Welcome to

La Bastide Les Aliberts

A 13th century fortified hamlet converted into five gîtes, each with its own garden or patio, set amidst vineyards with a pool and overlooking the canyon of the Cesse river and the Cathar fortress of Minerve.

Your contact:	Pascal et Monique Bourgogne
Telephone:	+33-(0)4 68 91 81 72
Fax:	+33-(0)4 68 91 22 95
Email:	Contact La Bastide Les Aliberts

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About the Holiday Home

Autumn colours in the main courtyard

La Bastide les Aliberts was built in the 13th century as a fortified farm estate or bastide, but today provides five separate prestige gîtes: Baugio, sleeping four guests, Apari, sleeping eight, Batik, which takes four, Galiniera, for six guests, and Banawe, accommodating four.

Each of the gîtes has a private garden or terrace and barbecue. The units share a swimming pool, spa and steam bath.

The Main building's reception room

The gîtes can be rented separately or in combination for up to 26 guests. The property is also ideal to host a family reunion or a special event, in which case the owners will be happy to arrange a complete package.

The property is perched a hill near the outstanding medieval Cathar village of Minerve, and is surrounded by vineyards, a lush garden, and the arid and scented garrigue landscape that borders the Canyon of the Cesse river. From there, the panoramic view of the gently rolling countryside or the dramatic carved rock formations is breathtaking.

The pool and sun deck overlooking the surrounding vineyards

The five gîtes are attached to a central building with vaulted stone rooms in which, on occasions, the visitor will be treated to a live performance of classical music, a fine feast, or a tasting of the excellent Minervois wines.

On the western tip of the property lies a pool with a large sunny deck offering a commanding view of the adjacent vineyards. A spa and a hammam (steam bath) were recently added. It is bordered with mature trees, and is faced on one side with an imposing rock. This is a great place to read a book or relax.

Cars must park on a designated lot, thus insuring complete peace and serenity for the guests. The owners live in their own private quarters on the estate and are always available to assist their guests or answer their questions. For large groups, meals can be arranged in the main building’s dining room.

Special features:	• Pool on the property • Pets welcomed • Bilingual assistance available on site • Maid, Cook and Driver can be arranged on request
Swimming pool:	16m x 6m

Location

Region

Languedoc-Roussillon

Town

Minerve

Setting

Rural

Nearest large town

Narbonne

Other towns nearby

Carcassonne Béziers Montpellier Toulouse

Département

Hérault (34)

Airport

Show nearest airports

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1. Baguio|Rental information

The dining-room seen from the open kitchen

Like all the gîtes at Les Aliberts, Baguio was named after a town in the Phillipines where Pascal and Monique lived for several years. Massive stone walls are hung with Asian artefacts and African wood carvings. There is an open fireplace and the bright kitchen is equipped with all the necessary amenities. A narrow corridor leads to the bedrooms and bathroom.

The master bedroom’s decor is based on soft peachy tones, with pastel floral curtains and bedcovers. It opens on to a private south-facing balcony. The adjacent double room has wardrobes and marble-topped night tables. The bathroom offers ample storage space and is graced with a chimney mantel circa Napoléon III. There are separate toilets.

Baguio is complemented by a west-facing garden sheltered under century-old pine trees and overlooking the pool. There is also a large side terrace bordered by the arched remains of the original medieval bastide, equipped with wrought iron furniture.

Accommodates:	4 guests
Bedrooms:	One bedroom with queen size bed, and one bedroom with twin beds.
Shortlist:	Add to your Shortlist View your Shortlist

Features

Fax machine
Bath
Linen available
Towels available
Kitchen

Central Heating
Internet access
Shower
Dishwasher
Barbecue

Telephone
Fireplace
Washing machine
Clothes Dryer

Rental rates

The rates shown below are for renting this self-catering accommodation for one week.
Rent is to be paid to the owner in Euros. For your reference, you can view the rates in another currency.

Display rates in:

Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.

Time of year	Cost per week
January 2, 2010 until March 27, 2010	€600
March 27, 2010 until May 29, 2010	€650
May 29, 2010 until June 26, 2010	€780
June 26, 2010 until August 28, 2010	€1,250
August 28, 2010 until October 2, 2010	€780
October 2, 2010 until December 18, 2010	€600
December 18, 2010 until December 31, 2010	€650

Rental Conditions:	A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a reservation. The balance is due one month before arrival. Linen and towels included. More...
Gite.com Travel Tip:	A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. It will define your rights and obligations as a guest in a rental property. Your rental agreement should state: the name and the exact address of the property the name of the homeowner and his or her phone number the name of the tenant and his or her address and phone number the start and the end of the rental period (including time of access and departure) the rent amount and what it includes (linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water…) as well as what it excludes (heat, wood for the fireplace?…) how the rent should be paid (Pay-pal, bank transfer, money wire, cheque?…), and when the rent should be paid (dates and amounts of down payment and balance) whether a damage deposit is required, and if so, when is it payable, how damage is measured, how and when the deposit is refunded, and how deductions are made what referrals are available or required for and from the landlord and the tenant. More...
Contact:	Pascal et Monique Bourgogne at La Bastide Les Aliberts.

2. Apari|Rental information

Spiral staircase leading to the upper floor

With four double bedrooms, this is the largest accommodation at Les Aliberts. On the ground floor, a good-sized fully equipped kitchen sits 8 guests, while in the living room, a leather sofa and matching armchairs surround a large fireplace.

A large French door opens onto a private patio. A corridor leads to the master bedroom with a queen-size bed and country armoire, and a bathroom, both partially carved out of the rock. The walls are whitewashed, and the gîte is bright and airy.

A steel spiral staircase takes the visitor to a mezzanine equipped with rattan armchairs and bookshelves. Three upstairs bedrooms are each equipped with twin beds. Another bathroom has a bath and separate shower. A staircase takes the visitor to the fourth bedroom, which has a private sitting room. With the imposing stone walls and the vaulted corridors, Apari has an almost monastic feel.

Accommodates:	8 guests
Bedrooms:	Three bedrooms with twin beds and one bedroom with queen size bed.
Shortlist:	Add to your Shortlist View your Shortlist

Features

Fax machine
Bath
Linen available
Towels available
Kitchen

Central Heating
Internet access
Shower
Dishwasher
Barbecue

Telephone
Fireplace
Washing machine
Clothes Dryer

Rental rates

The rates shown below are for renting this self-catering accommodation for one week.
Rent is to be paid to the owner in Euros. For your reference, you can view the rates in another currency.

Display rates in:

Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.

Time of year	Cost per week
January 2, 2010 until March 27, 2010	€875
March 27, 2010 until May 29, 2010	€970
May 29, 2010 until June 26, 2010	€1,350
June 26, 2010 until August 28, 2010	€2,000
August 28, 2010 until October 2, 2010	€1,350
October 2, 2010 until December 18, 2010	€875
December 18, 2010 until December 31, 2010	€970

Rental Conditions:	A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a reservation. The balance is due one month before arrival. Linen and towels included. More...
Gite.com Travel Tip:	A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. It will define your rights and obligations as a guest in a rental property. Your rental agreement should state: the name and the exact address of the property the name of the homeowner and his or her phone number the name of the tenant and his or her address and phone number the start and the end of the rental period (including time of access and departure) the rent amount and what it includes (linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water…) as well as what it excludes (heat, wood for the fireplace?…) how the rent should be paid (Pay-pal, bank transfer, money wire, cheque?…), and when the rent should be paid (dates and amounts of down payment and balance) whether a damage deposit is required, and if so, when is it payable, how damage is measured, how and when the deposit is refunded, and how deductions are made what referrals are available or required for and from the landlord and the tenant. More...
Contact:	Pascal et Monique Bourgogne at La Bastide Les Aliberts.

3. Batik|Rental information

The master bedroom in Batik

Batik is the smallest cottage at les Aliberts, and its guests always find it very romantic. It sits in the midst of the largest shaded garden, which is reserved exclusively for Batik's guests, and overlooks the surrounding hills, vineyards, and cypresses.

On the ground floor, a counter separates the fully-equipped kitchen from the living area.

The home is full of character, with an open fire and massive stone walls, and the decor shows Pascal and Monique's personal approach, with carved wood and old armchairs from Germany, batiks from their travels to Indonesia, and woven baskets from other Southeast Asian countries.

A spiral staircase leads to the upper floor. The master bedroom has a queen-size bed with a daintily romantic coloured canopy. The other bedroom, with its twin beds, has blue overtones and is shaded by large fruit-bearing fig trees. The bathroom is flooded with light, thanks to its large east-facing window opening on to the garden. It has an open shower, generous storage space, and a hair dryer.

Accommodates:	4 guests
Bedrooms:	Two bedrooms, one with queen size bed and one with twin beds.
Shortlist:	Add to your Shortlist View your Shortlist

Features

Fax machine
Bath
Linen available
Towels available
Kitchen

Central Heating
Internet access
Shower
Dishwasher
Barbecue

Fireplace
Washing machine
Clothes Dryer

Rental rates

The rates shown below are for renting this self-catering accommodation for one week.
Rent is to be paid to the owner in Euros. For your reference, you can view the rates in another currency.

Display rates in:

Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.

Time of year	Cost per week
January 2, 2010 until March 27, 2010	€600
March 27, 2010 until May 29, 2010	€650
May 29, 2010 until June 26, 2010	€710
June 26, 2010 until August 28, 2010	€1,200
August 28, 2010 until October 2, 2010	€710
October 2, 2010 until December 18, 2010	€600
December 18, 2010 until December 31, 2010	€650

Rental Conditions:	A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a reservation. The balance is due one month before arrival. Linen and towels included. More...
Gite.com Travel Tip:	A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. It will define your rights and obligations as a guest in a rental property. Your rental agreement should state: the name and the exact address of the property the name of the homeowner and his or her phone number the name of the tenant and his or her address and phone number the start and the end of the rental period (including time of access and departure) the rent amount and what it includes (linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water…) as well as what it excludes (heat, wood for the fireplace?…) how the rent should be paid (Pay-pal, bank transfer, money wire, cheque?…), and when the rent should be paid (dates and amounts of down payment and balance) whether a damage deposit is required, and if so, when is it payable, how damage is measured, how and when the deposit is refunded, and how deductions are made what referrals are available or required for and from the landlord and the tenant. More...
Contact:	Pascal et Monique Bourgogne at La Bastide Les Aliberts.

4. Galiniera|Rental information

The fireplace in the living room

Galiniera’s kitchen used to be the chapel of Les Aliberts, back when it was a hamlet in the 13th century. It is graced with vaulted ceilings, and is partly below ground level. Though small, the kitchen is fully equipped. Steps lead up to a dining room and living-room with a large fireplace, and further steps reach a reading salon with massive arched walls and an opening onto the terrace.

The master bedroom, with its queen-size bed, faces south and overlooks the main courtyard. The tiled bathroom has a bathtub with a shower fitting. The second bedroom has two single beds, old Chinese paintings on the walls, and an antique Philippino cupboard. The upper bedroom has two separate beds with canopies and a shower room. Toilets are separate.

Accommodates:	6 guests
Bedrooms:	One bedroom with queen size bed, and two bedrooms with twin beds.
Shortlist:	Add to your Shortlist View your Shortlist

Features

Fax machine
Bath
Linen available
Towels available
Kitchen

Central Heating
Internet access
Shower
Dishwasher
Barbecue

Fireplace
Washing machine
Clothes Dryer

Rental rates

The rates shown below are for renting this self-catering accommodation for one week.
Rent is to be paid to the owner in Euros. For your reference, you can view the rates in another currency.

Display rates in:

Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.

Time of year	Cost per week
January 2, 2010 until March 27, 2010	€720
March 27, 2010 until May 29, 2010	€800
May 29, 2010 until June 26, 2010	€950
June 26, 2010 until August 28, 2010	€1,500
August 28, 2010 until October 2, 2010	€950
October 2, 2010 until December 18, 2010	€720
December 18, 2010 until December 31, 2010	€800

Rental Conditions:	A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a reservation. The balance is due one month before arrival. Linen and towels included. More...
Gite.com Travel Tip:	A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. It will define your rights and obligations as a guest in a rental property. Your rental agreement should state: the name and the exact address of the property the name of the homeowner and his or her phone number the name of the tenant and his or her address and phone number the start and the end of the rental period (including time of access and departure) the rent amount and what it includes (linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water…) as well as what it excludes (heat, wood for the fireplace?…) how the rent should be paid (Pay-pal, bank transfer, money wire, cheque?…), and when the rent should be paid (dates and amounts of down payment and balance) whether a damage deposit is required, and if so, when is it payable, how damage is measured, how and when the deposit is refunded, and how deductions are made what referrals are available or required for and from the landlord and the tenant. More...
Contact:	Pascal et Monique Bourgogne at La Bastide Les Aliberts.

5. Banawe|Rental information

The terrace of Banawe

Banawe is the most contemporary unit in La Bastide les Aliberts, and was extensively and sensitively restored by the owners. The gîte opens through large glass doors onto a spacious terrace with chaises longues and a barbecue. A stone parapet overlooks the town of Minerve in the distance.

A dining table separates the kitchen from the living room, which is designed around a large fireplace. The space is very bright and airy and its eastern exposure ensures that it remains cool throughout the day.

The dining area

The large master bedroom with its queen-size bed is furnished with a writing table. It faces east and has direct access onto the terrace. The second bedroom is furnished with two single large beds circa Napoléon III and an antique cupboard that belonged to Monique's aunt.

The bathroom has white and blue tiles, a bathtub with shower fittings, and humorous drawings, compliments of some previous guests.

Accommodates:	4 guests
Bedrooms:	One bedroom with queen size bed, and one bedroom with twin beds.
Shortlist:	Add to your Shortlist View your Shortlist

Features

Fax machine
Bath
Linen available
Towels available
Kitchen

Central Heating
Internet access
Shower
Dishwasher
Barbecue

Fireplace
Washing machine
Clothes Dryer

Rental rates

The rates shown below are for renting this self-catering accommodation for one week.
Rent is to be paid to the owner in Euros. For your reference, you can view the rates in another currency.

Display rates in:

Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.

Time of year	Cost per week
January 2, 2010 until March 27, 2010	€650
March 27, 2010 until May 29, 2010	€700
May 29, 2010 until June 26, 2010	€780
June 26, 2010 until August 28, 2010	€1,250
August 28, 2010 until October 2, 2010	€780
October 2, 2010 until December 18, 2010	€650
December 18, 2010 until December 31, 2010	€700

Rental Conditions:	A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a reservation. The balance is due one month before arrival. Linen and towels included. More...
Gite.com Travel Tip:	A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. It will define your rights and obligations as a guest in a rental property. Your rental agreement should state: the name and the exact address of the property the name of the homeowner and his or her phone number the name of the tenant and his or her address and phone number the start and the end of the rental period (including time of access and departure) the rent amount and what it includes (linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water…) as well as what it excludes (heat, wood for the fireplace?…) how the rent should be paid (Pay-pal, bank transfer, money wire, cheque?…), and when the rent should be paid (dates and amounts of down payment and balance) whether a damage deposit is required, and if so, when is it payable, how damage is measured, how and when the deposit is refunded, and how deductions are made what referrals are available or required for and from the landlord and the tenant. More...
Contact:	Pascal et Monique Bourgogne at La Bastide Les Aliberts.

About the Area

The bridge, only access to the ex-fortress of Minerve

La Bastide les Aliberts is a stone's throw from Minerve, the city that gave its name to the area and its famous wines. Once an impregnable Cathar citadel, Minerve was built on a rocky spike that stood at the mouth of the canyon of the Cesse river. There, only a bridge linked it to the edge of the Canyon, and a tunnel to its water supply.

Yet it prospered until the early 13th century when a destitute Anglo-Norman, Simon de Montfort, sold his services to the Pope to lead the crusade against the Cathar heresy. He first laid siege to nearby Béziers which eventually fell.

The village of Minerve

He then moved on to Minerve in 1210, en route to Carcassonne. The fortress was destroyed and its ruin now crowns the peak of the village.

Today a sleepy village of 75 inhabitants, mostly winemakers, Minerve awaits the visitors with its small winding streets, an illustrious past, and rich archaeological digs. It has one excellent restaurant open all year and two others in summer. The local boulanger calls daily at les Aliberts to deliver freshly baked bread for breakfast. A full range of shops and services are available in Olonzac, eight kilometres away.

The Minervois has become one of the emerging wine-producing areas. The owners of La Bastide les Aliberts are particularly knowledgeable on the subject and will take pride in directing you towards the best winemakers in the area.

About the Region

The canyon of the Cesse river and the wild garrigue

The Languedoc Minervois is an area of contrast: lush vineyards and the arid garrigue, where aromatic shrubs grow wild; gently rolling hills and deep gorges. Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites are within a short drive of Les Aliberts, including the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, and the Canal du Midi, the 17th century engineering marvel that links the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.

Narbonne, known for its daily colourful market, is a pretty town with a famous cathedral. Once the capital of Roman Gaul, it was linked to Rome through the Via Dominica, portions of which are still visible today. The beaches of the Mediterranean Sea are 45 minutes away by car and the foothills of the massive Pyrénées chain loom in the distance.

Photo Album

Summer afternoon at the pool	The spa next to the pool
The main building's reception room	The main foyer
Apari: the kitchen	Apari: the living room
Galiniera: the bathroom	Banawe: the bathroom
Banawe: the living room	View from the terrace of Galiniera
The terrace of the steam bath house	Listening to the vines growing
The canyon of the Cesse river in the background seen from Les Aliberts