Your contact:	Ingrid Hudson
Telephone:	+33-(0)4 68 78 42 22 or 33 (0) 686 306 744
Email:	Click here to contact l'Écritoire

L'Ecritoire is a three-storey village house built in the early 16th century, with metre-thick stone walls and a sunny terrace overlooking a patchwork of ancient tiled rooftops. It faces south on a quiet cul-de-sac in the medieval heart of the village of Caunes-Minervois.

The house was sensitively restored to retain its original character and is furnished with antiques, fabrics and photographs found in village houses and markets.

An arched stone doorway opens from the street into the hallway and dining area. A cloakroom with a toilet and basin opens off the hallway. To the left, the kitchen is fully equipped to make the best of the fresh vegetables, fruit, cheeses and meat found in the local markets.

A stone staircase curves upwards to the bedroom, which has a double bed and a generous walk-in cupboard. On the same floor is a study with a wall full of books providing enough good reading for a few months. On the writing desk are a phone and wifi internet connection. Double doors lead from the study into the shower room with a hand basin and toilet.

Another flight of stone steps leads up to the top floor which has a bright living room with a view over the roof tops. It is furnished with a sofa, a couple of comfortable armchairs, a coffee table and lots of pictures and mirrors dicovered locally. A television, DVD and music system provide entertainment.

Double French doors open onto the sunny terrace which has a table and chairs, a barbecue and two deck chairs - perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and a book from the study.

Four bicycles are available for guests who would like to explore the countryside.

Special features:

• Pets welcomed • Bilingual assistance available on site • Maid, Cook and Driver can be arranged on request • Credit cards accepted

Two minutes’ walk up the cobbled streets from L'Ecritoire is a small square with a bakery, Marlene's shop, an outstanding resturant, and the mairie. A café serves light meals under the plane trees. Other services in the village include a pharmacy, bank, hairdresser, two bakeries, a pizzeria, a small supermarket, a butcher, a newsagent and four wineries. The owners have compiled a book of useful information about things to do and nearby restuarants.

The village has an 11th century abbey which houses an information office for visitors. The twisty ruelles through medieval Caunes are a delight to explore. There is a small twice-weekly market on the square while nearby villages have markets full of richness and variety. The next village has a swimming pool, and one can also swim in a lake twenty minutes away. Walking and cycling in the mountains and vineyards is a wonderful way to explore the countryside.

The richness of this region lies in its diversity, with castles and mountains, lakes and coastlines. In every direction, there are things to discover.

Two of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites are nearby: the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, and the 17th century Canal du Midi, which runs from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean between avenues of trees.

The Black Mountains which rise behind Caunes are ideal for walking, picking mushrooms and trout fishing. The many small country roads or trails through the vineyards are perfect to travel by bicycle - and guests have the free use of bikes. The region’s wine tasting opportunities are excellent, with hundreds of different vineyards to visit and wines to taste.

It takes about an hour to get down to the Mediterranean coast near Narbonne, and about an hour and a half to get to the Spanish border. A trip to Gerona and Figueres is a great treat. Lively cities to vist nearby are Toulouse, Narbonne, Albi with its Toulouse Lautrec museum, and Perpignan on the coast.

The front door of l'Écritoire	The hallway
The bedroom	The hallway
The study	A window looking onto the street
The hallway	The village of Caunes-Minervois

Many thanks for the opportunity to stay at L’Ecritoire. We have enjoyed our time at home as much as we enjoyed our hectic and amazing time sightseeing. We will tell all our friends and family about L’Ecritoire and hope to see you very soon. Merci beaucoup.
Emma R. - UK

Again, a pleasure to share in the experience of Caunes and the Languedoc. L’Ecritoire was charming and so right for us. Thank you for making it such a cosy place to stay. I look forward to our next visit.
Sam V. - Canada

A week in Caunes and still so much to learn and think about before we return to the peace and calm of l’Ecritoire. A really good holiday.
John and Anthea H. - England

We had an absolutely unforgettable stay in L’Ecritoire and Caunes-Minervois! It was everything we wanted and needed. We hope to see you again one day soon.
Lorraine D. - South Africa

Thank you for allowing us the priviledge of staying in L’Ecritoire and Caunes-Minervois. We had a wonderfully relaxed and quiet time. The Aude was unforgettable and the majesty of the surrounding areas was truly inspiring. We had a marvellous stay.
Paul L. - Sydney, Australia

We keep pinching ourselves expecting to wake up from this dream! We both agree that Caunes is the most beautiful village we have ever experienced. It is idyllic cycling through the sunshine to buy fresh bread to eat on the terrace. Unforgettable.
Rachael T. - Dublin, Ireland

We have so many memories of our stay in Caunes-Minervois, and a large part of them revolve around your most magical house. We enjoyed the welcoming environment and exceptional decoration along with our charming hosts.
Stephan H. - Toronto, Canada