Domaine de Rey

01/04/2016

My 'Last post'!

Yes, sadly my time at Rey is coming to an end. I have spent 2 lovely years here as guardienne for Rachel and Dave but my holiday in the sun is over and I have to return to that 'real world' someone once told me about. I will miss everything of course but plan to return to France as much as I can. So as a parting gift I have compiled a few pics - see gallery below - the hi-lights of my days exploring by bicycle and in my escargot van. Thanks to everyone for 'Liking' this page and posts. Rey will have some fab new guardians starting soon, Tracey and Mick. So I would like to wish them both well and may they have as much pleasure as I have had living here.
Je vous souhaite un bel été. et Au revoir mes amis.

Sally x

01/04/2016

Hi lights of my time at Domaine de Rey

17/03/2016

Toques et Clochers' this weekend at the near-by village of Pomas!
It is also a major event in the wine world - the second largest wine auction in France after the Hospices de Beaune and a fantastic opportunity to bring together wine growers, wine makers, merchants, restaurateurs and customers from all over the world for an amazing weekend of festive fun.
Toques et Clochers has been organised by Sieur d'Arques since 1990. - want to know more? read here:
http://sieurdarques.com/public/?p=144

Toques et Clochers est une vente aux enchères caritatives dont les bénéfices vont à la rénovation des 42 Clochers des villages de l'aire d'appellation Limoux, contribuant ainsi à la préservation du patrimoine historique et architectural local.

01/02/2016

Good morning,
After such fabulous last year of almost wall to wall sunshine, we are still having an very mild and pleasant winter and start to 2016 here in the Aude. Many a warm sunny day which has me leaping on my bicycle to take in the winter scenery bathed in soft light.
Spring is just around the corner and thoughts of holidays are on everyone's mind I'm sure.
Well just to let you know that Rey has some great offers for out of season bookings..Give Rachel a call.

01/02/2016

Before I came to live and work here, I often holidayed in France and absolutely loved it. I'm not sure about you but I would spend hours dreaming of finding a little place of my own here. The climate; the laid back lifestyle; the scenery; the fascinating ancient towns and villages. it all just gets under your skin. The next thing is, you find yourself gazing into estate agent windows looking for you dream home. Then your holiday ends, you go home still with that desire, Eventually everyday life is back with your old routine set back in motion and your dreams are put once again on the back burner...until your next French trip, then your are immediately back gazing in those agents windows again.
Well, if you do decide to act on your dreams [life is too short not to] You will find these people invaluable, so helpful, approachable and extremely friendly. ESREA France have just published an E-book with some really useful advice, hints and tips for prospective buyers [and sellers] of French property which, for a foreigner is of course, all rather daunting made more so through the lack of speaking french. Follow your dreams my friends. http://englishspeakingrealestateagentsfrance.com/

Smile Your Dream is closer! Easy Access to English speaking French Real Estate Agents in France and French Real Estate Information in English

09/01/2016

Bonne année à tous et à toutes. May 2016 be a peaceful and prosperous year for everyone.
2015 was the most gloriously sunny and warm year here in the Aude, literally right up to the end.
I was lucky to have spent Christmas in the stunning Pyrenean mountains only a couple of hours drive away from Rey in 20 degree sunshine still donning shorts and T.shirt . Our Christmas lunch on the summit was simple, mince pies and a very lovely bottle of Blanquette de Limoux. which had the effect of me skipping merrily back down the mountain. So I thought I would share with you some pictures of the day..... I'm not gloating honest....well maybe a little bit.x

19/09/2015

I have just read a good article on the wines of this region. It has given me a clearer picture of the Languedoc's recent struggle with identity in the wine industry. http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/frances-best-kept-secret It is a few years old now so times are a changing with the wines here now being well promoted, recognized and respected.. Rightly so as I feel [ through personal tasting of course ] that there are some great wines on my doorstep..... But do come and sample for yourself as the secret is no more.

Back to all articles Email Print PDF Written by Jancis Robinson 5 Jun 2010France's best-kept secretFree for all Languedoc Roussillon Tweet This is a longer version of an article also published in the Financial Times.For wine consumers, especially those who like hand-crafted, highly individual wines…

19/09/2015

When I lived in Edinburgh a few years ago there was a great annual weekend where historical buildings which usually charge and entrance fee or are just not open to the public, open their doors for free. Its a chance to soak in some of that history that surrounds us which on a daily basis we sort of forget about, we get used to it I suppose.

Well, France has a 'Patriomoine' weekend in which throughout the country the public can visit wonderful buildings and gardens for free.
Today I took the train to Toulouse as I booked myself on a guided historical tour of the city. It was well worth it and Elyse our guide was brilliant. We were a cozy group of 6 which made it easy to hear Elyse talk and not get lost in a huge crowd: This is her website:
http://toulouseguidedwalks.com/

Tomorrow I'm off to the Chateau in Carcassonne as I have only walked around the Cite but not in the paying bits...no I'm not Scottish or from Yorkshire either to account for being a skinflint.
http://www.carcassonne.monuments-nationaux.fr/

I do hope your weekend will be as enjoyable as mine.

découvrez "la guerre" tableau d O.Friesz via http://t.co/V6dlu4pJ07

26/07/2015

A week in September anyone?
We have a week free from the 5th to the 12th. This is a most fabulous time of year to visit Rey. Vines laden with fruit for this years wine harvest, warm and sunny days with evenings still balmy to enjoy dining alfresco and September brings the most stunning sunsets down through the valley.

26/07/2015

Another lovely local wine - Our guests at Rey last week called in at Domaine Saint-Martin for a 'Degustation' and were delighted with their visit and the wine of course. Well worth a peep if you are in the area
http://www.domaine-saintmartin.fr/en/home

Family vineyard close to Carcassonne in a beautiful and preserved valley - IGP Cité de Carcassonne wine - Olive oil - Wine tasting and visit by appointment.

25/07/2015

25/07/2015

Canyoning at Termes,

25/07/2015

I spotted Termes gorge a few months ago and thought what a good swimming spot it would be. So yesterday I set off on my bicycle in 34 degree heat over the hills seeking the cool refreshing deep water of the gorge pools, I wasn't disappointed. The water was deep and cool with a waterfall on one end and surrounded by watered sculpted rock, it was a steep but short climb down then it was straight into the cool water for me..perfect. Of course if you are looking for adventure in the gorges then these guys offer a great day out for the family canyoning the Termes gorges. I may just have a go myself soon.http://www.oxygen-aventure.com/english-outdoor-activities.html

Activités canyoning, rafting, hydrospeed, via ferrata, spéléologie, canoraft, kayak dans les Pyrénées Orientales et l'Aude en France.

22/07/2015

I never ever thought I would say this....Hooray it's raining!
I reeled out the hose, yet again early this morning in a grey sky, within no time a rumble of thunder and a few droplets, then the rain came down in a healthy flow. I can almost hear the garden shrubs squealing with joy....just like I did.

16/07/2015

Hot hot hot! Yes its toasty here, wall to wall sunshine every day. We are the lucky ones though as the famous Tramontana wind comes into its own in the heat and gives a welcome cooling breeze. I popped out this morning to post a letter and as usual got distracted by the hedgerows. Even in peak summer in a very dry time, the wild flowers continue to offer their beauty.

28/06/2015

Good morning folks,
It's been a while since my last post so I thought I had better drop by to say hello. I know that at last the UK summer has arrived and very welcome it must be. Here, its been sizzling away nicely for weeks. The cicadas are a great temperature gauge in the trees next to my roof terrace. The hotter it gets the louder they get but I love them as it reminds me of where I am...in the warm south of France and it still feels somewhat exotic on days like today, the shimmering heat, the light, the native sounds, all under a brilliant blue sky.
I has been over a year since I arrived in the Languedoc so I have seen a full season of viticulture on my doorstep in the surrounding vine fields. I am amazed at how much of the work is still done by the hand of man [and woman]. Also the amount of tending to the crop that goes on as the seasons change. I have come to appreciate that bottle of wine even more. Here is a great website on the regional wines that may interest you. Meanwhile until the next time, enjoy your day. http://languedocadventure.com/

09/06/2015

Next year St Hilaire!

04/06/2015

Whilst the UK is sadly experiencing some pretty rotten weather, here in the Aude we are basking in 28/30 degrees and I'm loving every minute of it. The garden is very happy too..here are some pics from the other evening all looking very 'rosy'.... whilst I'm looking for the Rosé. Santé!

24/05/2015

May 2015 at Domaine de Rey

20/05/2015

If you are busy making plans for your holiday then it's always worthwhile checking in advance what is happening in the local region. There is nearly always a local market with fresh fruit and veg for sale,; a village fair or vide grenier where you never know what you will find. also a great way to spend a morning mixing with the locals and trying out your french.
A great source of local info, events and so on is the Aude Flyer
http://www.audeflyer.com/

You just never know what you will find.

14/05/2015

Once upon a time.... the book club girls came for a long weekend at Domaine de Rey, adventures they had, daytime rambles over the hills, river swimming, balmy evenings shared by the pool with great food,wine and conversation..... not a book in sight.

13/05/2015

I have just returned from a lovely lunch at Domaine Gayda http://www.domainegayda.com/ Their restaurant is superb in a wonderful setting and they produce some of the best wines [ I was driving unfortunately so had to resist their delicious and highly acclaimed wine selection] For those who may also be the driver in the bunch they do make a fresh raspberry crush which was actually delicious and perfect on a hot sultry day like today. Its the perfect place for a special treat whilst on your holiday.

Domaine GaydaChemin de Moscou11300 Brugairolles, FranceTel: +33 (0) 468 31 64 14Restaurant: +33 (0) 468 20 65 87Fax: +33 (0) 468 20 78 31

12/05/2015

The weather has been fantastic 25 to 30 degrees and sunny for a few weeks. Late spring is full of colour and aroma.
A lovely walk from the house will take you up over the near-by hills following an uphill path with welcome shade in these kind of temperatures. you are then surprised when the view opens up in front and you realise how high you have climbed. In May there is an abundance of wild mountain thyme humming with busy bees, the air is perfumed with the thyme and the yellow broom. With blue Aquilegia [granny's bonnets] growing in the hedgerows. Yesterday morning a Hoopoe bird arrived on it's migratory route and sat in the top of the tree in the garden hoopoe-ing away merrily. I do love this time of year in the Languedoc.

07/05/2015

France is probably the best place in the world for a cycling holiday. We offer a guide to the top regions and provide advice on travelling by train, plane and ferry

04/05/2015

We have a few weeks still available for anyone wishing to escape to the sun.

AVAILABILITY 2015
12th May to 23rd May
6th June to 4th July
5th to 12th September

01/05/2015

Hi everyone,
It;s been a few days since I have posted. The reason being that I have been off exploring the countryside....again. Upon my travels in my escargot pace VW T3 van with bicycle on tow, I have spent some time strolling around the old parts of little towns and villages.
Many a moment I felt I had stepped back in time. This does happen quite a bit here as we are so lucky to be in a part of France that has many little places hardly touched by the 21st century let alone tourism. These photos are of the truly authentic french doors and windows that are a bit of an obsession with me.

18/04/2015

Flower power - A walk to the shops took longer than expected as I was rather distracted on route by these lovely flowers, oh and a moth sitting on my door frame.

10/04/2015

Easter Lunch and Rachel's Birthday in the garden at Rey.

09/04/2015

This past week the weather has been superb. wall to wall sunshine. Rey is gearing up for the holiday season so it's been a hive of activity but I managed to get out on my bicycle a couple of days ago which was great but a killer on my legs muscles as I have lapsed a little of late. Here are a few picks including some of the route back from Lagrasse that I discovered on my last ride. The tiny single track road passes behind the Abbey and follows the lovely valley for a while which is a patchwork of vine fields and olive trees. very pretty indeed.

09/04/2015

French etiquette - is there still such a thing? Well yes there is according to The Good Life France. Here are a few tips on what to do in certain situations without embarrassing oneself.
http://www.thegoodlifefrance.com/french-etiquette-tips/

When you visit France use these simple French etiquette tips to make friends and score points with your French hosts.