Attractions in the Languedoc

For Water Lovers there is so much to do. In addition to the Mediterranean Sea and many beaches just a short drive away, there are Etangs for windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing. If you prefer a slower pace and a little more peace, you could fish in one of the rivers nearby, boat down the famous Canal du Midi or just enjoy swimming in one the beautiful lakes or cascading rivers. Ribaute just a 5 minute drive is a popular favourite for those who love river swimming and for those who fancy a bit of snorkling just ask to borrow our masks and snorkles!

Children (and adults) will love the 02 Tree Top Adventure Park near Carcassonne Lake, the Kangaroo Park and African Reserve Park. A 15 minute stroll from the Gites leads you to the local goat farm where you can watch the goats being milked every day at 5pm and taste the different cheeses made from the goats milk. Yummy!!

We are in the heart of the Cathar Country and there are many magnificent castles to visit - Peyreperteuse and Queribus to name two. There are famous Abbeys at Fontfroide and Lagrasse. And of course your trip would not be complete without a visit to the incredibly beautiful medieval city of Carcassonne (latterly used as inspiration for Kate Mosse's book Labyrinthe)or Rennes-le- Chateau where alleged hidden treasures and theories apporting to be the 'Holy Grail' inspired Dan Brown to write The Da Vinci Code.

Wine Lovers will be in heaven with the hundreds of local wine caves to visit! You will be able to enjoy tours and tastings and we can recommend some fabulous local vignerons. We can also organise personal wine tastings at the gites with a Master of Wine or wine tours with a local company who will collect you from your gite.

Walkers, hikers, cyclists and horse lovers can explore the numerous nearby pine forests and vineyards - every day a different place to go!

During the summer months the area is alive with exciting (and often free!) events every week. From Farmers markets and picnics offering locally grown produce to Bird of Prey demonstrations, medieval jousting, live music and dancing! There are also lots of fiestas, and celebrations of Cassoulet !

Talking of food, there are many local delicacies to try and depending on the season you can even go and pick your own wild asparagus and mushrooms! Seafood and shellfish are in abundance. Charcuterie and wild boar, juicy cherries, nectarines and apricots, little fruit tarts, roast duck and let us not forget the cheese! Hungry?

There are hundreds of excellent restaurants offering good food at good value prices. En Catimini a restaurant with a difference in our village or try one of our favourites by the Canal du Midi. We will recommend and can book your restaurants for you. For real gourmet lovers why not try our local 3 star Michelin Restaurant in the nearby village of Fontoncouse, the Auberge du Vieux Puits.

​Slightly further away (and well worth the 90 minute drive) is Spain and the stunning Pyrennees so our winter visitors will find that a day trip at the ski slopes can be achieved with ease!

For those of you seeking a more tranquil and relaxing holiday, simply rest by our sparkling pool or treat yourselves to a day at a local 5 star spa centre. If you don't want to get into the car and prefer to stay closer to home. Book a Sports or Aromatherapy treatment or Indian Head Massage or facial with our own masseuse who will visit you in the comfort of your own gite! Now that's what I call relaxing!