Holidays in France - Cottages for Rent

Holidays in France - Places to Visit

Set in a stunning location, the ancient Village of Minerve (20 minute drive up into the hills above Homps) was the ancient capital of the region. It was also home to the Cathars and there is a museum there today detailing their history and the exploits of the Knights Templar. There are references to its history in the narrow cobbled streets (ie Templars Gate). River beds run on either side of the rocky outcrop on which the settlement is built.

Carcassonne with its walled medieval city is a 30 minute drive away. The pretty River Aude flows just below the City walls and the Canal du Midi has a promenade and basin with colourful canal cruisers moored there. All the facilities you would expect from a provincial City are available here.

The Mediterranean Sea is only 40 minutes away by car. Narbonne is the nearest coastal City, with beaches at Narbonne Plage, Valras Plage and Serignan Plage.

A short drive further along the coast will take you to Cap D'Agde, which is a very fashionable resort and Pleasure Port with hundreds of Ocean going cruisers bobbing restlessly in their moorings and scores of restaurants, cafes and bars by the water's edge where you can relax and take in the sights, sounds and aromas of the Mediterranean. A mile or two inland from the Cap, stands the old walled town of Agde, which is traffic free inside the battlements. The narrow streets are filled with interesting boutiques, art/craft shops, restaurants and possibly the largest sweet/candy store you're likely to find in France. The streets lead to shady
squares where you can enjoy a coffee or a glass of the local wine.

Perpignan and the Pyrennees are about 1 to 1.5 hours away along the Autoroute, with their many fascinations, castle ruins and spectacular views.

Closer to home, Olonzac is a 5 minute drive and will provide all your day to day needs with two supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacy, a take-away, pizzaeria and a weekly street market. Lezignan is a larger town with more facilities and is about 6 miles away.

During the season, there is a very good restaurant with an outside walled garden eating area and also a brasserie, both just a short walk away on the Canal side in Homps. On the opposite side you will also find a bar/café.