River House in medieval bastide, South of France

Enjoy this beautiful old house, renovated using natural and traditional materials only, located in the oldest street of Chalabre. The view over the river is balm to the soul, the sound of the river running beneath your windows like a prayer. The house has dual aspect: to the south, a glimpse of the powerful Pyrenees standing watch. To the north, Chapel Calvaire reminding citizens to value the sacred. Chalabre is on one of the old routes of the Camino, and Chapel Calvaire has some unusual symbolism. Usually, the chapels on hills are dedicated to Mary, as is this one, and it celebrates her with statues and paintings of her pregnant. This is rarely seen anywhere else. The house has a gorgeous kitchen with proper coffee machine, there is a washing machine, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and calm writing room with writing desk. The house is perfect for longer stays, work, write your book, have visitors. Come with your family. There is a garage to store your bike(s), your canoe, even your car (small). Good Ski resorts are 50 minutes drive from the village. Chalabre itself is an active village, a former bastide (walled town) of historical interest, much of it authentic and unrenovated. It has all the conveniences you need: bakery with the best croissants, butcher, supermarket, pharmacy, bank, doctors and more. It has a lively art and music scene during the summer months. Nearby Lac Montbel offers beautiful wild swimming and in summer. fabulous hippy action on Chalabre Beach. It is 5 km from Chalabre itself. Walkable through the woods in just under an hour. The rivers are regularly tested for cleanliness and you can plunge in them, with a nice swimming hole 100m along from the house. The region is known for it's amazing cycling routes. The Tour de France passes through regularly (but not every year, of course). We welcome longer term stayers and offer appropriate discounts. Arrive after 4pm and depart by 11am There is no smoking permitted in the house.