The Area
The Languedoc region of France is a place of historical interest,
having been a centre for the Cathar religion. There are many medieval
towns and villages of note, particularly Minerve, which is situated a
few minutes away from Azillanet in the mountains.
5 minutes from Azillanet by car in a southerly direction brings you to
the small town of Olonzac, with all its facilities and a bustling
market. 5 minutes on from there is Lake Jouarres, where you can swim,
fish, do water-sports and it is also a good area for cycling and
walking. It has a pebble beach; free parking; a cafe; lifeguards;
barbecue facilities; gardens and a stretch of grass for sunbathing and
games.
The Dolmen Des Fados (the Dolmen of the Fairies) is just down the
road. It is the largest dolmen (burial mound) in the south of France,
and there are other dolmen hiding away secretly in the mountains.
The nearest seaside beach - 50 minutes away, at Narbonne-Plage - is
long and sandy. Walks in the mountains afford breathtaking scenery.
The senses are charged with the smell of thyme trodden underfoot.
Rosemary, lavender, juniper, sage and hollyoaks grow everywhere around
the rocky outcrops and under the olive and pine trees. The freshness
of the energy touches the soul
Local Amenities
Azillanet has a small shop for groceries. Visiting sales vans bring
provisions too. Listen for the hooter at 8.45am each morning when the
'boulanger' stops his van outside the house to sell fresh bread.
The 'cave' is just up the road , where you can buy good local wine for
70p per litre.
The restaurant, open in the summer, has a delightfully French
atmosphere.
Olonzac market
Olonzac market
Haut Cabardès
Park in Olonzac
Park in Olonzac
Park in Olonzac |
|
