Carcassonne along the canal du Midi

🌞 Getaway by the canal du Midi – Bikes, Sunshine & Apéro Vibes! 🌞 Need a nature break with a big dose of that Southern joie de vivre? Drop your bags in Villesèquelande, a peaceful little village just a couple of pedal pushes from the canal du Midi and only 12 km from the legendary medieval city of Carcassonne (yes, the one with the epic ramparts!). 🌿 Around here, life is simple: pedal, savour, and unwind. The plan? Bikes, vineyards, poolside lounging, cassoulet feasts & naps in the shade! The space 🏡 A Bohemian Nest Between the Canal du Midi & the Song of Cicadas Welcome to O'Canal, your cosy and slightly quirky hideaway in the South of France, nestled between Carcassonne and the legendary Canal du Midi. A gîte that smells like holidays, bike rides, BBQs… and naps in the shade of plane trees 🌳🍷 The perfect French countryside escape for couples, nature lovers, and seekers of sweet simplicity. 🚪 A cosy apartment just for you! On the first floor of our home (private entrance, pinky swear!), this little romantic hideaway is ideal for two souls looking for peace, sunshine, and a taste of the good life: 🛏️ A 160 cm king-size bed (already made up — because we like you!) 🛋️ A living room with a 140 cm sofa bed (extra €20 if used… or if there's a blanket dispute) 🍽️ An open-plan kitchen to cook up local delights or craft the perfect apéro board ☕ Senseo coffee machine to kick off your day with a smile 🚿 A bathroom with double sinks and a ledge in the shower — perfect for meditating or just soaking in peace 🎬 A stash of vintage DVDs for your cosy movie nights 📶 Wi-Fi included, so you can share your sun-filled adventures 🌿 Terrace, garden & laid-back vibes Sun loungers, parasol, BBQ, ping-pong table... everything you need to fully unwind. The canal-side garden is all yours — with only the occasional stealthy visit from your hosts (just to care for the pool 😉). 🏊‍♀️ A saltwater pool for silky-smooth skin and ultimate relaxation (open from May to mid-October) 🚲 A bike shelter for your two-wheeled companions — the Canal du Midi is just waiting to be explored 🅿️ Free parking, either in the garden or just outside ⚠️ Not suitable for very young children (open staircase — safety first!) 🌍 Slow & Green Holidays Here, we love nature just as much as we love a good apéritif in the sun. This is where eco-conscious living meets laid-back Southern charm: • We collect shower water to feed our organic veggie garden (in return: juicy tomatoes 🍅🌿) • You’re welcome to compost your scraps — the garden says thank you! • We encourage mindful use of water & air conditioning, to keep this sustainable little paradise as fresh as day one • And the lawn? We let it grow wild — creating green islands for bees, bugs, and beautiful photos 🌾🐞 💚 A peaceful, eco-friendly stay, full of sunshine, good vibes, and local charm. Whether you're here for a cycling adventure, a romantic escape, or to reconnect with nature, we can't wait to welcome you! Aude – The Soul of the South | Occitanie | South of France Guest access 🌳 Welcome to Villesèquelande – Canal breeze & countryside charm 🌞 A small village with a big heart. Here, time slows down. You’ll greet the neighbors, nod respectfully to the famous Sully Elm (he’s been here since Henri IV!), and stop by the local grocery store: 🧀 Local goodies, cheeses that sing of the South, ready-made dishes, tobacco, fresh bread and golden croissants… And if cooking feels like too much? No worries – there’s pizza to go on select evenings 🍕 🚲 Beyond the gîte, there’s plenty to do… or not do at all. Here are a few gems waiting for you: 🏰 The medieval cité of Carcassonne – ramparts, cobblestone streets and a fairytale feel, just 12 km away 🌇 The pink city of Toulouse (75 km), with its markets, museums and lively culture 🌊 Narbonne (63 km), for canal strolls and foodie delights at the covered market 🏞️ The Cathar castles trail, for epic views and a dose of medieval adventure 🍾 Limoux (20 km) – birthplace of the sparkling Blanquette, for bubbly moments 🕳️ The Gouffre de Cabrespine – deep, dazzling, and a little mind-blowing 📚 Montolieu, the book village, where literature and charm walk hand in hand ⛏️ The Limousis cave, with magical formations and cool temps 🏛️ Caunes-Minervois, known for its pink marble and stunning abbey 🌿 The peaceful Abbaye de Villelongue 🚤 Canal boat rides or walks along the towpath, just pick your pace 🍷 And of course, the vineyards of Malepère, Corbières, Minervois, Cabardès – perfect for discovering the art of Occitan wine tasting (cheers!) 👉 For even more ideas, check out the Grand Carcassonne Tourist Office – they know all the secrets. 🚗 How to get here? • By car: A61, exit Bram or Carcassonne (10 min) • By train: Bram or Carcassonne stations (also 10 min) • By plane: Carcassonne or Toulouse airports 🌞 Whether you’re here for a nap, a hike, or a glass of wine, everything invites you to slow down. We’re waiting for you with open arms for a stay that’s peaceful, sunny, and joyfully slow 🌻 Other things to note 🔑 If we’re not around when you arrive — no worries! We’ll leave the keys safely in a lockbox so you can settle in at your own pace, just like home. 🗺️ Looking for tips on what to do, where to eat, or where to wander? I work at the local tourist office, so feel free to ask — I’ll be happy to share my favorite spots in the area!