The Midi-Pyrenees ~ Tarn region
An historically rich area with incredible landscapes and traditional hospitality ,the Midi-Pyrenees is the largest region in France, running from the Pyrenees south of Toulouse. The region enjoys a very sunny climate, perfect for appreciating the constant sight of its landscapes. There are many vineyards in the area (AOC Gaillac wines) which welcome visitors. The area has a long and interesting history and many of the towns and villages are fortified and well worth exploring. Only 20mn drive from Cordes is the town of Albi. The town of Albi has recently been classified “UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE”,. The Saint Cecile cathedral is a unique attraction and there is also a museum dedicated to Toulouse-Lautrec. Near Carmaux is the leisure park of Cap Découverte. The region also has the stunning modern bridge at Millau. It's southerly location, means a warm spring, long hot summers, and glorious autumns with lovely days often lasting well into November. The South West of France is the French capital of gastronomy and you will discover many reputable and traditional restaurants around Cordes -sur -Ciel, Albi and Toulouse. (log on Trip advisor for ratings)
The Cordes-sur-Ciel area Being
in Cordes places you in the golden triangle: Cordes-Gaillac-Albi
The town of Cordes sur Ciel is a superb hilltop town and centre for artists. In the old Cite at the top of the hill are a number of restaurants and shops that are ideal for tourists. At the base of the hill are supermarkets, banks, chemist, bakery and the Saturday morning food market. Cordes sur Ciel is host to a large medieval festival on the 14th July. Cordes was revived in the mid-20th century, by artists and other visitors who noticed the town's beauty. Albert Camus visited it in the 1950s and remarked that “In Cordes, everything is beautiful, even regret�. In 1993, Cordes was renamed Cordes-sur-Ciel to reflect the town's site on a hill above the clouds that cover the valley below. To learn more about Cordes sur Ciel please visit www.cordessurciel.fr The local villages of Bruniquel, Penne, Puycelci and Castelnau de Montmirail are wonderful to explore .Within driving distance you can then explore these villages but foot.
The Surrounding area
About the house – L’ Escapadou
Beautifully
restored 13th century home set in the picturesque Medieval village of Cordes sur Ciel,( South-West,France) Renowned in France for its magnificence and fairytale like charm, Cordes sur Ciel is truly one of a kind. The home is set over 3 levels, perfectly perched on the hill and 5 minutes by foot to all amenities.
The home has been recently renovated to include a balcony and pool to soak up the magnificent views. The home boasts 5 bedrooms, and 2 large living areas, kitchen and large laundry. L’ Escapadou is owned by a French/Australian couple who use the home thru out the year but are based in Melbourne Australia. The owners have great knowledge of home styling and have spent the last 4 years sourcing vintage pieces from flea markets in France to ensure the home is authentic and personable whilst remaining practical for a holiday stay. The home extends beyond that of standard rentals and invites you to enjoy a moment in France amongst great aesthetics and charm. The home provides a tranquil hide away from the big cities in France but is still walking distance to all the amenities that await you, just outside your door. Once you arrive in Cordes-Sur-Ciel you may well not use the car for days.
The Markets France is renowned for its glorious markets filled with colours, smells and most importantly personalities of locals and tourists alike. From the home you can wander done the street to the CordesSur-Ciel market, with your basket in hand and pick up fresh produce. A 25km drive from Cordes-Sur-Ciel takes you to St Antonin Noble Val. This beautiful village holds a Sunday market with a different feel again. Arrive early and spend the day, shopping, eating, drinking and soaking up the sun. 

Getting there Fly : Toulouse airport 70 km away ( hire car recommended) For International travellers there are various airlines that fly into Europe. • Your city to Paris, transfer flight to Toulouse ( main city in S-W France) • To London ( Heathrow) transfer flight to Toulouse • To Frankfurt transfer flight to Toulouse. There are always cheaper flight options to Toulouse if you fly out of Gatwick in London or Orly in Paris. Talk to your travel agent about these options. Easy jet provides a low cost option from these smaller airports. Ryan Air, a low budget airline in Europe flies into Rodez.Marcillac Airport ,87km from Cordes-Sur-Ciel Train : Paris-Vindrac Station 3 km from Cordes- Sur- Ciel
Cordes sur Ciel
Facilities General:
Flat screen TV- including English SKY TV, DVD player, CD player , PC Computer with printer, unlimited FREE Wi-Fi Telephone ( additional costs for International calls or calls to mobiles)
Standard: Kettle, capsule espresso coffee maker , filtered coffee maker Iron and board, Hair dryer
Toaster,
Utilities:
Dishwasher, 900mm gas oven , range hood, 2x Fridge/ Freezer, Washing machine, Dryer
Rooms:
5 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 with shower , 1 with separate shower and bath, 3 toilets
Furniture:
Single beds (5), Queen beds (1), Kind Bed ( 1)Cots (1), Dining seating for 10 Sleeps maximum of 9
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (heated and salt water), BBQ (professional Spanish plancha), Gazebo with additional toilet, change room and outdoor shower Also provides a second undercover eating area and kitchenette
Child friendly There are many toys and books and games for children under 12. Heating /Cooling All rooms are fitted with wall heaters . Both living/dining areas are fitted with open log fire places. There are 2 portable fans. The house walls being nearly 100 cm thick keep the house very cool in the summer heat.
Pricing , Terms & Conditions Period 2012
Mid Season – Spring
High Season –Summer
Mid Season -Autumn
Additional days thereafter
From
To
Weekly (7 nights)
April 1 2012
May 31 2012
1900 Euro
270 Euro per day
June 1 2012
Sept 20 2012
2200 Euro
310 Euro per day
Sept 21 2012
Oct 25 2012
1600 Euro
225 Euro per day
Changeover day:
Flexible We recommend you arrive close to Friday in time for the Saturday market in Cordes-Sur-Ciel and on Sundays in St Antonin de Noble Vale. Then you have fresh produce for your stay.
Access:
Car not essential but advisable
Family friendly
Suitable for children but not ideal for toddlers as there are many stairs and using a stroller is difficult in CordesSur-Ciel . Infants would not cause a problem. There is a gate around the pool and an alarm. The pool gate requires the use of a key. Not Suitable for people with restricted mobility.
Notes:
No pets allowed No smoking at this property ( except in the garden) Self-catering The number of guests staying at the house must not exceed 9
Booking Information Please email ; escapadou@gmail.com with your interested dates of stay to check availability. Once your dates have been confirmed we will require a 50%. Deposit paid by credit card. The remaining 50% will be required 6 weeks before your arrival to the house. Bond: The proprietor will require a credit card number for security against any damages caused to the property. This will be noted on the rental agreement. An individual inspection is conducted at the end of each booking . All damages will need to be charged to the account of the renter listed on the rental agreement.