Activities
History and Culture
The area is rich with historical and cultural sites:
Weekly markets are held at many nearby villages where delicious regional produce can be purchased. Take a whole day to savour the sights, sounds and smells of these bustling events. Carcassonne – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; Castelnaudary – Monday; Caunes Minervois – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; Lezignan – Wednesday.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne
Carcassonne Cité, a World Heritage Site, lies in the heart of the Languedoc Roussillon on the plains of the lower valley of the River Aude. Steeped in twenty centuries of history, Carcassonne is alive all year round with cultural activities. Each July a festival celebrating music, theatre and dance is held within the magnificent "Grand Theatre de la Cité" including a spectacular firework display on 14th of July.
Canal du Midi
Built in the 17th Century the Canal du Midi runs for 240 kilometres and is filled by a complex system of feeder canals and reservoirs. The towpaths are lined with 300 year old Plane trees which provide shade from the hot sun whilst you stroll or cycle from lock to lock. Organised boat trips are available daily as is boat hire for the more adventurous. This World Heritage Site will truly inspire you and is one not to miss.
Minerve
Classified as "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (one of the most beautiful villages of France) Minerve is the ancient capital of the Minervois. Set between the gorges of Rivers Cesse and Brian, Minerve will surprise you with its exceptional surroundings and its amazing history.
Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine
Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine (Giant Hole) is part of a large Karstic site which was created several million years ago. Explorations made so far have revealed more than 17 kilometres of amazing rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites in galleries of levels varying from 200-250 metres high – about the height of the second floor of the Eiffel Tower!
Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine
Cathar Castles
Catharism enjoyed a Golden Age in the early years of the 13th Century. Castles were built by noblemen at the very summits of mountains for protection and shelter. Visit and explore the remains of Peyrepertuse, Queribus, Lastours, Puylaurens, Puyvert and Montségur and enjoy a birds eye view of the stunning surrounding countryside.
Leisure
- Swimming - Either in your own private pool, in the nearby lakes at Pradelles, Lake Jouarres and Carcassonne or in the Mediterranean – approximately 1 hours drive away.
- Painting - breath taking scenery for artists to capture
- Sailing - At Lake Jouarres near Homps
- Canal Boat Trips/Hire - Daily excursions: at Homps, Carcassonne, Trebes and Castelnaudry
- Golf - At Carcassonne
- Horse Riding - All levels at "Mini Ranch" near Villeneuve Minervois
- Fishing - In the River Clamoux
- Cycling - Not for the faint hearted be prepared for up hill climbs!
- Walking - Beautiful mountain walks on marked footpaths – start these from the garden at Le Cabanial
Gallery
Homps
Canal du Midi
Lake Jouarres