Description
Villa Noisette is a gorgeous stone cut villa with terrace, private pool, air conditioning and unbelievable views over the village and medieval castle of Durban Corbieres in the Languedoc area of South West France. There is an air conditioned children's playroom with an assortment of toys, free high speed fibre optic wifi and secure parking for up to three cars immediately outside. The villa was built in 2003 and can accommodate up to 8 people in four double bedrooms including a master bedroom with en-suite and two additional bathrooms. The kitchen is fully equipped and bedding and towels are provided - you only have to bring yourselves! There are two cots, high chairs, travel cots and a range of children's bikes and scooters which guests are welcome to use. There are metal railings around the terrace which provides a secure safety barrier for young children. There is a built-in charcoal bbq in the garden and the private pool can be heated off season.
On the ground floor there is an open plan living area with kitchen, dining room and lounge with wide sliding doors leading to a terrace with pool and gardens below. .
The villa is tastefully furnished and set in a small award winning community of beautiful villas close to airports at Perpignan, Carcassonne, Montpellier and Toulouse as well as the TGV to Narbonne. The villa has smart flat-screen television and the kitchen is fully equipped including new dishwasher, convection hob and oven and microwave. There is a pantry with washing machine.
In summer, the true glory of the villa is the amazing terrace and pool area with truly stunning views over the village and castle - a place to relax, dine and swim.
The villa has reversible air conditioning in every bedroom and a wood burner fireplace for winter months. There are abundant walks and cycle trails nearby using the four bicycles provided and skiing in the Pyrenees is around 2 hours away.
The village is a ten minute walk way and has all facilities - mini supermarche, butcher, baker, pharmacy, petrol station and health centre. Our local bar - Chez Prano - serves excellent food and there are a host of restaurants in nearby villages.
Durban Corbieres is the perfect place to explore the wonders of Languedoc and the highlights of this fascinating region are endless. The villa is 20 km from some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean and is within easy reach of endless medieval castles and historic villages. Durban itself has its own castle and from the villa terrace there are stunning views across the village to it.
Unlike much of southern France, tourism has not overwhelmed the area and Durban remains essentially a French working village where the vine is king. The village has four vineyards and there are dozens nearby as well as the Corbieres wine route. The nearest domaine is 50 yards away! Knock on the door if you are passing and if the family are in they will happily let you taste their wines. On the main road you will also find the cellar for Domaine De La Peyruse which is a personal favourite. The supermarche carries a large number of local wines and if you like one in particular it is easy to track down the chateau itself.
Historic Narbonne is our nearest town which is about thirty minutes by car. It has a lovely old centre with its medieval cathedral towering above the winding streets. It also has all the main supermarkets such as Carrefour and Casino. A favourite of ours is Grande Frais which is smaller with high quality products but a little more expensive. The main attraction is the covered food market which is open every day and has an amazing selection of regional foods - meat, fish, cheese and wine. On Thursday mornings there is also a large general market nearby along the banks of the canal
Turn around day is Saturday although this can be discussed if dates allow.
Classic French wide blue flag sandy beaches and cliff walks are about a thirty minute drive away. Our favourites are La Franqui, Leucate Plage and Gruissan Plage. The area is famed for its oysters and there is an abundance of seafood restaurants along the front.
Sigean African Reserve - on the way to Narbonne and the beaches - is one of the most highly regarded safari parks in Europe. Its range of animals from white rhinoceros, zebra and lions to reptiles, crocodiles and insects makes it a must visit for adults and children alike. Many of our guests visit with the primary purpose of visiting.
Carcassonne - the jewel of the region with its walled citadel - La Cite. A must see attraction around one hours drive by car it can get busy in mid season and don't be put off by the road leading up from the entrance which is a bit commercial. Beyond lies a fascinating insight into past times. If it's not too hot, try the cassoulet - the famed local dish of Languedoc.
Lagrasse - recognised as one of France’s most beautiful villages with narrow streets and an ancient abbey which is well worth visiting.
Queribus castle - the last Cathar stronghold to resist the Crusaders in 1255 with wonderful views over the countryside.
Fontfroide Abbey - a lovely eleventh century Benedictine Abbey.
The Spanish border is just over an hour away and Colliore is one of the highlights of the area - an historic fishing port with charming winding streets and amazing seafood.
These are just a few of the attractions in the area and a good guide book or online guide will reveal many more.