Respite in the South of France

"Les Amis des Ourtets" is a French registered organisation with "charity" status that helps to promote quality holiday breaks at affordable prices in a non-judgemental and convivial atmosphere where people can talk, relax, read, listen to music or just meditate in a corner of the garden. Les Ourtets is in the midst of the Pays Cathare, just a few miles north of Carcassonne in the South of France. It is ideally located to explore the wooded hills of the Cabardès, the rugged landscapes of the Minervois and the coastal lagoons of the Mediterranean sea.

About your host.

Though originally from the South of France, your host has been well travelled and has lived in Britain for over 25 years. Therefore has an intimate knowledge of cross-cultural differences. This enables him to make guests feel at home wherever they come from and give them an insight into the country and the region they are visiting.

About the accommodation.

Every effort is being made for guests to feel they are staying at a friend's house and at the same time feel as free as if they were in their own home. The B&B starched up feel is definitely out.

Particularly welcome are members of community groups interested in outdoor pursuits such as hiking, cycling, motor-cycling, swimming, horse-riding etc. It is also recommended to members of support groups for people who live with HIV and/or anyone in need of a relaxing and restful holiday in a non-sexist and non-racist environment.

The house is a very comfortable old country house on its own ground, surrounded by terraced gardens ("les ourtets" in the local occitan language) and woods, with views over the village. On the ground-floor, residents may choose to sit by the fire-place in the comfortable lounge and reception or join the host and other guests or friends for a candle-lit meal in the dining-room. Upstairs, guests can enjoy comfortable bedrooms with views over Cuxac and the country hills, as well as a dining kitchen, shower and bathroom, all facilities that can be used as a self-contained flat.

The Gardens.

Terraced gardens built with local stones surround the house, blending in with the country hills. Fruit trees, flower bushes, wild and cultivated perennials, vegetables, all mingle in a medley of colours for the pleasure of guests and the wild life too! Birds, bats, red squirrels, butterflies, bees will also be your hosts here.

Beyond The Gardens.

You will enjoy the surrounding hills, the village roofs and woods where you may see sheep quietly grazing. The village itself offers all facilities, small shops, a chemist, a doctor and a dentist. Apart from country walks from either the village itself or nearby area, there are various outdoor activities available such as swimming, horse-riding, archery, cycling and wind-surfing. Nearby there are many activities available: swimming at sandy beaches, canoe-kayak at Limoux and many country walks for experienced as well as less able people.

For those interested in history, the region provides a wealth of villages of interest: Carcassonne of course but also many villages around the Pays Cathare (Montolieu, Saissac, Lastours, Caunes, Minerve etc...) In fact the region is extremely rich through its cultural heritage and some guests who have staid for 3 weeks have found something to do for everyday without any difficulty.

Further Afield.

Guests have found the area of a reasonable distance to be able to visit other well known cities, such as Toulouse, Narbonne, Albi or Castres on the basis of a day-trip. Climate and Landscape The climate is generally mild all year round, with nevertheless a number of cold spells in winter with some snow. Summers are hot although Cuxac itself benefits from cooler breezes at 600 m above the sea. Landscapes change quickly from the very green (pines, chestnut-trees, ferns, pastures) to the very dry and rugged beauty of the Minervois and Corbières country (vineyards, olives, cypresses) and the coastal lagoon and sandy-beeches of the sea-side.

Food.

The Aude table includes fish and shellfish, game, meats and preserves, charcuterie and cassoulet all enhanced by the local wines of the Cabardès, Corbières and of course the Blanquette de Limoux. Good cheap restaurants abound, some in the villages nearby, some in Carcassonne itself. For further information, prices and booking conditions please send an e-mail to:

Les Amis des Ourtets
e-mail: mail@lesourtets.co.uk
Website: www.lesourtets.co.uk

 

Short-term Respite and Retreat can be arranged and funded by your local Social Services Department. For further information on Respite and Retreat and your entitlement click here


Take a look at KPS' overview of Respite& Retreat
Since the disolution of the Bethany Trust in November 2003 KPS has reviewed the limited specialised Respite and Retreat facilities available within the UK. By clicking here you can view KPS' overview of these facilities.