This villa is in a lovely rural setting on the edge of the small village of Rivel. We found it to be fully equipped to relax and to eat comfortably inside or outside on the large patio next to the pool. There are dramatic open views from the house up the valley and a stream winding round the end of the garden. We were there in the spring time and saw two woodpeckers, buzzards and an exotic colourful bird called a hoopoe. We could hear cuckoos all around although unsurprisingly did not see them. There are walking tracks in all directions from the house, with a choice of hill walks or flat paths to explore. We went on the dedicated walking and cycling path along the old railway track into Chalabre, a village 4k away, which has bakers, restaurants and a grocer.

We loved the mediaeval market town of Mirepoix about 20k away, with its impressive church and a busy market every Monday. We had lunch at a restaurant popular with the local inhabitants called St Maurice, located in the central town square and we can highly recommend it. For our special birthday celebration four of us dined at the Chateau de Camon, our second visit there - it is about 20 minutes from Rivel in a very reasonably priced taxi.The food and the ambience are high-end and ideal for a special event.

We had a fantastic week and in spite of mixed weather, the conditions were good for walking and cycling. The nights were cool and we really enjoyed the cosy warmth of the huge and effective log burner in the evenings. We will without doubt be returning to stay in this villa again.