Le Cerf Gris
Cerf Gris is a majestic maison d’maitre in the sleepy village of Moux set among gentle hills, vineyards and cypress trees - 40 minutes from Carcassonne. Moux is a small village with a bakery, shop and post office.
Behind Moux is the Montagne d’Alaric, the last of the Corbieres hills:across the plain you can see the Montagnes Noires, part of the Cevennes.This is a limestone region, excellent for grapes, grown since Roman times. In the village you can taste Corbieres wine from 4 different producers. Cerf Gris used to produce it’s own wine over 30 years ago, you can see 8 huge barrels in the cellar which were built in situ.
Cerf Gris is a turquoise shuttered house with a formal front garden featuring statues and a fountain. Two sets of steps lead up to the front door, which opens to a long sunlit wood-paneled hall and a sweeping staircase. Everything in the house is on a large scale, with tall windows, high ceilings and marble fireplaces in most rooms. Most rooms have hand painted tiles, mosaic tables and original paintings.
The house sleeps 12 in light airy twin, double and single rooms. At ground floor level, a spacious kitchen dining area leads out onto the balcony overlooking the pool - a favourite spot for aperitifs as the sun sets. From here steps lead down to the art studio and the swimming pool set in a secluded walled garden with sun and shade. Across the lawn is a little woodland (home to red squirrels, nightingales and hoopoes)
“I had a fantastic week at Cerf Gris. It is a beautiful house, we had a very warm welcome and soon felt at home. The pool is lovely and the spacious open plan kitchen dining area was ideal for socialising…..and now I can impress my friends with my headstand!”
Le Cerf Gris is an artist run house so it has a large well equipped art studio open for use anytime, as is the peaceful yoga attic.
Art workshops are held each morning. Yoga classes are held before breakfast. Afternoons are free for you to do as you please. Delicious meals are prepared (vegetarians and vegans catered for) using fresh local ingredients. Breakfasts are continental style (bread, jam, croissants, juice, tea, coffee). Lunch and dinner are a convivial affair around the large dining table. Wine is included at lunch and dinner.
At Cerf Gris you can relax totally, all we ask is that you look after your own rooms and keep the bathrooms clean.
One morning of the holiday is set aside for you to explore the area, maybe visit Carcassonne or simply relax. Wednesday morning is market time in the nearby town of Lezignan.
Cerf Gris Holidays -
Sunday 25th July to Saturday 31st July 2010
Sunday 29th August to Saturday 4th September 2010
Included-6 nights’ full board (all meals and wine) and accommodation – morning yoga sessions – 5 art workshops – all equipment - free morning to visit Carcassonne – visit to local market. Transfer from Carcassonne airport.
Not included – Flights – Insurance
Cost -£840 per person. After the recession, election and ash… reduced to £740
Travel to France:
Fly to Carcassonne, Nimes, Montpellier with Ryanair/Easyjet
Train/Car – Eurostar to Carcassonne, Nimes www.ferrycheap.com
Call: Rail Canterbury 01227 450 088
email: rail@rail-canterbury.co.uk
