Limoux
and Chalabre
Aude, Languedoc
LIMOUX
Aude, Languedoc
Limoux is situated about 30 minutes drive from Carcassonne and is well known principally for its Carnival that starts in January and lasts till March, and its Champagne like wines - Les Blanquettes de Limoux.
A town nestling in the valley of the Aude village, that dates back to Roman times. Vist the church of Saint Martin, originally dating from the 10th century, but mostly built during the 14th and 15th centuries - with a half gothic church tower. Look also at the Black Friars Chapel from the 14th century with its grand alterpiece. Walking around the center of the village at the Place de la Republique you can see buildings and arcades dating back to these times.
Other vestiges of times past are the so called 14th century Pont Neuf which affords good views of the church of Saint Martin; and the splendid courtyard of Clercy Hotel with some interesting cross vaulting.
Notre Dame de Marceilles - just outside the town in the direction of St Hilaire, is a pilgrimage church - where there is a black virgin sculpture that dates from the 11th century and has the reputation of working miracles. If you follow the path up to the fountain .... you might improve your sight as the walk has a reputation for curing the eyes.
Visit the Petiet Museum - for some lovely orientalist and impressionist paintings by Marie Petiet, and Achille Laugé.. If you love flowers and plants take a visit to Jardin aux Plantes la Bouchere - which has a wide and luscious selection of plants.
However for a real treat, and a taste of the best - try a degustation of Blanquette de Limoux, a champagne process that was as depicted in many a tale as being taken north to the Champagne region, a thousand or so years ago.
Limoux main square
Saint Martin
Carnival
Chalabre
Chateau Chalabre
Lake Montbel
CHALABRE
Aude, Languedoc
Situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, in the Quercorb, Chalabre offers all the charms of a medieval town as well as having the modern amenities that you may seek while on holiday.
Make sure to practice your "bonjours" as the local population will be sure to wish you a good day when you're out buying your freshly baked bread of stopping by the green grocer! The village is quiet, unassuming, and has a number of medieval and interesting streets and buildings.
Local sights include the Chateau of Chalabre, which dates back to the 12th century - which boasts many Medieval pageants with everything from Medieval dancing to jousting. The local church - Saint Pierre dates from 1552, with bells from the same period.
THINGS TO DO
* Tennis - free use of two excellent courts
* Cycling - mountain bikes for hire on premises
* Hiking trails
* Water sports at nearby Lake Montbel (600 ha)
* 18 hole golf course at Carcassonne (40 minutes drive)
* Horseback riding
* White water rafting and canoeing on the Aude river
* Trout fishing
* Jeu de boules in Boulodrome of Chalabre
* Ample wine tasting and picnicking opportunities
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