For foodie and wine fans it’s heaven; foie gras, cassoulet, confit de canard, local vineyards of the Malepere, Corbieres, Minvervois and Fitou are all within easy reach. This region has also proved popular with top UK chefs…
Stroll along the Canal du Midi and follow in the footsteps of Rick Stein, whose French Odessy took him along the Canal through Castelnaudary and Carcassonne. Jamie Oliver filmed in the area for his prorgam Jamie does the French Pyrenees shown on on Channel 4 in August 2010. Plaigne is on the border of the Languedoc and Midi-Pyrenees. You can see a clip of his program, click here to view which higlights the food and wine of the area, and shows a working oven like ours in which Jamie refers to as being like a steam engine! All the calories can be shed by the abundance of walking, riding and cycling available. The house has many walking books and maps. Swimming, sailing, windsurfing and fishing can be enjoyed on nearby lakes or at the Mediterranean.
For culture vultures why not visit the nearby historic and medieval towns of Castelnaudary, Foix, Fanjeaux and Mirepoix? Or if you’re energetic follow in the footsteps of the Cathars and visit their castles. The mediterranian coast offers many varied and beautiful ports, including Collieures; Matisse, Picasso and Friesz all painted here because of the amazing light in the South of France.
For more general information visit on the area visit:
http://www.audetourisme.com/en/index.php and www.ariege.com
Visit our facebook page here for lots more photos and ideas for things to do. Click here to visit our shop for books and maps on the area.
