Holiday Rental Gites in Aude, Caunes-Minervois, Languedoc / Le Pont

Local Attractions

Caunes Minervois is famous for its imposing Abbey (founded circa780) and for its red marble, that adorns many of the Cathedrals and Churchs of the region. This red marble was transported from the quarries on the outskirts of Caunes to amongst others, the ‘Au Pont Romain’ marble cutting Mill. Alongside the mill streams in the garden sit large uncut pieces of the marble, reminding us of the history of ‘Au Pont Romain’.

Caunes is a thriving small town with a selection of shops, including a Bank, Post Office and Boulangerie. The Bar/Tabac is a popular and busy place with a restaurant. There are several other restauraunts in Caunes and the surrounding villages. Caunes is known as a popular place for Arts & Crafts, and there are several workshops to visit, including our own on site where Su creates Stained Glass Work. You can watch things being made at these workshops and indulge yourself if you wish to purchase anything.

There are many Exhibitions and Festivals taking place throughout the year, and many Concerts, the July Classical Concerts in the Caunes Abbey gardens on Friday evenings are a must.

‘Au Pont Romain’ is a great place from which to explore the region and below are some of the places we and our previous guests have enjoyed:

La Cité – You cannot visit this area of France without wandering around the 13th century medieval castle in Carcassonne. From there it is a pleasant stroll down across the river Aude to the newer area of the City. This vibrant city has as you would expect an interesting selection of shops, Cafés/Bars and Restaurants. The main square ‘Place Carnot’ is a great place to sit in and people watch, with a coffee or beer. There is a thriving Market on Saturdays and Tuesdays, where you can sample and buy many of the local produce.

The Canal du Midi runs for some 240km from the river Garonne at Toulouse, via Castelnaudary, Carcassonne and Béziers, to the Mediterrianean at Agde or Séte. You can bike or walk along the meandering towpaths or take one of the relaxing boat trips. Great in the hot weather as you get pleasant shade from the many Plane and other
trees that line the Canal.

The Mediterranean is about 1 hrs drive from us if you head to Narbonne Plage, but a little further takes you to some of the many interesting fishing villages along the coast, with pretty Marinas and stunning beaches.

The Montagne Noire Caves are very interesting and there are several incredible caves for you to see, just a short drive from us. Cabrespine is 10 mins away and is the largest, at a phenomenal 250 metres high.

The Cathar trail is great for people interested in the local history, the famous Cathar castles are a must. Montsegur, Quéribus and Peyrepertus being the most famous and the climb to the top of them is well worth the effort and the views are breathtaking. The small town of Minerve (being the last standpoint of the Cathars) is at the meeting point of two gorges and with it’s ‘Pont Natural’ is an amazing place to visit.

City trips to visit by car:

Albi 2 hrs
Toulouse 1 hr 25 mins
Beziers 1 hr
Montpellier 1 hr 45 mins
Limoux 1 hr 25 mins
If you wish to leave the car behind there are many local walking and/or cycling circuits to e njoy, and being keen walkers ourselves we are happy to offer you advice on walks and have many Information sheets and Maps as well as a selection of bikes.

Minervois Wines - if you are interested in finding out more about the wines of our region, we are also happy to help you and will kick start this with our Friday evening wine tasting. We can also book or recommend places for you to go for a Tasting.

Golf - there are 18 hole Golf courses at Carcassonne, Beziers and Toulouse.

For outdoor activities, Museums and other places of interest there is a large selection of information leaflets in our gites and we are happy to help you if you need to book or require more information on anything.

You will not be short of things to do if you manage to tear your self away from our pool!