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Accommodation

Chez Arran sits right at the heart of the Ariège; one of the most beautiful, varied and fascinating departments in France. Such charm and diversity is also reflected inside, offering you a great choice of apartments and rooms, all equipped and maintained to the same high quality.

A former farmhouse dating from over two hundred years ago, the front of the Chez Arran house looks over the Barry d'En Bas village square while the extensive gardens at the rear back onto an open, craggy hillside with great views of the craggy Ariège valley.

The large garden and outdoor areas include lawn and decking for relaxing in the sun or in the shade, table tennis, petanque and other games, barbecue facilities, and a 7.3m swimming pool with water sometimes as warm as 30oC during the summer months (available approximately June to September.)

 

Practical information

If you need catering it is only usually possible for large groups and needs to be booked in advance - we can offer tasty menus for 15 euros.

Bread in the morning can be collected by taking a short walk (7 minutes) down to Ussat les Bains and the cafe on a track leading from the right hand side of the village square. There is also a Hotel restaurant as part of the Thermal Spa serving croissants and other meals. Within 10 minutes cycle or 5 minutes drive you can find supermarkets, an extensive bakery, fantastic pizzeria le Mandoline and traditional French restaurants as well as other shops in Tarascon Sur Ariège. You will receive an information sheet before arrival. 

 

 

Chezarran during Covid19

We are open Smile but have some rules in place for guests at this challenging time when your health and safety takes priority over adventure. 

Social distancing

We ask you to maintain a distance of 2 metres from other people in the apartments and grounds

Payments

We usually accept payment by card through our online portals such as airbnb. If you are staying and want to pay for an extra night using cash please ask at reception. We are currently only accepting bank transfer for deposits and full payment on direct bookings. 

if you feel ill

If you have any symptoms of coronavirus (cough, fever, breathing difficulties, loss of taste, please report this to reception or call/email us. We will let you know about any self-quarantine procedures.

For your health and safety:

We reserve the right to close the premises, adapt any service we offer and ask anyone not complying with rules to leave. 

Food and drink

We cannot accept any external deliveries to the apartments at this time. 

Boulder wall and pool

The climbing wall is currently closed to guests however the pool is open. 

Hand sanitiser and outdoor amusements

We ask you to bring this and that you wash your hands regularly. Please clean handles of table tennis bats after use and any wash any toys.

Have a wonderful stay and we are looking forward to welcoming you.

We often rent for a minimum of 5 nights in the summer July to September checking in on Saturday and Sunday. However during the rest of the year we take bookings of 2 + nights, check in anytime. 

Anne, John and team

 

Maison La Montagne - sleeps 8

Maison La Montagne living roomThe centrepiece of the old farm property is now a three-bedroom house, sleeping up to ten people and with dining space for ten or more. It has been renovated to retain the traditional charm of the stone, wood and ironwork while offering all modern facilities and convenience.

 

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Appartement Lézard - sleeps 2 plus sofabed

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This one-bedroom ground floor apartment has been recently converted to a high standard and is centrally heated throughout.

 

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Appartement Sommet - sleeps 5


A  two-bedroom apartment, sleeping up to six people. It has been renovated to retain the

traditional charm of the stone and wood with traditional French "chaux" and stone feature walls in the bedrooms. It offers all modern facilities and convenience.

 

 

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Appartement Mezzanine Le Cheval - sleeps 4

 

This one-bedroom mezzanine apartment has been recently converted to a high standard and is centrally heated throughout. Characterised by ancient large attic beams and an origional colombage wall, Cheval embraces the local culture and traditional artisan work. 

 

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Chambre Le Chat - sleeps 2

Chambre Le Chat is a recently upgraded studio apartment above Appartement Lézard, connected by 

stairs but also with independent access.

With its own well-equipped kitchenette it provides all you need for an enjoyable stay. Alternatively it can be rented in combination with either Appartement Lézard or Cheval which is next door in the same building if you need more space. 

 

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The Nest - sleeps 4

The nest is part of our main residence and is our newest offering with one bedroom and an open plan living area and a large window overlooking the garden and Thai Cushion area.  The second sleeping area is situated on a charming Mezzanine which overlooks the living area. 

A characterful open space with stone walls, exposed beams and a full kitchen with oven, fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster and dishwasher. This apartment has a bathroom with shower and toilet and a separate toilet. We rent this apartment for a minimum of 2 nights. Two sofas reside in a cosy living space with DVD player. 

 

The nest living area and kitchen

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Pool & Gardens


We now have a new wooden 8.5m pool, decked Thai cushion area and lounging platform, plus 1,500m2 of gardens. Dining outdoors with a glass of wine is a pleasure. We have table tennis, indoor climbing wall, trampoline and badminton net plus communal farmhouse space. 

 

 

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Guest Feedback

We had a fantastic time exploring from your farmhouse base - mountains, lakes, climbing, caves, cafes and castles. Thanks again for all your efforts (and for arranging the weather!) Alec


The kids were saying it’s the best holiday they’ve ever had. Jodie


We had a wonderful stay at Chez Arran. Many thanks to you both for creating such a great place to stay and for such a warm welcome. If you need any 'guest testimonials' for the website then all of us have only good things to say! I'm sure I'll be back soon. Alun


I really learned a lot.  I probably should have got some coaching earlier, especially as I have in most of my other sporting interests (skiing, running, yoga). Most importantly, I am now quite inspired and have some real climbing goals and some idea of how to go about achieving them. And will make a start at the weekend… Richard


Most of the time we were climbing in t-shirts but surrounded by snow! They have a great collection of crags within 10 mins drive from where they are and I did some great routes. The climbing style kind of reminded me of trad but with bolts. It was very varied and good fun. From Lucy Creamer's blog

 

November & half of December as promised Tony and Sarah Whitehouse returned. The weather was different to last year, even better. Two days rain in over 6 weeks and only belayed in duvets a couple of times in December. A load of new crags & loads of great routes. Thanks for another brilliant stay, not forgetting Zen, Merlin and White cat, we shall return. November & December T & S 2011


Good climbing + Good swimming + good place to stay - Happy!! Sachin 2011


Thank you so much again for the fantastic stay. Team Tilley loved the climbing, enjoyed relaxing by the pool and even dipping in it. The "spouglas" party was a night to remember - I hope there are many more! Good luck with your ideas for "green" Chez Arran, always happy to chat! We'll be back! Simon, Helena, Luke, Naomi and Flo August 2011


A lovely stay, great climbing all around. We especially liked the Auzat granite, cave painings at Niaux and the Spa at Ax les Thermes for soothing aching muscles. We loved the apartment and opening the shutters to that view each morning. Sam & Sophie 2011


Too hot for cragging so mostly in the mountains, Abalets Dent du Orlu (12 pitches 6a+), Les Enfants de la Dalle (26 pitch 6a+) - my third visit to climb this route so well chuffed! Peppermint Sinsat 6a, Friscounette - Pic Rouge de Belcaire (6a) and more.. A great trip - thanks for the weather!  Andy Nesbit and Jonathon Preston August 2011


15-22nd October Second visit to this wonderful area & gites. Like last year blessed with unseasonably warm weather allowing climbing every day. Also climbed at Appy (Gneiss) - lovely setting, Calames la Papy (v. Nice), Sinsat Verdun, good rock, approach fine if you stick to the path. All in all a great trip - hope to be back next year. Andrew and Susan 2011


Thank you for such a lovely week - you even arranged the weather for us! We've loved the scenery, the apartment, the friendly warm atmosphere... and Zen. Warm wishes Beryl and Gavin September 2011


Cheers for a lovely time - beautiful place :) & for lending me the laptop, very thoughtful. Roshan September 2011


We spent four wonderful days in the apartment and it's surroundings. The first day we went to the Plateau de Beille doing some cross country sliing, the next two days in Bonascre. After those tiring days of sport it was very pleasant coming back in a comfortable apartment in a quiet place like Barry d'en Bas. We're looking forward to coming back soon and hopefully can try a first experience at climbing with you. Merci, Erik, Sandta, Nastasia, Angelo


Dear Anne

We have greatly enjoyed our stay in Ariege and the apartment has proven to be an excellent base. To the other guests who enjoy walking we particularly liked our days at soulcem and l'etang d'Artax (if the memory serves). Smashing place and hope to see you sometime.

Clifford & Sue