Chateau De La Joie

The villa

Arriving at Château De La Joie is a joyous event in itself. As you wind your way through verdant, patchwork hills at the foot of the majestic Pyrénées mountains, your spirits are instantly lifted. Then curious anticipation sets in as you approach the small farming hamlet where a quaint country road rolls over a hill and leads to the entrance, where you start your way down the long, private drive. Here, you have already left the world behind, but nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of the château.

Sitting on a hill, surrounded by 360 degree views over beautiful countryside and the Pyrénées beyond, it is clear that this is a special place and a private retreat you will not want to leave.

The estate is made up of a superb 19th - century château, originally built as a shooting lodge, an adjoining 16th - century farm, two separate cottages and a splendid 12th - century chapel. Amongst the impressive six hectares of grounds, sublime statues by David William Ellis stand in silence and contemplate the views. Lawn gardens, flower pots and impressive trees adorn the extensive grounds with a private lake, which is often dressed in water - lilies.

Indoors the journey continues. Family portraits and memorabilia invite you to be part of this real family home, rich with warmth and joyous memories, which only a truly loved home could have. The elegant rooms are spacious and bright with beautiful views of the outdoors. There is plenty of room for friends and family to spend quality time together as well as lots of space to spread out. The new ‘disco room’ is the ultimate in family fun, with a bar, billiard table, dance floor and balcony with views of the Pyrénées.

This is the land of Cathars, an area full of beautiful hiking paths, ancient castles and market towns. A trip to the ruins of the Château de Montsegur, one of the last Cathar strongholds, should not be missed. Pamiers is only 10 minutes away and offers all amenities, whilst Foix, with its ancient castle and Mirepoix are a little further.

The Ariège is the flower garden of Europe offering 3000 species of flowers, 160 of which are unique to the area - a paradise for flower - and bird - watchers. Furthermore, the château is only 55 minutes from Ax Les - Thermes, a charming ski resort with a hot spring and hiking in the summer.

Château De La Joie is the perfect blend of refined and elegant accommodation, breathtaking scenery, history and rich family memories and it has generously opened its doors to new guests and their own memories.

The property is set in the heart of Cathar country, a beautiful region known for its hiking trails, historic castles and charming market towns. A visit to the dramatic ruins of Château de Montségur is a must. Pamiers, just 15 minutes away, offers cafés, shops and a lively Saturday market, while Foix (30 minutes) impresses with its hilltop medieval castle and atmospheric old town. The vibrant bastide town of Mirepoix is also nearby, famous for its excellent Monday market and year - round events. The wider Ariège region is a haven for nature lovers, rich in flora and birdlife, with opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. In winter and summer alike, Ax - les - Thermes (55 minutes) offers skiing, hot springs and mountain walks. Within an hour, you can explore the spectacular fortified city of Carcassonne, while further afield, Albi, Andorra, and even the Spanish border are all within reach for memorable day trips.