The Carcassone Region

The cottage is well placed to explore all that South West France is famous for. There is the local countryside with such picturesque market towns as Mirepoix and Limoux with their variety of restaurants, bars and markets supplying local delicacies. There are the local vineyards of Limoux and Cotes de Malpere, and not far away such other well known names as Corbieres, Fitou and Minervois.

Both the Mediterranean Coast and the Pyrenees, ideal for walking, skiing and other outdoor activities depending on the season, are within easy reach. So are the renowned Cathar castles and prehistoric painted caves, if history is more your interest. Other possible places to visit include Toulouse, Narbonne, Perpignan and Foix, and you might even consider a quick trip across the border into Spain, Barcelona and the Costa Brava. The nearest beach at Narbonne Plage which has large areas of sand and lots of room and a water park is 45 minutes on the motorway (80 kilometers).

Access is easy. Carcassonne airport is 20 minutes away with Ryanair flights from Stansted, East Midlands, Liverpool, Dublin and Shannon. There are also Ryanair flights to Perpignan (approx one and quarter hours) while Easy Jet British Airways, Air France, British Midland and British European serve Toulouse (also approx one and quarter hours). The cottage is also situated no more than 10 minutes drive from the Toulouse/Narbonne (A61) motorway.