Our sanctuary

Welcome to our home! ‘My Refuge’ is nestled in a charming hamlet in the heart of the Pyrenees, with panoramic views of the mountains that surround it. Wake up breathing in the fresh air and listening to the birds, enjoy a nice breakfast by the creek, or have lunch on the terrace overlooking the snowy peaks. Our pretty area 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 fireplace gives you incomparable access to the valleys of Biros, Bethmale, Bellongue and Balaguères, as well as the Riberot and Orle Valley. 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 city of St Girons is half an hour away by car if you need more varied shops or if you feel like 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 ‘Ancient Couserans’, when you embark on a journey to the past, to the golden era of livestock and agriculture in rural Ariège. If you are a hiker, the variety of roads and trails is very well known, and offers you stunning views of the Pyrenees mountain range. If you are visiting with a final destination elsewhere, but you want to rest one 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 us. If you are a bike, the Tour de France often passes through our region and we are very close to several emblematic passes, which includes 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 challenging roads of the Tour, then get started! There is the option to rent two VAEs too, for the less experienced. For those who prefer two motorized wheels, the roads in the area are sublime for bikers, as they offer motorcycle rides on winding roads with successive turns, which give magnificent views. If you would like to rent motorcycles, we invite you to contact us before your visit. No matter how you decide to spend your stay, we offer you the option to relieve your sore muscles in the evening in our wood-fired hot tub for two people, for your exclusive use. Relaxing in the hot water, under a starry sky, with the sound of the creek next door is something very special… maybe with one of our cocktails to give you a total relaxation experience. We encourage you to ask for more information. Your home consists of a self-catering apartment on the ground floor of our house, recently renovated to a higher standard. There 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 to sleep rather than as a sofa), which offers you the possibility to use this room as you like: as a living room or as a bedroom, or both. There is a dresser for your clothes as well as a closet in the vestibule. We invite you to use books, (in multiple languages), board games and wi-fi (fiber), as well as a large TV with DVD, Netflix and bluetooth audio. Everything is heated by electric heaters or, for those with adventurous spirit, a wood-burning stove. -Modern shower room with spacious shower, sink and wall charger for razors and electric toothbrush. Towels, robes, shower gels and shampoo provided. - Separate toilet with sink. - Bright kitchenette with floor-to-ceiling windows that serves the terrace outside with mountain views to the south, i.e. Port D'Orle and Mail du Bulard. Kitchen is equipped with fridge/freezer, microwave, washing machine, simmer, 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 with us. There is a large table for four in the kitchen and a grill on the deck. Normally the apartment accommodates two adults, but we provide a bed for one 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 grounds, 10 minutes walk from us, with the use of facilities with us. Our garden has small picnic nooks, with tables and chairs, umbrellas etc, each with beautiful views of the countryside or the creek. Guest access You 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 creek through two gates, directly from the garden. You can park easily - there are multiple parking spaces. The use of some garage amenities/facilities is possible if you are a biker or cyclist. Please contact us for more information. Other things to note We have a very affectionate dog named Jack. No doubt, he will come to greet you in the garden when he sees you. Please let us know before your visit if you don't like dogs too much and we'll keep it 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 on Jack! If cats aren't your thing, please discourage them from bothering you. Please note that the entire house and garden is a non-smoking area.