The Balcony Gite

,

Vira

Languedoc Roussillion

1 bedroom > Sleeps 2

Changeover day: Saturday

 

One gite and one studio with private terraces standing on the outskirts of a charming, small village in a tranquil, secluded wooded valley of the Fenouilledes, an unspoilt rugged region of the eastern pyrenees.

To see details of the ground floor studio (The Arches)at Threeroofs, please follow the website link.

The Local Area:
The Balcony Gite is on the first floor of Threeroofs, an attractive detached stone house set amidst a varied landscape of mixed woodland, pastures and orchards. It is both a natural haven and an ideal base from which to explore this Catalan region between the sea and the mountains. A relatively undiscovered corner of France, it is crossed by traffic-free roads and country lanes linking picturesque stone villages and a wealth of natural and historic sites.
One of these lanes leads only to threeroofs and the village of Vira at 600m above sea level with its small museum and beautifully restored church.(visits by arrangement).

The nearby forest of Boucheville is considered to be one of Europes richest with an astounding variety of birds, mammals, butterflies and flora including Eagles and boar.
This natureland surrounds Threeroofs but to explore further there is a good network of walking/cycling trails which begins at the house. You may encounter one of France's 'arbres remarkable' a colossal beech tree or some of the forest's wild cherry trees.

A five minute walk leads to a limestone mountain vista which stretches all the way to the Mediterranean coast beyond.
For a splendid, unrivalled view of the whole region, walk or drive to the nearby Feilluns viewpoint and orientation table.
In July and August you can relax by the beautifully situated open-air pool (free) at Fosse(3km), where there is also a tennis court. Alternatively try one of the other local bathing spots.
There are three floodlit boule courts in Vira a few minutes walk from the house and a plan d'eau with picnic area and botanical walk.
Warm summer evenings may be spent on the balcony where the nightingale regularly sings well into the night.

The Accomodation:
The newly opened first floor gite is light and spacious (50sqm) with good all round views. Stone steps lead via colourful gardens to a private roomy entrance balcony with barbecue, furniture and hammock.

The original kitchen/diner opens onto a sitting area with a woodburner . There are supplementary electric/kerosene heaters.
The oak kitchen is well equipped and has a fridge-freezer, twin sink, gas hob and microwave oven..

Stairs lead to the double bedroom with en-suite shower/toilet room and a small library of good books.

There is plenty of shady parking opposite the house

Firewood, barbecue fuel,gas and electricity are included.
Linen is provided but not towels.


Attractions:
There is a wealth of natural and historical sites to visit.
Just to the north is Cathar country and the imposing ruins of their mediaeval castles dominate mountain ridges, notably at Peyrepertuse (the largest in southern France) ,which hosts mediaeval games in the summer.
This is also the country of the Holy Grail and it's associated myths.
There is a scattering of Roman remains including the perfectly preserved aqueduct at Ansignan (14km)
The Galamus gorge,with its hermitage (free) is a popular destination. A tantalising road traverses the 300m deep chasm with dozens of cascades and idyllic turquoise rockpools to choose from.

To the south rise the higher mountains and the majestic mount Canigou (2784m) often looms into view providing a wonderful backdrop. In this area you will find many abbeys, priories and fortified towns such as Villefranche, which is also the start of the 'little yellow train' line which snakes its way through the mountains across viaducts.
Don't miss the hot springs (37C) at St Thomas les bains.
There are a number of winter skiing stations , the closest to Vira being Mijanes (57km).
The nearest beaches are easily reached at Barcares(64km)
The Orgue rock formations near Ille-sur-Tet are at 32km.
The Byrrh caves and the 1million L vat at 45km.
Collioure a beautiful harbour town is at 87km.
Sigean African wildlife reserve, Carcassonne, Andora and Spain are all within reach.

Two tourist trains run in the area, nearest station at Caudies (11km)

Vira also sits on the fringe of the Roussillon wine producing region and you are free to visit the nearby cellars for tasting.

Entertainment:
During the summer there are fetes with good live bands most evenings in the surrounding villages.
Vira has its fete in august and also hosts one or two excellent evening grillades/dinners.
There are numerous other events in the area.
There is a cinema at St.Paul (17km)

Activities:
Most outdoor pursuits exist in the area including rafting at Axat(25km) and canyoning at Galamus gorge(22km).Rock climbing, horse riding and others are on offer at a nearby activity centre(12km).
Fishing, coarse, game river or lake is possible.
Mountain bikes, tennis rackets and boules are available

Travel:
Ryanair,Fly-be and Easy jet operate daily low cost flights to local airports including Carcassonne and Perpignan where car hire is available.
Eurostar high speed trains run from Waterloo to Perpignan changing at Lille or Paris or Avignon. Journey time approx 12 hrs.
From Perpignan follow the D117, or from Carcossonne the D118 to Caudies de Fenouilledes, then signs to Vira (foret de boucheville)

Prices/discounts:
prices shown are weekly but the length of stay is flexible ,and you may arrive on any day,after midday
departure is usually before midday
10% discount for late bookings (2 weeks before arrival)
10% discount for singles

Contact details:
Tel. 0033 (0) 468591031

If contacting by telephone...call any time but better in the evening

addresss:
1, route de Boucheville
66220 Vira, France

Website: http://www.visitfrance.co.uk/arches.

 

 

Equipment List:

· Fridge	· Freezer
· Hob	· Microwave
· Patio (own)	· Barbecue (own)

 

Other facilities:

Pool

- shared

 

How far away is…?

Nearest Baker	11km
Nearest Supermarket	17km
Nearest Restaurant	7km
Nearest Beach	64km
Nearest Village	0km
Nearest Ferry (Dieppe)	0km
Nearest Airport (Perpignon)	55km