Carcassonne and the Region
Whilst medieval Carcassonne (included in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites) has many attractions with its fairy tale turrets and ramparts, the Minervois itself has a history dating back 2,000 years. Le Domain aux Quat’Saisons is ideally placed, between the Canal du Midi, the Montagne Noir and the Corbieres, to visit many of the region’s attractions. Cathar castles, for example Les Chateaux de Lastours and other beautiful medieval villages, such as Minerve and Lagrasse, are all within easy reach of Rieux-Minervois. For those guests wishing to visit the Mediterranean coast and its beaches the region’s coastal towns of Narbonne, Agde and Sete can be easily reached as can the Camargue, the Pyrenees and Catalan Spain. Cathar sites of interest, especially those at Carcassonne, Béziers and the village of Minerve offer rich cultural experiences and breath taking scenery.

We would be happy to help you plan your visits and supply leaflets on the many places within this spectacular region.

Canal du Midi
This runs through the whole of the region from Carcassone towards Castelnaudary. With its tree lined banks and many eating and drinking places en route, it is an ideal way to spend a relaxing day, either walking, or taking a boat trip.

Rieux-Minervois
The village of Rieux-Minervois dates back to the 11th century. It is typically French, with a twice weekly market and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests will enjoy walking through its narrow winding streets where one will find traces of ancient houses and the castle overlooking the river. Rieux lies on one of the pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Campostela which explains the very rare 12th century heptagonal church, with its superb columns by the master of Cabestany. The village tourist information office is extremely helpful in providing further information on the wide variety of activities within the area, such as walking, boating, cycling etc.

Wine
Connoisseurs may also sample some of the best local wines from the cellar or visit several of the Domains for sampling.

As Jancis Robinson (Financial Times columnist on wine), states, ‘the Languedoc is fertile ground for affordable hand–crafted wines that truly express their terroir’. Many Minervois wines now offer amazing quality and value for money.

We are conveniently located for many of the wine centres of the Languedoc, for example, Limoux, Fitou and the Corbieres.

For further information on the region
www.carcassonne.culture.fr
www.parcs-naturels-regionaux.tm.fr/lesparcs
www.carcassonne.org