Activities in the surrounding area

The village of Saissac

A walk in the nearby village of Saissac will immerse you in a medieval atmosphere that is paradoxically very calm and relaxing. During your journey you can admire the splendid view of the valley, and if you are lucky, the imposing Pyrenees mountain range. In the centre of the village, you will discover the big tower which houses the museum of old trades as well as the square tower. Don't miss the Autan gate with its three coats of arms, including the cross of Languedoc as well as the wash house.

Saissac Castle, a monument of Cathar Country

Open to the public only since the summer of 2001, the Château de Saissac is undoubtedly the oldest of the castles in Cathar Country and yet it is also one of the least known. You will be able to admire the most important monetary treasure ever discovered in Languedoc Roussillon. You will learn the history of Lord Bertrand de Saissac. Finally, you will take full measure of the Castrum de Saissac that you explore when you walk through the town.

The Lake of the Freedom Space

Located just 300m from the chalet, this small recreational lake will allow you to indulge in beautiful refreshing walks. If you feel like it, you can also try fishing. The Ayguebelle stream and its water that flows along the small paths will give you a feeling of being in the middle of nature that is rare to find just a stone's throw from the city. Also discover its arboretum and its playground for children.

Galaube Dam

The dam on the Alzeau, originally designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet to contribute to the supply of the Canal du Midi, was not completed until 2001. With its 8 million cubic metres of reservoir, it occupies some 65 hectares in the heart of Cathar Country. Perched at an altitude of some 720m, it was designed to protect the region from the risks of water shortages. It marks the start of the Canal du Midi with the famous Alzeau intake.

The Ramondens Forest

This magnificent national forest with its granite blocks surrounds the village of Arfons. It is through these woods that the old Roman road passed, which at the time was the only road to reach Carcassonne through the mountains. The forest also houses a holiday centre within the Château de Ramondens. This royal forest was very popular because of the regularity of its trunks which allowed the construction of boats.

Lake Lampy

It was on Garripuy's plans that the Lampy reservoir and dam were built in 1782. This 126m structure, designed to supply the Canal du Midi and the Canal de la Robine, holds no less than 2.6 million cubic metres of water. This 23-hectare area is only frequented by connoisseurs. In summer, it will bring you the joys of swimming supervised by a lifeguard, far from the crowds of the seaside resorts on the coast. You will also find a restaurant there with a small outdoor terrace.

The Book Museum and the Montolieu Swimming Pool

Montolieu became the book village in 1989 by joining the initiative of Michel Braibant, a bookbinder based in Carcassonne. He is also the founder of the Museum of Book Arts and Crafts which opened its doors in 1991. Since 2008, Montolieu has also offered a very pleasant heated outdoor swimming pool, with two pools and a solarium (but open in summer only). For non-swimmers, there is also a stadium nearby.

Lake St Denis

A first-class fishing lake with a surface area of 7 hectares in the heart of a commune of 8.2 km². Completed in 1840, its capacity of 304,000 cubic meters made it possible to compensate for water shortages despite the Canal du Béal which irrigated the village. A calm and pleasant space from which you can follow the water as it winds through the rocks. It is also the starting point for hikes of 8 to 18 km thanks to the marked trails which will guide you into the heart of the Aude nature.

The Mountain Rigole

It was by capturing part of the waters of the Azeau river that Pierre Paul Riquet created the mountain channel which flows to "the Vauban vault (23km) then to St Ferreol (29km), that he gave birth to the Canal du Midi. Whether on foot or by bike, a magnificent walk awaits you under the coolness of the trees.

Vauban's Vault

This tunnel, some 122m long and 3m wide, was designed by Vauban to allow the waters of the channel coming from the Montagne Noire to reach the Saint Ferréol basin. Originally imagined by Pierre-Paul Riquet (died in 1680), as part of his work which gave rise to the creation of the Canal du Midi, it was not until 1886 that the vault was completed. Completed in 1688, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

The Medieval City of Carcassonne (± 20Km)

A majestic medieval city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that should not be missed under any circumstances. Carcassonne is located just 25 km from Saissac. In the summer you can even attend knight shows and bird of prey demonstrations. To give you an idea of the imposing fortress, a small tourist train takes 30 minutes to go around the ramparts.

The four castles of Lastours (± 17 km), a monument of Cathar Country

It is at the top of a 300m rocky peak that the Four Castles of Lastours stand: Cabaret, Tour Régine, Surdespine, and Quertineux. It is via a developed hiking trail that you can access the sites while enjoying a magnificent panorama. In summer, entertainment and a sound and light show are organized on the site. For example, you can watch mace fights or learn about the different techniques of the time.

The Abbey of St-Papoul (± 15Km), monument of the Cathar Country

The Abbey of Saint-Papoul is a Benedictine abbey built in the 8th century on the first foothills of the Montagne Noire. You can visit this jewel of the Cathar Country and immerse yourself in monastic life. You will also enjoy visiting the very well-preserved medieval village. Renowned for its pottery from the exploitation of local clay, the village is at the origin of the octagonal earthenware plates that we owe to the Marquis d'Hautpoul.

The Plaine Rigole (± 16Km)

This place, which is particularly popular with experienced walkers and hikers, is no less than 38 km long. The Rigole rises near Revel at Pont-Crouzet and joins the Canal du Midi at the threshold of Naurouze. Its real name, the Rigole de la plaine, is the only source that supplies water to the Canal du Midi over a distance of almost 110 km between Carcassonne and Toulouse.

Lake Saint Ferréol (± 17Km)

This dam is the main water reservoir that feeds the Canal du Midi. With its 67 hectares, it is shared by three departments: Aude, Tarn and Haute-Garonne. It is also a beautiful recreational area for fishing and swimming. You can go sailing and have a picnic there. It is equipped so that you can easily go around it. In the summer, there is even a fireworks display on the water. In the surrounding area, you will find many small refreshment bars and restaurants.

The Canal du Midi (± 17Km)

Famous for the pleasant walks on its banks or along the water on the many boats that ply it, the Canal du Midi is also a formidable technological challenge that we owe to Pierre-Paul Riquet. Commissioned by Colbert in 1666 to transport wheat, the construction site lasted from 1666 to 1681. The Canal du Midi is one of the oldest canals still in operation in Europe. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Many walks are organized from the port of Carcassonne.

The small town of Revel (± 20Km)

This medieval Bastide, crossed by the Rigole, can boast of having one of the most beautiful markets in France. It is here that Pierre-Paul Riquet, banker and businessman, had the idea of connecting the ocean and the Mediterranean by building the Canal du Midi. Revel is a lively and very commercial city. You will enjoy walking through its arcades as well as its market hall topped with a belfry.

The Village of Sorèze (± 20Km)

Sorèze is a cradle of craftsmen and artists. As you explore the area, you can admire the half-timbered and corbelled houses, the Saint Martin tower and its bell tower as well as its monumental church. Don't miss the Sorèze abbey school, an internationally renowned college, which had Julien Lepers as a student, among others. The abbey can also accommodate you in its hotel and/or its luxurious restaurant. You can also visit the glass museum with its important collection of old glassware.

The Village of Durfort (± 20Km)

In this picturesque village built on the banks of the Sor, you will discover all the know-how of the copper artisans. You can stroll through the alleys admiring the corbelled houses. You will undoubtedly be surprised by these central gutters which cut the streets in two and in which clear water flows. Do not miss visiting the copper and boilermaking museum. Over the years, other artisans have joined the ranks (basket makers, glassmakers, etc.)

The Galy wine estate (± 12km)

Domaine Galy is nestled on a plateau covered with scrubland in the heart of Cabardès, about ten kilometers north of the medieval city of Carcassonne. The history of our estate begins in 1907, when Auguste Galy, our great-grandfather, bought 7 hectares of vines. Four generations later, the estate covers 110 hectares, of which 55 hectares are devoted to growing vines and 5 hectares to truffles. Our parents, Jean Michel and Bernard Galy, shaped our vineyard and passed on their know-how and passion to us. Since 2016, Yann, Loïc, Camille and Romain Galy(s), have brought a new dynamic. Installation in a private cellar, creation of a range of wines, and wine tourism project, all associated with the black diamond of Cabardès, the truffle.

Our vineyard extends over 110 ha, in the heart of Cabardès, between 100m and 210m above sea level. It is at the crossroads of the winds, between Cers (dry and cool wind) and Marin (warm and humid wind). It benefits from both a warm Mediterranean climate while being tempered by the influence of the oceanic climate. But our wealth comes from the soil! Marine limestone with alveolin from the middle Eocene, lacustrine limestone from Ventenac and oyster marls, allow our vines to create rich wines with a beautiful minerality.

On the estate: Ampelographic trail of the Cabardès vintage, hiking and mountain biking trails, truffle conservatory between vines, scrubland and dry stones, await you. After the walk, a small cellar welcomes you, for a tasting stop. Do not hesitate to contact us, we are on site: 06 45 77 26 73.

The Limousis Cave (± 35Km)

The Limousis cave was dug by an underground river. Visited as early as 1825, the city set up a right of visit for the poor. Don't miss the 38m footbridge built over the lake. It was not until 1913 that the aragonite chandelier (monumental crystal) of the Limousis cave was in turn discovered. It is particularly highlighted by the sound and light show. Be aware that this cave was one of the first tourist sites in Aude, well before the famous city of Carcassonne.

The Lake of the Mountains (± 35Km)

Lac des Montagnès is also worth a visit for a swim away from the crowds of seaside towns. You can easily go around the lake with your family. The paths alternating between woods and small streams have picnic areas with barbecues, playgrounds and even a fitness trail. You can also eat at very reasonable prices, play a game of tennis or compete with your dear little ones in a mini-golf competition. The place is also pleasant for fishermen.

The Giant Chasm of Cabrespine (± 45Km)

The giant chasm of Cabrespine was only opened to the public very recently, in 1988, and it was only in 1970 that a caving club discovered it. However, it is one of the largest caves in the world open to tourism. The cave is no less than 80m wide and has a dizzying depth of 250m. A large-scale underground network linking Lastours and Cabrespine was also discovered, confirming the legend according to which ducks released into the "Reboul" came out alive facing the four castles of Lastours, a monument of Cathar Country.

Albi (± 80Km)

The heart of Albi is undoubtedly its imposing fortified Sainte-Cécile cathedral which stands in the centre of the square and the pedestrian area. Don't miss the Berbie Palace of the Archbishops of Albi, which overlooks the city centre and the Tarn. The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum (a local), brings together the world's largest collection of works by the post-impressionist painter. In the summer, horse-drawn carriages and a little train will take you to discover the historic centre.

Narbonne (± 90Km)

Narbonne is a very commercial and lively city with a pedestrian area. Crossed by the Canal de la Robine, it has very pleasantly landscaped banks and terraces where idleness is an art of living with 300 days of sunshine per year. Narbonne was the oldest Roman colony in Gaul. You can also see the Domitian Way (Via Domitia) in the heart of the city, a Roman road that linked Italy to the Iberian Peninsula. Don't miss visiting its cathedral.

Toulouse (± 90Km)

Nicknamed the pink city because of its houses made of terracotta bricks, it is a city whose dynamism is no longer in doubt. Crossed by the Canal du Midi, it combines the gentle way of life, small shops and cutting-edge technologies wonderfully, with the aircraft manufacturer Airbus in particular, if we had to name just one. In this technology park, don't miss a stroll on the Place du Capitole. Visit its museums, the natural history museum with its botanical garden and the fine arts museum: the Augustins, without forgetting the Cité de l'Espace.

Gruissan (± 100Km)

If you like the beach and the unmissable charm of seaside resorts, or fun balneotherapy, know that you are only an hour away from perfect happiness. You can enjoy a deliciously salty bath, the caresses of the sun and souvenir shops for a day of change of scenery. From Gruissan you can take a sea trip. You can also enjoy a good ice cream on the edge of the port rocked by the coming and going of pleasure boats.

Sigean African Reserve (± 100Km)

There are Zoos and Zoos. If you want a real change of scenery, head towards Narbonne to visit the Sigean Zoo. This 300 ha park has no fewer than 3,800 animals. With births almost every year. A car tour will immerse you in an African atmosphere worthy of a safari. But that's not all, wear good shoes because the walk that follows is not half-measure. It is possible to picnic on site.

The Pas de la Case (± 150Km)

Andorra is one of the smallest states in the world. Don't expect to swim in this principality. On the other hand, it has famous ski slopes. But what makes Andorra very attractive to tourists is undoubtedly its very low tax system which allows you to make great savings for the same product.