Chambres d'Hotes " les Cascatelles"

Only the Pyrennees themselves could rival the grandeur of our beautiful, spacious room at this chateau, opening through tall, elegant shutters onto a little balcony - and those very mountains. From our balcony we could watch the cable cars and chair lifts making their sedate way up the slopes in their Summer green. Our lovely host welcomed us with some concern as we arrived a little later than expected, diverted as we had been en route by the heights of Col de Pailhieres. From our windows also we could look down onto the view of the swimming pool, which also looked out onto the mountains and down onto Ax les Thermes itself with its alluring market place and its spa baths. The chateau itself is all faded grandeur and elegance. We ate in the evenings on the broad terrace, having made out own meals in the well-equipped kitchen. We chatted to the charming owners who had had the place in their family for a long time. The breakfasts were very generous - lovely range of Viennoiserie, good coffee, a fresh orange juice machine and a big choice of other things to eat. all served in the elegant dining room among the other friendly guests. We met a young Dutch cyclist who as living and working in Barcelona. He said it was a great place for a keen cyclist to pit themselves against the famous Pyrennean climbs. The room was not only comfortable but beautifully decorated. The shower was great too - powerful, responsive and easy to use. The bed itself was large and wonderfully comfortable. We had a wonderful time. Thank-you!