Polfages French Gites between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, Aude, France - Calmont Reviews

From the very first moment, the owners Jo and Andy couldn't do anything more for us. We absolutely loved the rolling hills and beautiful French countryside and every aspect of the house is beautiful. The views are to die for, with mountains to the North and South and fields and farms surrounding this property. We found our three bedroom gite very spacious with everything that we needed. All three bedrooms were large and with three bathrooms we had plenty of room, with very hot, powerful showers in each bathroom (which is always nice after a day in the sun). The beds were extremely comfy, and we had all creature comforts like English TV, DVD, Wifi etc. The pool area was lovely with large grassed areas and we had our own patio with dining chairs and table and barbecue. Jo & Andy helped us to hire and get a bike delivered and as an additional service they offer shopping and cooking (with a very nice pizza oven in the garden - our boys loved the home made pizzas). We felt like we were part of the family with our children helping to feed the goats, hens, cats and dogs and they were always on hand to assist or give advice whenever we asked. There is also a lovely feel to the place, with history and solitude and the perfect place to relax. We had the best time there, and loved visiting the nearby town of Mirepoix which was new to us. We went to Lac de Montbel which is about a 30-40 minute drive and has a beach, pedalo, boats, swimming, cafe etc. and good for the children. Most of the week we had glorious sunshine and there are some very quiet roads that we walked, ran and cycled on nearby. All in all such a brilliant week, would recommend to anyone and are planning to return there in summer 2016. Thanks to Jo & Andy for welcoming us into their home - they are such a wonderful couple. All the gites are furnished to a very high standard and are extremely comfortable and homely. Thanks for everything, the Bartys family

The photos of Jj French bites do not do the property justice. We stayed in gite Mazamet and it was huge! Large open plan kitchen/dining on the ground floor that looked out onto the terrace, garden and pool. 3 large bedrooms upstairs, each with a large ensuing bathroom. All very well appointed. Everything worked, and the beds were super comfy. This is an old (but modernised) building that was easy to keep cool during the day with shutters.

Andrew and Jo were super helpful, and the kids loved having tHe dogs and chickens hanging around. The views from the pool over the valley were amazing, and watching the sunsets from Andrew's terrace became a bit of a nightly habit.

Andrew and Jo are very well integrated into the local community, with all of the local gossip..........

We visited Montsegur castle, Carcassone cite, Carcassone plage ( a must for the adventure water area), St Hilaire Abbey. Mirepoix is an amazing medieval town. If you're visiting Cacassone, park in Gambetti square and walk up over the Pont Vieux for the best views.

We'd love to return next year, definitely timing a visit with the Fanjeaux fete, and hopefully bringing our friends!