Our properties are situated in the stunning and rugged countryside of the Corbieres wine growing region, in the peaceful valley of the Val de Dagne, at the foothills of the Corbieres hills. The river Alsou runs through the valley, with its clear waters and large stocks of fish. There are two local lakes for swimming/picnics and a beautiful secluded rockpool, all fed from natural water sources. A short drive south and you're heading up into the Corbieres hills towards the historic Cathar castles (including Peyrepertuse and Queribus) and the Pyrenean mountains.

Across the hills to the west, you'll discover St Hilaire with its ancient fortified abbey where the monks not only discovered how to put the bubble into wine but also how to cork it and retain the fizz, way back in 1531. This wine is known as Blanquette and a further drive west will bring you to Limoux, where Blanquette production is centred.

Useful websites for your visit to Carcassonne and the Corbieres region

The official site of Carcassonne with a virtual visit carcassonne.culture.fr/

UNESCO world heritage site, the historic, fortified city of Carcassonne unesco.org/

All you need to know about Carcassonne in the Wikipedia encyclopedia : en.wikipedia.org

History and photographs of UNESCO world heritage site, the Canal du Midi : midicanal.fr/

Information about the wines from both the Corbieres and Minervois regions : terroir-france.com

Tourist information on the Aude : audetourisme.com

A twenty-five minute drive north-west takes you to the medieval city of Carcassonne, a world heritage site of UNESCO, formerly a Cathar castle, it's the largest walled city in Europe. The Canal du Midi runs through Carcassonne and there are boat trips available from both Carcassonne and Trebes. The canal, which runs from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, is also a world heritage site of UNESCO. There are three market days in Carcassonne, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (the main day). A superb golf course sits just outside the city. Internet cafes are available in Trebes, Limoux and Carcassonne.

Chateau de Lastours - Cathar castle
chateauxlastours.lwd.fr

The fortified medieval city of Carcassonne
monuments-nationaux.fr

Abbey of Saint Hilaire - invention of sparkling wine (Blanquette) in 1531 http://perso.wanadoo.fr/abbayedesainthilaire

8th-16th century Benedictine abbey in the medieval village of Lagrasse : lagrasse.fr

One of the largest Cistercian abbeys in Europe fontfroide.com /a>

Chateau de Termes: Impregnable 1210 cathar castle came under a four month seige : payscathare.org

Last known Cathar, Guilhem Belibaste was burnt at the stake in 1321 at Villerouge-Termenes chateau.villerouge

Chateau d'Arques, cathar castle with intact dungeon
chateau-arques.fr

To the east of Servies en Val lies the Medieval village of Lagrasse, classed as one of the "plus beaux villages de France", with it's Benedictine abbey (8th - 16th century) and a beautiful old stone bridge (12th century). Lagrasse is full of cafes, restaurants, art galleries and charm. Further east you have Narbonne, with remains of an old Roman road and the best market to buy fresh fish in the area. The Mediterranean coast is less than an hour's drive away.

The local village of Servies en Val has all the amenities you will require. A boulangerie, grocery store, post office, cash machine, doctors surgery, pharmacy, hairdresser, tobacconists/newsagent and a garage, for both repairs and petrol. Local produce is in abundance, including fresh eggs, goat's/sheep's cheese, olives, pate, honey, yoghurt, spiced bread, organic fruit/vegetables etc., available from local markets or direct from the farm. There is a superb horse riding school close by, offering country trekking.

Peyrepertuse, one of the most remarkable fortresses in the south of France chateau-peyrepertuse.com

The last bastion of Cathar resistance - Queribus
queribus.fr

Official tourist office of Carcassonne
carcassonne-tourisme.com

This is an ideal retreat for tranquillity, walking, painting, bird watching, cycling, wild flowers (including numerous orchids) and nature in general. In the area there is also an Australian park, bird sanctuary, deep cave grotto, animal safari park, thermal spa, monasteries, museums, art galleries, inland beach at Carcassonne, dinosaur museum, numerous wine cellars and much more.

We offer you an excellent base from which to explore one of the hidden treasures of southern France, the Corbieres.