The Languedoc is bathed by 300 days of sunshine per year. The Minervois wine growing area sits in the Aude valley and is separated to the north by the Black Mountains and to the south by the Pyrenees, yet is only 30 mins to the Med beaches. The area is steeped in historical sites such as the Canal du Midi and Carcassonne
Picture in your your mind, the classic french village. The two old friends sitting on the park bench, watching the world go slowly by. The two sisters discussing the arrival of a new grandchild, whilst buying bread from the village boulangerie.
The Ivy House set in the heart of the village of Oupia, was newly renovated in 2005. The open plan ground floor leads out via french doors onto a delightful patio area ,with local herbs arranged in a small kitchen garden, from where, a covered walkway leads onto the gated secure 8x4m private pool. The first floor balcony, leading off the master bedroom, looks over the local vineyards. In the evening it is a delightful place to sit and unwind with a glass of Minervois as the sun sets over the black mountains.
The area is only 30 mins from the Med beaches, 90 minutes from winter skiing in the Pyrenees, 40 mins from Carcassonne and Narbonne.
The area is steeped in historic sites such as: the Cathar castles, the Canal du Midi and Da Vinci Code sites such as Rennes Le Chateau
We loved the beautiful relaxing setting in a classic french village. From the morning trip to the village shop for croissants and pain au chocolat, to prising the children from playing in the pool, to the walk to the village of Beaufort for dinner cooked in a summer kitchen......the relaxed style of Languedoc life was a refreshing change from life in the UK. We will be back!!!!