Les Martinets

Olonzac

Languedoc Roussillion

1 bedroom > Sleeps 3

Les Martinets is perfectly located in the centre of Olonzac's bustling old village and within easy walking distance of numerous traditional shops, restaurants and cafes; yet as soon as you step inside its doors you escape into the peace and quiet of your very own haven right in the heart of this lovely market town.

This 18th century, three storey town house is ideally situated in the centre of the busy town of Olonzac, the delightful capital of Langeudoc's Minervois region, and provides very comfortable and spacious self-catering accommodation which is perfect for a couple or up to three people. Les Martinets is full of character and benefits from a number of stunning original features which have been sympathetically restored. It was thoroughly renovated and refurbished in 2007, providing all the modern comforts one expects whilst complimenting the propertys original charm.

You enter the property directly into a generous open-plan kitchen and living area which has a oak dining table with seating for four. The fully-equipped new kitchen has a large fridge-freezer, cooker, microwave, washing machine, and plenty of storage space. There is also a WC on this floor. The property's dramatic centrepiece is a spectacular original staircase with ornate banisters. You will also see many other period details throughout the house, including exposed beams and original shutters.

On the first floor is a light and airy sitting room with a traditional working fireplace which can be lit for open fires in the cooler months. There are two sofas, one of which can be made into a comfortable double bed. The TV has French and English-speaking Satellite channels including BBCs 1 and 2 and BBC News 24, plus a DVD player. Music CDs, DVDs, books and games are also provided.

On the next floor is the spacious master bedroom, with high ceilings, exposed beams, and an elegant metal-framed bedstead. The beautiful blue mosaic-tiled double shower is the highlight of the generous shower room next door, which also has a WC and basin.

There is an open staircase leading to the small private rooftop terrace with a barbecue. The perfect spot to relax and unwind, this sun trap hideaway offers spectacular views across the rooftops and church spires of Olonzac and, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pyrenees. There is an abundance of swifts, swallows and housemartins to watch in spring and summer.

A welcome pack including locally produced wine and basic essentials will be waiting for you when you arrive. You will be welcomed by a friendly bi-lingual Briton who lives nearby, who will show you around the property and will be happy to give lots of useful advice about how best to enjoy your stay in Olonzac.

The house is decorated throughout with original artwork from a local artist. All the furnishings, towels and bed linen are of good quality and are provided free of charge. There are no additional charges for cleaning, electricity, linen or towels. All rooms have electric heating for the winter months, and logs can be provided for the open fire for a small charge. We can also provide tennis racquets free of charge, and mountain bikes can be hired for a small charge. There is free parking just one minute's walk away. This is a no smoking property and is not suitable for pets.

Visitors Book

September 2009
Amanda & Martin Kinsey Northamptonshiire
The house is lovely, beautifully decorated and immaculate. Very well equipped – Thank you

August – September 2009 - Michael & Paula O’Leary, Ireland
We really enjoyed our stay in Olonzac. The house was great, we loved it. It is so well equipped; we were never in need of anything. The region has loads to offer & the people were great.

August 2009 - Mick & Darina Halpenny, Ireland
A great house, great location with lovely moments.
Thanks for all your help and attention.

July 2009 - Nigel and Caroline, Farnham, Surrey, UK
Our stay at Les Martinets was short but sweet. Next time we must arrange a longer trip; so much to see and do in the area and beyond and returning “home” to the gite was always a pleasure. Thank you for all the home comforts in this unique French retreat.

June 2009 - Keith & Cazolan Hodgson, North Yorkshire, UK.

Excellent 10 days! Lovely little cottage. Enjoyed ambling round the local area and managed about 850 photographs which will be of great use to us. It’s a great part of France around here… Much less commercial than Cote D’Azur or Provence and a lot more ‘authentic’! Try the goats cheese from the stall just outside the door on Tuesday (Market day!) C’est formidable! Summary….Trés Bon!

May 2009 - Barbara & Saul. Vancouver, Canada.

Our stay at Gite Coquet was most pleasant it was a wonderful “base of operations” we travelled to Barcelona, Andorra, Nimes, Albi and many many places in between. The village market right outside our door was a highlight! Lucy Freeman has been a wonderful hostess, guide and muse and has done so much to make our stay here comfortable and enjoyable. Languedoc is a very enjoyable region to explore and we wish all future visitors to Les Martinets a marvellous time.
“Thank you “ to Lucy
“Bon Journee”

The Town
Olonzac is a charming small town conveniently located in Minervois region of the Languedoc-Roussillon area of Southern France. The area is well known for being the most productive wine region in the world, and Olonzac is surrounded by vineyards, with a beautiful view of the Montagne Noire (Black Mountains). On a clear day the Pyrenees are visible to the south.

In addition to its natural beauty, this picturesque town provides for all the needs of visitors. There are cafes and restaurants, bakeries, butchers, a supermarket, post office, and independent shops, and also a dentist, doctor’s surgery, and pharmacy, which are all within walking distance of the property. On Tuesday the local French market, one of the best in the area, sells a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local produce including chickens, cheese, olives and fish. Along with a vast array of fresh food there’s also a wide range of stalls selling linens, straw baskets, clothes, shoes and gifts. Market day is always an exciting day in town and the local residents welcome visitors warmly.

Olonzac has a beautiful municipal park with a pond for the swans and terrapins, three tennis courts, a large children’s play area, and of course an area for playing boules. The Lac de Jourres is a short drive or a pleasant walk from the town centre. Swimming and water sports are available at the Lac de Jourres in the summer, and it’s a restful place to sit and read at anytime of the year.

A deposit of 25% is required on booking, and full payment is required eight weeks before arrival.

Enquire directly about prices for short breaks or extended stays.

Getting there:

By Air - The nearest airport is Carcassonne, which is approximately 45 minutes drive away from Olonzac. You can reach Carcassonne airport by Ryanair from London Stansted, Gatwick, Liverpool, East Midlands, and Ireland airports. Beziers airport is about 50 minutes away, which is served by Ryanair from Bristol airport. The airports at Perpignan and Montpellier are both about one hour’s drive away. Toulouse is another alternative, it is about 1 hour and 40 minutes drive away, and Girona in Northern Spain is only 2 hours away. All are served by budget airlines.
www.ryanair.com www.flybe.com
www.easyjet.com



By Car - The town of Olonzac situated just north of the 'D' road that runs between Beziers and Carcassonne. The nearest motorway junction is No:25 (Lezignan-Corbieres) on the A61 Autoroute des Deux Mers, or junction No:36 Beziers West on the A9.

By Train - Please visit www.raileurope.co.uk for details of the overnight Motorail service to Narbonne (summer months only).

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