There is a lovely leisure lake for swimming and water sports close by at Homps (5km) Water activities include: Paddle boarding, wind-surfing, canoeing, fishing, para-sailing, dinghy sailing and wild swimming. A Lifeguard is on duty in July and August.
Things to do
Beaufort is a small, Medieval hill-top winemaker’s village in the heart of the Minervois wine region, close to the Canal du Midi and Olonzac, with its vibrant weekly market, cafes and restaurants and central to many Cathar historical sites, including Minerve and Carcassonne, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
It is a perfect base to explore the region, discover the many excellent wine domains, enjoy the views in the surrounding vine-covered countryside and is only 45 minutes drive to many beaches of the Mediterranean coast.
Cycling
For avid road cyclists, Beaufort featured along Stage 15 of the 2011 Tour de France and the Peloton passed us again nearby in 2016, climbing up through the villages of Siran, Cesseras and Azillanet on its way up through the Gorges de la Cesse, past Minerve, climbing up through the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc, on … Continue reading “Cycling”
Sky dive in Lezignan
You can learn to sky dive, go on jumps or just practise floating on air in the free fall simulator at Flyzone in Lezignan-Corbieres (10km)
Rock climbing in Caunes-Minervois and Les Gorges de la Cesse (Minerve)
Fabulous rock climbing in the old marble quarries and surrounding limestone cliffs near Caunes-Minervois (21km) or Les Gorges de la Cesse (12km) Minerve
Olonzac
Situated near the Canal du Midi, about 2.5km from Beaufort, is the village of Olonzac, known as the ‘Capital of the Minervois’. There is a vibrant weekly market, every Tuesday morning, selling produce and crafts from all over the region, as well as numerous restaurants, cafés, a bank, hairdressers, beauty salons, medical services and pharmacies. … Continue reading “Olonzac”
Minerve
12 Km away, about 20 minutes drive, is Minerve, the site of the famous siege in 1210 by Simon de Montfort, to starve out the Cathars taking refuge there, during the Albigensian Crusade. This pretty village is classed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“The Most Beautiful Villages Of France”). It is … Continue reading “Minerve”
Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi (Occitan: Canal de las Doas Mars, meaning canal of the two seas) is a 241 km (150 mile) long canal in Southern France (French: le Midi). Construction began in 1667. It was originally named the Canal Royal en Languedoc (Royal Canal in Languedoc) but the French revolutionaries renamed it to Canal … Continue reading “Canal du Midi”
Carcassonne
Since Pre-Roman times there has been a fortified settlement at Carcassonne. Nowadays you will find one of the most outstanding examples of a medieval walled city in the world, which is visited by over 2 million people a year and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. As well as exploring the ramparts and getting … Continue reading “Carcassonne”
Narbonne
Narbonne was established in Gaul by the Romans in 118 BC, as Colonia Narbo Martius, colloquially Narbo. It was located on the Via Domitia, the first Roman road in Gaul, built at the time of the foundation of the colony, and connecting Italy to Spain. ‘At the time of its creation the town was to … Continue reading “Narbonne”
La Grange
La Grange, Bize-Minervois, (15km) is a converted barn ‘Cantina’ style Restaurant and Bar venue with an excellent cocktail bar, classic french and international cuisine restaurant and live music at the weekends. During the warmer months the restaurant and bar opens out into the gardens where there is additional capacity for eating and drinking. www.la-grange-bize.com /Facebook … Continue reading “La Grange”
