Imagine stepping into a Europe partly untouched by time. The fabulous Languedoc in France’s Southwest is such a place, and our exclusive fly/drive program will take you to the heart of the region.
Staying for six nights in the market town of Esperaza, lying some forty kilometres south of Carcassonne astride the River Aude, you will be perfectly located to explore the region. The countryside is spectacular as it rises from Esperaza into the Pyrenees; the surrounding hills climb from 400 to 2600 metres over an eighty kilometre run, up into the mountain principality of Andorra.
It is unabashedly wine country, and there are many wonderful caves to visit and samples to be enjoyed. While you are in the region, we have arranged for a special two-hour tutored wine-tasting at the Vinecole, winery located only thirty kilometres from Esperaza.
The history of the region is fascinating, and you will become engaged with the swirling mysteries of the Knights Templar, the thousand year-old castles of the Cathar heretics and the modern day intrigue of Rennes le Chateau, such an integral part of the Da Vinci Code.
Natural history is not forgotten either, as Esperaza is home to a fascinating and comprehensive dinosaur museum exhibiting the abundant local finds of paleontological remains. And even better – for families, it is a wonderfully child-friendly facility!
The region is not all study! There are unlimited marked hill walks, river kayaking and rafting, horseback riding and the simple pleasure of sipping a restorative in the town square, watching the people go by.
Your home base, the Maison de la Riviere, a lovely Chambre d’hote is delightful, and you can be sure that your hosts Jo and Roy Hayes will do their utmost to make you comfortable; if you would like a little more space, or are travelling with a family, ask us about a house rental in the area, for a one week stay it is a wonderful alternative.
