Summer holidays - accommodation in Languedoc-Roussillon, South France with computer & free Internet access

Summer holidays in South France

Couiza itself is a busy and friendly village (population: 1,280), complete with all amenities, including two patisseries, butchers, local grocery store, an excellent restaurant and two cafe bars. If it's Cordon Bleu you're after, then this region boasts the finest food, cooked to perfection. There are also many restaurants within a short drive in both Limoux and Quillan, so you'll be spoilt for choice. Languedoc Roussillon is the home to some of the most recognisable and sought after names in wine-making, Fitou, Fleury, Minervois and Corbieres to name a few, and of course the champagne from the local town of Limoux.

Near to Couiza are the thermal spas of Alet les Bains and Rennes les Bains with outdoor swimming pools at a steady 30 degrees. There is river swimming in several spots up and down the river Salz, including one almost on our doorstep and another ten minutes walk away in a secluded spot. Locally, other water-sports include canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting and trout fishing (or tickling, if you prefer). There's pony-treking on the local horses of the Camargue, golf and even a casino with piano bar, a dinosaur museum and a museum of hats, truly something for everyone! For more information on activities in the Couiza and the Aude region, check out the Languedoc links page, or visit the river swimming, winter, walking, Carcassonne or Rennes-le-Chateau pages.

East of Couiza is the forest of Arques and its swimming lake, to the West another two lakes, Montbel (pictured above), where you can wind-surf, canoe, kayak or hire pedalos and lake Puivert, which also has one of the most outstanding Cathare castles. The castles of the Cathars dot the beautiful valley of Aude from Narbonne to Foix, the evidence of a remarkable era in history is cast on the landscape in the form of ruins and forts standing proud on promontories around Couiza and the Cathare region. Casteland.com has information and photos on many of these castles.

The gite is 34 km from the medieval city of Carcassonne, in the heart of the Cathare region, famous for its walled city within a city. Carcassonne has many museums and historic monuments to visit. 8 km South of Couiza is the attractive market town of Quillan, which heralds the beginning of the climb into the Pyrenees and some amazing drives along roads hewn literally from the mountain side. Rock climbing, mountain walks and caving are all available in or near Quillan.

Just over an hour away to the East are huge swathes of beautiful Mediterranean beaches - plenty of room to find a secluded spot, should you so desire. If, however hotdogs, buckets and spades and cheeky postcards make your heart sing, Narbonne Plage will come high on your list of must sees. We also provide beach chairs which you're welcome to borrow for a trip to the seaside.

Click to see information on Mode d'Artiste - self-catering gite in Couiza .

Photo of the Reserve Africaine de Sigean lions, 40 mins. from Couiza.

Dinosaur remains and fascinating facts are at the Dinosaur Museum in Esperaza, 5 mins. from Couiza.