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For any questions about the activities, feel free to ask us.
The biggest "must see" in the whole region, Carcassonne is the largest medieval city in Europe dating back to the 13th century. You’ll certainly be impressed by what Carcassonne is all about, with its 3-kilometer fortifications, its double walled ramparts and its 52 defensive towers. Not to mention the Comtal castle, the basilica of Saint Nazaire and a set of remarkable houses. An experience not to be missed: on Bastille Days (July 14th), Carcassonne is literally glowing with fireworks. In summer, Carcassonne houses several festivals that take place next to the medieval wall city.
Particularly rich in history, the Cathar country spreads in the two departments of Aude and Ariège. Should you walk or bike, the GR 367 will lead you to the hot spots of the Cathar region.200 kilometers (125 miles) long, the trail goes from Port la Nouvelle to Foix. The renowned sites of Montségur, Lastours, Quéribus, Saissac and Peyrepertuise are also accessible by car. Park your vehicle in one of the parking lots, and walk up to the castle. If you are keen on getting more familiar with the life during medieval times, you’ll find numerous activities for kids and adults.
Easily accessible from Gaja la Selve, don’t miss the unique sites in the Aude or the Ariège departments.Just to give you an idea:- the collegiale (church) of Castelnaudary- the abbey of Montréal- the benedictine abbey of Saint Papoul- the cloister of Saint Lizier- the cathedral of Narbonne.- the bastion of Mirepoix, labeled as “Pays d’Art et d’Histoire".You’ll also find out that a lot of places are listed as “remarkable” or “most beautiful villages in France”, such as Fanjeaux or Camon. Whatever you choose, walking, biking, driving or boating, you are sure to discover the Cathar country and the Piémont des Pyrénées in a great way !
The Canal du Midi is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built during the 17th century by Pierre Paul Riquet upon Louis XIVth’s will, it was designed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. There are multiple ways to savor the Canal du Midi, on a barge or a boat, cycling or simply walking.The incredible series of locks constitute a great attraction and give you the opportunity to discover the ancestral mechanisms to go up - or down - the Canal. From the Grand Bassin of Castelnaudary, you’ll have two options, either cruising towards the Atlantic Ocean or towards the Mediterranean Sea. Points of interest all along the Canal du Midi: Port Laurgais. the Grand Bassin, the locks at Trèbes and at l’Aiguille, not to mention the nine successive locks at Fonserannes.
Numerous lakes surround the region, and the Mediterranean Sea is only 1 hour far from Gaja la Selve ! The beaches of Narbonne, Gruissan, Leucate and Port Barcares will make everybody happy. Set up around water sports, Saint Ferréol, Montbel, Ganguise, Port Lauragais lakes offer multiple nautical activities.For example, Buzerens lake at Bram will enable you to practice waterski, wakeboard, standup paddle, you name it. In Carcassonne, Aquaviva Park is THE water park in the “American way”. Just try and find out ! If you are keen on canoeing or kayaking, you’ll enjoy going down the Hers river from Mirepoix or Belpech.
That is the question…
Actually they are all different from one another and have their own beauty. Fell free to pick from the following places:- Mirepoix. On Mondays, local producers gather in the market hall or at the covered market dating back to the 15th century.- Revel. On Saturdays, the market takes place under a timber-framed hall really unique with its 79 oak pillars.- Saint Girons. One of the finalists for the most beautiful markets in France.- Narbonne. Awarded in 2022 for being the most beautiful market place in France. It’s as you wish !
For golfing, Carcassonne (in the Aude department) is the only town around that features an 18-hole golf course. The facility includes a practice, a green as well as a restaurant. Next to Gaja la Selve you’ll find several equestrian centers able to satisfy you, according to your level : horseback riding in nature or on a track, just to name a few. Moreover, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking or biking. In Montségur, the new “Voie Verte” will allow you to reach the Pyrénées after 70 kilometers (44 miles), going through Bram, Montréal and the medieval bastion of Mirepoix.
And what if stopping for a while was also about calming and taming our inner turmoil? To allow the unexpected to manifest itself to our consciousness. To honor the meeting of what resonates and what will spring from your unconscious. To allow ourselves precious moments to let the energy of life and the breath of existence pulsate.
Do not leave Occitania without tasting its famous Cassoulet from Castelnaudary, voted the best cassoulet in the world in 2024! Our guest table can offer it to you upon request. A region rich in regional specialties, both savory and sweet, do not miss, for example, the Ariège Flakes... Enjoy your meal!