La Souqueto, Mirepeisset Holiday Rentals

Description for B&B:

La Souqueto (named after the vines that shade both the front and the back of the house) is a sensitively restored and renovated Maison Bourgeoise, decorated and furnished with a mixture of old and new. The house is on the edge of the village (you can hear and see the river) and yet it is bang in the middle of the old medieval centre.

The atmosphere in La Souqueto is relaxed and friendly and there is plenty to stimulate body, mind and senses. Breakfast (besides freshly made coffee, tea, croissants, breads, conserves, fresh fruit) also tends to include a seasonal treat (in the form of a tart, a layered yoghurt-and-fruit cup or a cake). The decor and artifacts in the house, the libraries and spacious, bright artists' studio all provide oodles of artistic inspiration and there is a roof terrace and small patio for private relaxation. The rooms are pretty, and toiletries, hairdryers and fluffy towels are provided. If there's anything else you might need: just ask and we will try and provide!

Evening meals are available on request but there are also two restaurants within walking distance (one almost nextdoor and one beside the river).
The village itself has swimming, petanque, tennis, fishing and horseriding facilities.

Located in a pretty Minervois village between Carcassonne and Béziers, La Souqueto is an ideal for those looking to explore the central Languedoc-Roussillon, with medieval villages, ancient towns and cities, Cathar strongholds, the Canal du Midi, Mediterranean beaches and the wilds of the Black Mountains all within an hour. Contact us also for more information about the art workshops, cookery courses and language lessons available at La Souqueto.

Description for Gite

You can swim in the sparkling clean river (La Cesse) or its reservoir (La Garenne) behind the house, and sea and beaches are within 30 minutes drive (with possibilities of kite- and windsurfing). The village itself has tennis courts, petanque, fishing and horse riding facilities for both children and adults, and since we're right beside the Canal du Midi, you can walk, cycle or cruise in the dappled shade of the plane trees that line the paths and waterways (bicycles and boats for hire locally). Hiking (both gentle and rigorous) can be done along nearby gorges...

We are also conveniently located for visits to Cathar strongholds and medieval towns as well as fashionable cities for shopping and sightseeing... (Narbonne and Beziers are within 20 minutes whilst Montpellier, Perpignan and Carcassonne are all about 1 hour by car.)

All around Mirepeisset are interesting foodie destinations many of which welcome visitors for guided tours, tastings and demonstrations. There is an olive press and an award-winning, exquisitely located, goatscheese farm where you can see the goats being milked and cheeses being made. There is also a passionate beekeeper nearby where you can taste 12 completely unique honeys, a traditional artisan baker who might let you try your hand at making bread, and many great restaurants... The area is scattered with many dedicated winemakers that still make their wines by hand, and Narbonne's covered foodmarket rivals the Boqueria in Barcelona.

An hour's drive will get you to quaint fishing villages, the winery of the famous Noilly Prat Vermouth (indispensable for making a risotto or beurre blanc), the salt pans of Gruissan and the oysterbeds of Bouzigues... And in winter, the ski resorts are a mere one and a half hours away.

On the artistic side there is also plenty to keep you busy: one of the world's most renowned patchwork museums can be found in Salleles, a village next to Mirepeisset, and there are impressive modern art galleries in Bages near Narbonne and in Lezignan... Narbonne's ultra modern theatre offers a daily changing list of events ranging from classic and experimental plays to concerts by artists from all around the world.
Directions

If you come from direction Perpignan on the A9 take exit 38 (Narbonne Sud), then the N9 towards Beziers. At the third roundabout take a left (D607> to Marcorignan and continue all the way straight for about 12 kms, then turn right to Mirepeisset. In the centre of the village (La Placette) we are inbetween the restaurant La Taverna and the little grocery shop. There is a carpark on the righthand side of the restaurant.

If you take the A9 from Montpellier, take exit 36 (Castres, Mazamet). Turn right towards Castres, Mazamet, St. Pons then continue until the turn-off towards MONTADY (the 4th turn-off). At the T-junction turn left and follow the road all the way straight for 23 kms, then turn left almost immediately after Argeliers, towards Mirepeisset. Follow the signpost, turning right into Mirepeisset centre village. We are inbetween the restaurant La Taverna and the little grocery shop. There is a carpark on the righthand side of the restaurant.

If you come from Carcassonne, don't take the Autoroute - the D610 (the direct road from Carcassonne to Beziers, which becomes the D11 later on) is by far the easiest way. To get onto this road, first follow the green sign for Narbonne, then look out for the sign for Trebes on the left, which brings you to the D610. Keep going straight Beziers on that route. After Pouzols take a right at the big roundabout (towards St Marcel), then left at the next signpost for Mirepeisset. We are inbetween the restaurant La Taverna and the little grocery shop. There is a carpark on the righthand side of the restaurant.