Situated in the Parc Naturel du Haut Languedoc, we are in one of the most striking and least developed areas of Mediterranean France, about an hour drive from the coast. This is a spectacular area and the Parc Naturel status ensures that the dramatic landscape remains unspoiled. The mountains are exhilaratingly wild without being intimidating. The surrounding area is populated by farmers and vignerons (the local wines, Faugères and St Chinian ACs, are eminently drinkable); there are wild boar and mouflon in the hills.Wild mushrooms and chestnuts are to be found by the paths, trout and crayfish in the streams, eagles and kites above. Famous for the marvellous quality of its light, a gentle luminescence which owes something to the mountain air, something to the sun's heat and not a little to the complete absence of pollution. A great area for an outdoor vacation it is also an excellent base for touring, there being much to discover in the vicinity and a big choice of open air activities.
Whatever your interests there is lots to do and see close by and if you don't even want to start the car you can relax in the surrounding nature.An area of outstanding natural beauty, the whole region is also steeped in history.The menhirs and dolmens on the plateau of the Espinouse are 4000 years old; some of the pathways through the hills are older.Villages emerged during the middle ages, many as fortified settlements, then as local seigneuries with their own place in a chain of feudal alliances and duties. In the 13th century the bloody Cathar crusades swept through the area; three hundred years later there was further suffering during the religious wars between Protestants and Catholics. The revolution of 1789 saw an end to all the excitement and thereafter it has more or less slumbered peacefully in the southern sun.
The surrounding villages aren't entirely without activity though. There are local fetes in the spring and summer and of course there's the vendage in the autumn; the wine harvest always finishes with a great deal of good cheer, infinite bonhomie, and just the odd taste of last year's vintage as well.It is an excellent base for touring by car, the beaches are an hour's drive, rivers and lakes for swimming are nearer and less crowded.
The spectacular cité of Carcassonne, the largest medieval walled city in Europe is about an hour and a half away.So are the stunning Cathar castles, the last strongholds of the Albigensians - Peyrepeteuse in particular is awe inspiring. Albi itself, well worth a visit if only for the Toulouse Lautrec connections, is about the same distance. For a change of language, the Spanish border is about two hours; for a change of direction, a couple of hours would see you beyond Montpellier and into the heart of the Camargue.
Activities
This is a great area for an open-air holiday, one that can be as casual or as energetic as you want. Outdoor activities are plentiful and varied. Botanists, geologists, ornithologists and painters will all find the region of particular interest. The choice of walking and hiking paths is myriad, from a pleasant stroll by the river to a demanding circuit over the plateau. Swimming in the gorges in clean clear water is a must on a hot day and we don't mind telling you a few of our favourite places. Canoe or kayak , either is great fun, descending the river Orb. Mountain biking is a good way of discovering the nature too and we know some excitng routes. The Caroux offers some spectacular rock climbing where you can stretch yourself in lovely settings; whether its tough technical routes or more classical alpine style ascents. Canyoning and caving opportunities shouldn't be forgotten about either; as well as golf, tennis and horse riding. It's really all here, more or less, on the doorstep!Places to visit & tours to makeLocal markets offering fresh local produce are colourful and fun to visit. Each day of the week there is one near by.It is impossible to provide a comprehensive list, there is such a lot to see wherever your particular fields of interest lie. However, here are few ideas: The coast, is an hours drive, Serrignan plage just south of Beziers is one of the less crowded beaches. Agde is worth a look ; the Cap too if you want people and nightlife in a concrete Babylon by the sea, it also has its famous nudist quarter. Nearby Sete , which is reached along a narrow causeway between the sea and the Etang du Thau (famous for its shellfish), France's second Mediterranean port; is charming and well worth a look. Return 'home', over the north side of the etang and make a stop in Pezenas.The Corbières to the south is a whole region to explore though one should be sure to see at least one or two of the Cathar castles . If time permits try and visit Minerve and the Abaye du Fontfroide (near Narbonne).To the west passing St Pons and the Grotte de Cornieu , near Castres are the Sidobres a collection of chaotic granite blocks.To the north are a number of lakes, notably the Lac de Vézoles and La Raviège , near La Salvetat sur Agout. Your drive should take in the Col du Fontfroid and a tour over the Espinouse which at over a 1000m alt, is always a few degrees cooler.Montpellier an attractive and historical Mediterrannean city, to the east is well worth visiting. The Lac de Salagou, St Guillem le Desert ,the gorges d' Herault and the grotte de Clamouse all lie in this direction.
Connections
Michelin map 339 Local
Away from the masses, but easy to reach ...
The autoroute is some 40 minutes away.We are well situated for the following airports:Carcassonne (1h40 drive), Girona - Spain (2h30), Montpellier (1h20), Nimes (2h), Perpignan (1h30), Toulouse (2h30); all have on site car hire facilities. Trains: Eurostar (Paris/Lille), TGV to Montpellier/Beziers.Twice daily bus service to & from Montpellier.
