Local Activities
We've included only a partial list of the many activities in the village
and surrounding area. The over-riding activity, of course, is relaxing
in the easy-going atmosphere for which the Languedoc is famous.
Restaurants
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| No vacation to France could be considered
complete without a memorable meal. The Languedoc offers country
cuisine at its best. Most villages boast at least one good
restaurant. Telephoning ahead is a good idea. Restaurants close at
least one night a week, often Thursday or Sunday. They might be
booked up, especially in summer. Click the picture for a list of our
favorites, more or less in order of proximity to Caunes-Minervois
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List of Favorite Restaurants
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Pottery Lessons
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| Ever had the yen to try your hand at making pottery? Rowena Coxwell's Ammonite Pottery is the ideal place to start. She's a wonderful teacher who clearly loves her craft. Her studio is located within a few kilometres of Caunes up the lovely valley of the Argent Double. Take a look at her website at www.ammonitepottery.com |
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Walking
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After eating, this is our second favorite local activity and it's something of a passion in this and neighboring regions. Locally there
are four marked trails beginning and ending in Caunes. They wind up
into the foothills north of the village and provide spectacular views
of the Aude Valley below, fascinating glimpses of the great marble
quarries, in use continuously since Roman times, an archeological
dig of a bronze-age village, the chapel of Notre Dame du Cros, and
gorgeous flora everywhere. All around is the rugged beauty of the
Minervois and the heady perfume of wild thyme.
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Wineries
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| Wine is the major product of the region and numerous varietals are grown. For many years this area of France was known only for producing inexpensive table wines. However, lately the Minervois AOC has developed a well-earned repuation for quality, with prices still very attractive. Pictured here, in a rare pose sitting, is Irène Prioton in front of her winery located on rue des Remparts right in the village. Visit her website at www.clos-du-marbrier.leminervois.com
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| We've included a local wine tour described by Clive Platman, wine correspondent of England's Birmingham Post. All the wineries he describes are within easy driving distance of Caunes.
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Learn the French Language
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If you're interested in learning French, we've found the best teacher anywhere. Dominique Bouriez of Ludo Expressions teaches small, intensive classes for all levels of knowledge. The school is located in the nearby village of Villegailhenc. But make arrangements early because the classes are always full. Visit the school's website at www.Ludoexpression.com.
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Cycling
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| Feel the breeze in your face and the sun on your shoulders
as you pedal the uncrowded country lanes through the vineyards, or
the more strenuous challenge of the roads into the Montagne Noire.
The area is ideal for cycling. If you don't bring your own bikes, there is a rental agency in Carcassonne more than happy to help you out.
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Canal Boats
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The Canal du Midi winds through the Minervois region
between Carcassonne and the Mediterranean. Boats may be rented by
the day or week for a leisurely cruise down this pleasant tree-shaded
waterway.
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Tennis
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| There are tennis courts available in the village. Although for members
only, the membership fee is very low — about $25.00. Bring your
own racquets and balls.
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Golf
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| There are fine golf courses nearby in Carcassonne and a bit futher afield in Mazamet. Ask Gareth at l'Ancienne Boulangerie for all the details. Golf is his passion.
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Picnicking
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Within a few kilometres of the village are many delightful
spots to while away a pleasant afternoon. Fill your basket with delicious
treats from the village charcuterie and patisserie, take a few bottles
of the local wine, and picnic in a meadow filled with poppies. Spread
your blanket beneath a shady tree at Notre Dame du Cros, or lounge
on the banks of the Canal du Midi and watch the boats glide by.
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Boules
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| The game is known locally as pétangue. There
is usually space available in the village park, and it's free. We
can lend you a set of boules together with a description of the rules
if you haven't played the game before. Don't challenge the locals
unless you're confident of your skills or don't mind parting with
money.
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| The villagers don't think of their sport as local color
for the amusement of tourists, but spectators are always welcome.
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