​Places to Explore 


You will not be short of things to do from your base here in Montolieu.  You can choose a relaxing day just strolling around the local villages or Carcassonne, sample the Cabardes wines or plan a trip further afield to explore the rich history and towns/cities of the region.   
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Occitanie Region

The Occitanie region is composed of thirteen French departments, including the Aude, Hérault, Pyrénées-Orientales, Gard, from the former Languedoc region, and the Haute-Garonne, Gers - also called Gascony and the Tarn, just to name a few. Each with its own traditions, culture and history to explore.

The Aude
​Montolieu is situated in the Aude named afer the river that runs through it to the Mediterranean.  The Aude valley holds the Canal du Midi (a UNESCO world heritage site) and is flanked by two mountainous massifs - the Black Mountains (Montagne Noire) to the north – a short drive from Montolieu - and to the south, the Pyrenees and Spain.  The Aude has 47km of Mediterranean coast including the huge expanse of sand at Narbonne plage, adjacent Gruissan for yachts and watersports, and the string of beautiful diverse beaches at Leucate.

The city of Carcassonne, just 20 minutes away, with its own medieval bastide, but also home to “La Cite” - the medieval fortified chateau and town stunningly situated on a cliff above the Aude  - a must visit and another UNESCO World Heritage site.  Carcassonne has its own sandy beach and swimming at Lac de la Cavayere - just 25 mins from Montolieu.

A Rich History
Roman and Medieval Ages, are both key periods in the history of Aude.  Catharism – a simple form of Christianity - flourished in the region for over 200 years until 1200 when the Catholic Church decided after years of debate that its followers were heretics. There was only one option left - a crusade – the Albigensian Crusade.  The delightfully named head of the Catholic Church, Pope Innocent III, called a formal Crusade against the Cathars of the Languedoc, appointing a series of military leaders to sack, burn and destroy the heretics. Carcassonne La Cite survived a siege but capitulated to the Holy Army to save it's destruction.

You can visit the key sites of the Cathar Country that have recovered after the Crusade.  There are 8 castles, many atop mountainous pinnacles and 6 abbeys that form a unique heritage ensemble making a great day out in history, as many sites can be accessed in a day.

Two sites are very close by.  Saissac some 7 kilometres north has a partially restored Cathar castle in a stunning location.  Abbaye Villelongue is even closer to the west of Montolieu. A Cistercian abbey, the monks supported the crusade in 1209 and were rewarded with great wealth that enabled them to create a rich decor.
​Other places to visit

Revel/St Ferreol – 35 mins  - A lovely drive through the Montagne Noire brings you to St Ferreol and the market town of Revel.  You can visit Saissac on route with its Cathar castle.  The basin and lac at St Ferreol above Revel feds the Canal du Midi and offers walks, watersports and stunning views. The Museum of the Canal is located here where you can marvel at the engineering feat of its construction in the 1670s. Revel has a huge covered market at its centre, a historical walking tour and many restaurants and a chocolatier!  
Mirepoix – 40 mins - A uniquely preserved medieval town centre with wooden carved buttresses giving covered walkways to the interesting shops and restaurants. Reached via a beautiful drive through rolling countryside and views towards the Pyrenees that rise majestically ahead of you. 
Narbonne – 50 mins – Fascinating Cathedral and Roman quarter, indoor market building and canal boat trips. Take the A61 to the city and then on to its sandy beach.  Alternatively return via the country roads to La Grasse and other Cathar sites.
La Grasse – 50 mins – One of the most beautiful villages in France – medieval centre and bridge, stroll the central boulevard with antique shops and restaurants, visit the two adjacent Abbeys and taste the local Corbiere wineries passed on route.
Toulouse – 70 mins – France's 4th largest city, enter the city along the tree lined Canal du Midi and park near the Capitol building (worth a visit to see the art and Impressionists paintings adorning the central reception and wedding rooms).  The adjacent Capitol Square has many restaurants and cafes before you visit one of the many museums, the daily markets or stroll the “Ville Rose” - Toulouse's redbrick quarter.