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.

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.

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.

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 bar/restaurant. 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.

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. There is also a tuesday market in nearby Montlaur, saturday market in Lagrasse and a huge market on wednesday in lézignan corbières.

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, 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.