The Region of the Aude.
The Aude, which is in the Languedoc region of France, offers a full range of activities and varied locations for you to explore.Most famous is UNESCO's World Heritage Site, La Cité de Carcassonne. With ramparts dating back to the 12th century this medieval walled fortress is the second most visited tourist attraction in France.
This magnificent restoration completed in the 19th century, lived in to this day, has a maze of cobbled streets for you to explore. This is the spot where the author Kate Mosse has set her recent historical thriller, Labyrinth. Carcassonne and its 17th century New Town below La Cité offers a wealth of intriguing shops to browse and bars for you to sit and watch the world go by.
On July 14th, Bastille Day, Carcassonne presents the most spectacular firework display in Europe, with La Cité as its backdrop. The Aude region is noted for its breathtaking castles dating from before the Middle Ages, including Montsegur and others associated with the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars.
Closeby the Canal du Midi is enjoyed by boating and cycling enthusiasts as they coast along its shady towpaths under the immense plane trees that line its banks. Starting at Agde on the coast it stretches all the way to Toulouse.
The interesting towns of Mirepoix, with its ancient arcades and lively market, Limoux, another pretty town on the River Aude, source of the sparkling Blanquette wine are all within 20 kilometres.
Castelnaudary, home of the famous dish Cassoulet, is also noted for its inland harbour on the Canal du Midi. Bram one of the larger circular villages has a busy weekly market for all your delicious fresh food.
For wine lovers this region offers a diverse selection from the Malepere, Corbieres, Cabardes and the Minervois, all wines of the Languedoc waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
Further afield are bustling international Toulouse, inland astride the River Garonne, with its aerospace museum, art galleries, noted architecture, opera house and historic churches.
Not far away, on the Mediterranean coast, the picturesque seaside towns of Collioure, made famous by Picasso amongst others, Cap d'Agde, a Greek and Phoenician port and Sete, all with their wealth of seafood restaurants and glorious beaches.
The Spanish border is a mere two hours away so a full day can be enjoyed on the Costa Brava. The mini state of Andorra is easily reached south of Toulouse and is popular not only for its skiing but its duty-free shops.
A visit to Norman Foster's spectacular new bridge at Millau, taller than the Eiffel Tower, fully justifies the journey.
Activities
Golf
Carcassonne has an international standard 18 hole golf course, Toulouse likewise.
Skiing
1 hr's drive to the slopes of the Pyrenees.
Walking
From the front door of Le Chateau there are many well signposted walks from an easy stroll to a more strenuous hike. The surrounding area has a variety of walks. The Pyrenees for glorious mountain walks/hiking are within an hours drive.
Cycling
A French passion. Wonderfully quiet roads, a cyclist's paradise. Cycle hire available on request.
Horse Riding
Closeby stables offering riding for all abilities.
Angling
Peaceful lakes nearby.
Canoeing
White water rafting on the Aude.
Tennis
Courts for hire locally
|
