Things to do
Carcassonne Fireworks , Bastille day..brilliant..Ever since 1898, the mediaeval City of Carcassonne has been the setting for some of the most spectacular fireworks in the world on the evening of 14 July. More than 700,000 people come together at 10.30 pm on the banks of the River Aude to admire the 25-minute multi-coloured display which lights up the ramparts and its breath-taking and explosive finale
Tour De France frequently finishes in Carcassonne
Nearby
Aragon Village Website - has lots of information on the village and surrounding area, including local restaurant and cafe/shop
Eating Out
La Bergerie in Aragon itself, can be seen from the house
A great restaurant on canal du midi between carcassonne and Penneautier ,La Rive Belle, a great position next to the canal du midi, good food in a classic french restaurant. we have had some great meals here with the family, would highly recommend may need to book in the summer.
Le Chapeau - in the middle of montolieu next to the 11th century church, very friendly, enthusiastic owner who speaks English with good quality food and has a very reasonable 'plat du jour', had a great meal in March this year ( 2018), also a great village to wander round after a meal.
Hotel Apostrophé in Montolieu - jazz Friday evenings in July/August, perfect place for an evening meal and some jazz.
Club 620 in Fontiers Carbadés - great restaurant , stopped at lunchtime on a cycle ride, 13€ plat du jour, hosts jazz evenings , directions here
L' Auberge, lovely village restaurant near Lastors
Chateau de Pennautier including nearby restaurant of Chateau ( excellent food, they also have good value fixed price menu) with wine tasting/restaurant. You can walk round the grounds during the day, in summer months there is a tour of the grounds and chateau on a Wednesday at 11.00am, but worth checking timing before visiting.
Roquerefère Auberge Sire de Cabaret , small restaurant close to Lastours
Vineyards in the surrounding area that receive guests regularly
O'Vineyards in the neighbouring village of Villemoustaussou, run by an American, great fun, very generous with his wine so would recommend a taxi.
Supermarkets
Closest is Pennautier , Pennautier, 6 Bd Pasteur, 11610 Pennautier
E Leclerc Carcassonne close to Pennautier,E.Leclerc CARCASSONNE ,rue Colbert ,11000 CARCASSONN
Carrefour Caracassone, Zone industrielle Pont Rouge, Rue Magellan, 11000 Carcassonne, France
Montolieu VIVAL Montolieu ,Place Maurice Bertrand, 11170 Montolieu
Wine tasting
Cave des Oliviers in Montolieu ( between the local small supermarket and the shop)- good place to taste/explore the local wines of the area
Chateau Pennautier
Further Away
Chateau Chalabre an interactive medieval castle
Fontroide Abbaye on the way to Narbonne
Lakes and Canal
Lac du Lampy Just above Saissac, lake,walking,swimming,,cafe
Lac du Montagne Noire, Lake just before mazamet - great to walk round anytime of year, has cafe,mini golf,
Canal du Midi Plan - official website for the whole of the canal du midi, Trèbes has restaurants over looking canal du midi
Beaches
Closest beach is Narbonne
or St Pierre-la-Mer near Narbonne more information click here,
Other places
Montolieu - 15 minutes away, Village of Books,
Beautiful paper mill just up the road at Brousses et Villaret, Moulin a Papier
Cathar Castles including Saissac and Lastours which are 30 minutes away
Canal du Midi - Carcassonne also see this link
Cistercian Abbey of Villelongue
Book Village of Montolieu close by
Grotto of Limousis Quéribus Château de Peyrepertuse
Rennes-le-Château explore the mystery of a young priest Father Saunière, Dan Brown drew inspiration from this mystery for his book the Da Vinci Code