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Things to do
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Carcassonne - The Mediaeval City (La Cite). When staying in this region you must visit La Cite - a World Heritage Site. As well as the historic site, there are many shops, bars and restaurants - catering for all tastes and budgets. It’s touristy but there are some gems which are worth seeking out.
Click here for the official Carcassonne tourist website |
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Im@ginarium – a French interactive museum recounting the history of the Cathars. Open Easter-June & Sept-Oct -check with the Tourist Information Office for times; July & Aug daily 10.30am-7pm. €7. Rue St Jean.
Les Oiseaux a la Cite A 45 minute long live falconry show. Open July & Aug daily 2.30pm-6pm; April-Oct Sun 3pm & 4.30pm. €5 Colline de Pech Mary (a 15 minute walk south of La Cite).
Musee des Beaux – Arts Holds temporary exhibitions as well as a collection of 18th century landscapes. Open mid-June to mid-Sept Wed-Sun 10am-6pm; mid-Sept to mid-June Tues-Sat 10am-12noon& 2-6pm; free. Rue de Verdun
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The market (food). Tues, Thurs & Sat mornings in Place Carnot, Carcassonne. Saturday mornings are best. You can browse the food stalls, taste what’s on offer, and finish off by sitting in one of the many bars, enjoying an aperitif as you watch the world go by. |
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Lac de la Cavayere Also known as Carcassonne Plage. (Closer than Narbonne Plage). It’s a small lake that offers water sports and lots of scope for swimming & sunbathing. It gets busy at weekends, so get there early and bag your spot!
Chateau de Ventenac Situated on the Canal, at Ventenac. A beautiful Chateau – perfect for wine-tasting and exploring the countryside. It will take you about 25 minutes to get there from Trebes.
Golf course – Route de St Hilaire, Auriac Open to the public, all year round. Opening hours – 8.30am – 6pm. Prices are for the day - low season (1st Oct- 31st May) - €38 single, €60 couples - high season (1st June – 30 Sept) - €45 single, €75 couples. It’s takes approximately 10 minutes from Trebes. |
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Grotte de Limousis and Gouffre Geant de Cabrespine This cave complex boasts calcite formations, including the largest known cluster of the crystalline mineral aragonite. At Cabrespine (Europe's largest open cave), take the one hour guided tour or the 5 hour tour (involving climbing down/up 38 ladders!)A really worthwhile visit. There are lively English-speaking guides. Open daily March & Oct 2-5pm; April to June 10am - 12 & 2 - 6pm; July & Aug 10 - 6pm; Sept 10 - 12 & 2-5.30pm; €6.20. |
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Narbonne and the Mediterranean coast
Narbonne is a
fascinating university city. The coastline is varied - wide, sandy beaches
at Narbonne offer good bathing, but it gets crowded in July and August. It
has all the usual holiday resort paraphernalia. Nearer Spain, the artistic
heritage is promoted e.g. Collioure.
A
trip to Barcelona (under 300 kms) is possible in a day, but overnight is
more relaxing. Don't forget the duty free shopping at the border and at
Andorra. The drive through the Pyrenees is spectacular. Mirepoix A picturesque town, said to be the region’s best preserved mediaeval town. It features a stunningly carved 14th century town hall now converted into a hotel.
Rafting, canoeing, climbing & canyoning trips. If you are interested, contact the gite d’etape at Quillan. Tel: 04 6820 3369. |
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Markets and Vide Greniers There are a host of markets in the region throughout the week that sell food, clothes and an assortment of other goods (we have a copy of the Markets in France book). Watch out for signs for the “Vide Grenier” as well. These are the equivalent to car boot sales and they take place on Sundays in villages throughout the summer and autumn. |
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The Cathar Castles The region is famous for its Cathar history and the castles associated with it, of which La Cite is one example. For those who have a cultural leaning, this is a recommended addition to your stay here.
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