Villa Sizarin - National Forest Vacation Rental
Explore - Directions & Ideas
LAC du SAINT-FERROEL (Lake, Dam and National Park)
Main road from Les Cammazes turn left follow D629 towards Revel, the Lake is about 5 Km and can be seen on the left. Here are various water sports including Pedelos, sailboards and fishing (a permit may be necessary for fishing). Over the Dam is a National Park with waterfalls and a very large fountain. Various Restaurants can be found in this area including a Chinese.
CARCASSONNE le CITI
Carcassonne walled town is a MUST. Look out for the large FIREWORKS DISPLAY at Le Citi (old city) You are advised to be there early, but leave the car well away from the city limits as the traffic after the display gets grid locked. This spectacular sight on Bastille day - must be seen to be believed. Thousands of people will be there. BEST VIEW is from the old arched bridge looking towards the main street and Old City. Sit on the bridge wall. It starts about 20:00 hrs on or around the 14th of July. FANTASTIC but be warned about the traffic.
REVEL
Head towards Lac de Saint-Ferroel on the D629 (7 km). Large town with Supermarkets, Shops, Restaurants, Tabac etc and a large Saturday morning Market selling clothes, food and wine.
CASTELNAUDARY
This is another large town with bars, restaurants etc. The Canal du Midi has an epic history which began in 1663 as a means of connecting the Atlantic to the Mediterranean via a canal system.
BARRAGE Les CAMMAZES
Large dam that is either supplied with water from the Rigole or intern supplied water to the Rigole, it also produces hydro-electricity and drinking water. Suitable for walks and cycle rides. To get there, turn left from villa to the very bottom road by La Rigole (water aqueduct) turn right up to main road. At the main road cross over and go down the left side of La Rigole. Follow the Rigole until you come to a road crossing and turn left down the hill, here you will see the dam. You are able to walk and cycle along the left side of the lake after crossing over the dam. You can also walk and cycle along the Rigole for many kilometres as it is fairly level. There are many sandy beaches.
GOUFFRE GEANT de CABRESPINE
This cave is a huge single cavern, 80 Metres long and 220 Metres high, which is as high as the Eiffel Tower. Apart from guided tours an extended tour off the normal tourist section is also available. It lasts for five hours and takes place throughout the year. Must be booked in advance with a minimum party of six. Some of this tour is along the route of an underground river.
FOUR CHATEAUX
The four Chateaux du site de Lastours high up on the mountain side, these Chateaux cling onto the edge of the mountain, a very interesting hike but not for young children and the infirm.
LAGRASSE
Nestling at the heart of the Corbières, the picturesque village of Lagrasse, classed amongst the most beautiful in France, makes a lovely picture, with its old humpback bridge over the Orbieu, its medieval houses, the remains of ancient ramparts and its abbey overlooked by an imposing bell tower. Before visiting the Abbey of St Mary of Orbieu, take a stroll in the medieval town, a place full of charm, where you can admire an old 14th-century covered market with stone pillars, art and craft shops, and a Gothic church listed as a Historic Monument.
BEACHES
Mediterranean beaches 60 minutes which stretch from Montpellier down to the Spanish Border. Wonderful sandy beaches with tasteful entertainments and beachfront restaurants and cafés. The 'Etang de L'Ayrolle' offers some of the best windsurfing in Europe.
HORSE RIDING
Horse riding is also available at Lac de Saint-Ferroel, but is only available for two or more riders and must be booked.
CARCASSONNE GOLF COURSE
18-hole international standard course, designed by Jean Pierre Basurco,5800 mtr.
situated 6 km south of the medieval town of Carcassonne. Changing rooms, bar snacks, club bar, pro shop, club hire and driving range etc. No annual closure. www.golf-de-carcassonne.com