Carcassonne and the area: Nearby are a host of Castles, Churches and other monuments from the time of the Cathar Crusades in southern France. Laure is just 20 minutes away from the city of Carcassonne, famous for its castle 'la Cite', the most complete structure of its kind in Europe. The walled city of Carcassonne dates back to the Gauls and was for centuries, one of the major fortress cities in the south west of France. The walled city of Carcassonne with its 52 towers is only a short drive to the south and no visit to this area should be contemplated without seeing this wonderful medieval town. Renovated in the 19th century, today it is a perfect example of a medieval walled city. Within its' walls, are narrow streets with shops and restaurants and the ramparts provide a breath-taking view of the city and plains below. Summer visitors will find a medieval 'Son-et-Lumiere' show, and the 14th July is a must to see, as well as festivals featuring music, drama and dance. The city is lit up every evening throughout the year  and is a stunning sight.

Bridge over the river Aude  leading to La Cité	La Cité, Carcassonne	Lake at the village of Laure, for fishing and walking

The region is famous for "les Chateaux du pays Cathare" and has many castles, towns and villages dating back over 800 years. Limoux, the town known for its Blanquette (Champagne style wine) is about 30 minutes from our village. Just past Limoux is the spa town of Alet les Balns and then Rennes Ie chateau, famed for its mysterious treasure. Montsegur, the last bastion of the Knights Templar, is within easy reach, as is the spectacular Gorge de Galaias. We are just over 40minutes from the beaches of Narbonne and Leucate to the East, also not too far from the Pyrenees, Andorra and Northern Spain. Toulouse is the nearest large city, with  Perpignan, and both can be reached in an hour and a half, an ideal base for enjoying the wealth of activities, areas of interest and historic sites. Other activities include golf, go-carting and horse-riding. There is also a safari park, a bison farm and the shops, museums and churches of Toulouse and Albi..

Toulouse with its large shopping centre and international airport and within 30-60 minutes from the historic towns of Mirepoix, Foix, Revel, Lastours, Fanjeaux, Limoux and Castres. The quality of the light in southern France has long attracted painters and photographers. In this very agricultural area the landscape is coloured with the changing seasons and everywhere there are awe-inspiring views across the plains to the mountains.

There are several lakes within an hour of Carcassonne, which offer swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Canoeing and rafting are also available on the lakes and rivers in the mountains. Walkers of all levels are spoilt for choice with the enormous variety of hiking terrain both on the plain and in the mountains. The sunny days and cooler temperatures in Spring and Autumn are ideal for walking, cycling and mountain hiking.

In winter there are several ski stations 1-2 hours from Carcassonne.  The Canal du Midi is close to Laure offering walkers and cyclists many kilometres of beautiful towpath to enjoy. Boats are available for hire by the day. Lovers of French markets are also spoilt for choice, whilst those who enjoy the odd glass of wine can take advantage of the 'degustation' offered by wine-makers throughout the region. The list of appellations includes: Corbieres, Minervois, Fitou, Malapere, and Fronton, plus the local 'bubbly' from Limoux.

Laure Minervois itself, has a post office, bar/restaurant, tabac/grocers, general store, bakers, butchers, chemist, doctors. There are also several private and co-operative caves for sampling the local wines and bars/restaurants and cafe's, plus supermarkets and convenience shops all within a 3 to 15 minute drive from the Domaine de Palatz at Laure, Caunes, Trebes, Villeneuve, Pyriac and Rieux.

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Places to visit in the area.
 

► Minerve, 25km.

► Collieure, 100km.

► Narbonne beach, 70km leisure park Aquajet.

►The giant chasm of  Cabrespine, 10km.

►The waterfall of Cubservi, 90m high, 17km.

► The book village of Montolieu, 22km.

► Toulouse, 90km.

► Pre-historic cave and grotto of Limousis, 13km.

► Barcelona at 317Km, Toulouse at 109Km.

►Australian Zoo and spectacle of eagles at Carcassonne.

► Regional festivals of music and theatre.

► Limoux pre-historic museum of Dinosaurs, 30km.

Activities in the area.
 

►Boat-hire, fishing, in the Canal du Midi.

►Rafting and canoeing in the river Aude.

►Swimming, wind-surfing, 20km Lakes of Montagne Noire.

►Bowling, laser-quest at Carcassonne, 15km.
 

In addition to cultural pursuits and wine-tasting tours, visitors may like to try golf, horse-riding, fishing, white-water rafting, tennis, cycling etc. For those who are thinking about or actively looking to buy property in the area in France your hosts can give you helpful advice on the region, the buying process and other useful related insights.

Once you are here you will discover the term Le Pays Cathar (the cathar land) which was once home to the Cathars, a religious group who were eventually exterminated by the Albigensians. Catharism spread from the Balkans to Toulouse, Albi and Carcassonne during the 11th to 13th centuries, however in 1208, Pope Innocent III preached a crusade against the Cathars and joined forces with the Albigenses in a mission to wipe them out.

After long sieges, the major Cathar centres at Beziers, Carcassonne , the village of Minerve and the dramatically sited fortresses of Montsgur, Queibus and Peyrepertuse were taken and hundreds of Cathars were slaughtered and burnt.

It is still possible to visit all of the wonderful fortresses once inhabited by the Cathars, which are set in breathtaking locations.

On 14th July at 10-30 pm, the Cite hosts a spectacular fireworks display. People come from all over the world to experience this fantastic event. Throughout July, the Festival at the Citi brings Music, Opera, Dance and Theatre to town. From June to August there is also music and fetes throughout the area.