Plaigne

The girls enjoying the pool

Plaigne

Plaigne is a small hilltop village, steeped in history. Part of the church dates back to Roman times. We had a medium stay here and she thinks that she saw a Cathar ceremony being held on the site of our house.
The house is hundreds of years old, but we do not know how old. The stone built walls are very thick. The house is designed to keep warm in the winter and cool in summer.
The village may be very small, but there is a great community spirit or ambiance about it. In summer, various activities are organized and every two weeks, members of the village and friends of the village get together for a game of petanque and a glass of wine (or two!). Some of the participants take it quite seriously and others, like me, go along for fun. On 14th July, Bastille Day, there is a village picnic in the old school yard. Anyone and Everyone is welcome. We have a thoroughly pleasant afternoon (and evening as people drift off to various houses in the village). The following weekend there is the Fête de Plaigne. On the Friday night there is entertainment and dancing for the teenagers and anyone else who wishes to come along. On the Sunday, it's the Maire's aperitif, after the Mess and the placing of the wreath or flowers on the war memorial. This is followed in the evening by a ball for the 'oldies' and anyone who wants to join in. The country folk work hard, but they also 'play' hard and know how to have a thoroughly good time. Last weekend, it was the paella evening which was followed by a ball which went on into the night. Next week, a village trip has been organized to the bison farm at Lapenne, including a meal in the auberge. Throughout the year there are other events including mounjetade, cooked by a Plaigne farmer, and Lotto....... At Christmas and Easter, there is usually a little friendly service in the church. We usually try to get as many children involved as possible, participating in slide shows of their drawings, acting, singing (which I'm in charge of), playing musical instruments etc. We usually have mulled wine, mince pies, french nibbles and at Easter, hot cross buns were introduced to the French. They loved them. These events are usually a coming together of the different cultures and traditions in a friendly, relaxed and pleasant way.
Despite these activities, Plaigne remains a calm, tranquil village in the middle of rolling countryside, far from the 'busy' world and yet withing easy travelling distance to it. I love it.
Best wishes from Plaigne

The view

Here we are on a country walk back from the river, with some of our guests.

Plaigne can be seen on the hill in the background.

This is one of the beautiful views from a bedroom window.

Best wishes from Plaigne.

Sarah

La Grange & apartment accommodation chez nous

La grange (sleeps 6)

Situation: It is a two storey converted barn attached to a stone built farmhouse on the edge of a small rural village which is surrounded by lovely rolling countryside. Local village shopping and amenities are within less than a 10 minute drive.
It is approximately 15 minutes drive to the medieval town of Mirepoix where there are most ameneties including tennis, cinema and swimming pool. The towns of Saverdun, Castelnaudary and Villefranche-de Lauragais are about 20-30 minutes drive and each has motorway intersections giving easy access to Toulouse, Carcassonne or the coast.
Swimming, sailing, windsurfing and fishing can be enjoyed on the large reservoirs of Montbel or La Ganguise, each being about half an hour away. It is an ideal touring base for the traditional historical attractions, the Mediterranean and Andorra (where, in winter skiing can be enjoyed).
The distance from Calais to Plaigne is approximately 750 miles.
Property: La Grange is a converted stone built barn beside the farmhouse set in about 1 1/2 hectares of garden and arable land.
Ground floor: Lounge/dinette with kitchen area. There is a sofabed in the lounge. The kitchen is fully equipped including a microwave oven and washing machine. There is a full inventory for six persons. Bedlinen and tea towels are included, but bath towels can be hired for a small fee.
First floor: Bedroom with two single beds.
Bedroom with two single beds.
Cot available.
Bathroom has shower, washbasin and WC.
In the grounds, the pool sits on one of the garden terraces overlooking a wonderful view of the Lauragais countryside. Our visitors have their own garden furniture, complete with parasol and barbeque.

Apartment (sleeps 4)

Situation: It is a ground-floor apartment in our renovated stone built farmhouse.
Description: There is a lounge/dinette with a kitchen area. There is a sofabed in the lounge. The kitchen is fully equipped including a microwave oven. There is a full inventory for 4 persons. Bedlinen and tea towels are included, but bath towels can be hired for a small fee.
In the bedroom there is a double bed.
The bathroom has a bath, shower, washbasin and WC.
In the garden, our guests have their own garden furniture, complete with parasol and barbeque.

Representation:
We, the owners are resident in the farmhouse and will offer you a friendly family welcome, summer and winter and provide you with guides and information if you wish to do some sightseeing. Or you may wish to relax in the garden enjoying the sun and some local wine or having a dip in the pool with tranquil surroundings and beautiful views.

A bientôt
Sarah

Gîte and apartment in South France

French holiday for the independent traveller:
Plaigne (near Mirepoix)
Restored farmhouse
House-sleeps 6+
Apartment-sleeps 4+
With pool

Charming converted barn and self-contained ground floor apartment in a traditional farmhouse, set in spacious grounds. Plaigne is a small, tranquil village surrounded by rolling countryside. Perfect for sightseeing the historical Cathar country, the Med and Andorra (winter skiing), it is within easy reach of many amenities. Toulouse, Carcassonne or the coast are easily accessible. Swimming, sailing, windsurfing, fishing can be enjoyed on nearby lakes, or just relax with wine, sun, pool and beautiful views. The Pritchard Family is ready to give you a warm welcome.
For further details, please contact: Sarah
Tel/fax: 0033 468606490
pritchard.geoffrey@libertysurf.fr

Hello again!

Thought I'd put photo of me so that you can see who is talking to you.....