“...a land of contasts between the gentle sandy coast with coastal lagoons, the more luscious plain of the river Aude where cherries, apricots and olives grow...”
photos of the region
The Languedoc-Roussillon / Herault region
This part of the Languedoc boasts a sunny Mediterranean climate with, they say, 300 days of sunshine per year. Summers can be hot but tempered by a breeze.
This is a land of contasts between the gentle sandy coast with coastal lagoons, the more luscious plain of the river Aude where cherries, apricots and olives grow and where the Canal du Midi meanders serenely, and the rugged interior. A land of vineyards, wine and good food, perfumed garrigue, castles, abbeys, Cathar history, walks, rivers for fishing and swimming, colourful markets with fresh local produce and historic cities such as Roman Narbonne and Carcassonne with its remarkable medieval fortress – one of Europe’s best preserved wall cities. Sporting activities near by include, tennis (in Aigues Vives) water sports and horse riding.
Surrounded
by pretty vineyards and gentle hills, Paguignan is just 15
minutes from the Cathar village of Minerve, which sits perched
on a rock between two deep gorges. Swimming in the river at
Biz-Minervois is 10 minutes away and the Mediterranean beaches
45 minutes. The Canal du Midi is 20 minutes away. (Click
here for photos of the village)
Aigues Vives, 2 km from Paguignan or a 10 minute bike ride, has a boulangerie, Utile mini market (rather like a Spar), post office and two restaurants. The Boulangerie delivers fresh bread, tarts and croisants to the village 4 times per week and butcher and general stores vans call weekly. There are several other good restaurants within 5 kms.
