Things to see and do around Domaine du Renne

There is so much to do in this area so no-one should ever get bored and even if you don't want to do anything there is always the pool to relax, unwind and re-charge the batteries

PLACES TO VISIT

Listed below are just some of the many places in the region that are well worth seeing.
Within 1 hour drive:

Alet les Bains
Just beyond Limoux on the D118 is this small medieval village with lovely narrow streets and timbered houses. There is also an excellent swimming pool here as well as canoeing on the river Aude. There is a small café and a fine hotel in its own grounds with a superb menu.
Approx. 10 mins. drive from Limoux

Canal du Midi
You can cruise along the canal from Carcassonne (Port de Carcassonne opposite the railway station). Commentary is in French and English. Cruises depart at 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tel. 04 68 71 61 26.
It is also pleasant to stroll along the banks of the canal. At Castelnaudary, there is a large basin providing this inland town with a port, and an escalier d'eau, a series of locks.

‘Circulades'
A feature of this area is the fact that many villages are built in a tight, defensive circle often on a hilltop. Some of them are only one ring deep; others are two or even three, with the church in the centre as the last defence. This gave protection against the marauding French and English armies. The circular shape is still clearly to be seen in villages like Alaigne, Cailhau, Donazac and Loupia.
All are within 5 - 15mins. drive

‘La Cité' de Carcassonne
A 12th Century, walled town, restored to its former glory in the 19th Century and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Full of shops, cafés, and bars, it is the second most visited site in France after Paris. As you might expect, it can be a bit crowded but well worth the visit for some spectacular photographs. Plan to get there for 8.30 for a few hours peace before the coaches arrive. The cathedral of St Nazaire has some of the finest medieval stained glass in the country and usually free organ recitals on a Sunday at 17.00 hrs. The newer part of Carcassonne, La bastide de St Louis (17th Century) has lots of shops, bookshops and a wide range of good, mediocre and poor restaurants. The Saturday morning market is held in the main square.
Approx. 30 mins. drive


Fanjeaux
This is a small, hilltop town where St. Dominic (head of the Inquisition) lived during his crusade against the Cathars. Spectacular views of the Pyrenees and surrounding countryside on a clear day. There is a small café, a few shops and you can visit the house where St. Dominic stayed.
Approx. 20 mins. drive

 Lac de Montbel
This is near Chalabre. Good for swimming, walking, pedaloes. Not much shade in hot weather!
Approx. 30 mins. Drive


Lac de Puivert
The village of Puivert has a swimming lake with picnic areas, views of the Pyrenees and an imposing castle.
Approx. 40mins drive.

Lac de Cavayere
Just behind ‘La Cité' is this lovely lake, excellent for swimming and sunbathing. You can walk right around in pleasant woods and it is a pleasant place to spend a hot, lazy day.

Les Oiseaux de la Cité
On the way to Lac de Cavayere you'll see signs for this very impressive sanctuary for birds of prey - eagles, hawks, vultures and red kites, with hawking demonstrations several times a day.

Mirepoix
A beautiful medieval square, with arcades, a superb painted church and lots of
shops, cafés and restaurants - our favourite here is "Les Remparts".
Approx. 25 mins. drive

Chateau de Puivert
This fine castle stands above the town of the same name with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. Just outside Puivert is an excellent swimming lake with shady lawns for perfect picnics. 45 mins away.

Rennes le Chateau
This is a peculiar little village with an even stranger history and links to lost Cathar treasure. Perched on top of a red, rocky outcrop, it gives one of the finest panoramas in the area.

 St Hilaire
A pretty town 20 minutes to the east of Limoux which was built around the beautiful Benedictine abbey. This abbey is said to be the birthplace of the first sparkling wine in the world which is why Blanquette is referred to as "Le Brut Original."

 

 

Festivals

During July Carcassonne hosts "Le Festival de la Cité" - series of music and dance with world class rock and classical musicians and stars of opera and ballet.

Jousts are held in the lists between Carcassonne's inner and outer walls during July and August.

During the 13 weeks up to Easter each year Limoux holds the longest running carnival in Europe. Three times a day, every Saturday and Sunday there is a procession with fancy dress, music, dancing and lots of confetti throwing!

 


Places Further Afield --- up to 3 hours driving

Ax-les-Thermes
This is busy little spa town on the edge of the Pyrenees, on the way to Andorra (duty free shopping!). Don't miss the large open-air footbath by the old 12th Century hospital - but take care as the water is very hot!
The picturesque route is to Limoux, D118 to Quillan, D117 to Nebias/Puivery but at the top take the left hand fork onto the D613 and go over the Col di Chioula to Ax, a pass some 2500m high.
Approx. 1 ½ hrs. (easy way) or 2 ½ to 3 hrs. for the views

Chateau de Montsegur
This is a most impressive castle in a spectacular setting, on the roof of the world. Montsegur was the last Cathar stronghold to fall to the crusaders though the current ruins are the remains of the castle built a century later. It's a pleasant drive. There is a rocky thirty minute climb so sensible walking shoes are advised.
Approx. 1 ½ hrs. drive

Chateau de Peyrepeteuse
Spectacular ruined 12th Century castle, perched on a narrow crest in the southern Corbieres. Marvellous views - as far as the Mediterranean in clear weather. D118 to Quillan, D117 to Maury (excellent dessert wines here!) then left.
Approx. 1 ½ to 2 hrs. drive


Chateau de Puilarens
Hilltop ruined castle associated with the Cathars. Steep climb but worth the effort! Follow D118 to Quillan, then D117 as far as Lapradelle. The castle is just off to the right.
Approx. 1 hr. drive


French Resistance
The command post for the "maquis" (the Resistance) is in the hills opposite Puivert above the village of Lescale. There is a small museum in the log cabin rebuilt after the war by Resistance veterans. The original was burned by the Nazis during the final assault on the Resistance on 8th August 1944. Lescale was destroyed the following day for collaborating with the Maquis. A very evocative site and well worth a hike.

Gorge of Galamus
Passage through the gorge is by a very twisty, narrow road 300 feet drop on one side, cliffs on the other with frightening views (to be avoided in August unless you're very patient and don't mind reversing a lot!) You could go this way to Peyrepeteuse if you're brave!
Approx. 1 ½ hrs. drive

Lagrasse
Beautiful 12th - 14th Century abbey and a pretty little town. From Carcassonne, take the N113 (signed Narbonne) and at Trebes turn right onto the D3.
Approx. 1 to 1 ½ hrs. drive
Enjoy your stay and please let us know if you need anything

 

 


Wine Tasting and Buying

There are several excellent wine producers in this area and one within walking distance of Domaine du Renne.  It is owned and operated by a young, enterprising French lady called Sophie Delaude who offers tastings 3 times a week.  Check out her website on http://www.souleilles.com/