Where to go

[JanieB]

I have the builders in. They are doing some preparatory stuff now. My son is the project manager and has told me that I need to move out for 3 months around sept, October, November time.

I have 2 dogs and my plan is to take a villa in the south of France and take my dogs with me. I've been fascinated by the siege of Carcassone for years and would love to be near there. Any help, info etc from grapes would be gratefully received.

I speak French although it's very rusty at the mo.

[Alison]

Sorry can't help as don't know that area but sounds lovely. I'd certainly not be that brave though as I'd want to be nearby to see how the builders were getting on and find it easier to answer any queries.

[JanieB]

My son is my Project Manager and reckons I'd be a nightmare if I was around. He's probably right. He hasn't put it like that though. He just says the house will be impossible to live in whilst the work is being done. I could move in with a friend, or take a cottage in the UK, but I thought I'd take the opportunity to enjoy some warmer weather and see a part of France I've never been to.

I have the option to come back if I want. And I can keep an eye on things through the Internet.

[Alison]

Suppose it makes a difference that I've worked in the construction industry for over 20 years (and am a bit of a control freak when it comes to changing things at home as I plan them so carefully I guess I don't trust other people to do them without changes ). Bing able to see it virtually but do nothing about it directly would stress me to hell and back. If you're more chilled out and more trusting than me then you'll have a great time with the dogs although you might find friends want to visit too.

[Patchninja]

I can't think of any French grapes down that way..... am I missing someone? It would be a great experience!

[PyreneesPlot]

I guess I'm the nearest - 2 hours or so to the west of Carcassonne.
The weather should be gloriously good although the Tramontane winds can hurtle through and make it a touch chilly come November!! We will ususally still be eating outside and in shorts well into late October and I understand that (Tramontane aside) it stays warmer later closer to the Med.
Good wines, food, fish, seaside, walking, mountains, Cathars, culture - Toulouse is wonderful and Barcelona only 3 hours away.
September and October are busier in terms of tourism (here, anyway) but drops off like turning off a tap after the Toussaint holiday with a lot of places shutting down. Something to consider if you rent a place in a very touristy place as it may become empty for the last month.
I'd say do it! Although of course you then won't want to leave...
If I think of anything else useful I'll post.

[Kirk]

If you take the dogs they need to be vaccinated and these "Pet Passports" obtained.
You may also need to have them checked in France before you return, I have a feeling it is not simply get them jabbed here and then go and return.

So check up well in advance.

[greenishfing]

I spent a few weeks touring around that area a few years ago with my husband in October and it was great and the weather was warm.

On the subject of dogs, if they have got their pet passports there is no problem (apart from when they break their lead in the Pyrenees and have to be caught). I drove one back from Spain, through France, a few years ago for a friend and I think I just needed to get it an injection for ticks within a couple of days of getting the ferry back which was no problem.