Activities

The village of Cruzy is ideally situated to enjoy the very best this region of France has to offer.

Surrounded by vineyards, the grapes harvested here are part of the AOC area known internationally by the Saint Chinian label. It is said that Languedoc is the largest vineyard in the world and from our village you can explore dozens of private and cooperative wineries. Some of our favourites include Mas de Cynanque, Domaine de la Provenquiere, Domaine Castigno and Moulin Gimié. All private domains are very happy to offer tastings but prefer if you can contact them in advance. (They are even happier if you buy some!)

We are a short drive or cycle ride from the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO heritage site dating back to the late 17th century, and a marvel of engineering - from Capestang, our nearest town, you can take a canal boat to explore the incredible Malpas Tunnel. The Voie Verte is a cycle path that runs from our local restaurant Le Terminus, to the canal port at Capestang. Bicycles can be hired and delivered to the Villa if required.

Within a 40 minute drive you can explore Mediterranean beaches, the Cité of Carcassonne, Narbonne, Béziers, and the Cathar stronghold of Minerve. A little further you can take a day trip to Barcelona, explore the beautiful city of Montpellier or visit the Pont du Gard.

If you prefer activities in addition to sightseeing there are many things to try within a short distance, many suitable for all ages. Several are listed below, and you'll find plenty of guidebooks and other helpful information on your arrival at Notre Maison!

BEACHES

Narbonne Plage, Gruissan Plage and Valras Plage are all within a 30 minute drive by car. You'll find plenty of restaurants, bars to choose from. There are also regular markets in the summer months.

MARKETS

In addition to the daily market stalls in Cruzy you will find excellent morning markets in St Chinian (Thursday and Sunday) and Capestang (Wednesday and Sunday). For food lovers a visit to Les Halles in Narbonne is highly recommended - open everyday until lunchtime when food is served before closing.

GASTRONOMY

Whilst staying at Notre Maison you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink! Our closest restaurant is Le Terminus but you can also try La Croisade, Cruzy, the canalside bistro Le Pourquoi Pas or one of the restaurants in Assignan. Bar Le 40 in Quarante offers a good weekday lunch menu. For take-away food you can pre-order from Le Terminus or the pizza van is in the square on Friday nights.

WINETASTING

The village of Cruzy is surrounded by vineyards and the grapes harvested are part of the AOC wines known internationally by the Saint Chinian label. It is said that Languedoc is the largest vineyard in the world and from our village you can explore dozens of private and co-operative wineries. If you would like to plan a wine-tasting trip by minibus contact Vin en Vacances

CYCLING

Mountain biking and road cycling are extremely popular locally - especially on Sundays! If you fancy a day trip cycling along the canal paths, you can hire bikes and have them delivered to the villa, or collect them from Mellow Velos in Paraza.

SKETCHING

Get creative and capture memories of your holiday with Sketch Languedoc! Located in the adjacent village of Quarante, your tutor is British and will help you discover the fun art of travel sketching with ink and watercolour. Sketch materials can be provided. These workshops are a perfect way to learn a new skill, unwind, and appreciate more about this wonderful area.

CATHAR COUNTRY

Fortified hilltops, castles, villages and towns in Languedoc are a stark reminder of the Languedoc's turbulent history. Known as 'Cathar country' you can discover well known castles at Peyrepertuse, Puivert, Carcassonne, Lastours, Montségur and Queribus. The former Cathar stronghold of Minerve above the River Cesse, which also has some lovely rock-pools for picnics and swimming in the summer.

HORSERIDING

This area offers a number of great routes for horse-riding. Close to Cruzy on the way to Montouliers is L'Appaloosas du Pech. Further away the Camargue is famous for its wild horses. Close to the beaches at Serignan Plage and Portiragnes Plage you will find horse riding stables offering a number of equestrian activities.

GOLF

Several good golf courses are within easy reach of Notre Maison including Golf Saint Thomas at Béziers, approx 40 minutes drive. The pretty spa town of Lamalou les Bains has a golf course on the main road.

WATERSPORTS

Kayaking is available all over the area, but one of the best rivers for both terrain and scenery is the River Orb and the Canoe/Kayak centre at Roquebrun. There is also kayaking at Cessenon sur Orb. You can get a ticket to fish and you can also swim there as well.