Your hosts and l’Orée de la Cité
Meet Your Hosts
We are your hosts, Samira and Jim - an Anglo-French couple who have recently settled in Carcassonne after many years living in Asia and the Middle East. Jim is a bronze sculptor and painter, working from a fabulous studio space in the stone barn, while Samira works in education. Edward Mousepants has joined us for this new adventure in southern France and is getting on splendidly with the local cats. Our home is the guardian's house near the entrance to the estate, while guest accommodation remains completely private, overlooking the gardens and pool on the other side of the grounds. We love welcoming families from around the world and are always available to offer advice and local tips.
Accommodation
The property features two independent, self-catering holiday homes, each fully equipped with its own kitchen and living areas. One house offers 6 bedrooms and 3 walk-in shower rooms; the other has 4 bedrooms and 2 walk-in shower rooms. During July and August both houses are exclusively rented together, accommodating up to 22 people. Renovated in 2015, each house is fully air-conditioned and heated, with bedrooms that can be arranged as king-size doubles or twins. The larger house also includes a ground-floor bedroom and walk-in shower room. Both houses are set up for dining indoors and outdoors, with tables for up to 20 people.
The private estate is completely enclosed and accessed through a secure, coded gate. Free parking is available for up to ten vehicles. Mature trees shade the grounds, where you'll find an enclosed, private swimming pool and a barbecue area.
Location
L'Orée de la Cité is ideally situated at the foot of the Medieval Citadel of Carcassonne, with restaurants and bars only a short walk away. The vineyards and river Aude are also directly accessible on foot from the gates of the property, providing stunning views of the Pyrenees, the Black Mountains and the Citadel. The modern bastide town of Carcassonne, with boutique shops, markets, restaurants, and the Canal du Midi, is just across the river. Both the railway station and the international airport are easy to reach, and a bus stop is conveniently located outside the entrance.
Family-Friendly Amenities
This property is perfect for families with children and teenagers. The gated entrance and securely enclosed pool make it safe for kids, and most attractions are accessible by foot, so there's no need for a car for daily outings. Nearby, you'll find aquaparks, teleskis, escape room chateaux, and a variety of child-friendly events. On-site amenities include indoor games, a trampoline, boulodrome, swings, and a wendy-house.
Excursions and Activities
For day trips, the coast and Pyrenean ski stations are just a 45-minute drive away. The Black Mountains, with their lakes and hiking trails, as well as the Cathar Chateaux, are easily accessible. Wine enthusiasts can explore the nearby Minervois, Corbières, and Malepère regions. There are fishing opportunities along the Aude, the Canal du Midi, and in the area's lakes. Local markets offer fresh produce, cheeses, and regional specialties. Hilltop villages host regular brocante and vide-grenier markets, with popular sites including Montolieu (the village of books and fine art), Mirepoix (medieval market square), Lagrasse, and Caune Minervois (with their abbeys and winding alleyways).
GLOIRE de mon Pere Holiday Home
This holiday home is fully air-conditioned and heated, with a complete renovation in 2015. It has four bedrooms—two doubles and two twins (which can also be arranged as king-size doubles)—and two walk-in shower rooms, plus a WC on each floor. The dining area seats up to 20 guests, and the shaded garden leads directly to the pool and BBQ area. Additional amenities include a laundry room, boules pitch, and children's game equipment. The property is accessed via a coded gate, and the grounds are enclosed with secure parking for ten vehicles.
Le Temps des SECRETS Holiday Home
This holiday home is fully air-conditioned and heated following its 2015 renovation. It features a large kitchen and dining area, separate living room, six bedrooms (two doubles, two triples, and two twins/king-size doubles), and three walk-in shower rooms. A double bedroom with shower and WC is located on the ground floor. Dining tables inside and on the shaded terrace each seat up to 20 guests. The garden, shaded by mature trees, is equipped for outdoor living, including a barbecue area and secure pool. Additional features are a laundry room, boules pitch, and children's game equipment. Access is via a secure coded gate, with enclosed grounds and parking for ten vehicles.
Entire Property Rental
When both houses are rented together, the property accommodates up to 22 people, plus three infants. Each holiday home is fully equipped, with one house offering six bedrooms and three walk-in shower rooms, and the other offering four bedrooms and two walk-in shower rooms. Both are fully air-conditioned and heated, and bedrooms can be made up as king-size doubles or twins. The larger house includes a ground-floor bedroom and accessible shower room, and both houses have dining tables for up to 20. The estate itself is enclosed and secure, with coded access and free parking for up to ten vehicles, mature trees shading the grounds, a private swimming pool, and a barbecue area.
Additional Information
During July and August, the houses are only available as a combined rental, offering 10 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with exclusive use of the property and pool for up to 22 adults and 3 infants.