FrenchDuck’s databank
11 Aude

Deep in the heart of Corbières country of the Aude département (11 Languedoc-Roussillon) is the impressive Chateau de Donos. This is close to rugged countryisde, away from the mediterranean beaches and the autoroutes. The wine is predominantly red, rich and full-bodied as you might expect from the landscape - and increasingly becoming one of the most characterful appellations of the region. My personal favourite, Castelmaure, is only a few kilometres away.

It is a superb region away from the summer crowds and with plenty to explore - wonderful landscapes, Cathar castles and great wines. And yet within easy reach of the Mediterranean coast if you want something different. Chateau de Donos produces wines (apparently not available in the UK), but also offers both B&B and self-catering accommodation. Their Corbières AC Tradition 2004 won a “coup de coeur” in the Guide Hachette des Vins 2008.

The Chambres d’Hote (B&B) accommodation is in the impressive main house (la Bastide) and comprises 3 rooms and 2 suites :

Facing south, in an environment where your tranquility will never be bothered, the rooms and Suites enjoy an exceptional setting with a view on the surounding landscape.

Following the restoration, the accommodation benefits from all modern conforts,including brand new and luxurious bathrooms.

The drawing room is very spacious and you can rest in a fresh place and watch T.V; In summer, Breakfasts are served outside in a country almost looking like the Florentine country with Cyprès trees, drystone wall and an old washer.

There are also 2 cottages to rent on the Estate which look totally charming.

For more info see www.chateaudonos.com

Aude Tourisme website
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The limits of Cathar country in the Languedoc are ill-defined, but stretch south and east from Carcassonne (11 Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon) to include the impressive hilltop fortress such as Peyrepeteuse, Puilaurens and the ancient towns of Rennes-la-Chateau and Montsegur. The history has become somewhat muddied and over-hyped by recent best-seller books, but behind the commercialism there are wonderful sights to see and places to visit, regardless of how tentative their connection with the Cathar heresy.
The best way to explore the region is with the help of someone who lives there and knows it well - and you will need more than a few days to do it justice. Hence Sophie Duncan’s website at www.languedoc-france.info is an essential start point. Jam packed with tons of really useful information and advice, she also has a range of accommodation in the region to offer - from attractive gites, tempting B&Bs (Chambres d’Hote) and an impressive Penthouse in the heart of Carcassonne.
On the info side there is plenty on what to see and do from visitng some of Vauban’s fortifications, golf, nudist beaches, winter sports (including sledge dogs!) local food, history, nature reserves and wildlife. Not too much detail on wines (e.g. Corbieres, Fitou, Limoux) but that does at least leave something for FrenchDuck!!

For more info see www.languedoc-france.info

A recent discovery is the evocatively named Cathar Wines, which is a small independent specialist wine merchant focussing on the wines of the Languedoc and Roussillon. Not sure if there is a strict definition of “Cathar country” but generally it seems to be taken as the area south and east of Carcassonne, largely in the Aude département. Cathar Wines scope extends somewhat further - south and east to the Cotes du Roussillon (reds) and east and north to an organic Picpoul de Pinet (dry whites) - plus a number of Vins de Pays including more organics.
Having someone based in the area bodes well for discovering interesting wines from small domaines.

For more info see www.catharwines.com

For an information packed site about the region (including some interesting properties to rent) - see www.languedoc-france.info

With the 2007 Rugby World Cup kicking off in early September, it is worth knowing when and where the matches are to be held - if only so that you can avoid the additional heavy traffic for several hours around the match time. Particularly susceptible to congestion will be the Paris Peripherique and the A1 autoroute entry to the city - the Parc des Princes and Stade de France are both close to the autoroute and peripherique, and if match time is anywhere near the evening rush hour the traffic will be even more chaotic.
For more details on the Rugby World Cup CLICK HERE
For map click (more…)

Mazamet (81 Tarn, Midi-Pyrenees) to Plateau la Beille (09 Ariege, Midi-Pyrenees) heading to a mountain finish in the Pyrenees. But first they have to cross the Black Mountains (Montagne Noir) and down on to the fabulous medieval city of Carcassone. In so doing they pass near or through the vineyards of Minervois AC (see Chateau Gibalaux-Bonnet) and Cabardes AC.Beyond Carcassonne the route heads through the vineyards of Limoux with its famous Blanquette before starting the serious ascent to the finish at 2000m (6000ft)!

(For more info on the Tour de France 2007 see www.letour.fr or UK Eurosport where there are some good interactive maps of the route.

The medieval city of Carcassonne (11 Aude, Languedoc) is both the setting and backdrop of a fantatic light and firework show to celebrate Bastille Day.

The fortified medieval city of Carcassonne (11 Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon) is an impressive sight at any time, but at 10.30pm on Bastille Day (14 July) it becomes an even more awesome sight. To celebrate France’s national day, there is a spectacular light and firework show which lights up the facade of the old city.

During more than 25 minutes you can admire flames of blue, white, yellow, green red, gold and a grandiose crowning piece. More than 1200 impacts in 6 seconds over 600 metres of frontage.

Of course, for the best view don’t go into the Cité itself - but find somewhere along the banks of the Aude river to the south and west of the fortress where you can see the whole spectacle.see map
Often the best view of the town is of a summer evening when the walls are illuminated, albeit a little less ostentatiously than on Bastille Day. One good viewpoint is from the autoroute rest area between exits 23 and 24 on the A61 heading east towards Narbonne - although you will have to pay a motorway toll.

LINKS:-
Carcassonne Tourist Office

RECOMMENDED READING
Michelin Green Guide - (in English)Languedoc Roussillon Tarn Gorges Green Guide
The Rough Guide to Languedoc and Roussillon (Rough Guide Travel Guides)
Terry Darlington’s Narrow Dog to Carcassonne - recounting his canal barge trip taking a narrow boat from the UK to Carcassonne

Chateau Ricardelle produces an excellent range of Coteaux du Languedoc AC la Clape and Vins de Pays d’Oc wines and has some rather classy self-catering accomodation on the vineyard at la Clape between Narbonne (11 Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon) and the Mediterranean coast.

see map

The number of budget airline routes to France from the UK is continuing to grow, as is the number of French destinations - no longer restricted to the major cities. This really does open up some of the less well-known parts of France.
The list below shows the extent of the coverage - and this excludes flights to Paris which are available from most local airports. Some flights are seasonal, so please check with the airline for timetables and availability.

Motorway Service Area (aire) on the A61 Autoroute des 2 Mers between Toulouse and Castelnaudry with Ovalie Museum (Rugby) and Centre for the Canal du Midi.
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