Raissac
itself is a lovely calm place to be.
- While away the afternoons reading books
under the tree.
- Join the locals in a jeu de boules in the
lovely village park which is just around the corner.
- Walk down to the river through the
vineyards (it doesn't matter which direction you go for the village is
surrounded by the Aude and the Orbieu.
- Cycle up to the Canal du Midi on one of our
bikes (it is shaded all of the way)
When you are ready for some sight seeing
then you are spoiled for choice.
** l'Abbaye de Fontfroide - a restored
Cistercian abbey founded in the 11th Century. Just outside Narbonne but
tucked out of sight deep in a valley in the Corbieres surrounded by
cypress trees.
*Sigean African Wildlife Reserve - 15km
south of Narbonne. This safari park owes much of its unique character
to the 300 hectares of wild coastal Languedoc land and housing more
than 3,800 animals which have large areas set aside which resemble
their native environment
**Basilique St-Nazaire Carcassonne- the
first church would have been built in the 6th century under the
Visigoths and King Theordoric. Documentation dates back to 925. The
stained glass windows are considered to be the finest in the south of
France
***La Cité in Carcassonne is a sight you
simply must see. It is the largest fortress in Europe. It has been a
World Heritage site since 1997.To visit is to be transported back
seemingly to the Middle Ages (although it was restored in the 19th
century.
**The Cathar Trail - an 117 km trail which
includes numerous castles and castle ruins including the 'Five sons of
Carcassonne' These precariously perched fortresses were places of
refuge for Cathars fleeing the Inquisition. Don't miss the ***Chateau
de Peyrepertuse.
Canal du Midi - this incredible feat of
engineering which linked the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in the 17th
Century is now a leisure paradise. Conveniently, the canal is just 5km
from the house - an easy cycle ride or a short drive. Between
Carcassonne and Beziers the canal winds its way through the countryside
following the course of the river Aude.
***Toulouse - Bathed in Mediterranean light
Toulouse can take on a variety of hues depending on the time of day,
ranging from scorching red to dusky pink. Touluse was once the capital
of those who spoke the langues d' oc. Now it is better known as the
capital of the European space programme.
Cassoulet Trail - if you like French
regional food (a la Rick Stein programme ) then a trip to Castelnaudary
to try their famous cassoulet is a must do.
La Clape massif - once an island now la
Clape towers above the sea offering some fabulous walks and wildlife,
not to mention stunning sea views.
The lagoons - the Aude coastline has many
salt water lagoons where traditional fishing methods are still
practised. Watch the fishermen collecting oysters then try some with a
glass of white wine on the quayside at Gruissan.
Visit the beach! The Mediterranean beaches
are long and sandy and not too crowded Narbonne Plage is the nearest
although Gruissan is prettier and Valras Plage near Beziers can be
reached just as quickly along the autoroute.
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