Description
This is an elegant and spacious Maison de Maitre which was built in 1870 and is
set back 100 metres from the Canal du Midi. It was the home to a family who
owned the surrounding vineyards for over 100 years. Having been fully
refurbished by its Anglo-Dutch owners, Robert and Agnes Pollock, it now provides
eight large bedrooms, seven en-suite bathrooms, and a beautiful rose garden with
swimming pool. Guests can stay either on a Bed & Breakfast basis or by renting
the whole house. Young children are welcome. The guest rooms have the
flexibility to provide two or three bedroom family suites when required, while
maintaining an understated elegance with minimal disturbance to the original
layout.
The rooms combine French antiques with the fresh vintage look of Cath Kidston
materials and accessories. Each bedroom has a super king-size bed, Egyptian
cotton sheets and lightweight duck-down duvets. We can also arrange two single
beds and cots.
During your stay you are encouraged to relax the old-fashioned way, which means
that you will not find a television or DVD player in your bedroom unless you are
staying in the French Suite and you request one in advance. However, because the
views and atmosphere require relaxing background music, each room is equipped
with a mini hi-fi system. Additionally, you might like to browse through our
wide range of novels and poetry books, or simply have a dip in the sheltered
swimming pool.
Throughout the year we provide cots, highchairs and organic baby/toddler food
and we have a children's play area.
Local Activities
In addition to having the most beautiful bridge of the Canal du Midi, the
village of Roubia has a population of 500 and a restaurant, boulangerie, butcher
and post office.
A lovely 30 minute walk along the canal path and through the vineyards and
almond groves takes you to Paraza where you will find the excellent New York
style bistro Café du Port on the side of the canal, and the homely La Barracca
at the back of the village. Many activities such as boating, fishing, wild boar
hunting, cycling, hang-gliding, river swimming, horse-riding and painting are
only ten minutes drive away and we would be delighted to organise an itinerary.
If you feel like exploring further a field we recommend your bring a car to
visit some of the following attractions:
- pretty village of Minerve perched on two steep gorges, with a fascinating
Cathar history (25 mins)
- magnificent Abbeys of Frontfoide and Lagrasse (10 & 30 mins respectively)
- Cathar castles in Peyrepertuse and Queribus (25 mins)
- Cathedral City of Narbonne (thriving market on Sunday) (20 mins)
- Mediterranean beaches (Gruissan, with original beach chalets providing the
film set for "Betty Blue", is 30 mins)
- African Wildlife Reserve at Sigean (25 minutes)
- the thriving student cities and cultural centres of Perpignan (45 minutes) and
Montpellier and Toulouse (1 hr 10 mins)
- the stunning Cote Vermeille with the fishing village of Collioure (where
Matisse and Picasso spent their holidays) 1hr 15 mins
- fantastic winter skiing in Pyrenees (90 mins).
Courses
All courses are on a full board basis. Lessons will take place after breakfast
from 10:00 until 13:00, after which a three course lunch and wine will be served
on the terrace, weather permitting. A three course evening meal will be served
in the village restaurant. The group size will not exceed ten people therefore
allowing you to benefit from intensive teaching and personal attention. The
afternoons are free for you to explore the local area.
