Villages and Towns (continued) (back)

Albi...  with its brick cathedral and marvellous 15th century fresco of the Last Judgment, the Toulouse Lautrec museum, and lovely scenery. Marvellous for a one day visit.

Mirepoix... a bustling Monday morning market held in the historic arcaded market square, makes a great place to shop for local produce or just to sit at one of the cafes and soak up the atmosphere.

Castres...  a busy town that boasts a Goya museum. 

Limoux...  home of sparkling white wine, the inspiration for Champagne.

Rennes Le Chateau... a mystical centre, supposed site of the Holy Grail and other treasures. 

Castelnaudary...  well known for being the birth place of cassoulet - a savoury stew of different kinds of meat baked with beans in the oven.  The historic Canal du Midi which connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea,  forms a large basin in the town from which you can hire boats or go for boat trips - a very leisurely way to travel!

Sorèze...  home of the Abbey School of Sorèze which in the 17th century was the largest school in France. 

Lavaur... charming with its grand Gothic cathedral, brick houses, fountains and squares.

Narbonne...  within easy reach are the beaches of the Mediterranean, Narbonne is a lively market town potent with history of the Romans. 

Beziers... summer bull fights and fetes.

Historical Castles, Land Marks and Pastimes  (continued) (back)

Wine Tasting... although not by itself a wine-growing area, the Lauragais plain is surrounded by the vineyards of Gaillac, Corbieres, Limoux, Minervois and Fitou, making it an ideal base for any wine lover. 

Gourmet Dining....there are a number of excellent restaurants in the area, many of which serve the famous cassoulet.

Montsegur...  where the last stand of the Cathars against the Crusades took place.  There are now only ruins but there is a wonderful view of the surrounding area.

The Gouffre du Gabrespine...  a natural phenomena, a gorge inside a mountain deep enough to hold the Eiffel tower. There are short tours to see the rock formations or you can take a 5 hour underground walk.

Grottes de Limousis...  huge underground grotto consisting of fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations. Can be visited with guided tours.

Cascade de Cubservies.... stunning remote 50 metre waterfall, ideal for a walk. 

Pic de Nore...  the local peak has an altitude of 1211 metres, and a vast panorama over the plain of Carcassonne and the Pyrenees.

Saissac...  with spectacular views and a large ruined Cathar castle.

Gruissan Plage / Leucate...  for those wanting to visit the Mediterranean beaches here there are seemingly endless beaches, mostly with a very slight gradient perfect for children and adults alike. 

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