Maison Voltaire
Location
Maison Voltaire is a fully restored 19th century granary in the hillside village of Maury, located in the Roussillon region of southeastern France, an area that Europeans are beginning to call "the next Provence." Maury is surrounded by vineyards, with many tasting rooms within easy walking distance. There are cafes and restaurants in town and many more nearby. The spectacular Cathar castles of Peyrepertuse and Queribus are 20 minutes away. The Gorge of Galamus, with its wonderful hiking trails, swimming holes, and the beautiful hermitage of Saint Antoine de Galamus, is also about 20 minutes away.
It is a 30 minute drive to the ancient city of Perpignan and two hours to Barcelona. The ski slopes of the Pyrenees can be reached in about an hour, and a 35 minute drive to the east will bring you to the beaches of the Mediterranean.
There are dozens of wineries and tasting rooms within a half-hour drive of Maison Voltaire, so when planning a trip, do leave time to stop and sniff and sip the roses as well as the area's red and white wines.
The House
Maison Voltaire has been completely restored to contemporary standards of comfort and safety. The ground floor has a garage, laundry and WC. The first floor has three bedrooms and a full bath, shower and WC. The second floor features an open plan kitchen and living room, WC and small office or extra bedroom. There are two double foldout futons in the living room. The top level has an enclosed sunroom and open terrace with a view north to the Corbieres Mountains. The house is fully equipped with linens, dishes, kitchen equipment, stereo and internet access.
It would be ideal for two families to share for a holiday as it can easily sleep four to six adults and four children.
Your Hosts
The owners of Maison Voltaire are based in San Francisco, California. Barbara Lane is a journalist and Director of Lectures and Literature at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. Ron Scherl is a photographer and manager of photographic imaging at a Bay Area technology company. The photographs on the walls of Maison Voltaire are Ron's and are available for purchase. You can view his portfolio on line at www.stageimage.com.
Ann Walker is a chef, food educator and writer. With her husband, Larry Walker, she has written a number of books on food, wine and travel, the most recent being "To the Heart of Spain" and "Classic Wines of the Napa Valley." You can find copies of their books at Maison Voltaire. Please leave them for the next guests.
Ann and Larry Walker are available to lead personal wine and food tours of the region, as well as hands-on classes. Inquire about schedules and fees by email to winewalker@aol.com.
The Seasons at Maison Voltaire
We think of Maison Voltaire as a round-the-year house. It isn't just for Mediterranean beaches---although they are just 35 minutes away---or for mountain skiing, which is under an hour away.
Spring
This is a glorious time of year at Maison Voltaire. The vines are pushing out the green shoots that will bear next fall's harvest. The vineyards and meadows are filled with wildflowers, rosemary and thyme. The small beach towns are beginning to come to life and the first kayakers, canoeists and rafters can be found testing the waters in the nearby rivers and gorges.
The markets will be filled with the first produce----fresh asparagus, english peas, wild mushrooms and a bewildering array of salad greens. And don't miss the annual pissenlit festival (that's dandelion in case you are wondering) at the nearby town of Montner. You may bump into Gerard Depardieu, who has a winery there. Not sure if he's a pissenlit fan.
Summer
This is, of course, the high season. Everyone in northern Europe seems to head for the beaches of southern France, but there is room enough for all. The Pyrenees are glorious in summer. Bring your bird guide and wildflower guide and get out on the trails. There are plenty of swimming holes in local rivers within a ten minute drive or short bicycle ride and you can bike off-trail right through the vineyards. Don't forget to drop into a tasting room for a refreshing glass of wine.
It's a great time to be cooking in Roussillon. The local markets are filled with an abundance of vegetables and fruit. Think Mediterranean. That's where you are. This is the time for lunches on the roof terrace, with a few bottles of rose, followed by the obligatory siesta. Don't forget to book for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Fall
The weather stays warm and dry well into the harvest. There may be a few early rains, just to wash the dust off the grapes, but nothing to worry about. Besides, those showers bring out the mushrooms. Yummy! It's another good season for bird watching, as the migrating birds from northern Europe pass through en route to southern Spain and North Africa. Explore the river canyons now as well. The water is a bit low, so you can find hidden pools and caves that are under water most of the year.
If you are feeling especially ambitious, we can also direct you to winegrowers who will let you come into the vineyards and help with the harvest. You can get a tasty preview of the vintage after spending a few mornings in the vineyard. If that seems a little strenuous---believe me, it is hard work---stop in at one of the local wineries and check out the grapes as they come in.
Winter
This is my favorite season at Maison Voltaire. The rains will come, but not often. The air is brisk and clear. Even if there is a slight chill, you can sit in the solarium off the roof terrace and watch the mountains, shrouded in clouds or high drifting snow. There's time to read that book you always wanted to read---Proust? Dickens? Didion?---or better yet, write that book or that sonnet you always wanted to write. Or maybe just do nothing. Think long, slow thoughts and contemplate the wonder of love.
At the table, it's a splendid time of year. It's the season of game---wild boar, deer, rabbit---and serious mushrooms. Slow simmering stews are in order to match with the deep old vine Grenache and Carignane wines of the area. Come to Maison Voltaire in the winter with someone you love. Things will just get better.
Being There/A Brief Look
You will find a detailed guide at Maison Voltaire which we have put together to direct you to the best of the Roussillon, Languedoc and Catalonia---the markets, the wines, the restaurants, the sports, the arts and handicrafts.
We can arrange self-guided tours of local wineries or put you in touch with people who know the region well for a personal tour. We can arrange VIP lunches or dinners at nearby restaurants. The Maison Voltaire Guide has the details and information you need to make your visit enjoyable, including local markets, restaurants, beaches, skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, river sports and museums.
In Maury, there is a daily market in the plaza in front of the Mairie (town hall) two blocks up the street. There is also an artisan bakery and a butcher shop in the plaza. Two blocks down the hill is a tabac and two blocks farther on there is an excellent wine shop as well as the local co-operative wine tasting and sales room. Just a few doors up the street is a small mini-market where you can find most basics.
To book a vacation or for more information, please call Larry Walker in the US at +1 415 868-1109
or mobile # +1 415 497-2713.
Email: winewalker@aol.com
You can also contact us at info@MaisonVoltaire.com
Fees
Fees will vary with the season, with July and August being the peak period and rentals at Euro 700 per week. April, May, June, September and October are Euro 500 per week. November to March is Euro 400 per week. There is a minimum rental of one week, but we will consider shorter stays un der special circumstances. In addition, we require a refundable deposit of Euro 200, which will be returned after the house is cleaned and the telephone bill is received.
Our rental package includes a welcoming package of food and wine from local producers. There is also an honor system wine bar. Basic cooking ingredients are available. Please replace what you use.