Maison De La Roche – Upper Gite Jardin Bleu

Stumbling on this charming cluster on a former wine domaine, we knew we were onto a winner… and that was before we read the guestbook brimming with glowing reviews and five-star ratings! Perfect for pre-school families, friendly owner and consummate host, Honor, offers the full Baby-Friendly Boltholes wish-list with a huge list of baby kit, a well-stocked toy room, heated (and gated) pool and a location a short stroll from a charming village with boulangerie, grocery store, tapas bistro and sophisticated restaurant.

Honor saw the potential of this charming vineyard when it was a tumbled down Domaine and has done a magnificent job of renovating and transforming it into a beautiful estate combining original stone walls and open beams, with contemporary furnishings and modern comforts. The tranquil grounds with vineyard views make it seem a world away from civilisation, yet it is only a short stroll from the village where buttery morning pastries, convivial glasses of wine or elegant evening meals are all on tap. For the energetic, a longer walk takes you into the historic town of Febrezan, which is bustling with shops and bistros. Even better it is only about 30-minutes’ drive from some of the region's most attractive towns and beaches including Carcassonne and Narbonne.

The three child-friendly gites each sleep four and are ideal social families or larger groups looking to get together but maintain their own space. Each gite has been finished with families in mind and to aid parents relaxation further, Honor can arrange in-cottage beauty and massage treatments, wine-tasting sessions and babysitting.

So, picture mornings spent walking (or cycling) to the local village, picking up delicious freshly baked bread and perhaps a buttery pastry or two for breakfast. Post-sightseeing late afternoons spent poolside with mini guests making the most of the inflatables or toy room and evenings tucking little ones up in bed before enjoying local wine and cheese on the terrace or a babysitting enabled dinner at award-winning chateau restaurant 10-minutes’ walk away. All in all, our verdict is that this is a beautiful, authentic slice of rural France where families can come together and enjoy a truly relaxing holiday.


Accommodation Overview – Upper Gite 2

Upper Gite 2 is accessed via a flight of stairs and a shared landing (shared with Gite 1). It works well for larger groups taking the two gites as each have their own space and a stairgate can be fitted so the landing can become an extension of the space.

Inside the gite has high ceilings, exposed beams and handmade floor tiles. There’s an open plan living space which includes a country style kitchen with dining table and a comfortable lounge area. There is English television and a blue ray DVD player (plus access to the owner’s extensive DVD library). The kitchen is well equipped for families and has a toaster, coffee maker, microwave and more. The lounge has views over the courtyard and valley beyond.
There are two bedrooms. One twin room with two comfortable single beds and a master bedroom with a double bed and views over the valley. Each room comes with fans and a hairdryer.

There is one family bathroom with a walk-in power shower, WC and sink.

All linen, bath and beach towels are provided.

There is a communal utility room (separate to the gites) which has a washing machine and ironing board.