When I gave my partner the short list of 10 properties to choose from he didn't get past this one! 1. It's next to the river. 2. There is a boat.
As we were going in October there was an undercover terrace and wood burning stove so it ticked my boxes.
On arrival we realised it ticked all possible boxes. The chalet has been in the family for decades and has just been beautifully and lovingly restored to a high standard whilst retaining the charm of the original building.
The open plan living room kitchen has windows all round, overlooks the river, so light and spacious . The bedroom is airy and snug. The bathroom has a double shower and large sink.
The decor is tasteful and stylish and there is everything you need for modern living (nespresso machine, juicer, wifi, more crockery and cutlery you can shake a big stick at, lovely shower, DVD, TV, huge gas BBQ on the terrace). And a boat.
There is a welcome pack of bread, butter, local fruit juice, marmalade, coffee which is great until you have time to shop the next day.
It is so calm and peaceful. The river, wide and slow running adds to total switch off. There are loungers, chairs on the pontoon and a beautiful covered terrace overlooking the river for eating.
Eliane and Phillipe were so welcoming and friendly, very thorough in explaining everything in the chalet and surrounding area. We felt very honoured as the first English to stay! Philippe was very helpful showing us how to use the boat (there is an extra charge for this but worth it for evening meandering up the river at sunset).
The local town of Marssac (3 mins drive) has 4 boulangeries, great local wine shop with very helpful owner, spar, great hairdressers (ask for Annie!) and a basic market on a Friday morning (cheese, bread, fruit and veg, fresh fish, butcher).
The chalet is perfectly situated to see all the local sites, Albi, Cours sur Ciel, Gaillac, Lisle sur Tarn, Puycelsi are all less than half an hour away and filled our week when we finally managed to drag ourselves away (and get him off the boat!). Toulouse is less than an hour away.
We would have no hesitation to come back again for a recharge (and the boat). The area is stunning and the chalet makes it all a perfect package.
And did I mention the boat......?!