A romantic weekend in
Volvestre
My partner
and myself had the chance to discover Volvestre as we were passing through the
region: on our way back from our holidays in the Hautes-Pyrenees, we had
planned to stop before going back home to Nîmes.
We decided to
begin the stay on a Sunday, as we had to leave our previous holiday home on
Saturday. We spent the first night in an unusual place called the
“Robinsonades”: it features wooden huts nestled in the treetops, in
Saint-Christaud. We looked up on their website and booked “La cabane des elfes”
for a night, which is a 2-person accommodation, perfect for us. This
accommodation offers a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees, and the wooden hut in
the trees cut us off completely from the rest of the world, just for a
night.
On Sunday
morning, we went to Rieux-Volvestre in order to discover its rich heritage,
visit its cathedral and walk around town. A document that the Tourist Office
gave us traced all the monuments and the places to visit in the old city
centre.
After this lovely walk, we didn’t know where to eat but really fancied a pizza. We decided to go to Casa Vostra in Carbonne. We were warmly welcomed in a friendly atmosphere and with fresh, quality products.
In the
afternoon, in the lovely weather, we fancied going to a refreshing place. We
were told about the Source Wake Park but the activities there were a little too
extreme. Therefore we went to the nautical base of Carbonne which features
several activities, such as catamaran, windsurfing, rowing or canoeing. For our
part, we discovered canoeing and the catamaran: they are fairly physical
activities but fun, taking place on calm water. The only downside is the lack
of a small beach to be able to rest after having spent so much energy.
On Sunday
night, we picked a Bed&Breakfast at the Villa Montplaisir in Latrape. The
hostess booked us in the “Tour d’Ivoire”. Its refined design enabled us to
spend time together in a calm and pretty room, enhanced by a wonderful view of
the Pyrenees. In the morning, we were able to enjoy a massage that my partner
had booked secretly, as well as the Spa and sauna. The welcome was very warm
and we highly recommend it.
Later in the
morning, we went to the André Abbal museum in Carbonne, which features some
interesting and very well maintained sculptures. We were able to discover the
artist, the first sculptor to use the direct cut technique. From June to
September, the museum also hosts contemporary temporary exhibitions.
We wanted to
spend the afternoon in Carbonne. The Tourist Office suggested the “Balade au
fil de l’eau” (“The walk along the water”), a calm walk alongside the Garonne,
to do when the weather is good. We were also recommended the “Balade au fil du
temps” (“The walk through time”), a walk that takes us through the pretty town
and its history, going through several eras, following the meandering Garonne
to finish at the starting point.
We booked a
different place for our last night in Volvestre: The Château de la Terrasse in
Carbonne, which offers small apartments, in a beautiful place full of history.
Another benefit of this place, the restaurant is located onsite. This old royal
fabric factory offers simple food, at very affordable prices in an enchanting
setting.
The owner
suggested we take a walk in the moonlight on the nearby terrace of the castle,
with a view over the Garonne, where I had the charming surprise to be proposed!!!
The bedroom we spent the night in was very comfortable, but the excitement I
was feeling kept me from sleeping…
It’s on this
romantic note that our stay in Volvestre ended. We discovered some absolutely
beautiful places and villages and we hope to come soon to discover even more. Maybe for our wedding, who
knows…
