Experience the tranquility of the Canal du Midi; meander through charming villages; browse the local markets and visit the wineries; or discover some fascinating historic sites. Swim and sunbathe by the lake, take one of many good walking routes or see more of the area by cycle, kayak or boat. There is so much to do within a short drive or cycle of Azille.

Canal du Midi

Don’t miss taking a walk or cycle along the stunning Canal du Midi. You can join the towpath just a mile from the village or board a barge for an hour’s cruise with commentary in French and English in nearby Homps. There are good waterside restaurants in both Homps and La Redorte. The Ecluse d’Aiguille at Puichéric is a good place to see a lock in action. It’s an attractive spot with plants, flowers and some entertaining sculptures. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the canal was designed and built by Pierre-Paul Riquet between 1662 and 1681 and runs from Toulouse to the Mediterranean sea.

Lac de Jouarres

Just five minutes’ drive away, the lake is great for swimming and sunbathing. Life guards are on duty in July and August. You can windsurf or kitesurf straight off the beach; kayaks and pedalos are available to hire. Part of the lake is reserved for fishing. There’s also a large grassy area for picnics and ball games. The restaurant is open most of the year – you can enjoy just a drink or ice cream with a view of the lake even if you don’t want to order a meal.

Minervois villages

All provide a good feel for French village life today and in centuries past. Pretty Pepieux is a delight, while Rieux-Minervois has an unusual heptagonal church with some interesting romanesque sculptures. The route to Siran is a lovely cycle ride; the village has two churches and a café with good-value menus. On the way you pass attractive La Livinière, which has two good restaurants. La Redorte and Homps are both on the Canal du Midi and have good restaurants. Puichéric is surrounded by water – the rivers Aude and Rigole as well as the Canal – and has two locks. All villages mentioned are just 2-6 miles from Azille.

Dolmen des Fades

Close to Pepieux, set amidst the pines, you will find the Dolmen des Fades (literally ‘the dolmen of the fairies’). The largest megalithic tomb in the south of France, with a 24m stone gallery, it dates back to 5,000 BC.  You can wander through the ancient stones at will and enjoy good views of the surrounding countryside. 4 miles from Azille.


Canoeing on the Aude

Another way to see the area is from the water and it’s a delight to kayak along the River Aude. Both independent hire and supervised sessions can be booked at Eaurizon in the centre of Puichéric. For the more adventurous, white-water rafting and canyoning (at other locations) can be also be organised here. 6 miles from Azille.

Caunes Minervois

Nestled at the foot of the Montagne Noire, this medieval village has a fascinating abbey, founded in the 8th century. Take time to wander the narrow streets – two ancient public laundries, fed by streams, are still to be seen. There are some excellent marked walking trails leading from and to the village. You can also visit the old quarry, worked since Roman times, which provided stunning red marble for the Grand Trianon at Versailles and the Paris Opera House. It is put to good use in the nearby chapel of Nôtre Dame du Clos. 9 miles from Azille.

Minerve

This fortress village lies in a stunning location and is rich in history. Discover its Cathar past and explore the caves along the old river bed.  There are amazing walks from the village – though some may challenge your nerve and agility!  You’ll also find some lovely restaurants with great views, plus a few interesting shops and galleries. There’s a small museum which tells the story of the crusades using models arranged in a series of set pieces and also a poignant monument to those who lost their lives when Minerve fell to its besiegers in 1210. Not to be missed. 10 miles from Azille.

Local wines

Visit the wineries at Azillanet, Cesseras, Félines-Minervois, La Livinière and Siran, which – together with Azille itself – form the AOC Minervois-La Livinière and produce some of the best red wines in the region. Clos Centeilles in Siran is perhaps the best known winery in the appellation. Many villages also have co-operative wineries where you can buy palatable and very affordable wines, all made from grapes grown just outside the village in which you are buying. All villages mentioned are 2.5-6 miles from Azille.

 

Markets

You’ll find fresh local produce, artisan cheeses and quiches, plump marinated olives, bread, local wine and more at the nearby markets. Beside’s Azille’s Friday market, there is one in Rieux-Minervois on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, plus a larger market in Olonzac on Tuesdays. All mornings only.

Walking and cycling

Follow the Canal du Midi on foot or by bike, or take the Chemin Vert from Azille along the route of the old railway line to Rieux-Minervois and onwards. Cycle hire ia available in nearby Homps. It’s easy to cycle between vineyards and villages as many roads are quiet with excellent visibility and it is customary in France for drivers to treat cyclists with consideration. The route up to the village of Siran makes for a lovely ride. Alternatively, there are two circular walking routes from La Redorte which are a good way to see the area. There are also stunning walks from Minerve and Caunes Minervois. The scenery here, a little more towards the Montagne Noire, is already very different to the rolling vineyards around Azille.

Swimming

Swim at the Lac du Jouarres or head to Peyriac-Minervois (a 10-minute drive) to Les Bains de Minerve. The indoor pool is open year round; in summer there are two open-air pools, a grassy area for sunbathing and an outdoor café that prides itself on its waffles.