We are a Husband, Wife and Mother Team! Since the opening of Les Contes in May 2021, we have been fully booked. Thanks to the TV Programme, 'Help We Bought A Village' on Channel 4 (UK) and Replays we have become a beacon to those looking for a place to unwind, rest and sense the way forward. With series 2 now aired - we expect a continuing interest in Les Contes, which we are extremely grateful for. We love having people stay at Les Contes - because we know they will go home forever changed. There is so much peace and healing and a huge scoop of magic to be found here! There is space, fresh mountain air, a sacred spring, an old chapel, a labyrinth, Virgin Mary Cave and Earth-gate! Oh! And don't forget the Goats! And all our animals - which we adore and are learning to live alongside in harmony.

Les Contes is the last property as you climb your way through the towering gorge toward the village and chateau of Montsegur, known as the last Cathar stronghold. Surrounded by the Pyrenees mountains of “Occitan” France, Les Contes (which means 'the tales') is a place filled with myth, legend and folklore. Situated at the confluence of two streams and beside a holy spring, those who feel a strong calling toward Mary Magdalene will discover a place strongly rooted in her tradition. Les Contes, which appeared on the Channel 4 show, Help We Bought A Village was once a Catholic summer house for children and has recently been transformed into a spectacular Bed and Breakfast with its own chapel, year-long source, Riverside Bathing, Vegan café, Apothecary of Body Ritual’s and Goat Ranch Farm. Older still is what Les Contes stands on, as it was once a 13th Century Water Mill, hence the meeting place of so many healing waters. Les Contes produces a large proportion of its own food, keeping goats, sheep, pigs and a miscellany of poultry; a large thriving permaculture garden/food forest. That long, hard work, which requires Anaiya and Pete to be outside in all weathers tending to other living things, as well as a continuing daily need for long walks to explore old forgotten Cathar paths, caves and mountains, has blessed them with a deep and nourishing sense of connectedness to the spirit of place that they feel drawn to share with others. Montsegur, the last Cathar stronghold is a 15-minute drive away, or if you are feeling fit - a magical two-hour hour walk. Close by is also Gorges de la Frau, a most spectacular place where you will be overlooked by more than four hundred meters of vertiginous rocks. The approach to the gorge is impressive, as it winds down a narrow road with the valley sides getting steeper and steeper.

Montsegur, the last Cathar stronghold, is a 15-minute drive away, or if you feel fit, a couple of hours' walk. We are right in the middle of the Cathar heartlands, a region in France that is remote, wild, and strangely magical. Les Contes is situated in a Nature Reserve, so no hunting or industry anywhere. There is a special 'energy' here - exceptionally healing and peaceful, leaving you to walk away feeling 'blessed'. The French Pyrenees is a Wilderness of exceptional beauty, both inner and outer!