The Local Area

Carcassonne is a splendid medieval fortified town with noted restaurants.
Two old towns dominate this city, a Cite, the medieval fortified castle that
was the backdrop for Kevin Costner's Robin Hood, and the new old town
fortified in Napoleonic times. La Cite is truly a fairly tale castle with
over 50 towers, well restored and full of restaurants, shops and a moated
castle. Below this medieval city the new 'old town' has a lovely central
square with the rest of the town being built in a defensive grid. The Canal
du Midi runs through the town as does the Aude river giving charming walks
and views. Cycling along this waterway makes for a relaxing expedition.
Walking, Cathar castle exploration, spas and the Mediterranean ensure that
visitors have plenty of options.

Fanjeaux is noted as the birthplace of the Dominican movement and is still
the home to a monastery and for having wonderful views over 5 departments.
Local shops, butcher, baker, superette, restaurant and cafe/bar meet
immediate needs and Mirepoix is nearby as well as Castelnaudary the home of
Cassoulet - and of course Carcassonne. From Les Gites Brunet you can walk
into the local hills on trails that explore the our immediate region and in
a very short time you can feel that you have got right off the beaten track.
Pick up a picnic in Fanjeaux and head out for the day!

Near Fanjeaux is the Medieval town of Mirepoix. This bastide (fortified)
town has a lovely central square with cafes and shops as well as great
restaurants. It is very lively on a Monday morning when the market is in
full swing and people are attracted from a wide region. Many languages can
be heard here, especially in the summer and the market offers an eclectic
mix of the traditional with the unexpected; goats cheese to Indian
souvenirs, chain saws to live ducks and chickens. This is a French market at
its best.

From Fanjeaux day trips can be made to Toulouse, Barcelona and Andorra.

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