The combination of the Pyrenean scenery and the Mediterranean climate make for a wonderful holiday all year round at Maison Famille. It's a paradise for those searching for activities or just relaxation. Enjoy the flavour of French life in our lovingly restored home and explore the sights in an area that is outstandingly beautiful, steeped in history and has its own microclimate. More information on the Ariege region Days out ideas Activities in the Ariege

Customer Comments “ How do you combine, taste, spaciousness, homeliness, warmth, openness, appropriateness, kindness all in a superb setting. These people have done it!! ” - Jill and Stuart Taylor, North Yorkshire “ We are a group of nine motorcyclists en route from Paris to Dakar in Sengal. This has been a wonderful place to relax and recharge the batteries before another long day in the saddle. Thank you for your excellent hospitality and delicious supper not to mention the superb and substantial breakfast. ” - Robert, Lincoln; Robin, Surrey; Andrew, Norfolk; Jonathan, Enfield; Stuart, Golden Creek; William, London; Jeff, Australia; Jason, Australia; John, Earlsdon “ Great hospitality, food was something else, home from home, we had a great time. ” - Paddy and Des, Northern Ireland More comments (10)

About Us We offer a family friendly gite/house to rent set in stunningly beautiful countryside. The house is a lovely restored 18C farmhouse with 5 rooms, 3 are en-suite bedrooms, two sitting rooms, a dining room and large family kitchen. We are able to cater for large extended family’s or groups. You can relax and sunbathe on our sun terrace. For those with children we offer the use of many toys and equipment so you can relax and enjoy the shade of our orchard or have a dip in the above ground pool to cool you off when the temperature really rises. Activities to suit all ages are available nearby or simply take in the sights and sounds of the Ariege in the heart of Cathar-country. You can drive to the beach on the Mediterranean Sea within 2 hours or use the local lakes, go duty free shopping in Andorra within 90 minutes. Spa towns of Ax les Thermes and St Lizier are less than an hour away. To the front of our home there is a well matured garden. To the rear of the house is a spacious secure garden which is south facing, there is a play area with swings, slide and trampoline there are numerous toys for the enjoyment of our younger guests. There is an undercover patio and plenty of grassed areas for the garden furniture where refreshments can be served. There is a 20 tree fruit orchard for children to explore. We have a sun terrace, with sunbeds to accommodate the hardiest sun worshiper. When the sun really raises the temperature why not take a dip in our 8m by 4m above ground swimming pool which has a security gate and fence for the safety of the younger guests. There are 2 wooden patio tables and chairs complete with umbrellas and cushions. There is use of a bbq for those warm evenings. Regrettably we are not in a position to offer accommodation to any guest that may have serious mobility restrictions as all guest rooms on are on the first and second floor. Accommodation Bedrooms Bedroom one has a king size bed and travel cot, it has an en suite bathroom with bath, shower and toilet. It is situated at the top of the house and has a window that overlooks the rear garden. Bedroom two has a king size bed, two single beds and a travel cot. The sofa in the bedroom also turns into a double bed if required. This is the largest bedroom and has two sets of double doors overlooking the undercover patio ,swimming pool and rear garden. It also has two small windows overlooking the front garden and the Village of Durban-sur-Arize. All windows in this room have safety rails, it has an en suite bathroom with separate shower and toilet. Bedroom three has a king size bed, a single bed and a large cot bed. It has a bathroom just outside the door on the landing that has a toilet and shower. This room also has a connecting door to room four. Bedroom four has a king size bed and a en suite bathroom with bath, shower and separate toilet. Room 4 has two windows overlooking the front garden. Bedroom five has two singles beds the nearest bathroom is across the corridor and is shred with room 3 that has a shower and toilet. Kitchen The kitchen has recently been upgraded and has a large family dining table, dishwasher, microwave, large family fridge and freezer, gas cooker with hob, washing machine, toaster, George Forman grilling machine, hand blender, steam sterilizer. There are three high chairs. Also plastic tubs and picnic boxes, iron and ironing board with pegs and wash baskets. Living areas The Dining room overlooks the front garden, it is spacious and elegant with wood panelling. The Living room is ideal for children to enjoy with a TV and DVD player for those quiet times it is spacious and comfortable - guests can relax and unwind. There is also the snug area were the log burner is situated surrounded by sofas and chairs when a book rather than the TV is preferred. You will also find a variety of magazines, children’s books, games and toys. Cleaning/linen/towels All bedding is included and changed on a weekly basis. white towels are provided for the rooms and are also changed on a weekly basis. Tea towels and hand towels for kitchen with clothes and sponges are also provided. We ask that the white towels are not used outside for use with the pool. Garden The garden has an above ground 4 x 8 metres pool that has a security gate and fencing making it safe for young children. There is a terrace were beds are provided for sun bathing. There are two large wooden patio tables with chairs and umbrellas, BBQ, A children’s play area with swings, slide and trampoline. Small shed containing some children’s garden toys. Amenities/Facilities Variety of equipment for young children and babies (see separate list below), log burning central heating that heats radiators on ground and first floor, electric radiators heat the second floor. Wifi, fans in the rooms to help with the heat at night time, hair dryers x 2 for everyone’s use. A small variety of products left for emergency use if items are forgot ( we ask that you replace these during your stay) Welcome basket with wine, ,beer, children’s bubbly clothes, dish washer tablets, some tea, coffee and milk Children and babies We can accommodate extended families wanting to holiday together. We have the facilities to cater for three infants with the following equipment 1 cot and 2 travel cots with bedding including a variety of grow bags. 3 high chairs Bath mat and bath seat 1 metal stair gate and a travel stair gate A push chair A back carrier for the younger child and baby Potties and toilet seats Microwave sterilizer Hand held blender for that important baby food Plastic cutlery, plates and cups Toys outside and in a play area is situated at the top of the garden with swings and slide. The pool has a safety gate and cannot be accessed by children. The Ariege The Ariege is situated at the foothills of the Pyrenees and right next door to Andorra. Andorra is great for skiing and duty free shopping. The countryside in this area is famous for its trout fishing, water sports, walking, hiking, cycling and of course its winter sports. It also offers many towns steeped in history for sight seeing and shopping for your enjoyment. Maz D'azil is 10 mins away you can enjoy a visit to the caves and museums here. Saint-Lizier is a beautiful ancient roman town which is steeped in history and about 20 mins away from us. The town is officially classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Mirepoix is a medieval bastide town full of half timbered houses all converging onto a large square. Visit on a Monday Morning and you will find a vibrant market. In the evening the square is a great place to go with jazz bands and restaurants. Saint Girons holds a lively and bustling farmers market on a Saturday where most of the produce is grown organically. Foix Has cobbled streets and a market every Friday. A must while visiting Foix is the castle. Just near to Foix is the river of Labouiche which is the longest underground river which is still navigable and is open to the public. The city of Carcassonne is a walled city, a fortified medieval town. The town has been occupied by man since the 6th century B.C and is well worth a trip. Ax-les-Thermes is an easy hours drive away and is the largest thermal spa in Ariege with no less than 60 natural springs, the temperature’s of which vary from 17-77 degrees. Here you will also find the largest ski station in the whole of the Ariege. Le Donezan is worth a visit to see the most spectacular wildlife and plant life. It is in the far southern most tip of the Ariege and is surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks of 2300 to 2808m and has marvelous forestry. This area is fantastic for hikers in the spring summer and autumn. The nearest village is 7 minutes away by car, La Bastide-de-Serou this has a restaurant, butchers, bakers, bank, small store and a weekly market on a Thursday. There are a couple of villages within 10 minutes that also have similar facilities these are Rimont and Maz d'Azil. The nearest big towns to us are Foix 25 mins by car and St Girons 20 minutes by car. Both these towns have an abundance of shops and restaurants and hold large weekly markets. We are a 2 hour drive from the nearest beach at a resort called Narbonne. Here you will find a nice seaside town with a large beach. If you are looking for a beach closer there is a lake with beach and childrens play area at Puviert 1 hour 15 mins away. In July/August the local lakes are also good for swimming in.

"Our aim as a family is to ensure that your holiday with us will remain a very pleasant memory for years to come."