Places of interest in the aude
Chateau Puilaurens - 5 minutes by car. As well as being a superb example of a Cathar Castle, the views from the Chateau down the valley are truly stunning, well worth the walk.
Rennes le Chateau - the setting for the basis of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. Only around 25 minutes drive from Aux Quatre Saisons. You can drive up to the village and guided tours are available. You get a real sense of history here and there are several local restaurants. The views are spectacular.
Carcassonne - If you haven't been to the old 'Cite' of Carcassonne, then it's worth coming to the Aude even if you see nothing else. A World Heritage site, you may have seen it in the movies as a setting for several films including Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner. It's much better in real life! Entrance is free and you can walk all around the walls or stroll through the cobbled medieval streets. It's also absolutely fantastic to view at night when all the walls and the Cite are illuminated. People travel from all over the world to view the fireworks and celebrations of Bastille Day. A great place for a day out. There are many good restaurants here including Hotel La Cite which is extremely expensive but worth splashing out. Carcassonne is a marvellous place to sit and look down on the Canal du Midi which winds through Carcassonne.
Perpignan - Perpignan is where France meets Spain. Only around 20 kilometres from the Spanish border and with a real Catalan influence. There is an old town which is fantastic for a day out, beautiful winding streets full of boutiques and delicatessans. A perfect place to sit with a glass of chilled rose and watch the world go by! There is also a superb selection of restaurants here.
Mirepoix - Mirepoix is little known to people outside the region but is one of our favourite places in the area. The centre of this walled medieval town is still very original. The market held every Monday is superb and fills the entire town. It is, as several French friends have said, a market "like they used to have" in France. You can watch knife sharpening by hand, auctions of chickens and on a more modern scale, thre is a huge selection of stalls selling every kind of food and speciality you can imagine. The town also benefits from having many excellent restaurants up to and including Michelin star quality.
Alet les Bains - The ancient thermal baths here are popular for those seeking a cure to their ills. A charming old village complete with ancient chateau. There is also a lovely drive up onto the mountains with excellent views across the Pyrenees. For those who fancy a flutter, there is a Casino here with all sorts of ways for you to double your money!
Canal du Midi - Opened in 1681 and built by Pierre-Paul Riquet. Built as a major lifeline for the region linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, but now a rather more tranquil and beautiful place to visit. Much of the canal is shaded by magnificent plane and Oak trees. Until you have spent a day lazing around on the river under the dapple light you haven't lived! Boat hire is available, please ask for details. Perfect with one of our picnic lunches! Find out more about the Canal du Midi here.
Limoux - The town has one of the oldest Carnivals in France. A delight for all the family. In addition it is the centre of production for Blanqette de Limoux sparkling wine. This excellent fizz predates Champagne by over 100 years and was the first sparkling wine in the world. The chic market place is a great place to sit in one of the many bars and resturants and try out a glass under the sunshine!
Collioure - On the coast this charming and very old fishing village has become a meca for artists from all over the world. Salvidor Dali painted here as did many other world renowned artists. The village is packed with Art garlleries, boutiques and restaurants. A really lovely place to sit and watch the Mediteranian.
Andorra - A mixture of fantastic skiing, retaurants and excellent duty free shopping. People travel from all over France to pick up bargains after a day on the slopes.
Gerona in Spain - Only 90 minutes or so from our house, the Old City is well worth a trip to revel in Spanish culture. Recently voted 'the most special place in Spain'. Also it only takes about the same time to the beaches of the Costa Brava. Gerona itself is rather more 'upmarket' and stylish. A really nice place.