Drinks & Nightlife
Within walking distance...
Lovely local brewery selling specialist beer, wine and often providing live music. Within walking distance.
23 locals recommend
BDQ Taproom & Kitchen (Brasserie du Quercorb)
4 RD 117Lovely local brewery selling specialist beer, wine and often providing live music. Within walking distance.
Cultural cafe for a taste of France. Music and food at the weekends. Within walking distance.
Café Culturel Chez Marius
23 RD 117Cultural cafe for a taste of France. Music and food at the weekends. Within walking distance.
Great bar serving home cooked food, drinks, and entertainment throughout the weekend. 15 min drive.
Le Stop Pub Cafe
2 Rue des BarracousGreat bar serving home cooked food, drinks, and entertainment throughout the weekend. 15 min drive.
Parks & Nature
Beautiful local lake nice for walks and summer swimming. Within walking distance.
23 locals recommend
Lac Puivert
Les JardinsBeautiful local lake nice for walks and summer swimming. Within walking distance.
Lac de Montbel
Large lake popular for watersports and fishing. 20 min drive.
Situated near the Puivert Castle, the Labyrinth is rich with historical and legendary landmarks. At the start of the path, you will see ruins of medieval windmills right next to the remains of a much more recent Nazi fort demolished by Allied bombings. Then you will travel to the land of legends, with natural wonders like “the squid oak,” “the harp fir tree,” “the fairy’s den,” “the witch’s rock,” “the great rock maze,” and “the ringed rock.” All of these sights are various flora and mineral oddities presented in the local language - Occitan - and explained in French through many descriptive signs.
The Labyrinth is totally free, and part of the larger trek, “Le sentier Nature,” is itself a
6 locals recommend
Le Sentier Nature Et Le Labyrinthe Vert
6 Chem. du Moulin À VentSituated near the Puivert Castle, the Labyrinth is rich with historical and legendary landmarks. At the start of the path, you will see ruins of medieval windmills right next to the remains of a much more recent Nazi fort demolished by Allied bombings. Then you will travel to the land of legends, with natural wonders like “the squid oak,” “the harp fir tree,” “the fairy’s den,” “the witch’s rock,” “the great rock maze,” and “the ringed rock.” All of these sights are various flora and mineral oddities presented in the local language - Occitan - and explained in French through many descriptive signs.
The Labyrinth is totally free, and part of the larger trek, “Le sentier Nature,” is itself a
Roquefeuil
A great sign posted 11km circular walk with 360 degree view points.
Bathers have enjoyed the natural hot spring waters for thousands of years - they are still used today as a cure for rheumatism and certain skin problems.
42 locals recommend
Rennes-les-Bains
Bathers have enjoyed the natural hot spring waters for thousands of years - they are still used today as a cure for rheumatism and certain skin problems.
A must see chateau, a challenging hike up with outstanding views. The Château de Montségur is a former fortress near Montségur, a commune in the Ariège department in southern France. Its ruins are the site of a razed stronghold of the Cathars.
143 locals recommend
Chateau de Montsegur
A must see chateau, a challenging hike up with outstanding views. The Château de Montségur is a former fortress near Montségur, a commune in the Ariège department in southern France. Its ruins are the site of a razed stronghold of the Cathars.
The Château de Puilaurens is one of the so-called Cathar castles in the commune of Lapradelle-Puilaurens in the Aude département. The castle is located above the Boulzane Valley and the villages of Lapradelle and Puilaurens. There is a path from Axat to the castle.
8 locals recommend
Lapradelle-Puilaurens
The Château de Puilaurens is one of the so-called Cathar castles in the commune of Lapradelle-Puilaurens in the Aude département. The castle is located above the Boulzane Valley and the villages of Lapradelle and Puilaurens. There is a path from Axat to the castle.
This Vaucluse fountain cascades into the cave for 36 minutes and 36 seconds, then stops for 32 minutes and 30 seconds. The change from almost zero flow to maximum flow and vice versa takes a few minutes. The subterranean pulsations responsible for this intermittence, only occur from July to October.
29 locals recommend
Fountain Fontestorbes
FontestorbesThis Vaucluse fountain cascades into the cave for 36 minutes and 36 seconds, then stops for 32 minutes and 30 seconds. The change from almost zero flow to maximum flow and vice versa takes a few minutes. The subterranean pulsations responsible for this intermittence, only occur from July to October.
Sightseeing
Puivert Castle
Rue du Chemin du ChâteauHistorical castle.
Beautiful historic village... good for shopping, visiting the cathedral, and eating.
Bustling market held every Monday morning full of French delights.
182 locals recommend
Mirepoix
Beautiful historic village... good for shopping, visiting the cathedral, and eating.
Bustling market held every Monday morning full of French delights.
Carcassonne, a hilltop town in southern France’s Languedoc area, is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cité, with numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. Château Comtal, a 12th-century castle within the Cité, offers archaeological exhibits and a tour of the inner ramparts.
482 locals recommend
Carcassonne
Carcassonne, a hilltop town in southern France’s Languedoc area, is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cité, with numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. Château Comtal, a 12th-century castle within the Cité, offers archaeological exhibits and a tour of the inner ramparts.
Referred to as "Village of Books", Montolieu contains fifteen bookshops, mostly specializing in second-hand and antiquarian books.
Here you can find two museums:
- Musée des Arts et Métiers du livre
- La coopérative - Collection Cérès FRANCO
62 locals recommend
Montolieu
Referred to as "Village of Books", Montolieu contains fifteen bookshops, mostly specializing in second-hand and antiquarian books.
Here you can find two museums:
- Musée des Arts et Métiers du livre
- La coopérative - Collection Cérès FRANCO
Camon is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Nicknamed Little Carcassonne, it is one of the most beautiful villages of France. It is a 20 minute drive from the apartment.
15 locals recommend
Camon
Camon is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Nicknamed Little Carcassonne, it is one of the most beautiful villages of France. It is a 20 minute drive from the apartment.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the untamed upper reaches of the Aude valley, Rennes-le-Château is cloaked in mysteries that have yet to be explained…
Explore this timeless village and discover the extraordinary story of Father Bérenger Saunière, the humble priest who changed the course of Rennes-le-Château’s fortunes forever.
Rennes-le-Château: a tour through history and an enduring enigma that will fascinate young and old alike.
112 locals recommend
Rennes le chateau
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the untamed upper reaches of the Aude valley, Rennes-le-Château is cloaked in mysteries that have yet to be explained…
Explore this timeless village and discover the extraordinary story of Father Bérenger Saunière, the humble priest who changed the course of Rennes-le-Château’s fortunes forever.
Rennes-le-Château: a tour through history and an enduring enigma that will fascinate young and old alike.
Renowned for the benefits of its spring water, the charming medieval village of Alet-les-Bains, in the upper Aude valley, has beautiful stone and timber-framed houses, as seen in the picturesque square, the Place de la République. Not far from there stand the remains of an ancient Benedictine monastery, built in ochre sandstone, which was founded in the 9th century, the Abbey Cathedral of Our Lady of Alet: the romantic ruins of a Romanesque apse, the unfinished Gothic choir and the chapter house of the northern entrance.
Fans of relaxation and swimming should be sure to sample the delights of the outdoor spring water swimming pool, which is open in July and August. Fans of whitewater sports can gleefully descend the Aude by canoe-kayak, raft or hydrospeed!
21 locals recommend
Alet-les-Bains
Renowned for the benefits of its spring water, the charming medieval village of Alet-les-Bains, in the upper Aude valley, has beautiful stone and timber-framed houses, as seen in the picturesque square, the Place de la République. Not far from there stand the remains of an ancient Benedictine monastery, built in ochre sandstone, which was founded in the 9th century, the Abbey Cathedral of Our Lady of Alet: the romantic ruins of a Romanesque apse, the unfinished Gothic choir and the chapter house of the northern entrance.
Fans of relaxation and swimming should be sure to sample the delights of the outdoor spring water swimming pool, which is open in July and August. Fans of whitewater sports can gleefully descend the Aude by canoe-kayak, raft or hydrospeed!
Arts & Culture
This museum evokes everyday life in Quercorb and opens a window to medieval music, from the troubadours to the ars nova, polyphonic music.
The atmosphere, objects and characters, transport you from rooms to gardens, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
17 locals recommend
Musee du Quercorb
16 Rue du Barry du LionThis museum evokes everyday life in Quercorb and opens a window to medieval music, from the troubadours to the ars nova, polyphonic music.
The atmosphere, objects and characters, transport you from rooms to gardens, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The museum occupies the buildings of the first textile factory Lavelanet dating back to the 1800s: the Dumons plant, with a total area of 3500 m2.
9 locals recommend
Musee du textile et du peigne en corne
6 Rue Jean CanalThe museum occupies the buildings of the first textile factory Lavelanet dating back to the 1800s: the Dumons plant, with a total area of 3500 m2.
Shopping
On Wednesdays in Quillan there is an Arts and Crafts market in the main square and on Saturday there is a food market in the car park at the Train station.
During July and August there is also a Night market in the Place De la Republic square.
29 locals recommend
Quillan
On Wednesdays in Quillan there is an Arts and Crafts market in the main square and on Saturday there is a food market in the car park at the Train station.
During July and August there is also a Night market in the Place De la Republic square.
A lively market on a Thursday and Sunday morning where you can find anything from hand made musical instruments, beautiful arts & crafts, and fresh produce.
39 locals recommend
Espéraza
A lively market on a Thursday and Sunday morning where you can find anything from hand made musical instruments, beautiful arts & crafts, and fresh produce.
Essentials
There are 2 butchers in Chalabre:
- A la Bonne Saucisse
- L'Entrecôte
And two shops selling fresh fruit & vegetables, and essentials.
15 locals recommend
Chalabre
There are 2 butchers in Chalabre:
- A la Bonne Saucisse
- L'Entrecôte
And two shops selling fresh fruit & vegetables, and essentials.
Open in the mornings for coffee, bread and pastries. Also a small selection of food goods to buy on the shelves at the back.
Café Culturel Chez Marius
23 RD 117Open in the mornings for coffee, bread and pastries. Also a small selection of food goods to buy on the shelves at the back.
Food Scene
The Pamir is a local restaurant within walking distance. Serving Afghan food and pizzas.
Adeline Et Yoan Traiteur is a local cafe and convenience store within walking distance offering delicious fresh bread, croissants and daily essentials.
28 locals recommend
Puivert
The Pamir is a local restaurant within walking distance. Serving Afghan food and pizzas.
Adeline Et Yoan Traiteur is a local cafe and convenience store within walking distance offering delicious fresh bread, croissants and daily essentials.
Pizzeria Les Platanes
2 Av. PasteurTraditional fuss free pizzeria in Quillan. Very tasty!
A high-end restaurant using local ingredients. Dine in the wonderfully atmospheric cloisters in the summer or the intimate dining room in the cooler months.
https://www.chateaudecamon.com/
9 locals recommend
Abbaye de Camon
3 Pl. Philippe de LévisA high-end restaurant using local ingredients. Dine in the wonderfully atmospheric cloisters in the summer or the intimate dining room in the cooler months.
https://www.chateaudecamon.com/
Offering lake side snacks and dinner thorough out the summer months.
6 locals recommend
La Buvette du Lac
Offering lake side snacks and dinner thorough out the summer months.
Local, traditional restaurant open for lunch and dinner in the summer season. Within walking distance.
6 locals recommend
LE REFUGE GOURMAND
Route Départementale 117Local, traditional restaurant open for lunch and dinner in the summer season. Within walking distance.
Fantastic restaurant for a sit in meal or take-away pizza. 20 min drive.
12 locals recommend
La Galerie
12 Bd Jean BourrelFantastic restaurant for a sit in meal or take-away pizza. 20 min drive.
Sit amongst the farmers fields and feast on homemade, simple but delicious dishes. Often with live music in the Summer. Only open in the Summer season. 20 min drive.
La Camonette
Sit amongst the farmers fields and feast on homemade, simple but delicious dishes. Often with live music in the Summer. Only open in the Summer season. 20 min drive.
Highly recommend this restaurant...
The Ariege & de Aude are an earthly paradise in terms of the range of local products. We therefore work as much as possible with organic and local fresh products.
Our formula consists of a starter, main course and dessert. At every step you have a choice of meat, fish or a vegetarian choice.
7 locals recommend
Restaurant CreaMundo
25 Av. de MathilHighly recommend this restaurant...
The Ariege & de Aude are an earthly paradise in terms of the range of local products. We therefore work as much as possible with organic and local fresh products.
Our formula consists of a starter, main course and dessert. At every step you have a choice of meat, fish or a vegetarian choice.