|
 |
Full-Day Tour Itineraries
Caunes Minervois - A Historical and Cultural Tour
A tour of this picturesque village with its 8th Century abbey,
gorges and marble quarries, with a visit to some of its excellent producers of
wine and food.
Our tour starts at Caunes' renowned 8th Century abbey, with its
beautiful Romanesque transept and bell-towers. We will then explore the
village's winding ruelles (alleys) where the handsome buildings reflect the
wealth Caunes enjoyed due to its abbey and marble quarries. The marble here
provided the Palace of Versailles with much of its decorative stone and is feted
across the world.
After a tasty lunch at a local restaurant, we will drive to Notre Dame du Cros,
a beautiful yet modest-looking church nestled at the foot of the mountain. Its
modest exterior belies the opulence inside, where the ecclesiastical fittings
are hewn from Caunes' pink marble.
We will then visit one of the old marble quarries and take a walk in the 'garrigue'
- the Mediterranean shrubs and trees that romp over the hills, with splendid
views over the gorge. This quarry is no longer in use - these days, marble is
quarried elsewhere on the mountain and sent to Italy - but it is no less
impressive for its redundancy, with its sheer, shiny walls and enormous blocks
of stone.
After our walk, we will drive north into the Montagne Noire, through the
dramatic gorge of the tumbling Argent Double, and visit the picturesque village
of Citou to sample the Confit de Oignon Doux and the cherries for which it is
famous.
On our way home, we will visit a long-established winery where we can enjoy a
taste of their excellent of wines in the splendid surroundings of a 12th Century
chapel.
8 hour tour, 10-00am - 6-00pm 85-00
Plant Hunting Tour of the Montagne Noire and Minervois
Plant hunting for stunning orchids and wildflowers in both the
Mediterranean 'garrigue' of the Minervois and the high valleys of the Montagne
Noire, with a visit to the spectacular Canyon de la Cesse and a Bronze Age
dolmen.
In early summer, we can offer you a guided tour of flora of the
region: the Montagne Noire and the Minervois are teaming with orchids and other
wildflowers. Catriona will show you plants over a range of landscapes and
altitudes, from Lady Orchids and Man Orchids on the clay-limestone hillsides
where vines once grew, to meadows of cowslips and violets high on the slopes of
the Montagne Noire. Deep in the wooded valleys can be found many species of Bee
Orchids (Ophrys spp), as well as the Provence Orchid and Narrow-leaved
Helleborines. A high crest looking over the Minervois and beyond - sometimes all
the way to the Spanish Pyrenees - provides a harsh and windswept environment for
plants to grow, but early in the season dwarf irises can be found here, along
with tiny Narcissi - too small for the wild boar to bother digging up for their
bulbs! Towards the end of May, White Asphodels grow here in profusion, along
with the extraordinary-looking Lizard Orchid, Europe's largest orchid. From
here, we continue to a viewpoint affording splendid views of the fantastic
Canyon de la Cesse.
Returning to the gentle hills and ridges of the Minervois, we will walk amongst
the aromatic shrubs of the garrigue and see what plants are to be found in the
surroundings of a spectacular Bronze Age dolmen. On the way home we will look
out for Tongue Orchids (Serapias spp) or Early Spider Orchids and,
time-allowing, we will visit one of the Minervois' most sought-after
wine-producers.
The tour will combine driving to the far reaches of the Montagne Noire with
several gentle walks through the stunning countryside. This vast wilderness,
where Resistance fighters hid from the occupying forces during the war, also has
a fascinating social history.
A delicious picnic lunch will be provided.
8 hour tour, 10-00am - 6-00pm 85-00
Minerve - A Cultural and Gastronomic Tour of the Minervois
A visit to Minerve, one of the most beautiful and historic
villages in the region, followed by a tour of some of the best food and wine
producers in the stunning Minervois.
Minerve is one of the most beautiful and dramatically-sited
villages in the region and one of the most historic, for it played a key role in
the Albigensian Crusades. It was here that 200 villagers held out under siege
from Simon de Montfort for seven weeks, before finally succumbing after their
water supply ran out. Tragically, 140 of the villages refused to renounce their
Cathar faith and were burnt at the stake in the village square.
We will start by driving through the garrigue-covered hills to a viewpoint from
where we can feast our eyes on the impressive Canyon de la Cesse. We will follow
the gorge to Minerve, precipitously sited on a buttress of rock. We will then
explore the winding streets and the surrounding countryside on foot: the Gorge
de Brion with its remarkable topography and its old mill and waterfalls. From
here, we can see a reconstruction of one of the catapults of de Montfort's
forces, and will have the option of exploring the big cave that runs under the
town - if you dare!
After a three-course lunch at an excellent local restaurant, we will travel to
picturesque La Caunette hugging its cliff edge where, with luck, we will be able
to spot the Rare Swallowtail Butterfly pollinating Snapdragons.
We will continue along the Cesse Valley, a landscape of undulating vineyards and
forested bluffs rising-up dramatically, which is blushed with purple Judas Trees
in spring. Here you will get a chance to sample some of the local produce:
excellent, Medaille d'Or goats' cheese, and buttery Lucques olives. We will also
visit an organic winery, fabulously located high in the hills, where the
winemaker will take us through the wine-tasting herself.
We will make our way back home via the Canal du Midi, enjoying a glimpse of the
ever-changing views of this languid and beautiful waterway.
8 hour tour, 10-00am - 6-00pm 95-00
Tour of Two Villages - Minerve and Caunes Minervois
The Minervois' most beautiful and historic villages in
splendidly rugged scenery: Minerve, rich in Cathar history, and Caunes with its
gracious 8th Century Abbey and marble quarries. Bronze Age settlements and
dramatic gorges are among the many other charms of this fascinating region.
We will begin by driving through the garrigue-covered hills to a
viewpoint from where we can feast our eyes on the impressive Canyon de la Cesse.
We will follow the gorge to Minerve, precipitously sited on a buttress of rock.
It was here that 200 villagers held out under siege from Simon de Montfort for
seven weeks, before finally succumbing after their water supply ran dry.
Tragically, 140 of the villages refused to renounce their Cathar faith and were
burnt at the stake in the village square.
We will then explore the winding streets and the surrounding countryside on
foot: the Gorge de Brion with its remarkable topography and its old mill and
waterfalls. From here, we can see a reconstruction of one of the catapults of de
Montfort's forces, and will have the option of exploring the big cave that runs
under the town - if you dare!
After a three-course lunch at an excellent local restaurant, we will drive to
Caunes Minervois, through vine-covered countryside with sweeping views to the
Corbieres and, on a clear day, to the Pyrenees beyond. On the way, we will visit
the biggest Bronze Age dolmen in Southern France.
At Caunes we will visit the renowned 8th Century abbey, with its beautiful
Romanesque transept and bell-towers. After our visit, we will explore the
winding alleys (ruelles) where the handsome buildings reflect the wealth Caunes
enjoyed due to its abbey and marble quarries. The marble here provided the
Palace of Versailles with much of its decorative stone and is feted across the
world. It is a short drive to Notre Dame du Cros, a beautiful yet modest-looking
church nestled at the foot of the mountain. Its modest exterior belies the
opulence inside, where the ecclesiastical fittings are hewn from the local pink
marble.
We will then visit one of the old marble quarries and take a walk in the 'garrigue',
the Mediterranean shrubs and trees that romp over the hills, with splendid views
over the gorge. This quarry is no longer in use - these days, marble is quarried
elsewhere on the mountain and sent to Italy - but it is no less impressive for
its redundancy, with its sheer, shiny walls and enormous blocks of stone.
8 hour tour, 10-00am - 6-00pm 95-00
Lagrasse and the Corbieres
A tour of the beautiful, medieval town of Lagrasse and its
abbey in the sumptuous Corbieres hills with its gorges and rivers. The ruins of
Chateau Miramont with its panoramic vistas, and a wine tasting at one of the
region's most exclusive domaines offer further delights...
Our tour starts by crossing the famous Canal du Midi, where we will take a
moment to enjoy the beautiful waterway and its many locks. We will look out for
Orchid species, in particular Tongue Orchids (Serapias spp) and Early Spider
Orchids, depending on the season.
Then, we will drive over the heights of Mt Alaric - sentinel of the northern
Corbieres - before the road twists through the dramatic Gorges du Congoust.
Soon, we reach the Gorges du Ribaute, a gorgeous swimming spot of limpid
blue-green water teaming with fish and dragonflies, below reefs of rock
pummelled by centuries of water. For those not tempted to bathe, watching the
wildlife is equally enjoyable. The source of the River Orbieu tumbles from the
geological chaos of the central Corbieres, gradually warming up as it runs over
sun-baked rocks, until it winds through the vine-covered hills of Lagrasse and
Ribaute.
This is a languid day out, more loosely organised than the other tours, roughly
dictated by the weather. In the summertime, the heat cannot be underestimated;
nor can the relief and bliss of swimming in such dreamy surroundings. Meanwhile,
earlier in the season the focus will be on history or nature, for this area has
a wealth of both.
We continue to medieval Lagrasse, one of the most beautifully-sited towns in the
Corbieres. Straddling the River Orbieu, it nestles at the foot of high, cyprus-strewn
hills. Lagrasse, with its powerful abbey, was a keystone of the Corbieres
community in ancient times. We will explore the town with its atmospheric
covered-marketplace and its ancient buildings. A visit to part of the abbey is
recommended, and we will enjoy a delicious lunch under the dappled shade of
coppiced plane trees.
After lunch, the more energetic among us may want to take a walk through the
vineyards and olives groves, whilst others enjoy a leisurely time beside the
river.
After a restful afternoon, we will drive back through soporific villages lazing
under the hot sun with just the cicadas for company.
On our way home, we will visit Chateau de Miramont, taking in sweeping views of
the Minervois and Montagne Noire as the sun begins to sink and lose its heat.
If time allows us, we will visit one of the most sought-after wine-makers in the
region, and chat to him as we taste his wines.
8 hour tour, 10-00am - 6-00pm 100-00
Gouffre de Cabrespine and Chateaux de Lastours
A tour of the breathtaking Gouffre de Cabrespine - one of the
biggest chasms in the world - and the four castles of Lastours, one of the most
iconic Cathar sights set in impressive mountain scenery. Bronze Age settlements
and a visit to a renowned wine estate complete this fantastic day out.
We start by driving into the densely wooded valleys of the
Montagne Noire. First, we will visit the Gouffre ('gulf') de Cabrespine: an
enormous void inside a mountain, it is one of the biggest holes in the world - a
space that could contain the Eiffel Tower. Exquisite stalactites and stunning
aragonite formations cover the ceiling. The size of the void plunging beyond
visibility and the looming calcite ceiling is truly breathtaking.
After our visit to this subterranean wonderland we will drive to the village of
Lastours, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch, before embarking on the
slightly steep climb up to the four chateaux of Lastours. These chateaux
successfully resisted the onslaught of Simon de Montfort and his troops, thanks
to their proud defensive positions on the summits of four hills. It is
impressive and wild country that looks over the Aude valley to the south. The
more vigorous may want to snatch a sandwich from the bakery and climb on ahead,
in order to explore all four castles - a strenuous, if thoroughly worthwhile,
undertaking. Gardeners will appreciate the utterly natural distribution of
self-seeded cypresses on the hills. It is a master class in garden design taken
straight from Mother Nature herself, such is the balanced and graceful
scattering the trees amongst the garrigue and the austere, immovable sentinels -
the chateaux. Two hours should be allowed to explore all four castles
thoroughly; those who want to take life more easy can enjoy a leisurely lunch,
and afterwards, a health-giving climb to one or two of the chateaux.
We will then explore the countryside nearby - ripe for discovery, it is strewn
with Bronze Age and Visigoth relics such dolmens and ancient mines. Then, we
continue to our final port of call for a 'wee nip before supper' at a renowned
chateau. Here we can enjoy wine tasting in the splendid surroundings of a 12th
Century chapel and debate which is the best of the excellent wines.
8 hour tour, 10-00am - 6-00pm 100-00
Chateau D'Arques and The Mystery of Rennes Le Chateau
A tour of Rennes Le Chateau - inspiration for the Da Vinci
Code - and the formidable Chateau D'Arques, in a mysterious landscape where
legends of the Knights Templer and Visigoth treasure abound. Explore this
stunning and atmospheric region for yourself, and sample the delicious local
fizz: Blanquette de Limoux.
We start by driving west, crossing the famous Canal du Midi and
enjoying a grandstand view of Carcassonne's Cite. We continue up the Aude
valley, beyond the river's languid passage through vineyards and into
countryside where the valleys narrow, the hills steepen and the water is white.
South of Limoux, the vineyards give way to dense forest of oak, green oak and
chestnut, and the countryside becomes mountainous as we climb towards the
Pyrenees.
Near Limoux, we will stop to sample the sparkling wine, Blanquette. It is
Limoux's proud heritage that monks from the region were the first to create
bubbles in their wine. The locals are keen to add that this technique was
applied generations before such vinification methods were adopted in Champagne.
The legacy is some excellent sparkling wine at a fraction of the price of its
better-known counterpart.
We climb the Aude valley until we reach the tiny village of Rennes le Chateau,
perched on hill with panoramic views of the Pyrenees. It was to this isolated
outpost that a charismatic young priest was appointed in 1885. As legend would
have it, he found something of great wealth or significance whilst renovating
the local church and amassed a fortune as a result. What did he find? The
mystery has spawn many theories, providing inspiration for the 'Holy Blood and
the Holy Grail, and the 'Da Vinci Code', and igniting the imagination of
millions. Was it Visigoth treasure? Was it ancient documents of earth-shaking
significance?!
By all accounts, a visit to the church and the priest's house provides a
fascinating insight into the 19th Century life of this extraordinary priest and
his parish of peasants, in an area that is somehow inspiring, if only for its
natural beauty.
After a tasty lunch in Rennes, we will continue to Chateau D'Arques, one of the
finest examples of medieval military architecture with it's austere, four-square
walls and symmetrical towers. It is sited in a beautiful valley, birthplace of
many legends and mysteries, and lies close to a museum of Catharism.
From here, our itinerary varies according to taste: a visit to the museum for
those intrigued by the Cathars; a refreshment in the charming square of Rennes
Les Bains; a strenuous climb up to the Chateau des Templiers on its spectacular
knife-edge site may tempt the more tenacious treasure-hunters.
Time allowing, on our way home we will take a stroll around the village of Alet
les Bains. With its lovely half-timbered medieval houses and its ruined abbey,
it is an atmospheric place to absorb l'autrefois' - the days of old...
9 hour tour, 9-30am - 6-30pm 135-00
Catriona can also offer you guided tours to further flung
places, where the greater distances travelled are rewarded by some of the most
outstanding sights in the region. Tours of more distant sights include:
Cathar Castles of the Corbieres: Some of the most
impressive chateaux in dramatic Cathar Country: Aguilar, Peyrepertuse, Queribus
and Puilaurens, with lunch at pretty Cucugnan, and wine-tasting at renowned
Maury.
Medieval Ariege: The lovely town of Mirepoix, the striking Chateau de
Lagarde and the towns of Camon and Chalabre, with wine-tasting at Limoux.
Trois Chateaux des Pyrenees: The impregnable Chateau de Puivert, Chateau
de Roquefixade on its crow's nest location, and the legendary Montsegur.
Mountains and Castles of the Ariege: The magnificent vistas of the Col de
Chioula, the village of Montaillou, the chateaux of Lordat, Roquefixade and
Puivert and the legendary Montsegur.
Wine tours offer you not only an introduction to Languedoc-Roussillon
winemakers, but also the convenience of being able to enjoy the wines without
needing to drive:
Wines of the Clape and the Mediterranean Coast
The Garagistes of the Corbieres (small production wine-makers)
Tour prices on request.
|
