Considerate, helpful and fun English owners who also live in Montlaur and love it so much they wanted to share their experience of living in a non-touristy French village with lots of character, seemingly surrounded by vineyards. We would have loved another week! I would have called it a hidden gem had it not been so popular (and not just with the English). The renovated house and comprehensive facilities were as described and very comfortable, with private parking for one car and courtyard garden through the adjacent arch. An excellent butcher within yards, a well stocked little supermarket with daily deliveries and a weekly market kept us well provisioned.
A convenient base for the very many local possibilities within relatively short distances (including Lagrasse, Trebes and Carcassonne) in lovely countryside, and some super restaurants too. An interesting Cathar historic area worthy of much more exploring, another year.
This quite charming property in the heart of the Corbieres wine-growing region is notable for the quality of its recent restoration and for the comprehensive facilities/equipment which owners Peter and Felicity Collier have provided for guests. With more than adequate bedrooms and public areas for a good sized family, the garden courtyard is perfect for outdoor relaxing or dining and safe for young children. The village itself is calm and perhaps just a little too quiet, sadly lacking its own restaurant, although a good selection of others can be found within 10-15 minutes by car. There are plenty of close by points of historic and cultural interest as well as day-trip opportunities, about which full information is provided. Everything to do with the organization and management of our stay was flawless.
We came to Montlaur in September 2016 with our border collie, to stay at L'Ecurie for 8 months. We wanted to 'immerse' in the village activities and hopefully improve our very basic French . We have found the gite extremely comfortable, spacious and homely and the garden has been an added bonus. With the help of Peter and Felicity we have joined the Montlaurian society for their many 'repas' and dancing events and the Abribus society for rambling and Occitan singing ! We have found the locals to be very friendly and helpful with our struggling french and we were even invited to join in ' hand picking ' the grapes at harvest time which was brilliant fun and included a very french picnic with lashings of local wine !
The garigue , which is the local countryside, is amazing and full of tracks between the vines and perfect for walking and cycling . The flowers will be amazing in the spring. We are loving being here in a very special place and would wholeheartedly recommend L'Ecurie for a perfect French holiday and a big thank you to Peter and Felicity for their friendship .
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Families with young children |
Large groups | People with pets |
We were two couples and stayed in L'Ancienne Ecurie for a week. The house has been renovated to a high standard while retaining its character. The decor is traditional French style and it is very well equipped with everything a family would need for a comfortable stay. The owners were very welcoming and friendly and willing to share their knowledge of the area with their guests. The surrounding countryside is very picturesque and it is easy to visit lots of interesting places such as Carcassonne, Lagrasse and Cathar Castles. All in all we had a great holiday.
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Older travelers |
Families with young children |
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Older travelers |
Families with young children |