Click here for location map of nearest village/town
The place and the people
At the foot of the Black Mountains and delightfully typical of this enchanting region, this is the perfect place to relax during the long, balmy summers or explore the incredible natural scenery in the colourful spring or autumn.
A short walk from the house (20 minutes) is a lovely swimming and fishing lake with play-park, excellent snack-bar and beautiful terrace. There's a wealth of outdoor pursuits and captivating walks in the natural forests are close by.
We're sure you'll enjoy your stay with us and we'll offer you a truly warm Irish welcome to one of the prettiest and most peaceful parts of southern France.
La Charmante guest house
We're fully registered with Gites-de-France and we're set snuggly in the middle of the village main street with ample space for up to ten people in four separate rooms, one double, one twin and two family rooms. All have views and facilities 'en suite'.
The extensive property is on three storeys at the front and two at the back - which fits nicely with our Irish way of looking at the world.
There's a lovely private garden with ample seating, a hammock and a terrace table and chairs. With views to the forest and mountains, it's an idyllic spot to enjoy breakfast or afternoon drinks in the sun.
All guests have a very comfy guest living room which is centrally heated and has a wood burning stove which is great in the winter. It’s beautifully furnished and has a TV good for practicing your French, video and a few good old fashioned board games.
If necessary a computer for checking your email is available, complete with anti-virus protection.
We offer breakfast and picnics and if you get tired of eating out we can provide an evening meal as long as it is requested in advance.
The house can also be offered as a gite for a minimum of 4 people.
Pets welcome.
There's also an on-site gallery and artists studio complete with Mary, a working artist, who is qualified to teach. She is happy to give classes, at a very economic ten euros an hour (about £6.50).
LOCAL AREA
The local market town of Mazamet (15 mins) has all the needed shops, markets and facilities.
From the medieval village of Hautpoul several hiking trails allow you to discover the Black Mountains, its forests of sweet chestnut trees and spruces.
Swimming is available in a number of mountain lakes, the two closest are Lac de Pradelle and Lac du Montagne. Le Lac de Pradelles (15 kms from Mazamet) provides swimming, tennis courts, pedal boats, fantastic mountain air, stunning views and yet is incredibly peaceful and completely unspoiled. Lifeguards look over the small lake where children and adults can swim out to the island.
The mountain lakes above Mazamet provide fantastic scenery and a great place for outdoor sports and activities or to walk and enjoy the countryside and the birds.
Albi is a city of art and culture featuring its famous red-brick cathedral and Toulouse-Lautrec museum, with constant series of festivals, concerts, and theatre, worthy of any world-class centre.
Centrally placed, our location provides easy access to the Mediterranean (60 minutes drive) and northern Spain, also within reasonable driving distance.
Please quote 'A Week or 2 in France' when contacting the owners:
