Azille Vacation RentalConverted stone barn on Canal du Midi, Homps near Carcassone

As a professional artist I can say that the area is an artist's heaven with mountains, sea and the Canal du Midi which loops its way through the countryside. This canal is unlike anything you can imagine! The tow paths are lined by ancient plane trees giving welcome shade for both walkers and cyclists. It is only a few minutes walk down the tow path to the port of Homps which is one of the few ports where boats can turn around so several canal boat companies are based here - one of the reasons why such a tiny place has 4 restaurants and a bar/cafe - all on the canal side. It also has an epicerie, post office, gift shop and petrol station/super market. Two-hour canal trips can be taken for much of the year, with commentary in English as well as French. Bicycles & canal-boats are available to rent.

The area is steeped in history, with the remains of prehistoric civilization all around. Some of the earliest human remains have been found at Tourtavel to the south (excellent museum). Narbonne has a superb collection of Roman mosaics in the museum set in the ancient palace. There is a good direct road to the famous fortified town of Carcassone and the great Cathar fortresses of Queribus, Montsegur and Peyrepertuse, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, should not be missed. Closer to hand the beautiful Cathar city of Minerve is a 12min drive into the black mountains to the north.

There are road and track bikes available for rent. The area which is renowned for its beauty is great for gentle cycling or walking along the canal and through the vine yards. Equally 10mins away there is superb walking and cycling in the foot hills of the Black mountains The Area is superb for fishing with lake, canal and river fishing within walking distance Lac Jouarre with its beach is only 5mins away. In season there is wind surfing and boating available The beautiful flat long sandy beaches are 40min away by car There are tennis courts at Homps and Olonzac There is wine tasting through out the area Also there is Horse Riding, Boat hire, white water Rafting on the river Orb and safari caving at Cabrspine

Other Activities: canal boats for hire; wine-tasting;walking;art lessons.

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