This weekend has brought many visitors to our chambre d’hotes not only for the family activities in Mirepoix but also to take part in the Trial des Citadelles.

Four competitors travelled across France and in one case made a 10 hour drive to compete in various stages of the race. There are three levels for the run 20kms, 40kms or 70kms. The course for the race follows the route of the key Cathar monuments of Montségur and Roquefixade. Bonne chance!

The end of March signifies the end of the ski season at Mont d’Olmes and what a season it’s been, great snow continual from December until March. This season we have discovered new areas to ski around us. The small ski station at Camerac 40 minutes drive from the house, inexpensive and perfect for families and beginners and the cross country routes at Col de Chioula between Camerac and Ax les Thermes which has stunning views.

Early February Mike and I returned to Bristol for a long overdue family visit, whilst we were there we took the opportunity to purchase new luxury bedding for our Kings room with the four poster bed and just in time for Valentine’s weekend. Click on the accommodation page of our site and look at the Kings room to view.

 

Firstly thank you to our family and guests for joining us to celebrate our New Year in France, to our guests Thierry, Arlette, Joel, Dominique, Peta and Keith - you arrived as strangers and left as friends. Mike and I had a wonderful evening in their company and thanks to an amazing sunny New Year’s Day, we continued the festivities outside with a picnic lunch.

The snow arrived early this year at Mont d’Olmes and Ax les Thermes! It looks like we’ll be having a great ski season as we’ve already been skiing several times over the Xmas holidays with clear blue skies and great snow with 100% of the piste open.  The picture is of our friend Kevin standing on the lake at Mont d’Olmes. The lake is visible from the piste and accessible with snow shoes that can be hired at the resort for around 5 Euros for a half day. 

                                                      

Armistice Day in France is a public holiday for most families. The central square of Mirepoix is taken over by stall after stall of antiques, books, crafts, and plant sellers, making it a great day out to just wander around the square looking at the many items of bric-a-brac and timeless antique pieces. And of course another excuse for a cafe au lait and a french fancy.

                                                                                                 

To celebrate the Autumn harvest Mirepoix hosts the weekend event 'Fete de Pomme'. Apples are used to decorate the square and many large structures are created solely from apples. You are surrounded by cafes, bars and stalls selling apple produce (I can recommend the freshly made cider and croustade de pomme). With live music and a beer/cider tent, the event is quite a spectacle.

                                                                  

Le Jardin Extraordinaire is a family event that takes place each year on the last weekend of August in Lieurac - just 2kms from our chambres d'hotes. Children explore the woodland, finding items to create all manor of constructions that are later displayed along the watercourse. The event is free with a small bar selling food and drink and is open to the public to take a relaxing walk around the grounds and enjoy the children's creations. Here are just a couple of our photographs.

                                                                 
 

Kay and Mike are pleased to announce that we are in the process of setting up a blog that is designed to keep you informed with recent and upcoming news and events in our region. La Maison de Roquefort is a chambres d'hotes (B&B) situated in the heart of Cathar country, close to the towns of Mirepoix and Foix in the Ariege-Pyrenees. For more information visit www.maisonderoquefort.com or email enquiries@maisonderoquefort.com. Here are a couple of photo's taken from around our house.