Domaine de Pech d'Aspe

The beds were in terrible shape, with worn-out springs and noisy bedding. On arrival, the place also needed a proper clean: there was dust, cobwebs, and dead flies, despite the €40 cleaning charge. The listing mentions a “factory” visit, but it wasn't offered, and the “factory” is only a shack. We paid almost 800 euros, yet couldn't properly enjoy the holiday or invite family over for the day. When relatives came by, they were locked inside the property by a padlocked gate. The owners demanded a 100€ fine for letting them leave. If we'd had to get out urgently at night, we couldn't have. The owner also won't allow a mother with a stroller, so who knows what else is forbidden. The pool is advertised as available to guests, but when the children used it, it became a problem. They had to vacuum it in the middle of the afternoon, so the kids couldn't swim then, or could only get in briefly at the end of the day. The Airbnb listing is completely misleading, and the owners have no idea how to make guests feel welcome. It's advertised as 15 minutes from Carcassonne, but the drive takes more than 30 minutes. Outrageous and incredibly unfriendly. Avoid this place for a holiday unless you want trouble and to feel ripped off.

There was no light between the veranda and the bedrooms, so you had to find your way by “feeling.” The rooms also had no soundproofing: we could hear showers and conversations next door, and it was hard to relax in the lounge with all the bedroom noise. Breakfast for two adults was just coffee, milk in a plastic DIA bottle, two small slices of brioche, two slices of bread, butter, and three jam jars, one nearly empty. No honey, yogurt, or juice. THAT'S ALL. We also paid extra for dinner, 19 euros per person, with eight of us there that evening. REALLY MEAGER: one aperitif with no snacks, then one bowl of green salad, two chard terrines, two scoops of ice cream each, coffee and wine included. The meal was over. We stayed the weekend of April 26, 2014, using a Smartbox gift voucher. Disappointing.

The welcome was warm and easygoing, and we found at Pech d'Aspe just what we'd hoped for in a weekend away. We spent three lovely, peaceful days surrounded by beautiful nature. The Corbières are magnificent. We swam in the pool and local rivers, and the garden produce had real flavor, simply cooked.

My 8-year-old son's verdict for the disgruntled was, “Pouët, Pouët, it's great there!” There's Wi-Fi available for free if you want it, though I have to warn fellow cell phone addicts like me that there's no signal in the middle of this beautiful mountain. I adjusted after a little while and got used to it just fine. We spent a short week with family at the Pech d'Aspe estate, and came away with a very positive impression. It's isolated in the mountains, which gives the quiet and simple setting we were looking for. The owners are discreet at first, but conversation comes naturally. Their welcome is warm and straightforward, and what we found matched the website description. We appreciated the little extras, like ice for picnics, a telephone, and explanations about soap making. The meals are homemade with fresh garden produce. It's not a gourmet restaurant, but the flavor, quality, and portions are all there. Pretty much what you'd expect from a bed and breakfast.