests and onto the beach. We went to two beaches, both fantastic; Canet-Plage ... & St Cyprien Plage ... great for swimming in the sea. Julie, Barry & Carly, August 2006
First trip (for 2 of us) to Europe... Day 1: (Sunday) Woke to sounds of Sunday Market setting up. Found fruits, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, meats, clothes, sandals, hats, crepes, tablecloths, honey, jams, wine, blankets, and an organ grinder with a monkey. One or two groups of musicians. Starts about 9:30 am with wild ringing of bells... Breakfast at La Creperie (two streets over): run by Dutch ex-pat (charming woman!) and serves crispy, light crepes (butter + sugar, apricot + almond, chocolate and watermelon-lemon), omelettes, and drinks. Gorge de Galamus is as spectacular as parts of the Grand Canyon or the Garden of the Gods in the US...Just before official gorge Drive (one lane at a time), park and walk down to a very nice swimming hole - cool, deep, refreshing... Day 2: Dip in the Mediterranean. Rattled off to la Feangui - lovely beach north of Perpignan ... typical beach resort without gouging the tourists. Just park and swim for FREE!!... Day 3: Lake Montbel. Skip it, but the Château at Puivert was astonishing and poignant. Lake visible from the château looked interesting for people with adolescents and teenagers. Great chocolate cookies at the local boulangerie. Maureen, Barry, Hilary & Reid, USA, July-August , 2006
Very much enjoyed Espéraza, but very hot! Great trip to Narbonne on the coast. It is a lovely little city with much to see. Collioure, south of Perpignan is also a very scenic town. Spectacular scenery on the drive fro Quillan to Perpignan. We had a wonderful week. Richard, Susan, Matthew & Jamie, Scotland, June 2006
Many great places to visit, especially the castles (which kept us very fit - not for the fainthearted). Puivert, Montsegur & Rennes-le-Château and more driving on the wrong side of the road took a bit of getting used to especially when you're the one next to the sheer drop on some narrow mountain roads. Great views though. ...The Sunday market is excellent (lovely, lovely jewellery) The cottage 'library' kept the kids amused for hours On a final note le cité in Carcassonne is well worth a visit. Make sure you visit the château [comptal] - remember your camera! PS: we were lucky enough to be here during the Tour de France (passed en route to Carcassonne). Lots of freebies! A fantastic atmosphere! Colin, Lorna, Jennifer & Catriona, Scotland , July 2006
...the cottage is perfectly situated for getting about. We have been to: 1. Puivert - the castle and the excellent museum Quercob, especially if you have an interest in music 2. Rennes-le-Château. If you have read The Da Vinci Code or The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail you will know about this. We did not, like many others, locate any treasure. The views are stunning though. 3. Carcassonne. This was a return visit for us but the cité was just magical. (Bumped into Sting while here!!) 4. Puilaurens. Walk to the castle takes about 30 mins from car park but is well worth it. The drive there is spectacular. Stop off at lay by at Gorge de la Pierre-lys on the way back for more views of the river [Aude], and some "[white water] rafters" if you are lucky! Perfect for a picnic. ... There is lots more to do but our week is over mores the pity. I am sure we will return. Alison & Richard, England, July 2006
Must do/see: 1. Rennes-le-Château - by walking path 2. Auberge de Faby restaurant (Rouvenac) 3. Chauteau de Puylaurens 4. Peyrepertuse - take the drive slowly 5. Hotel restaurant Cartier (in Quillan) ... it's great to be a bit off the beaten track and to experience rural France and discover the natural and historic landmarks of Languedoc, which are as good as anything we've seen. We'll be recommending this area, and the cottage, to other Australians with the travel bug. Lynda, Jan & John, Australia, June 2006
We had a wonderful time in Espéraza and loved the cottage. It had everything we needed and Sophie went out of her way to help whenever she could. We didn't have a car but found that our stay was still not long enough. So yes, plenty to do on foot or bicycle. ... wonderful walk to Rennes-le-Château. Beautiful views and we didn't come across anyone else on the walk, so was nice time-out. ... We will be back and we will tell friends! Sharn and Adam, Australia, May - June 2006
... we would recommend the drive from Couiza past the Donjon d'Arques to /mouthoumet (where for a modest 30 Euros you can have a lovely 4 course meal for two with wine and coffee at Chez Divine in a rustic ambience - get there early!) and return via the charming village of Termes and the Gorges Orblieu. For those wishing to venture further afield to the Cote Vermeille, the village of Collioure retains its charm and ambience despite being a v popular seaside destination. We also enjoyed the town of Albi and the extravagant St-Cecile Cathedral. It's a pleasant drive through the Haute Languedoc, Mazamet and Castres. Enjoy your stay here - we have. Peter and Catherine, New Zealand, May 2006
The apartment was wonderful. It gave us the "French" experience we wanted. Michael & Shannon, USA, Spring 2006
Les plus beaux villages de France: there are 148 of these in France, and around here there are quite a number:-
Towards the Pyrenees:
Also visit Mirepoix and Fanjeaux Val & Iona, South Africa, January 2006
I also want to tell you how much these emails [to & from Sophie] have eased my mind regarding my trip ... France has always been 'daunting' to me... You have made the difference between anxiety and anticipation! GS, 2006
The apartment was wonderful. It gave us the « French
» experience we Shannon and Michael, USA, 2006
We had a wonderful time in Espéraza and loved the cottage. It had everything we needed and Sophie went out of her way to help whenever she could. Sharn and Adam, Sydney, Australia, 2006
We enjoyed our week in the Espéraza cottage and thanks to Sophie for making us feel so at home. Lynda and Jan, Australia, 2006
Almost any road is different and breathtakingly different. Our week here was full and uplifting for the spirit. We shall remember our stay. Eileen and Paul, Australia, 2006
Carcassonne was wonderful and we ventured to the Airbus factory in Toulouse. Ainslie and Tom, Sydney, Australia, 2006
A lovely week in a sweet village. We did so much - a grotte with prehistoric drawings, up into the Pyrenees, Château Peyrepertuse (hard climb, but amazing). Keith & Melanie, USA, November (?) 2005
we have spent a wonderful week here. ... we have fallen in love with the scenery of Southern France. Almost any road - new and breathtakingly beautiful! An ideal centre for excursions to Toulouse and beyond; north-east Spain; Carcassonne; the High Pyrenees; Camargue and also the Pays de l'Aude and to the other scenic areas which encompass this town. Our week here was full and uplifting for the spirit. Eileen & Paul, Australia, October 2005
Beautiful scenery. We particularly liked being here in autumn, we could sleep with our windows open and enjoyed the changing colors of trees and leaves on grapevines ... ... Château de Puilaurens in Lapradelle - beautiful, quiet ruin and fun to climb around in. We also enjoyed Château de Queribus with a stunning view. We ate a local Catalan lunch at Restaurant de Viaduc in Lapradelle and had a good lunch at the Divine Comedy in Carcassonne. We also enjoyed Grotte de Niaux and went on to see the prehistoric cave paintings. The cemetery, abbey and the old town itself Alet-les-Bains is a lovely visit. We spent one afternoon in Perpignan and found it to be a lovely and interesting city. Barbara & Quentin, USA, October 2005
Chose Espéraza + the gîte for our honeymoon destination, and we couldn't have chosen better. The gîte has a lovely, slightly rustic feel but is comfortable and has everything in it anyone could possibly need allowing us to cook lovely meals in between forays to the wonderful restaurants…thanks for being so approachable and friendly. Jenny and Scott, England, September 2005
Stunning September light walking the nearby banks and slopes of the river Aude. .. … One of the most memorable meals of our lives at the Ducs de Joyeuses restaurant at Couiza. David and Sue Knight, England, September 2004
Espéraza is an excellent base for seeing a very beautiful area steeped in fascinating history. Tony and Margaret Knight, England, September 2004
It is the first time in three years I have woken up without a sore back. Harry Johnston, 2004
Don't miss the Dinosaur museum or Queribus Ursula, Armin, Titian and Constantine, Germany, August 2004
Saw Barcelona - great buskers. Boys loved the prehistoric park. Trevor, Jack and Matt, 2005
Wonderful visit and beautiful weather. Walks to Rennes-le-Château worth doing and Rennes les Bains also charming. Castles Queribus, Montsegur, Arques and Puivert all different and amazing. Pack lunches a must in Winter. Louise and Kevin, 2005
How handy for everything. What a fun market. Danielle Eubank, USA, 2005
Don't miss the Dinosaur museum & excavation site, or Queribus! Ursula, Armin, Titian and Constantine, Germany, August 2004
Have done so much in such a short time. Steve and Debra Tindale, Australia, July-August 2004
Best restaurant Auberge de Faby @ Rouvenac - the chef is an artist!! Chris and Cora, 2003
ContactContact Sophie about renting this gîte in the south of France. You can reach her by email or ring +33 (0)468.20.11.42: 04 68 20 11 42 from France 011 33 468 20 11 42 from the USA 00 33 468 20 11 42 from the UK and most other countries Once you have established availability, you will need to check our terms and conditions above and then print off and fill out a booking form.
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