The little hameau of Cahuzac sits between two of France’s most beautiful and almost undiscovered regions the Aude and the Ariege historically known as Cathar Country where the crusade against the Cathars took place at the beginning of the 13th century.

A most varied and impressive landscape from the wild and dramatic mountainous peaks of the Pyrenees, the gentle foothills and the flat planes of the Lauragais.

Sunflowers, cereal crops and vineyards flourish under big skies.

The climate is notorious for over 300 days sunshine a year.

The Aude is part of the Langudoc Rousillion which is the biggest wine growing area in France. While you are here, be sure to taste the the regions most impressive Blanquette Limoux which is similar to a sparkling champagne.

You won’t have to go far before you come across a cave open for wine tasting.

Almost in every viewpoint are Castles and Abbeys full of history.

Medieval towns and villages sit on hillsides and grand Cathedrals adorn sun kissed market squares, open air cafés, and French markets full of ambience.

This is the region often featured on TV. “French Leave” (Book also of the same title) where John Burton Race a Two star Michelin chef came to discover some of France’s best regional foods, also “French Odyssey” book and TV series with chef Rick Stein.

Recent fiction bestseller books written about the area include Kate Moss's Labyrinth and Sepulchre.

Cassoulet a bean, duck, and pork casserole made in Castlenaudary. The gourmet rich liver from ducks and geese “Foie Gras” with it’s regional capital in Belpech, pigeon, garlic soup, truffles, wild boar, aligot which is sold at local markets and is akin to smooth mashed potato full of pungent garlic, delicious, and not forgetting, the boulangerie’s and fromageries where to walk past and not feel hungry is almost impossible.

Nuts, figs, apricots, peaches, cherries as big and bright as huge marbles hang from heavily laden boughs, and wild strawberries grow among the banks on slow country roads.

Wine Tasting -Vinécole www.vinecole.com is the new wine experience of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south of France - offering wine courses and tastings throughout the year. Located at the impressive Domaine Gayda near Limoux, Vinécole is a wine school for all.Run by Master of Wine Matthew Stubbs, Vinécole offers wine courses and wine tastings both for people looking for a brief introduction to wine, as well as those studying for professional qualifications. 

Walking — Along quiet country roads, in forests for an hours amble or for days in the mountains this area is perfect. If you want a structured walk visit www.potential-energy.co.uk they offer local guided walks in and around the Pyrennees.

Massage Therapy - To compliment your stay here at Bordebasse, why not benefit from a Massage, ease away aches, pains and stresses. Pat Penny a local therapist will come to you.

Cycling— Cyclists from all over the world visit the region. For Cycle hire and cycle delivery to Bordebasse look at www.velomondo.com The terrain can be as challenging as you want. Often used as part of the Tour de France.

Fishing—clean local rivers compliment the lake fishing at Bordebasse.

Golf – Carcassonne Golf course is 35 mins away.

Ski and Sea– You can be on ski’s and on the pistes within the hour at Monts d’olmes. The sea and beaches of Narbonne to the east are also within the hour.

Painting—Bordebasse is home to artist Gill Masters, who is happy to share her studio with you. Small courses can be arranged. Big skies, beautiful landscapes, sunflowers and iris’s. Why not return home with a work of art painted by yourself.

Horse Riding– Superb country for hacking along on horseback, riding stables within 15 mins.

Water sports- for the more adventurous, white water rafting is available in the cool rivers of the Ariege. 40mins away. Windsurfing, catermaran and sailing courses available at Lac Ganguise 35 mins away

Cruising the Canal du Midi– 30 mins away. Take a cruise for the afternoon along the canal du midi, built in the 17th century, mountains to one side of you, vineyards to the other.

Bird watching– The region is home to amongst many others, Buzzards, Eagles, Montague Harriers, Black and Red kites soar overhead, Bee eaters and Golden Orials are welcome visitors every summer, and late summer we have the beautiful Rollers that sit on telegraph wire and fences.

Spain and Andorra are literally within 2 hours, you can be off in the morning, have a leisurely lunch, buy some duty free, have a little stroll around and be back in the evening.

Come along, relax and have a great holiday.