Floc was the perfect base for our week in Ariege, with its fabulous views over the Pyrenees and so many day trips within an hour's drive of Coussa. We were traveling with three young children, so the pool, garden and neighbouring farm kept the kids entertained in between excursions, and every evening we sat and watched the sunset over the mountains with a glass of local rose once the kids were in bed.

Top highlights of the week: the medieval Cite at Carcassonne was a Disney castle come to life, a cable car/chair lift trip to the top of the mountain in Ax-les-Thermes was a first for us all, and the excellent lunch we had in Foix after climbing its castle towers. The market at Mirepoix also ticked all the boxes.

Sue & Robin were wonderful hosts - they provided us with the provisions we requested due to a late Sunday arrival, and were full of recommendations for local places to visit. The cottage is simple but well-equipped and comfortable (although there is no washing machine and the wifi signal from the main farmhouse was just out of reach), we had everything we needed for a successful family holiday.