The geography of the Languedoc region of south-west France is enormously varied.  The region stretches from the Mediterranean coast in the east, westwards to the inland plains around Carcassonne and Castelnaudary and southwards to the Pyrenees.  There are few regions in France, such as this,  that can boast mountains, grottoes, rivers, lakes, coast and the magnificent Canal du Midi.  Despite the cooling influences of sea and mountains, the region of Languedoc Roussillon is the hottest in France after Corsica; so making its mountains, lakes, rivers, coast and the Canal du Midi all the more enticing.

The coast has plenty of variety in itself; from long sandy beaches, such as Narbonne-Plage, to small rocky coves found near  the Spanish boarder; from large ports with countless boats of all sizes and colours, such as Port-Leucate, to smaller pretty sea-side towns, such as Collioure.

 

The sea is only a forty five minute drive away, however, for those who prefer lakes and rivers with their shade and greenery, there is, most notably, the lake at Saint Ferréol in the Black Mountains, the Lac de la Cavayère near Carcassonne and the Aude river that runs from the Pyrenees down through Carcassonne to the sea.  There are plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and canyoning on the higher and faster-flowing stretches of the Aude above Limoux. 

 

Alternatively, for those who wish for a more gentle pace, there is the calm and serenity of the Canal du Midi, a wide tree-lined canal that connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and passes through Carcassonne, on which there are many boats for hire by the day or for longer.

 

The mountains of the Pyrenees to the south and the Black Mountains to the north provide fabulous locations for all sorts of outdoor sports and activities, ranging from walking, riding, cycling, skiing, golf and hot air ballooning to climbing, caving and even paragliding and hang gliding. 

 

All these  sports can be found within an hour of Mas de La Prade, including skiing at the ski station of les monts d'Olmes.  For further information on all these sports go to  Languedoc sport.

 

There are, in the mountains, many grottoes that are well worth a visit.  Niaux, the most famous in the Languedoc, because of its prehistoric art, is really the most unmissable.

When visiting the towns of the Languedoc, it's advisable to go on their market day.  The best three, closest to Mas de La Prade, are Revel and Carcassonne on Saturdays and Mirepoix on Mondays.


  

 

The history of the Languedoc region has left its mark not only on its cities, towns and villages, but most famously on its Cathar castles. 

 

 

For reasons of defence, they are usually found in the most precarious and splendid positions at the tops of mountains.  Among the best, apart from the City of Carcassonne, are Peyrepertuse, Montségur, Puilaurens and Château du Lagarde.

More information on the Cathar castles and other things to do can be found at Things to see in the Languedoc