An oasis all to yourself
The lower terrace at Le Fort Pouzols-Minervois is reached through the ground floor games room and down a flight of stone steps. This south-facing terrace basks in sunshine for much of the year. It is particularly pleasant for late afternoon drinks during the so-called Golden Hour.
Keen gardeners will recognise the challenges of gardening on the lower terrace. The summer sun can scorch plants and in winter the winds of the Aude region can wreak havoc too. Nevertheless, you’ll find the lower terrace packed with exotic plants, including bananas, palms, frangipani, bougainvillea, plumbago, lemons and limes. Of course, typical plants of the region are represented too. Olive trees, sages, rosemary and vines plus a selection of beautiful roses covering the pergola.
Relax and enjoy the sunset
Imagine stepping out onto your south-facing lower terrace in the late afternoon, as the sun begins its descent towards the horizon. The warm, golden rays softly illuminate the garden, casting a gentle glow on the leaves of the lemon and lime trees. The citrus scent wafts through the air, mingling with the intoxicating aroma of frangipani blossoms. Sprays of bougainvillea, in hues of magenta and purple, spill over the edges of planters, framing your view like a living tapestry.
In the distance, the Pyrenees stand majestic against the sky, their peaks tinged with the colours of sunset. This natural vista is a constant yet ever-changing backdrop to your terrace sanctuary.
A gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the banana trees, producing a soothing, rustling sound that blends harmoniously with the distant songs of evening birds.
Pour yourself a glass of local rosé, the clinking of glasses acting as a punctuation mark to the perfect setting. As you sip your drink, the complex flavours seem to dance on your tongue, each sip an echo of the rich tapestry of experiences that this terrace offers.
In this moment, surrounded by exotic flora, with the beauty of the Pyrenees stretching out before you, life’s complexities feel miles away. This terrace is more than just an outdoor space; it’s a sanctuary, a haven of natural beauty and simple joys that never fails to remind you of the wonders that life, even in its simplest forms, has to offer.
Tel.: +33 (0)9 77 21 84 62
info@le-fort-pouzols-minervois.fr
The French love their apéro, late afternoon drinks with nibbles. So what can we recommend for your stay at Le Fort Pouzols-Minervois? The region around Le Fort Pouzols-Minervois is famous for its wines. The village’s co-operative sells its award-winning wines from a stylish shop located next to the main road.
If you like olives, the region produces some of the best eating olives. In the UK, you can find these Lucques olives on sale in Waitrose. At Olibou in Cabezac, just the other side of the roundabout from our village, you can get excellent guided tours that explain the entire production process of these connaisseurs’ favourites.