Our refuge

Welcome to our home! 'Mon Refuge' is nestled in a charming hamlet in the heart of the Pyrenees, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Wake up breathing fresh air and listening to the birds, enjoy a good breakfast by the stream or have lunch on the terrace overlooking the snow-capped peaks. Our lovely spot is perfect for relaxing, or as a base for spectacular hikes in the area, which include the Tour du Biros, Mont Valier and the GR10. The space Our home allows you unparalleled access to the Biros, Bethmale, Bellongue and Balaguères valleys, as well as the Riberot and Orle valleys. You have the choice to explore them as hikers, on two wheels or by car. We are very well located between the villages of Castillon-en-Couserans, Bonac-sur-Lez and Sentein, with their small shops, bars and pizzerias. The town of St Girons is half an hour away by car if you need more varied shops or if you feel like it, you can spend the morning at the famous Saturday market on the Champs de Mars. In August, you will have the opportunity to participate in the popular festival 'Autrefois le Couserans', when you embark on a journey to the past, to the golden age of breeding and agriculture in rural Ariège. If you are a hiker, the variety of roads and trails is very well known, and offers you breathtaking views of the Pyrenean chain. If you are passing through with a final destination elsewhere, but you want to rest a day of your hike on the GR10, for example, we are located more or less at the central point of the road and we will be happy to pick you up by car from La Pucelle, ten minutes from our home. If you are a cyclist, the Tour de France often passes through our region and we are very close to several iconic passes, which include the Col de la Core, the Col de Portet d'Aspet and the Col de Menté. If you prefer to watch the professionals or if you want to test your lungs and legs on one of the most difficult roads of the Tour, then go for it! There is the possibility to rent two e-bikes too, for the less experienced. For those who prefer motorized two wheels, the roads in the area are sublime for bikers, as they offer you motorcycle rides on winding roads with successive turns, which give magnificent views. If you wish to rent motorcycles, please contact us before your visit. No matter how you decide to spend your stay, you are offered the option to relieve sore muscles in the evening in our wood-heated Nordic bath, for two people, for your exclusive use. Relaxing in the hot water, under a starry sky, with the sound of the stream next door is something very special… perhaps with one of our cocktails to give you an experience of total relaxation. We invite you to ask us for more information. Your accommodation consists of a separate apartment on the ground floor of our house, recently renovated to a higher standard. You will find: - The living room/bedroom with views of our garden and mountains to the north. Large TV with DVD, Netflix and bluetooth audio. This room is provided with a high quality sofa bed, with a very thick memory mattress (we chose it for its comfort for sleeping rather than as a sofa), which offers you the possibility to use this room as you wish: as a living room or as a bedroom, or both. There is a dresser for your clothes as well as a closet in the hallway. You are invited to use books (in several languages), board games and Wi-Fi (fiber), as well as a large TV with DVD, Netflix and bluetooth audio. Everything is heated by electric radiators or, for those with an adventurous spirit, a wood-burning stove. - Modern shower room with spacious shower, sink and wall charger for electric razors and toothbrushes. Towels, bathrobes, shower gels and shampoo are provided. - Separate toilet with sink. - Bright kitchenette with bay windows that serves the terrace outside with views of the mountain to the south, that is to say the Port D'Orle and the Mail du Bulard. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge/freezer, microwave, washing machine, slow cooker, kettle and coffee machine, as well as cutlery and dishes. Breakfast is included and we can offer you a meal for a reasonable price, which will be prepared before your arrival/return to our home. There is a large table for four people in the kitchen and a grill on the terrace. Normally, the apartment accommodates two adults, but we provide a bed for a child if you need it. If there are more of you, for a reasonable price we can offer you camping in the garden, or even wild camping on our wooded land, a 10-minute walk from our home, with the use of the facilities at our home. Our garden has small picnic areas, with tables and chairs, parasols etc., each with beautiful views of the countryside or the stream. Guest access You can enjoy the full ground floor (except the cellar), as well as the terrace, veranda and picnic areas in our private and remote garden. Access to the banks of the stream through two gates, directly from the garden. You can park easily - there are several parking spaces. The use of certain equipment/facilities of the garage is possible if you are a motorcyclist or cyclist. Please contact us for more information. Other things to note We have a very affectionate dog named Jack. No doubt he'll come and greet you in the garden when he sees you. Please tell us before your visit if you don't like dogs very much and we will keep him in the house. We also have three cats (essential when you live in the countryside...), and the possibility of forcing them to do what we want and much less than Jack! If cats aren't your thing, please discourage them from bothering you. Please note that the whole house and garden is a non-smoking area.