Area

The Castle at Puilaurens was one of a ring of fortresses used during the crusade against the Cathars. There are 8 castles in the Aude region. You can walk up to the Castle at Puilaurens, which takes about three quarters of an hour. The views when you get to the castle are well worth the effort.

Nearby Lapradelle - 1 mile (10-15 minutes walk) has a bakery, bar, restaurant and general stores. Axat, which is a 10 minute drive has more shops and a bank, or take the road cut through the hills to Quillan for a wider range of Restaurants, shops and bars. There are also supermarkets on the road to Perpignan, and hypermarkets at both Perpignan and Carcassonne.

Your stay can be as active or as quiet as you want it. There are numerous opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, climbing, cycling, riding, ski-ing and walking. Or just enjoy the spectacular scenery and while away the hours over a glass of wine! The River Aude running between Axat (approx 8Km from Puilaurens) and Quillan offers supervised rafting, kayaking and canoeing. The road from Axat to Quillan is part of the Tour de France route.

There are lakes for swimming at Puivert (30 mins drive), Chalabre and Arques (11Km east of Couiza). The Gorges de Galamus, just outside St Paul de Fenouillet offers 3 rock pools deep enough to swim. There is also a brand new open air pool at Axat with slides and shutes, just as you leave the village on the right, and a small open air pool at St. Paul de Fenouillet.

There are numerous sandy beaches to choose from along the east coast - Canet-Plage, St Cyprien and Argeles, with an Aquapark between St Cyprien and Argeles. Head slightly north of Perpignan and take the road past Le Barcares to Leucate Plage. This has a long sandy beach which doesn't get too crowded. Or venture further south to Collioure, Port-Vendres and when you get closer to Banyuls the beaches become smaller and less commercialised. You can even drive along the coastal road into Spain which offers spectacular views. Barcelona is about a 3 hour drive away.

From Axat, the mountain road takes you to the ski resorts of Mijanes, Formigueres and Les Angles - no more than an hour away. Or take the road to Andorra - about 2 hours away.