This is a perfect base to explore the Cathar castle country and places like Rennes-le-Bains, setting for The Da Vinci Code mystery and Carcassonne, Montpellier & surrounds- by car, bicycling or walking. Depending on the time of year you can ski in Andorra (2.5 hr) or Les Angles(1.5 hr), boat on the Canal du Midi and windsurf, sail or swim in the etangs, visit Carcassonne’s La Cité, the Abbaye of Fontfroide and numerous other castles and museums or just relax and sample the wine in the beautiful Languedoc region. The Tour de France passes through the area every year, too. There are large street markets twice a week, Tuesday and Sunday, in nearby Narbonne city, as well as the permanent food market beside the canal which is open every day until 2pm where you can pick & buy your meat and get it cooked at the small restaurants right there in the market! Other local attractions include the African Reserve - Europe’s largest Safari Park , regular village markets,  Gruissan beach (scene of the Betty Blue movie), karting and quads, Narbonne Aquapark & Bowling and the large  Aquapark theme park at Port Leucate. Shiloh Ranch in Paraza for pony or horse hire. Vide greniers (car boot sales) are a regular weekend event in different villages throughout the year & especially in summer and can provide an interesting and enjoyable shopping experience…and much more …details of local events can be obtained at the Mairie (Mayors House) or at the Syndicate d’Initiative on the main square near the house. Brochures for planning your excursions are in the house.