LANGUISHING IN LANGUEDOC 
 
In addition to all the usual activities in Languedoc such as golfing, fishing, cycling, (did we mention that the Tour de France passes through each year?) swimming, canoeing, white water rafting, windsurfing, visiting museums, (including the Dinosaur museum) visiting local markets, skiing, tennis, horseriding, wine tasting, ice-skating, tenpin bowling, badminton, you can visit the Roman spa town of Alet-les-Bains, where you can fill up your empty water bottles with the therapeutic mineral water, on tap, free of charge. 
 
We can help you find the right places to forage for mushrooms - chanterelles, cèpes, pied de moutons, and moreilles so that you can discover the pleasures of cooking them fresh (Jamie Oliver eat your heart out!) Or gather wild leeks, walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, figs and herbs. Best of all are the wild, fresh asparagus - just whip them up to make a tasty omelette for lunch. 
 
THE SURROUNDING AREA 
The region is renowned for its castles, monasteries and other places of historic interest. Rennes Le Château, which is alluded to in books such as Dan Brown’s famous (The Da Vinci Code) and mentioned in (The Holy Blood and The Holy Grail) is only 30km from Malviès. 
As this is the heart of Cathar Country, you will find an abundance of Cathar Castles to visit. Some of the most spectacular are Montségur, Peyreperteuse, Puilaurens, Queribus and Puivert all of which are within easy driving distance of Malviès.  
Abbeys and Monasteries are to be found at Alet, Caunes-Minervois, Fontfroide, Lagrasse, Prouilhe, Rieunette, Saint-Hilaire, (remember Dom Perignon) Saint-Martin des Puit, Saint-Papoul, Saint Martin le Vieil and Saint Polycarpe. 
 
CARCASSONNE 
The 11th century Cité of Carcassonne is only 25km away. It has been restored and was completed in the 19th century. In addition to the Château Comtal which is a must to see, there are museums, the wonderful Cathedral, the open air theatre and a maze of small cobbled streets to be explored and enjoyed. There is an abundance of places to eat ranging from fast food to the Michelin rated restaurant of the Hotel de la Cité.  
 
On the 14th July, Bastille Day,Carcassonne presents one of the most spectacular fire-work displays in Europe.At one point La Cité appears to be on fire. If La Cité seems familiar to you, but you have never Before Visited Carcassonne, it could be that you remember it because Kevin Costner, in his role of Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, was filmed Here with La Cité doubling for the evil sheriff’s Nottingham Castle. 
 
The town of Carcassonne – La Bastide – is 10 minutes walk from La Cité. The town is based on a grid system and central to the grid is Place Carnot, the market square. The Saturday market is a riot of colour as local producers fight for your custom to buy their fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants, cheeses, bread, honey, seafood, herbs and spices. Carcassonne station is to be found just beside the Canal de Midi which was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1996. Trips on the Canal can be taken from here throughout most of the year. Carcassonne train station serves Bordeaux, Paris, Nice, Marseilles and many other places in France, and further afield such as Spain and Italy. 
 
LIMOUX 
 
Limoux, which is 10 kms south of Malviès, is famous for its floral displays (ville fleurie), its Blanquette and its nougat. It is rumoured that Dom Perignon popped down to discover how the first ever sparkling wine had been produced by the monks of the Abbey of St Hilaire, took the secret back with him, marketed it and that is why you will have heard of Champagne, but possibly not heard of the Blanquette de Limoux. It is definitely worth a try… and there are many places where you can sample before you buy. 
 
Mirepoix 
Mirepoix is less than one hour's drive and dates back to the 10th century. It is renowned for its ancient arcades and lively Monday market which is set in the area around the ancient cathedral. The narrow streets are just waiting to be explored and reveal their treasures. 
 
THE SEASIDE 
For those of you for whom a holiday is not complete without a dip in the sea, or a stroll along the beach, there are several beaches within an hour’s drive from Malviès on the Mediterranean coast. The nearest are Narbonne Plage, Gruissan, Port-la-Nouvelle, Leucate and Valras-Plage. A closely guarded French secret is the delightful village of Coulliure which is just north of the Spanish border and just over one hour’s drive from Carcassonne. Spain itself is about one and half hour's drive. 
 
ANDORRA 
The Principality of Andorra is just two hours drive from Malviès.  
Although renowned for skiing in the winter months, it is also a beautiful place for walking in the summer months.  
It is, of course well known for its tax free shopping, It is hard to understand why there is a limit of 2kgs of butter to be bought here, but I am sure there is a very good reason.