Once you are here you will discover the term Le Pays Cathar (the Cathar Land) which was once the home of the Cathars, a religious group who were eventually exterminated by the Albigensians. Catherism spread from the Balkans to Toulouse. Albi and Carcassonne during the 11th to 13th centuries, however in 1208 , Pope Innocent III preached a crusade against the Cathars and joined forces with the Albigenses in a mission to wipe them out. After long seiges, the major Cathar centres at Béziers, Carcassonne, the village of Minerve and the dramatically sited fortresses of Montsègur, Quéribus and Peyrepertuse were taken and hundreds of Cathars were slaughtered and burnt. It is still possible to visit all of the wonderful fortresses inhabited by the Cathars, which are set in breathtaking locations. The Cathar Castles of Peyrepertuse, Queribus, Puylauranets, Aguilar, Villerouge-Termenes and Termes. Also nearby are the Galamas Gorges, the Abbey of Fontfroide, the famous Rennes le Chateau (associated with the Da Vinci Code), the pretty village of Lagrasse (one of the most beautiful villages in France) and the Roman Aquaduct of Ansignan.

Cassoulet - is the most famous dish of the region, traditionally it's a rich stew of haricot beans, sausage, pork, duck, mutton and preserved goose.

The Canal du Midi runs through the Trebes our nearest town where you can sit by the canal and enjoy a meal or take a boat trip and enjoy a meal on the move.

Wine Tasting which includes wines from Carcassonne, Malpere, Minervois, Limoux, Fitou and Corbiere Regions which are very local and tastings are available at many sites.

The village of Fonties D'Aude lies 15 minutes East of Carcassonne, close to the Canal du Midi and all amenities (supermarkets, hairdressers, tennis etc.) in Trebes which is 5 minutes away. There is also a boulangerie at the bottom of the road 2 minutes walk.

Beautiful Wine Areas of the Minervois, Cabardes, Corbieres and sparkling Blanquette de Limoux.

The local markets are Plentiful and colourful.
The medieval city of Carcassonne, a fascinating World Heritage Site, a lively evening destination with dozens of Cafes and Restaurants and outdoor live music in the summer months. The fireworks in "La Cite" on Bastille Day are renowned throughout France. The Canal du Midi another world heritage site meanders through the centre of Carcassonne and flowing out to the Mediterranean Sea and as recently travelled by the
Chef Rick Stein on a beautiful Canal Boat.

The amazing village of Minerve carved into the gorges of the Minervois.

All through the summer, Carnivals and Festivals happen in each village, you never know what will turn up next. Throughout July, the Festival at the Cité brings Music, Opera, Dance and Theatre to town.

The Mediterranean with its wonderful seaports and sensational seafood restaurants. Narbonne with it's Cathedral, Canal, Fabulous Market, Waterparks, Beaches and Pink Flamingoes.

Barcelona is manageable in a day with tax-free shopping on the way.

Andorra for Ski-ing in the Winter and tax-free shopping.

Toulouse Amongst the most important Cities in France homes the Air Bus Factory (tours can be arranged) and for serious City Shopping.

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