La Petite Maison

The "little house" is just that - a stone, bungalow-style gite to one side and a little back from our family home, with a single bed-sitting room and separate shower/WC room.

 

The Accommodation

The main room has a queen size (140 x 190 cm) bed, with a firm mattress on a slatted base; plenty of chest-of-drawer space and some clothes hanging space; an antique pine table and chairs; and two comfortable armchairs by the picture window with spectacular views across the valley.

A compact disc (CD, CD-R/ RW playable) and AM-FM stereo radio system (BBC Radio4 usually obtainable!) is provided, as well as a small selection of books.

 

The kitchen corner has wall-mounted pine shelving for crockery and white fitted lower units, containing:

  • 2 plate electric hob;
  • mini oven/ grill;
  • fridge;
  • stainless steel sink/drainer.

Kitchen equipment includes:

 

  • electric iron and mini-ironing board;
  • electric kettle;
  • electric toaster;
  • filter coffee-maker.

The shower/WC consists of :-

  • tiled shower cubicle with shower curtain
  • hand-basin
  • WC
  • electric extractor fan
  • shaver plug etc.
  • hairdryer

Towels, kitchen and bed linen are provided. Guests are responsible for their own laundry during their stay, but we willingly allow reasonable use of our own washing machine, and guests are welcome to use the garden washing line.

Climate Comfort

In the hotter summer months, the position of La Petite Maison, with its back set into the hillside, and its thick stone walls keep it agreeably cool. The wide roof overhang prevents too much direct sunshine entering the room in the Summer months, while the picture window allows maximum natural light.

The terrace extends the whole length of the little house: facing south, this therefore receives masses of sun, but to one side mature oaks provide deep shade if necessary.

Garden furniture, parasol and BBQ are provided for your exclusive use. Guests are also welcome to find a favourite quiet spot in the garden, with its extensive lawns and shrubbery's, or to sit in the shade of our ancient oak tree.

 

Important

  • Access to both the bed-sitting room and the shower/WC is directly from the terrace. There is a wide roof overhang but you have to step outdoors to go from the main room to the shower/WC. We therefore suggest that if you want to rent between November and March you should give preference to La Petite Grange, which has internal access to all rooms and central heating. In April and October, if the outdoor bathroom access does not pose a problem, electric heating should be sufficient and is included in your rental. From May to September you would be most unlucky to need heating (see weather).
  • Access to the terrace and entrance is up a car driveway. We suggest you then return your car to one of our four out of sight covered parking bays (one minute's walk) except for loading and unloading. If you have special mobility needs, this could be a problem.

Weather

No-one can guarantee the weather, but we have been living in this region since 1985 and this seems to us a fair indication of what you can reasonably expect from the weather:

With an annual average of 2000 hours of sunshine, the Midi-Pyrenées region is one of the sunniest in France. Temperatures in excess of 25°C [77°F] are recorded for 60 to 80 days per year over most of the region, rivalling those of the Mediterranean strip and the Rhone valley.
Spring, which comes very early, already has a summer feel – the perfect time for hiking and walking. Between early April and late June, maximum temperatures average 16 to 24°C [61 to 75°F].
In July and August, hot, intense sunshine prevails. Average minimum temperatures, already high, now range between 13 and 15°C [55 and 59°F]. In the daytime, average temperatures reach a maximum of 26 to 28°C [79 to 82°F]. This said, the air becomes pleasantly cooler at night.
Autumn often has the mildness of an Indian summer, noteworthy for wonderful days of ultramarine skies. In the beautiful light of September, maximum temperatures range between 21 and 25°C [70 and 77°F]. They remain very clement in October with average maximum temperatures of 16 to 19°C [61 to 66°F]. Perfect for treating oneself to a quiet break whilst others are working!
Source: Regional tourist authority, based on information provided by Météo France

© nègre • dwf@dwf.org • Tel 00335 6395 8234