NOVEMBER 2005

We spent several enjoyable holidays in South West France, looking for the right property and eventually we found what we were looking for in Chalabre, one of the prettiest villages in the area.  There was a school for Abi, a bank, a doctor, several cafes, two butchers, two boulangeries and several other shops. One hour from Carcassonne and not much further from Toulouse. We agreed a price and set a date for completion around three months later.
In November we flew out to Carcassone and collected our rental car. As we reached the other side of Montreal, (a hill top village 15 minutes from Carcassonne) there it was. The view of the Pyrenees – in all its splendour. Snow clad mountains with the winter sun dancing off the peaks.
Soon we were in Chalabre and pulled up outside the Hotel de France. We introduced ourselves to the owners – Marielle and Didier. That was the start of our friendship which has lasted for more than ten years and is still as strong as ever today.
We told them that we had booked a room for three nights but Marielle looked confused as she didn’t speak any English. My French was good, so I explained and showed them the email.

Marielle said it wasn’t possible as they didn’t open on Sunday evenings – it was their one day off each week. There must have been a mix up with the bookings.

We were both surprised, as generally we were pretty efficient with our travel arrangements. We discussed it and decided that we would have to either go back to Carcassonne or find a local hotel. It all seemed a bit daunting as we were tired and hungry and didn’t know enough about the area to find a hotel easily.

Marielle was talking very rapidly to her husband. Then she turned to me and said in French.

“Ok, Mme Wood – please, we can give you a room. We won’t be here tonight but you can have the key”

“To the room?” I asked.

” Yes of course – I will give you a key to the hotel AND to your room.” Said Marielle.

“Really?” I was astounded.

“Of course, Madame. I’m sorry the restaurant isn’t open, but I can leave you some food and you can just write down any drinks you wish to have.”
We were flabbergasted and could hardly believe our ears. Just imagine that happening in UK – unthinkable. We looked at each other and smiled. Abi asked us if we were going to stay in Chalabre for the night. We hugged her and said yes, and probably for many more nights to come – very soon.