Le Moulin de la Materette
09240 Durban sur Arize, Ariege, FRANCE
Courses in South West France
Woodturning - Painting - Digital Photography
A six day holiday with 5 half days of expert tuition. Plenty of time to enjoy the superb facilities and spectacular surroundings of Le Moulin de la Materette. Expert tuition, comfortable accommodation, delicious food, convivial company.
Moulin Facilities:
The Moulin is set in 10 acres of private, tranquil grounds. A mixture of formal lawns, wild flower meadows formal gardens, herb and vegetable beds, orchards & woods. It nestles beside 700 yds of the River Arize. A haven for birdlife, butterflies and other fauna that enjoy the idyllic surroundings of the Moulin. Kingfishers, Dippers, Nuthatches, Treecreepers & Golden Oriels are amongst many visitors. We have created a restful walk up to a cascade through sculpted natural flower beds and trees. In front of the Moulin is a croquet lawn and boules pitch. Beside a large heated pool there are 12 sun loungers, a badminton court, table tennis and a 10ft Chess Board. We also have 6 bikes and safety helmets available for our guests to emulate the tour du France that passes our way each year. Fortunately our valley is one of the flatter stretches. All rooms are appointed to a high standard with their own ensuite facilities. Hair dryers and pool towels are provided.
Attractions in the area:
Located midway between Foix and St Girons, the Moulin is conveniently placed to enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Pyrenees & many Cathar castles, including Mont Segur. On our doorstep are prehistoric grottoes & caves. Cave drawings at Niaux, Historic Carcassonne, Toulouse and Mirepoix, all worth visiting. In neighbouring Bastide de Serou there is an excellent equestrian centre, an 18 hole golf course, a recreational lake and Labouiche, the longest underground river trip in Europe. In Foix you can visit the spectacular castle and an equally impressive working museum of Craftmanship. In St Girons it is worth visiting the market and the Bishop’s palace in neighbouring St Lizier, a former stopover resting place for pilgrims on the way to Santiago di Compestella. Not to be missed are the Eagles at Lordat, where you become part of in interactive display of falconry with amazing displays of Eagles, Owls, various falcons and vultures. However the main attraction for us is being in the midst of arguably the most exquisite part of France, yet undiscovered by the masses. A paradise for lovers of nature who enjoy the beauty of the wooded slopes and snow capped peaks of the Pyrenees and the plentiful fauna and flora that frequent this lovely area.
We think we found paradise, we hope you agree.
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