La Bourdette Du Ray, Puylaurens.

Description for B&B:

La Bourdette du Ray is a charming hamlet consisting of approximately 7 families. Nestled in the heart of the hamlet is a rustic farmhouse, with one end transformed into a delightful cottage-style gite. This cozy gite offers picturesque views and shares a spacious garden, complete with a 12m x 7m swimming pool (shared with the owner), a boules area, croquet, table-tennis, and a barbecue. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to enjoy holiday membership at a local tennis club, conveniently located just 1 km away.

Surrounded by a small orchard and a variety of trees and shrubs, the gite is fully self-contained, exuding warmth and character. It boasts a patio overlooking the pool, perfect for alfresco dining or leisurely reading.

The first floor of the gite, called "Hibou," features a comfortable sitting room with a sofa-bed and chairs. Entertainment options include a television with French TV reception, a DVD player, a video player, and a CD player (with a collection of over 100 DVDs and videos available for borrowing). The adjacent open-plan kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge-freezer, hob, oven, microwave, coffee percolator, kettle, toaster, iron, and all necessary utensils, crockery, and cutlery. Washing and drying machines are also provided upon request.

The gite includes a shower room with a vanity unit and WC, as well as a bedroom furnished with a double bed, wardrobe, and chest of drawers. The bedroom offers charming views of the pool area and garden.

The garden features a designated area for the gite, complete with a picnic table and access to the shared swimming pool, hammocks, and barbecues. Sun beds and garden chairs are available for all guests, and ample parking space is provided next to the gites. The pool, measuring 12.6 x 7 metres, is fully fenced for safety. Guests can also enjoy a game of boules or croquet on the lawn (although it may not meet tournament standards, it promises lots of fun with a complete croquet set).

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Lac de St Férréol in the Montagne Noire, located 14 kms away, offers various watersports facilities, while the surrounding area is ideal for hiking. The region is also renowned for its Corbière and Minervois vineyards, located below the lake. Further west lies Limoux (50 kms), known for its exceptional sparkling white wine, Blanquette. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings at numerous wine caves in the area and explore the town's pleasant streets during a leisurely lunch.

Situated on the Canal du Midi, 33 kms away, Castelnaudary is famous for its hearty bean stew, Cassoulet, traditionally made with pork, lamb, or goose. The town is also renowned for its pottery and ceramics, and visitors have the opportunity to rent boats for day or half-day excursions on the canal.

A visit to the medieval cité of Carcassonne, located 50 kms away, is highly recommended for its awe-inspiring views as one approaches the town. Meanwhile, an hour to the north lies Albi, a city set on the banks of the river Tarn. Like Toulouse, Albi features stunning red brick architecture, including a grand cathedral, boulevards, and expansive squares and gardens. The city is also home to a museum dedicated to the works of renowned painter Toulouse Lautrec. To the east of Albi lie the Gaillac vineyards, famous for their red and rosé wines. The old quarter of Gaillac is a labyrinth of ancient streets lined with medieval colombage houses and charming squares adorned with fountains.