The Midi Pyrenees around Cordes sur Ciel is one of the most beautiful parts of France.  Cordes has a classical music festival in July, and a big medieval fete each year.  There are nocturnal torch-lit walks and traditional music performances and dances in the summer, a gallery of modern art, a museum, shops, and numerous restaurants.  The bar in Les Cabannes organises outdoor popular concerts and meals once a fortnight in the summer, and at the end of the village is a water sports centre le Garissou.  There are marche aux puces or vide greniers in many of the surrounding villages, notably enormous events in Najac, and weekly flea markets in Albi.  The tourist centre in Gaillac has most of the local wines available to buy or taste, and you can pick up a free map of the vineyards, to follow the trail.  The vineyards welcome visitors.  Albi is an interesting and beautiful town, with a very good shopping centre and a magnificent pink, brick cathedral.  St Antonin, situated at the foot of a stupendous gorge, has a famous Sunday market which fills its medieval streets, several good restaurants, and canoes for hire, for an exciting and spectacular half day on the Aveyron (you are collected by a mini-bus at the end).  There is a reservoir near the peaceful village of Monesties, Plan d’eau de Roucarie with supervised bathing, sailing and pedaloes.  Toulouse is about an hour away by car or train (from Cordes Vindrac station) and Figeac is worth a visit in the other direction.  The many bastide towns and villages in the area are worth visiting, including Penne, Castelnau de Montmiral, Bruniquel (with its Offenbach festival), Puycelsi and Najac

Maison Felix is a well equipped cottage on four levels, with a comfortable kitchen and living area at ground level, a peaceful double bedroom with WC & bathroom on the first floor, a delightful salon with a breathtaking view of Cordes sur Ciel on the second floor (with a sofa bed) with separate shower and WC, and a spacious attic with double bed, and glorious views from the skylight. Just around the back is a garden with a sheltered area, a hammock a table and chairs for al fresco dining. Maison Felix can be rented for your holiday.

Please contact the owners, Tim and Kate Wardle, to make a booking:  contact@maisonfelix.com

Tel: 01798 342354 (0044 1798 342354)