THINGS TO DO LOCALLY:
The area surrounding Saint-Chinian, and the nearby Haute Languedoc National Park, is a great place for walking and bike rides. Walkers and hikers will find free English language guides in the Tourist Office.
If the heat gets the better of you and you need to cool down, there are a number of options. The town has its own public swimming pool (open from June 1st), while the long, free Mediterranean beaches are only 40 minutes away by car. Alternatively, you can bathe in the clear waters of the River Orb at Roquenbrun or the river Cesse at Bize-Minervois. The area also offers the chance to try your hand at rock-climbing, fishing, painting, golf, horse-riding, canoing ad kayaking.
To make a change Narbonne has a large leisure centre with an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, ice skating, bowling alley, an English style pub with live music on Thursday evenings and an extensive 'as much as you can eat' buffet restaurant which welcomes children.
FOOD AND DRINK:
Within a few minutes walk are several restaurants, a pizzeria, and two café bars. The renowned red and rosé AOC Saint-Chinian wines are available from local, friendly producers offering free ‘degustation’ (tasting).
There is a Spar supermarket a two minutes walk, while a larger supermarket is only a very short car ride away. There is no need to risk meeting Gendarmes by driving after a night out!
PLACES TO VISIT:
The local scenery is stunning. Safe beaches, historic chateaux, abbeys, the mountains of the Haut Languedoc National Park with its picturesque gorges, natural rock pools, river swimming and canoeing, are all within 40 minutes, or much less, from your front door.
Golf is available in Saint Thomas (35 minutes), Lamalou les Bains (45 minutes) or Carcassonne (one hour). The interesting cities of Montpellier, Beziers, Narbonne, Perpignan and Carcassonne are all within about an hours' drive. Whether it is culture, history or shopping, there is something for everyone to enjoy within easy distance.
The Spanish border is about a 90 minutes drive, while in winter inexpensive Pyranées skiing is available in a little over 2 hours drive – making it possible for a day trip.
Other Activities:
Canoeing and kayaking.
