There is so much to do within an hour or two of Azille; this page provides just a flavour of the wider area. From discovering utterly gorgeous medieval towns to breathtaking Cathar castles; from exploring colourful cities to seeking out hidden mountain retreats; from prehistoric paintings to stunning modern art; and from beach resorts to picture-perfect harbours, there is sure to be something that will tempt you away for a day out you’re sure to remember.

The Haut Languedoc

Experience breathtaking scenery by driving up to the Espinouse mountains via Saint-Pons-de-Thomières and the gorgeous village of Olargues, Return via the lovely wine-making town of St Chinian and Bize-Minervois. If you want to do some hiking, biking or bird-watching in the area, the Haut Languedoc Régional Natural Parc information centre in Saint-Pons-de-Thomières is a good place for walking routes and advice.

Cathar castles

Visit one or more of these breathtaking eagle’s nest castles – the scenery is stunning and the history captivating. There are also some fantastic places for wild swimming in the valleys below. Within 1-2 hours’ drive of Azille you can explore much of the fascinating Cathar Country.

Pezenas

This appealing town has many small galleries, arts and crafts shops, antique shops and restaurants – its winding lanes and pretty squares are a delight to explore. There are many imposing houses dating from the 16th-18th centuries as well as a medieval Jewish ghetto. The tourist office was once a barber’s shop, reputedly visited by 17th century playwright Moliere. Just 1 hour’s drive from Azille.

Mirepoix

A medieval bastide town – in the Place des Couverts you will find half-timbered houses adorned with amazing carvings. The most beautiful sculptures are on the house of the Justice du Seigneur, showing women’s faces, bearded heads, a tortoise and other fantastical images.On Mondays a superb market is held there; on other days restaurant tables spill out into the square. 1 hour 5 minutes from Azille.

Perpignan

This charming and rather sleepy small city has palm-tree lined squares and a distinctly Catalan vibe. Explore the network of narrow lanes in the old St Jean quarter and visit the Palais des Rois de Majorque with its garden of limes, figs and pomegranate trees. Le Castillanet, the museum of Catalan culture, is also worth a visit. Perpignan has plenty of galleries and cafés, and some very characterful bars. 1 hour 10 minutes from Azille.

 

Marseillan and Sète

A pretty port on the Etang de Thau, Marseillan is the home of Noilly Prat vermouth. Take a tour of the factory, sample the excellent local oysters and if time allows head on to Sète, known as the Venice of the Languedoc for its canals and quays. A water-jousting festival is held here each summer, with competitors trying to knock each other off barges. It’s quite unique, but be warned that the town is very busy at this time.  Both Marseillan and Sète are around 1 hour 15 minutes from Azille.

Cote Vermeille

Westwards along the coast, the scenery changes – rocky coves and pebble beaches provide a contrast to the long, wide golden strands closer to Azille. Visit Collioure, an artist’s colony for many years, to enjoy its galleries and restaurants nestled around the charming port. Or visit Port-Vendres, where Scottish architect and artist Charles Rennie-Mackintosh lived and worked. You can take a walking tour or simply enjoy some excellent seafood in one of the restaurants. Both around 1 hour 30 minutes from Azille.

Toulouse

Explore the historic Ville Rose, so named because of the terracotta bricks used in many of the buildings. Wander the narrow streets of the old centre and enjoy a meal or a drink in one of its many squares. The churches of Les Jacobins and Saint Sernin are worth visiting, as is the Musée des Augustins with its superb collection of medieval and Romanesque sculpture. There are some fabulous shops and smart private galleries to browse and Les Abattoirs houses fine contemporary art. Out of the city centre, The Cité de l’Espace is the best space museum in Europe and is a day out in itself. 1 hour 30 minutes.

Foix

Foix

This pretty town in the upper Ariège valley has good cafés and markets. Its castle dates back to the 7th century or even earlier, and holds a wealth of interest. It was besieged twice by Simon de Montfort during the crusade against the Cathars, but never captured. Self-guided tours available in different languages. Why not visit Montségur on the same day? It takes only 30 minutes or so to drive between the two. Foix is just at the edge of the Pyrénées Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park, if you want to explore further. Foix is 1 hour 30 minutes from Azille.

Grotte de Niaux

The best place in Europe to see prehistoric art. The Salon Noir cave contains some 70 paintings which can be viewed on guided tours. Open year round, but numbers are strictly limited so booking is essential. The Prehistoric Park discovery centre is also worth visiting. 1 hour 55 minutes from Azille.

Albi

Albi’s old town is an interesting place to explore and its episcopal area – the cathedral and the Palais de la Berbie, the bishop’s palace – is classed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Even so, the main reason to visit is the town’s connection to Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The bishop’s palace houses the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, while the artist’s childhood home, Le Château du Bosc, is about half an hour’s drive out of town and is open to visitors. 2 hours from Azille.