Christmas magic in Carcassonne

A month of Christmas celebrations in medieval Carcassonne lasts until schools go back on 6 Jan. Christmas markets every Saturday, handmade crafts, fairgrounds, skating, sledging, and free concerts in the beautiful Basilique Saint-Nazaire among the ancient ramparts. About an hour from our cosy 18th century bed and breakfast and holiday cottage in the south of France – think homemade cakes and hot chocolate by the roaring log fire. Watch out for cheap flights into Carcassonne and Toulouse. The full Christmas programme is here (en francaise only).

A winter wonderland, Sonnac sur l’Hers in the hills south of Carcassonne

Biker friendly B&B

We were delighted to welcome more bikers to our biker friendly accommodation in the south of France. Angela livened things up in the foothills of the Pyrenees for a few days, she wrote in my guest book…”good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere.” Ha, fabulous.

Our biker friendly B&B south of Carcassonne

Celebrations at our bed and breakfast in the south of France

We were delighted to be part of a young couple’s very special day when they become engaged at Chez Maison Bleue in the summer. The bride to be knew nothing of secret preparations arranged by her [now] fiancee and which included a special meal on arrival at our B&B and champagne and rugs and cushions on the hill at the back of the house with moonlit views of our ancient village and church. This was where the question, along with the the champagne would be popped! Our engagement present to Caitlin and Thomas was a celebration meal on their return visit, which we hope they are able to cash in soon. It was a privilege to be part of their special time and we are pleased that our B&B nestling in the foothills of the Pyrenees, deep in the south of France, will always be a special place to them.

The happy couple on the village square, Sonnac sur l'Hers

Biker friendly B&B

We were delighted to welcome some bikers from England recently to our biker friendly accommodation in the south of France. On the border of Languedoc / Midi Pyrenees, quiet mountain roads, sweeping valley floors and fields of vines and sunflowers offer ideal terrain for the motorcyclist. Pictured is our very lovely guest with her equally lovely Harley Davidson.  

Tour de France – official route

The stages of the Tour de France 2012 have been published. Stage 14, the high mountain stage Limoux to Foix passes even closer to our holiday cottage and B&B in Sonnac sur l’Hers than previously thought – through Chalabre, only 3km from Chez Maison Bleue. So a walk or a cycle ride for us to be part of this tremendous sporting spectacle as it passes through the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Another great review for Chez Maison Bleue

Our guests from the UK who stayed in our bed and breakfast in the south of France this week, “Wonderfully relaxing visit, we were made to feel very welcome. Thoroughly enjoyable time here, can’t wait to come back, you have a fantastic place. We had great food, great wine and great company.” Shopping at Mirepoix market with lunch in one of the pavement cafes, a day out to Carcassonne less than an hour away, and rambling in the hills behind the house and through meadows of wild flowers, were all enjoyed by this group of friends. Something for everyone in our holiday home, nestling in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Another lovely guest book comment

“Delicious food and very warm and welcoming hospitality, amazing house – great work on the restoration and decorating.” A young couple from Canada who stayed at our B&B in the foothills of the Pyrenees at the end of April. We are just loving what we are doing here at Chez Maison Bleue in the south of France!

Walking in Sonnac sur l’Hers

Sonnac sur lHers from the GR7, a path to Spain from the back door

The hills around Sonnac sur l’Hers in the south of France offer a myriad of opportunities for all levels of fitness, after 6 years we are still discovering new routes. From the back door of our holiday cottage, a steep but short climb up the GR7 is rewarded with striking views of the Pyrenees in all their splendour. We walk this route regularly but this morning, instead of turning towards Chalabre, we walked further into the hills to Col de Bac, through forests and meadows of wild flowers, the cuckoo and the woodpecker keeping us company. Returning along the old railway track, a tiny red squirrel darted out from under our feet and up the nearest tree. We have seen red squirrels before in this exact spot, what a treat. April – June are lovely months to visit Languedoc, nature in all her glory as the warm spring rushes towards the baking heat of summer.

Motor biking in the south of France

Easy passage to Spain from our biker friendly B&B on the border of Languedoc / Midi Pyrenees. 32 routes into Catalunya featured on Best Biking Roads. Plenty of garaged parking, hearty suppers and breakfasts.

Cycling to Lac Montbel

Summer has arrived in Spring in Languedoc. Set off from our cyclist friendly B&B this afternoon to Lac Montbel, 2 hrs round trip from Chez Maison Bleue, via Leran, along tracks and quiet roads, 1 car passed us in 2 hrs. The mighty, snow capped Pyrenees provide the backdrop.

Cycling in the foothills of the Pyrenees

Sandy beaches, sailing, swimming, Lac Montbel is a site exceptionnel, you can take the VTT  (mountain bike) route of 16km around its banks.

Sandy beaches of Lac Montbel