Information

Light and airy, the south facing main room is a combination living room/dining room/kitchen, attractively decorated in typical Mediterranean colours. The fully equipped kitchen includes a large refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, a 4 hob range with oven, microwave, and other kitchen appliances. Generous hardwood counter tops and a lighted arch make meal preparation a pleasure.

A reversible air conditioner provides cool summers and warm winters. The living area is equipped with TV to watch both French TNT and British freeview satellite channels, as well as a DVD player and Play Station 2. There is also a selection of games, puzzles and books.

There are 3 bedrooms. The Green Room has a queen-sized bed, small sofa and closet. The Blue Room has 2 single beds and closet. The Terra cotta Room has a double bed and shelves.

The tiled bathroom includes a marble-topped cabinet with sink and large mirror, an enclosed shower and a washer/dryer. Bed and bath linens are provided. A baby bed is available on request.

Children and pets are welcome. This is a nonsmoking gite.

Eat outside on the terrace beside the stone well in the shade of the parasol. Complete with a cast iron barbecue for your outdoor cooking. For the sports minded there are basketball hoops. Depending on the season, fresh fruits and vegetables from our kitchen garden may be available for purchase.

Equipped with a Play Station 2. Large selection of DVDs and several Play Station 2 games available on request. Philips Senseo coffee maker makes delicious coffee in a variety of flavours.

3 Kwh photovoltaic solar panel installation completed in December 2008. Low energy light bulbs used in most rooms.

Additional Information

Whatever your interests, the area is a veritable wonderland. The beach is less than an hour away (depending on the traffic) with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, wind surfing, sailing, etc.

History and mystery abound, from the walled mediaeval city of Carcassonne to the Cathedral and archbishop’s palace in Narbonne. Other sites include: the remnants of the Roman road (Via Domitia) in Narbonne, the Cathar castles (considered by some to include the hiding place of the Holy Grail and other treasures), and the village of Minerve whose houses are built on the edge of cliffs. Our own village of Rieux-Minervois is home to a unique 12th century church with unusual stone carvings.

The area has its own special natural beauty and wildness. There are caverns and cliffs and numerous marked trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Or visit Caunes-Minervois where they still quarry the dark red marble found in the cathedrals of Narbonne and Carcassonne. When the atmospheric conditions are right you can see the snow capped Pyrenees that are just over an hour away.

You must not forget the multitude of wine tasting opportunities provided by the vineyards of the region. Add to all this the many village festivals, expositions and open markets throughout the area and it is clear that whether you are seeking excitement and adventure or peace and quiet, a special experience awaits those who come as our guests to the Domaine Sainte Marie.

For those interested, there is an independent Methodist church in Narbonne with services and activities in English as well as in French.

Possibility (by special arrangement only and subject to availability) for English speaking (American) owners to serve as tour guides.