We’re artists at heart and passionate about recycling, so we divert a lot of objects. Benoit is an amazing handyman and Sabrina has 1000 ideas an hour! Meanwhile, Anthony learns from his dad and helps us if his teenage motivation kicks in…
Nearly 10 years of self-renovation, thousands of hours of research, rummaging through flea markets, scribbling drawings and sleepless nights to achieve the result you’ll see during your stay in Carcassonne.
BEFORE
gîte LE PRESBYTÈRE
This building dates back to 1650. It was built against the priory, our own home, which dates back to 1460 and whose foundations go back to Charlemagne.
The ground-floor bathroom was once a small courtyard containing the well that you can see in the shower.
The two houses used to connect through what is now the staircase, where you’ll notice the vaulted opening.
We’ll tell you more, but it’s a secret!
gîte LE COUVENT
This building dates back to 1877. It was home to 19 Benedictine nuns of the Holy Family until the 1960s. It later became a cooperative insurance agency for farmers.
Abandoned in the 2000s…
The chapel lost its altar, which we replaced with a bathtub. The original stained-glass window is a jewel that we are trying to preserve. Don’t forget to look up!
We’ll tell you the stories of the past…
AFTER
ECO-RESPONSIBLE APPROACH
We have been committed to an environmentally responsible approach for over 20 years.
We’re aiming for as zero waste as possible. Of course, we’re not perfect, but every little bit helps.
To support you during your stay and help you take your first steps into zero waste — or continue your own journey — we provide:
– On request: shopping bags, bulk bags and containers…
– In your home: washable or fully recyclable sponges, eco-labelled or homemade washing-up liquid. We make toxic-free detergent, dishwasher tablets and shower gel…
Here are some of the measures already in place:
– Responsible energy and water management
– Zero pesticides in our garden, and we feed the birds, hedgehogs and squirrels
– Zero toxic products, including household cleaning products We manufacture our own multi-surface cleaners and toilet gels. The toilet paper is chosen for its minimal packaging and eco-friendly production.
– Our meat, fruit and vegetables are bought from local producers, packaging-free and organic wherever possible. We grow some vegetables and herbs in the garden and we keep hens.
– 95% homemade meals (yoghurts, pastries, sauces and various dishes… except the viennoiseries, because we can’t match our baker’s skills!). We’re happy to cater to all diets (gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan…).
– Waste sorting and recycling
– Solar dehydrator
