This is one of the main wine growing regions of France with many well known areas to chose from including Minervois and Corbieres.

A wide range is available from the local supermarkets, or the towns wine merchant has a more discerning selection. There are organised wine tours around the region. You can taste before you buy direct from local estates. Look for the “Vente Direct” signs.

Most recent vintages from 1998- 2003 were good but avoid 2002

Keep an eye out for:-

Blanquet de Limoux - Cuvee Princesse 2001
Domain Gardies – Les Mileres 2001
Gazal Viel -Cuvee des fees 2003

Local Estates producing good quality wines across their range
de aigle Chateau de Capital de l’Hospitalet
Clos de fees Etang des Columbes
Domain des Ravebes des Aveylans
Domain de Baruel Mourgues-du-Gres
Ellan da Ros Mas d’Azelon
de la Granges des Peres Mas de Chimeres
Mas de Daumas Gassac Lignon
Bugude l’Hortus de Lascaux
Cazes Borie de Maurel
Domain Gardies Alquiier de Ciffre
Mas Amiel Roc d’Anglade


There is a good choice of reasonably priced restaurants cafes and bars in town. 'The Palace' in the Place De la Republic is a favourite for lunch with tables in the square overlooking the River Aude (Omlettes recommended). For dinner 'Le Capio' in the Place Raoul De Volontat provides salad, pasta, pizza, and regional dishes in a bright busy atmosphere. 'Les Platanes' at the other end ot town is also worth a visit. A new restaurant is opening in the spring of 2005 which promises to be something special.

For a more discerning meal there are some wonderful restaurants in the area. Try the 'Peirre y lys', 5 mins drive on the road to Limoux, or for a very special treat (allow £50 per person) Le Duk de Joyese, a chatue Couiza (15 mins drive).

Wonderful walks by the river and in the hills a few minutes from the house. The whole area provides ideal walking country with a wide range of routes to suit all needs including the Pays de Cathare a trail around the Cathare Castles which passes through Quillan http://www.cg11.fr/site/default_payscathare_gb.htm


Hire bikes from the train station or several other places in the area and follow the specially marked trails or go your own way Map of bike trails

You can enjoy swimming in many of the lakes and rivers in the area. Ark is the nearest (15mins). At Puivert there is a small lake with a beach. At Mont Belle there is a large lake with beach, restaurant, boat hire and islands. Swimming in the Med from the wonderful beach at Canet is only 75mins drive.


Bath in hot springs and spa baths at Alet- les- Bains and Rennes- Les Bains 15 minutes drive. At Alet la ban you can also collect your own fresh spring water. It tastes wonderful and its free. ( Head for the spa baths by the river and follow the locals carrying plastic containers into the gardens. Wait your turn to fill up.)


A wide choice of facilities are available in the area including 'La Force' in Quillan who also do rock climbing and caving.


Wonderful riding and trekking in the local hills. Plenty of local stables available


Running from Toulouse through Carcassone and Narbonne to the Coast. Gentle boat trips or walking and cycling on the tow path.


Skiing in the Pyrenees can start as early as November & continue through to April. There are 4 resorts from 20 – 60 minutes away so you can check ware the good snow is before you set off. Font Romue 1hour and Andorra, 1 1/2 Hours away, have full resort facilities and the added benefit in Andorra of duty free shopping. Buses or trains are available to some resorts from Quillan. If you take a car you may need snow chains in the winter.


International circuits in Mirapoix and Perpignon (Largest circuit in Europe)

Recently opened in Alet-les-Bains (near the Casino) .Great fun, and quite scary, negotiating rope bridges high up in the trees and other obstacles on this cross between assault course and adventure playground.


Painting Workshops with Jenny Schrag

Jenny, an accomplished water-colourist, has been painting for over 30 years and teaching for the last 10.

Born in England and widely travelled she has successfully exhibited in Switzerland, France, England, Cyprus, Oman and Yemen.

The main aim of Jenny's workshops is for her students to relax and enjoy the beautiful Aude countryside whilst developing their watercolour skills.

Her informal instruction together with demonstration and constructive help is designed to meet all levels of artist, from the casual to the serious. Jenny encourages each student's freedom of expression while emphasising "The Use of Colour", "Wet on Wet" and "Composition".

Materials are provided

Small groups of up to 6-8 persons are prefered.

Jenny's fee is: £130 per day up to 6 students.

Additional Students: £10 per person.