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Le Nid d’Hirondelle
Welcome to
Le Nid d’Hirondelle
A converted 19th century barn with a sunny private terrace, set on an old wine-making domaine with large landscaped gardens and a swimming pool, in a medieval wine-producing Minervois village.
Contact
Your contact: Seb Marquet
Telephone: +33 (0)468 24 49 73
Fax: +33 (0)468 24 49 10
Email: Click here to contact Le Nid d’Hirondelle
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About the Property
The dining room
The dining room
Le Nid d’Hirondelle (The Swallows’ Nest) is a three-bedroom apartment on the grounds of a grand domaine dating from 1884 in the medieval village of Rieux Minervois in rural Languedoc. The domaine was once dedicated to winemaking, and the vines and wine cave remain to this day. The apartment is located in the upper floor of the former stone barn adjoining the mansion which was once the stables of the domaine.

Le Nid d’Hirondelle was converted and fully refurbished in 2005 to retain the traditional character of a country dwelling while offering all modern comforts. Up to six guests can sleep in three ensuite bedrooms.

The swimming pool
The swimming pool
The main house also offers five bedrooms with B&B accommodation. Guests at Le Nid d’Hirondelle can enjoy features such as table d’hôte dining, a boutique, and a library. The whole property is called Le Domaine aux Quat’ Saisons, and is set amid two acres (a hectare) of landscaped private gardens and vineyards, shared by all guests. The 6x12 metre swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery, sunbathing areas, and a shaded poolhouse. A large pond and fountain are lit up at night, for romantic evenings under the stars. Seating areas around the garden overlook the vines, olive and fig trees.
One of the double bedrooms
One of the double bedrooms
Inside the apartment is a very well-equipped modern kitchen with a dishwasher, a stove, a microwave, a fridge, a freezer, a washing machine and a drier. The kitchen opens onto a large dining area which comfortably seats up to eight. The spacious and sun-filled living room has a vaulted ceiling and offers ample seating in sofas and armchairs. For evenings in, there is a terrestrial TV, a radio, a CD system, and board games. A separate study area lies between the dining and living rooms. Two of the bedrooms have king size beds, and one has a pair of twin beds. Each bedroom has its own modern ensuite bathroom, all containing new fittings and fixtures.
The terrace
The terrace
From the living room and two of the bedrooms, south-facing French windows open on to the large private terrace, which looks across the gardens and vineyard. With a summer kitchen, a barbecue, a table and sunloungers, the terrace is a delightful spot for al-fresco dining and sunbathing. From the terrace, steps lead down to the garden and swimming pool.

Le Nid d’Hirondelle is a short walk from the centre of the village of Rieux-Minervois, which has a market three times a week, several shops, and a tourist information centre.

Special features: • Pool on the property
• Bilingual assistance available on site
• Maid, Cook and Driver can be arranged on request
Swimming pool: 6x12 metre outdoor pool
Location

Region

Languedoc-Roussillon

Village

Rieux-Minervois

Setting

Village

Nearest large town

Carcassonne (24 km W)

Other towns nearby

Narbonne (39 km E)
Béziers (56 km E)
Perpignan (90 km S)

Département

Aude (11)

Le Nid d’Hirondelle|Rental information
Accommodates: 6 guests
Bedrooms: Three ensuite bedrooms: two, each with a king-size bed, and one with two single beds.
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Features
  • Bath
  • Linen available
  • Towels available
  • Kitchen
  • Central Heating
  • Shower
  • Dishwasher
  • Barbecue
  • Television
  • Non-Smoking
  • Washing machine
  • Clothes Dryer
Rental rates

The rates shown below are for renting this accommodation for one week.
Rent is to be paid to the owner in Euros. For your reference, you may display the rates in the currency of your choice.

Display rates in:
Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.
Time of year Cost per week
April 24, 2010 until May 29, 2010 675
May 29, 2010 until June 26, 2010 975
June 26, 2010 until August 28, 2010 1,450
August 28, 2010 until September 25, 2010 975
September 25, 2010 until October 30, 2010 675
April 23, 2011 until May 28, 2011 675
May 28, 2011 until June 25, 2011 975
June 25, 2011 until August 27, 2011 1,450
August 27, 2011 until September 24, 2011 975
September 24, 2011 until October 29, 2011 675
Rental conditions: A 25% deposit is required to secure a booking, with the balance due 8 weeks before arrival. Towels and linen are provided. A refundable security deposit of £100 in cash is due on arrival. Electricity is included.
Gite.com Travel tip: A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. More info...
Contact: For further information or to make an inquiry, please contact Seb Marquet at Le Nid d’Hirondelle.
About the Area
The nearby Châteaux de Lastours
The nearby Châteaux de Lastours
Le Nid d’Hirondelle is on the edge of the pretty wine-making village of Rieux-Minervois. This area is famous for its vineyards, and wine tasting tours to local domaines can be arranged on request. The village of Rieux was on the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella and has a beautiful 11th century heptagonal church with famous stone carvings by the Master of Cabestany. There is an excellent tourist information centre in the village conducting guided tours of the church and offering extensive information on the region and its attractions. Regular concerts are held in the church and in the chateau. There are many places to explore nearby for those who enjoy walking: nearby vineyards, the river Argent Double and the garrigue smelling of rosemary and wild thyme.

Rieux hosts a market three times a week, selling regional produce including cheeses and fresh fruits and vegetables. Rieux has a good range of shops and services including two small restaurants, a butcher, bread and cake shops, a chemist, a grocer, several hairdressers, a supermarket and a café, and public tennis courts. Within easy reach are several high quality golf courses, and bathing and water sports at the Lac de Jouarres.

About the Region
The fortified city of Carcassonne
The fortified city of Carcassonne
Transport within the region and to and from the village of Rieux-Minervois is very good. There are excellent road, rail and air connections and it is easy to visit the region's many attractions. The Minervois region has a history dating back 2000 years and this part of France is exceptionally interesting from an historical perspective.

These include the perfectly preserved medieval citadel of Carcassonne (20 minutes’ drive), the medieval castle of Lastours, and some beautiful villages such as Minerve and Lagrasse, all of which are all within easy reach of Rieux-Minervois.

The market at Carcassonne
The market at Carcassonne
The 17th century Canal du Midi, which connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, is just a ten minute drive. One can walk or cycle on the towpath through beautiful vineyards, or take a boat trip, visiting the traditional villages on the canal and sampling fine French cooking in the many local restaurants. Local markets selling regional produce are especially worth a visit, in particular Carcassonne and the flower market in Béziers. Narbonne, Perpignan and Toulouse are excellent centres for shopping.

The Mediterranean coast and its beaches are within easy reach, in particular the Roman town of Narbonne, and Agde and Sète. Further afield, but practical for a good day trip, are the salt marshes of the Camargue, the Pyrénées mountains, and across the border, Andorra and Catalan Spain (Girona and Barcelona). Or visit the magnificent and recently opened bridge at Milau, a feat of modern technical engineering.

Photo Album
The main house at Le Domaine aux Quat' Saisons
The main house at Le Domaine aux Quat' Saisons
The gardens
The gardens
The living room
The living room
The kitchen
The kitchen
The terrace
The terrace
The twin bedroom
The twin bedroom
The blue ensuite bathroom
The blue ensuite bathroom
The yellow ensuite bathroom
The yellow ensuite bathroom
Guest Opinions

This works. Simple as that. A glorious setting, comfortable, relaxing, and wonderful food! We congratulate you on your vision, determination and work - youve created a gem.
Clare C. - Toulouse, France

We cannot speak highly enough about our stay at your beautiful apartment. It is spectacular. Beautifully appointed and so tastefully restored! We cannot wait to return.
Eddie B. - Dublin, Ireland

Thanks for a wonderful stay at your beautiful Domaine. We have had superb food by mine host David, and after visiting France for the last fifteen years conclude that you have indeed created something very special, very cuisine aux QuatSaisons which has surpassed every other holiday! We return rejuvinated, relaxed and in your debt for your true hospitality and kindness. We will return soon. Many many thanks.
Andrew J. - Lamphey, Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom