The site - Sud de France Languedoc

Transcription

Projet1_Mise en page 1 13/11/14 08:13 Page1
www.destinationsuddefrance.com
THE TOURISM MAGAZINE IN SOUTH OF FRANCE LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
SUD DE FRANCE
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Pyrenees, Cévennes,
Aubrac, Margeride,
Facilities and activities
2014 - 2015 resort by resort!
Destination South of France,
Winter 2014-2015
blessed by nature
Wellness: thermal and spa resorts,
great 100% relaxation programmes
Gastronomy: truffles, foie gras and oysters,
a land rich in surprises
Great outdoors:
Canigou, Cévennes,
Aubrac, Margeride…
vast protected spaces
to admire
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: 5 DISCOVERY TOURS, FROM THE CATALAN PYRENEES TO THE LOZÈRE
01-03 CRT HIVER EN 2014-EN_Mise en page 1 10/11/14 19:15 Page1
◗ ◗ ◗ SUD DE FRANCE EDITORIAL
The Mountains of Languedoc-Roussillon,
a Sud de France Destination
Special edition of Midi Gourmand published by
the Société du Journal Midi Libre
French limited company with share capital of 6.356.302 €
Main stakeholders: GSO-SA
Registered office: rue du Mas-de-Grille
34430 Saint-Jean-de-Védas
Postal address:
34438 Saint-Jean-de-Védas Cedex
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 07 67 07
Midi Tourisme is produced by Pôle Editions,
in partnership with Sud de France Développement
Managing editor: Olivier Gérolami
Director: Didier Thomas-Radux
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 07 66 11
Mail : [email protected]
Editorial coordination: Didier Thomas-Radux
Editorial: Marie Vanhamme, Anne Schoendoerffer,
Claire Mondrian, Didier Thomas-Radux
Archives photos:
Jean-François Salles (p.22a, 22b, 22d,25a,36,); Yves Estivals
(p. 32a-b,36); BIM (p.12b,p.20b,21d,33b,41b); Frédérique
Berlique (p. 15a); Bruno Calendini (p.26, 48); OT Font-Romeu
(p.20a, 21b, 21c); Station de ski de Camurac (p. 8a-b); Espace
Nordique Capcir (p. 9a); Les Angles – CDT 66 (p. 1,4,7a-b,13a);
Station Formiguères (p.14); Domaine skiable Cambre-d’Aze
(p.18); Fotolia (p.6); R. Jordan (p.39b); Fotolia (p.6), Grand Hôtel
les Flamants Roses (p. 38a-39a), Ville Balaruc (p.38b), S.Barbier
(p.22e), Station Porté-Puymorens (p. 19a-b); William Truffy (p.17a
b,27c, 42a, 43,44,45, 46,47), Arnaud Monnier (p.21c), Aurélio
Rodriguez (p.21a,21d,35c,46c), Didier Thomas-Radux (p.11a-c),
Alexis Béthune (p.24b)
Cover photo: Thinkstok
Layout: Studio IDM, Saint-Jean-de-Védas
Printed in Europe.
Legal deposit: at publication
ISSN number: 2112-7468
Joint Committee: 0418K 90782
Midi Libre – November 2014 ©
A
diverse land which extends from the sea in the Gard and the Hérault to a
height of almost 3000 metres in the Pyrénées-Orientales, the region of
Languedoc-Roussillon encompasses a vast array of landscapes. These geological and climatic treasures offer a rich variety of tourist opportunities in
summer, but also in winter and spring.
A land of sun, Languedoc-Roussillon is also a land of snow in winter, thanks to the skiing
areas in the Pyrenees and the Cévennes, Aubrac and Margeride. In total, there are sixteen
resorts which offer visitors the joys of Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, luge
and snowkiting. Here, the delights of winter sports are multiplied. The skiing areas in
Languedoc-Roussillon, characterised by the accessibility, atmosphere and familial character of the resorts, offer a vast range of facilities and possibilities. And après-ski relaxation
includes many spa and thalassotherapy facilities, as the region is also well-known for its
natural baths and thermal spas.
From the Pyrénées-Orientales to the Lozère, from the Aude to the Hérault, not to mention
the Gard, the gentle climate opens up the region to activities that are impossible elsewhere. So you can ski in the Catalan Pyrenees, wander around the city of Carcassonne,
and taste the best of regional cuisine. Walk among the ancient monuments in Nîmes or
try dog sledding on Mont-Lozère. In Languedoc-Roussillon, many incredible delights lie
at your fingertips in this region of endless possibilities.
A Sud de France Destination, blessed by nature.
Damien Alary
President of the Languedoc-Roussillon Region
SUDDEFRANCE 1 -
◗◗◗
SUD DE FRANCE CONTENTS
Legend
Heritage
Art City
4-35 - ALTITUDES
Symbol of antiquity
PYRÉNÉES
WINTER SPORTS – WITH A DIFFERENCE (7)
SKI RESORTS IN DETAIL (8-20)
• AUDE: 24 HOURS ALONG THE CANAL DU MIDI / ITINERARY (10-11)
• PYRENEES-ORIENTALES (EASTERN PYRENEES): 24 HOURS
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE KINGS OF MAJORCA / ITINERARY (16-17)
PORTFOLIO
contents
Golf course
Animal park
• SKI RESORTS IN DETAIL (23-33)
• GARD: 24 HOURS IN THE SOUTHERN CÉVENNES / ITINERARY (26-27)
• LOZÈRE: 24 HOURS IN AUMONT-AUBRAC / ITINERARY (30-31)
• HÉRAULT: 24 HOURS FROM THE CAUSSE DU LARZAC
TO THE SEA / ITINERARY (34-35)
Aquarium
Mountain resort
Marina
36-47 - ATTITUDES
RELAXATION: SPA AND MASSAGE TO REVIVE THE
13 SPA RESORTS TO INSPIRE WELL-BEING (39)
BODY
(38)
OUTDOORS: LARGE PROTECTED AREAS TO ADMIRE
NATURE:
Lake
(21-22)
CÉVENNES-AUBRAC-MARGERIDE
GREAT
Hot springs
THE LARGEST SUBTERRANEAN NETWORK IN
(40)
FRANCE (41)
GASTRONOMY: A REPUTABLE TERROIR (42-43)
TRUFFLES, FOIE GRAS, OYSTERS… A WELL-STOCKED REGION (44-45)
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON, NEW SEEDS IN THE SOIL (46-47)
48-49 - PRACTICAL INFORMATION
• SUD DE FRANCE, A BRAND AND A QUALITY APPROACH (48)
• TOURISM COMMITTEES AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
AGENCIES IN LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON (49)
River stop
Cruise Stopovers
Airport
TGV Station
Exceptional garden
Regional Nature Park
Company visit
Green holiday resort
More information
To read more about and discover the Languedoc-Roussillon, “South of France
Development – Tourism in Languedoc-Roussillon” has several additional
resources available:
Website: destinationsuddefrance.com
Iphone app: monSuddeFrance
The small black square attached is a QR code that
lets you connect straight to the site
www.destinationsuddefrance.com. By scanning this
code with your smartphone, you'll go straight to the
South of France homepage.
Development – Tourism in Languedoc-Roussillon.
Most beautiful villages
in France
UNESCO
Blue flag
Way of St James
Rivers and canals
of the Mediterranean
Via Domitia
SUDDEFRANCE 2 -
N
O
E
S
CRT HIVER 2014 EN 04-35 ALTITUDES_Mise en page 1 11/11/14 07:22 Page4
LES ANGLES (PYRENEES-ORIENTALES)
ALTITUDES
The mountains of the South of France that form the region
of Languedoc-Roussillon: from the Pyrenees to the Cévennes,
via Margeride and Aubrac, Languedoc-Roussillon is a land of valleys
and mountains reaching up to almost 3000 meters high, which
provide an original and authentic setting for holidays under a layer
of snow. Winter activities include skiing and its multiple disciplines
(Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, kiteboarding,
etc.), as well as hiking with snowshoes or dog sleds, ice diving,
dog-sledding, spa relaxation, etc.
A huge range of fantastic options are available at resorts
in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude and the Lozère.
Camurac - 1.550/1.800 m .................................................. p. 8
Espace Nordique du Capcir - 1.500/1.900 m ............ p. 9
Itinerary # Aude:
24 hours along the Canal du Midi ........................... p. 10-11
La Quillane - 1.710/1.810 m .............................................. p. 12
Les Angles - 1.600/2.400 m .......................................... p. 13
Formiguères - 1.700/2.400 m ....................................... p. 14
Puyvalador-Rieutort - 1.700/2.400 m ........................ p. 15
Itinerary # Pyrénées-Orientales:
24 hours in the footsteps of the kings of Majorca.. p. 16-17
Espace Cambre-d’Aze - 1.640/2.400 m...................... p. 18
Porté-Puymorens - 1.600/2.500 m ............................. p. 19
Font-Romeu - Bolquère / Pyrénées 2000
1.700/2.200 m ..................................................................... p. 20
Portfolio ................................................................... p. 21-22
Les Bouviers-Grandrieu - 1.400/1.485 m .................. p. 23
Laubert-Plateau du Roy - 1.200/1.450 m .................. p. 24
Le Bleymard - Mont Lozère - 1.400/1.610 m ............ p. 25
Itinerary # Gard:
24 hours in the southern Cévennes...................... p. 26-27
Le Mas de la Barque - 1.340/1.650 m ......................... p. 28
Aubrac Sud - Bonnecombe - 1.200/1.450 m ............... p. 29
Itinerary # Lozère:
24 hours around Aumont-Aubrac......................... p. 30-31
Nasbinals - 1.200 m .......................................................... p. 32
Mont Aigoual - Prat-Peyrot - 1.560 m ........................ p. 33
Itinerary # Hérault:
24 hours from the Causse du Larzac to the sea. p. 34-35
◗◗◗
ALTITUDES RESORTS
The great outdoors
in the Cévennes,Aubrac
and Margeride
Around Mont Aigoual and Mont Lozère, between
Gard and Lozère, seven ski resorts overlook
the wide open spaces of the Cévennes, enabling
visitors to discover wild landscapes through
cross-country skiing, snow-shoe trekking and
sleigh riding. www.causses-cevennes.com
www.hiver-autrement.com
Les Bouviers-Grandrieu
Laubert-Plateau du Roy
Le Bleymard - Mont Lozère
ST-CHÉLY-D’APCHER
GRANDRIEU
Le Mas de la Barque
Aubrac sud Bonnecombe
48 - LOZÈRE
Nasbinals
MARVEJOLS
Mont Aigoual - Prat-Peyrot
MENDE
FLORAC
ALÈS
30 - GARD
The “Catalan Snow Season”
package lets you ski for the whole
winter season at the 8 Catalan
Snow resorts: Espace Cambre-d’Aze,
Font-Romeu-Pyrénées 2000,
Formiguères, La Quillane, Les Angles,
Porté Puymorens, Puyvalador, Espace
Nordique Capcir.
It offers several different
price deals from 202 € for 6 days
(177 € child/student) to 630 €
(560 € child/student) for the full
season.
LE VIGAN
NÎMES
LODÈVE
MONTPELLIER
34 - HÉRAULT
More information on:
www.neigescatalanes.com
BÉZIERS
CARCASSONNE
NARBONNE
LIMOUX
11 - AUDE
PERPIGNAN
All types of skiing in the Pyrénées
Situated at altitudes of between 1,600 and 2,700 meters, nine of
the ten ski resorts in the Languedoc-Roussillon region are located
in the Pyrénées Orientales. The skiable area stretches principally
from Haut-Conflent to Cerdagne and Capcir. A tenth resort, Camurac,
is situated in Aude.
www.neigescatalanes.com
www.tourisme-pyreneesorientales.com
PRADES
LES ANGLES
Camurac
66
PYRÉNÉESORIENTALES
La Quillane
CÉRET
Espace Nordique du Capcir
Les Angles
Puyvalador-Rieutort
Formiguères
Espace Cambre-d’Azel
Porté-Puymorens
Font-Romeu - Bolquère / Pyrénées 2000
www.en.destinationsuddefrance.com/mountains
Alpine
skiing
Cross-country
skiing
Dog
sledding
A tobogganing A snow-shoe
slope
trekking path
SUDDEFRANCE - 6 -
Snowkiting
snowboard
Balneology
Biathlon
◗◗◗
ALTITUDES RESORTS
Winter sports - with a difference!
Untouched spaces, immaculate snow and
silent landscapes… The winter sports resorts
in Languedoc-Roussillon offer a wide range of
sporting activities.
B
road snowy valleys
with gentle or steep
slopes, the diversity of
the winter sports resorts in LanguedocRoussillon is ideal for the various
traditional ski sports (Alpine or
cross-country). The presence of
French skiing schools also makes
it easy to learn. And freestylers
are not forgotten; snow parks
offer half-pipe and big air zones.
For everyone else, here are eight
reasons to come and stay:
Feel like a trapper
Ski or snowshoe walks on
marked trails. Trips by dog sled
or by horse are also available.
Skijoring - Stay on your skis and
get pulled along by a horse or
pony!
Takeofffromtheslopes
Snowkiting uses kites to glide
on the snow, reaching speeds
ICE DIVING
AT THE LES ANGLES
RESORT.
of over 70 km/h. Speed riding
combines skiing and flying, inviting you to hurtle down a slope
with the aid of a wing similar
to a paraglider.
Reinvent the bicycle
The snowscoot is a type of scooter on boards, which offers similar
sensations to BMX. Still a marginal activity (one ski slope at
Font-Romeu), the skibob or
skibike is nothing more than a
small bicycle with skis and a
brake pedal! The Quad–VTT is
a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle
on snow. And real daredevils
can hurtle down the slopes on
a mountain bike, particularly at
Les Angles.
Descend roaring
with laughter
Snow tubing delights children
aged 6 and up. Seated on a
strange inflatable raft with han-
dles, you hurtle down slopes with
banked corners or spin like a
top. The airboard allows you to
lie on your stomach and hold on
to the handles of this rubber ring
to attack the slope head first.
Pretend you’re at
theWinter Olympics
Laser biathlon, the new version
of the biathlon – an Olympic
sport – combines cross-country
skiing and rifle shooting. The
laser rifle allows you to try the
experience at any age without
risk.
Get closer
to the summits
Equipped with crampons and
ice picks, ice climbing allows
you to climb ice walls, whose
SUDDEFRANCE - 7 -
textures and colours change
with the passing hours, particularly in Porté-Puymorens.
Mountaineering is a sport that
is also practised in winter, requiring different techniques and
allowing you to explore landscapes altered by snow.
Brave the frozen water
Thanks to special equipment,
you can try out ice-diving at Les
Angles, watched by qualified
supervisors. Divers can discover
new sensations in 2°C water!
Be alone in the world
At Porté-Puymorens, you can
try snow grooming and learn
about the unbelievable job of
the slope groomer at their side,
at sunrise or sunset. ◗
ALTITUDES PYRÉNÉES CAMURAC
1550/1800 m
◗◗◗
Thecreedofnature
◗ The site:
11 sign-posted ski runs: 2 green,
5 blue, 2 red, 2 black.
4 button lifts and, 1 T-bar surface
lift. Beginners’ area with rope tow.
Toboggan run. Ski school with
children’s area. Snowshoe trails.
Sign-posted cross country
skiing trails. 25 snow cannons.
Access to skiing area: €4
Day pass: €15 to 19
½ day pass: €11 to 15
+ €2 for purchase of ski pass card
upon arrival at the resort, valid for
an unlimited period.
◗ Accommodation
CARCASSONNE
Domaine Les Sapins
This welcoming location in Camurac
has chalets for 2 to 13 people,
a restaurant-pizzeria, and is set back
from the mountain road at 1380m.
The site has a breath-taking view
of the Pays de Sault.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 74 82 64
www.domainelessapins.fr
Château de Camurac
Owned by a Dutch family,
the Château de Camurac – dating
from the 16th century – offers bed
and breakfast rooms and simple
apartments, with a view of
the Pyrenees. Tel: 33 (0)4 68 31 32
www.chateaudecamurac.com
◗ Heritage
Château de Puivert
The Château de Puivert is one
of the best preserved châteaux
in Cathar country. This fortress
overlooks the ancient glacial lake
of Puivert and features six defensive
towers and a 35-metre keep, which
contains four splendid rooms above
each other. The keep offers views
of the Quercorb plain to the north,
Montségur in the peaks of the
Pyrenees to the west, and the Pic
de Bugarach to the east.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 20 81 52
chateau-de-puivert.com
Practical information:
Tel: 33(0)4 68 20 32 27
www.ski-camurac.com
Tourist Information Centre:
Tél. 33 (0)4 68 20 75 89
www.pyreneesaudoises.com
www.en.destinationsuddefrance.
com/mountains
A
11 - AUDE
unique
winter
sports resort in
Aude, Camurac occupies the heights
of the Pays de Sault.
Forests of beech and fir, wet
grasslands and pastures give way
to the skiers in winter.
Overlooked by the Tabe Mountain
and the peaks of Saint-Barthélemy
and Soularac (2348 metres), this
family-friendly resort (1600-1800
m) has turned pristine nature
into its principal asset. The village
has avoided concrete developments and chosen the authen-
◗
NARBONNE
LIMOUX
ticity and charm of a mountain
village. The ski lift cabins and
snow barriers at the resort are
made from larch wood, harvested
from the Forest of SaultAt the
heart of an agricultural area centred on sheep farming, in which
the richness of the natural setting
constitutes an invaluable heritage,
winter sports go hand in hand
with discovering the environment.
It is an ideal place for couples
and families to plunge into the
depths of wintry nature. The
cross-country skiing and snowshoe trekking area covers 9 kilo-
TO DISCOVER / THE FIR TREE TRAIL
This trail runs from Coudons to Camurac and crosses the Grand and the
Petit Plateau of Sault. Created in 1970 by the Syndicat Intercommunal
d’Aménagement Touristique (a local authority joint board for tourism
development), the “Route des Sapins” runs through the forests of Callong-Mirailles, Picaussel, Coume-Froide, La Benague, La plaine and
Comus where you can admire the full diversity of the forest environment,
including the tallest fir trees in the Department, some as high as 50m.
There are also spruce trees interspersed with stands of beech, downy
oak and larch. This 96 kilometre-long loop runs through villages and numerous panoramic viewpoints over outstanding landscapes such as the
Gouffre de Picassel, other viewpoints on the Frau Gorges, the Joucou
Gorges, or historic sites like the Memorial to the Maquis, the Cathar castle of Montaillou, or Saint James’ Abbey at Joucou. Interpretation panels
and fully-equipped picnic areas can also be found along this trail.
SUDDEFRANCE - 8 -
CAMURAC
PERPIGNAN
PRADES
LES ANGLES
66
CÉRET
metres, while the Alpine skiing
area has 11 marked slopes accessed by four ski lifts. Beginners
and children are also catered for
with a ski school, toboggan run,
beginners’ area with a rope tow
and snow parks. ◗
ALTITUDES PYRÉNÉES CAPCIR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AREA
Thelargest of the
cross-countryskiing
areas
CARCASSONNE
NARBONNE
LIMOUX
11 - AUDE
PERPIGNAN
PRADES
A
t the heart of the
Catalan Pyrenees
Regional
Park,
Capcir, the highest
plateau in the
Western Pyrenees (1,500 and
1,900 m) is bordered by the
Madres Massif to the east and
the Carlit Massif (2,912 m) to
the west. The ancient glacial
basin which, despite the persistent cold northern winds, enjoys
a large amount of sunshine, unfurls its never-ending sumptuous landscapes – immense pine
forests dotted with lakes and
frequented by izards and mountain sheep. With 140 kilometres
◗
LES ANGLES
CAPCIR
of marked trails, the Capcir
cross-country skiing area is the
largest in the South of France.
With cross country skiing,
shoeshoeing, hiking, tobogganing, sled dog rides, biathlon,
and much more, the 13 ski runs
at the Capcir resort provide a
wide range of family activities to
enjoy both the nature and the
snow. Bearing the “4 Nordiques” logo, the ski area is split
into three parts. The highest of
these, la Llose Clavera, lies at
1,900 m altitude with views of
the Mediterranean. It has wide
ski runs that are ideal for learning cross country skiing. One of
66
CÉRET
1500/1900 m
◗◗◗
◗ The site:
Over 190 kilometres of slopes with
4 red, 5 blue, 2 green,
5 cross-country skiing trails,
2 snow parks with cross-country
rope tow, 8 marked snow-shoe
trekking paths with free access,
one dog-sledding trail, and a
snowkiting area. Picnic rooms.
Day pass : €10.
Weekly passes from €25 to €53
Package with ski pass + equipment
+ lessons: from €34
(cross country skiing, or snowshoeing,
or biathlon). Guided Nordic walking,
or snowshoe outings with a meal
of local produce from the Torn area.
◗ Accommodation
the three snowshoe trails connects the Torn Mountain Refuge
with the centre of the resort.
The La Quillane Calvet has cross
country skiing and sled dog
trails as well as a toboggan run.
Finally, La Lladure, Le Galbe and
La Matte bring together 5 Nordic skiing trails and 3 snowshoe
trails, with free access. Skiing
with a team of sled dogs and
horse-riding activities are also
possible. The newest site, Les
Angles, has 3 Nordic skiing trails
and 1 snowshoe trail. ◗
Auberge de la Fount
In the heart of La Llagone,
this inn is a great starting point
for hikes. In winter, the inn offers
a simple and friendly atmosphere,
full-board accommodation, ski
equipment, instructor and transport.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 24 10
www.auberge-la-fount.fr
◗ Sports
Biathlon
Introduction to the biathlon
at Les Angles: a combination
of cross-country skiing and rifle
shooting at electronic targets.
1½ hour introduction to shooting
(aged 8 and up).
Tel: 33 (0)6 74 82 43 49
www.bois-et-montagne.com
◗ Heritage
Maison du Capcir
Haut Conflent
TO DISCOVER / A WAY OF LIFE
Hiking is strongly featured here with 37 kilometres of marked crosscountry skiing trails and 46 kilometres of marked
snow-shoe-trekking paths where the snow has not packed down,
giving visitors the impression of striding through virgin terrain in the
heart of the valley. Snowkiting offers different perspectives. The
Capcir resort is scattered with a multitude of spots at different
altitudes for experienced snowkiters and free-styling “pros“ who
love to toy with the rough terrain. Also available: discovery sessions with thrills guaranteed! This high and vast
plateau is also a site for competitions: the ‘Premières Planches du Capcir’, a children’s race that is part of the Challenge
Jeune Fondeur, the ‘Grand Prix du Capcir’, a special cross-country freestyle race that is part of the Championnat de
la Copa Catalana and, on Sunday 25 January, the must-see winter event, the Catalane Nordique.
SUDDEFRANCE - 9 -
Founded by the community
of towns and villages, this centre
in La Llagonne is the departure
point for the Nordic space,
with a tourist info point offering
documentation, advice, etc.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 49 86
Capcir Nordic Ski Area
Col de la Quillane La Llagonne
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 04 49 86
www.capcir-nordique.com
com/mountains
ALTITUDES AUDE ALONG THE CANAL DU MIDI
ITINERARY
Mas-Cabardès
Cabardès
The Canal du Midi has passed through
the heart of the city of Carcassonne since
1810. The port is the departure point
for cruises that explore the fortified city,
perched on a hill, listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. On the canal
towpath, along which horses once pulled
the barges, the green trail is an ideal place
for beautiful romantic or meditative walks
in the shade of the plane trees. The 11km
trail begins after the Pont de la Gare and
passes by four locks – Douce, Herminis,
Lalande and Villesèque – as well as the
Epanchoir de Foucaud botanical garden
Carcassonne Tourist Office
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 10 24 30
www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr
Astounding
Canal Bridge
of Répudre in Paraza
Following the car itinerary on the D124
towards Sallèles-d'Aude, we reach
the village of Paraza. One kilometre from
the river port along the bank on
the ancient towpath, amidst a bucolic
landscape of vines and plane trees,
lays the Canal Bridge of Répudre, built
in 1676. Here the Canal du Midi spans
the Répudre, a small turbulent river.
What a strange sight it is to see barges
and boats crossing a bridge! The engineer
responsible for the Canal du Midi, PierrePaul Riquet, supervised construction from
the Château de Paraza – now a vineyard.
Corbières Minervois Tourist Country.
Tel. 33 (04) 68 27 57 57
www.tourisme-corbieresminervois.com
Canal Convolutions
at Ginestas
The canal continues its convolutions through
the heart of Cathar country, in southern
Minervois. Built entirely of sandstone, basalt
and limestone in 1773, the Pont Neuf (listed
as a Historic Monument) spans the canal at
Ginestas. From the top of the bridge, you
may see one of the barges usually stationed
by the banks pass by. Leave the canal to visit
the church in Ginestas, which was built in
1324 and enlarged and rearranged on
several occasions. The church houses many
items listed as Historic Monuments: a linden
wood altarpiece (retable) covered in gold,
canvas paintings in the four chapels: the
Rosary, the Annunciation, the Last Supper
and Saint Roch.
Grand Narbonne Tourist Office,
St-Nazaire d’Aude.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 41 55 70
www.narbonne-tourisme.com
PeyriacMinervois
Conquessur-Orbiel
Ginestas
A
Carcassonne
port river on
the Canal du Midi
Montagne Noire
CARCASSONNE
e
ud
Coursan
LézignanCorbières
NARBONNE
Capendu
ie
Orb
u
◗◗◗
AUDE
LIMOUX
Couiza
rbiè
res
Sigean
DurbanCorbières
Mouthoumet
Co
Etang
de Bages Etang
de
et de
Sigean l'Ayrolle
Lagrasse
Saint-Hilaire
Etang
de
Lapalme
Tuchan
CARCASSONNE
Axat
Le Somail
Timeless Village
From the 17th to the 19th centuries,
Le Somail was an important commercial
and passenger port where you could
rest and stay the night. Some buildings,
constructed around the old bridge,
dating from the time the canal was built,
act as reminders of this past.
The inn, the warehouses and the chapel
which welcomed boatmen and travellers.
Opposite the chapel is the cooler – the
only one still remaining on the canal –,
where food could be preserved
by means of a block of ice originating
from the Montagne Noire. Time seems
to stand still here and the hamlet
continues to live to the peaceful rhythm
of the water.
Fans of antique books should not miss
the opportunity to visit the bookshop
housed in a former wine cellar.
Le trouve tout du livre.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 46 21 64
Tourist Office, Saint Nazaire d'Aude.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 41 55 70 www.narbonne-tourisme.com
Canal de la Robine
in Narbonne
The Canal de la Robine, which passes
through Narbonne, partly follows
the former course of the River Aude.
The Promenade des Barques which runs
alongside the Canal de la Robine is a
favourite place for residents of Narbonne.
This former towpath on the left bank,
converted into a promenade, invites
you to walk under its aisle of plane trees
SUDDEFRANCE - 10 -
NARBONNE
and discover the history of the canal,
or simply to admire the canal from one
of its benches. It offers a beautiful view
of the Pont des Marchands, one of the few
covered bridges in France.
This bridge provided a passageway
to the Domitian Way in Roman times
and today links the historical quarter
to the town centre. Located alongside the
Robine, “Les Coches d'Eau du Patrimoine”
offer discovery tours along the canal,
via Île Sainte Lucie.
Narbonne Tourist Office.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 65 15 60
www.narbonne-tourisme.com
The Magic
of Île Sainte Lucie
A Regional Nature Reserve lying
between the Étang de Bages and
the Étang de Sigean, the Île de SainteLucie is a spectacular and moving island
where the landscape is revealed in all its
diversity – lagoons, salt marshes, arid
scrubland in wetland areas, pine trees
in salty areas, as far as the vast wild
expanse of the beach of Vieille Nouvelle,
the dunes and the salty steppe.
The island has retained evidence of its
former occupation, a canteen for salt
workers, stone quarries and a former
vineyard. Today it is a paradise for birds,
and for passing visitors.
www.ot-portlanouvelle.com
Download the itinerary from the website:
www.en.destinationsuddefrance.com/itineraries
◗
AUDE
NEARBY
HERITAGE
Abbaye
de Saint-Papoul
Situated in a small village not far from Castelnaudary, this abbey is a jewel of Romanesque art.
This Benedictine abbey was the seat of a bishopric from the 14th to the 18th century. Journey
back in time and discover the monks’ living areas
and a preserved medieval village. (Closed in January).
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 94 97 75
www.abbaye-saint-papoul.fr
Abbaye de Fontfroide
Not far from Narbonne, in the heart of the Corbières region, in a place populated by cypress
trees, the Fontfroide Abbey – a masterpiece of
Cistercian art – was built at the end of the 11th
century. It includes an elegant cloister and a refectory with amazing woodwork.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 45 11 08 - www.fontfroide.com
CULTURE
Musée des arts
et métiers du livre
Founded by Michel Braibant, this museum takes
us on a passionate journey through the history of
writing, from its origin up until the development
of printing. It includes ancient papers and a beautiful collection of machines which have been used
over the centuries to establish the written language. Visit this beautiful medieval village dedicated to books, with many bookshops and
booksellers.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 24 80 04 - www.montolieu-livre.fr
LEISURE
African Réserve
of Sigean
Several kilometres from Gruissan, the African reserve shelters almost 4000 animal species, which
range free over 300 hectares. Children will be delighted by the ears, lions, chimpanzees, elephants,
giraffes, white rhinoceros, ostriches, African forest
buffalo, wildebeest, antelopes and many other
animals. Tel: 33 (0)4 68 48 20 20
www.reserveafricainesigean.fr
ACCOMMODATION
La Rougeanne
The former residence of master winemakers in
Moussoulens, situated between the Canal du
Midi and the Montagne Noire, in a park full of
pines, cypress trees, pomegranate trees, vines and
lavender, with five spacious and stylishly-decorated guest rooms. A high-class haven of peace,
at any time of the year. Tel: 33 (0)4 68 24 46 30
www.larougeanne.com
GASTRONOMY
Tantine et Tonton*
In the small town of Limoux, a bistro-chic lunch
destination and a trendy gourmet restaurant in
the evening. Tel: 33 (0)4 68 31 21 95
aries
*Label “Tourisme Sud de France”
SUDDEFRANCE - 11 -
ALTITUDES PYRÉNÉES LA QUILLANE
Afamilyskiresort
1710/1810 m
◗◗◗
◗ The site:
Area: Alpine skiing, slopes:
3 green, 1 blue, 2 black.
1 children’s snow park. 2 rope
tows. 2 ski lifts. 11 snow cannons..
Evening skiing thanks
to 34 floodlights.
½ day pass: €16.50 to 19.50
Day pass: €21 to 24
6-day pass: €105 to 120
◗ Accommodation
Hôtel Corrieu
A former coach house in
La Llagonne, run by the Corrieu
family for more than a century.
This cosy hotel has lovely renovated
bedrooms and spacious lodges
under roofs with exposed beams.
The hotel also has a spa and
a panoramic restaurant.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 22 04
◗ Nature
Tramontane Horses
In winter, the centre welcomes you
to La Llagonne for horse-riding trips
of 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours or a full
day, in the snow around
La Llagonne. Magical.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 04 17 98
www.chevauxdelatramontane.com
Lac des Bouillouses
At a height of 2000 metres,
the Lac des Bouillouses is a
protected natural site lying at the
foot of the peaks of Péric and Carlit.
During the winter, the RD60 is
closed at the level of the Pla des
Avellans. Access is therefore only by
cross-country skis or snowshoes. A
refuge chalet run by the Club Alpin
Français can accommodate 48
people.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 93 88.
The “Catalan
Snow Season”
P. 6
La Quillane :
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 22 25
www.laquillane.fr
com/mountains
CARCASSONNE
NARBONNE
LIMOUX
11 - AUDE
PERPIGNAN
PRADES
LA QUILLANE
LES ANGLES
A
t an altitude of
1700m, opposite
the Pic du Cambred'Aze, in the village of La Llagone,
the resort of La Quillane is the
smallest Catalan resort. This
100% private resort is managed
solely by the Balaguer family,
who created it more than 40
years ago.
Built on the La Quillane pass inside the Capcir Cross-country
Skiing Area, its four slopes - three
green and one blue - are ideal for
discovering and starting out in
Alpine skiing. Enjoy the warm
and welcoming atmosphere far
from the larger, more crowded
Pyrenees ski resorts! The two
baby slopes in the children’s area
are managed by the Ski EFS
School, which offers a wide
◗
range of alpine skiing lessons,
cross-country skiing lessons,
snow-boarding lessons. This family ski resort does its best to stand
out from the rest. Its slopes are lit
with the help of 34 floodlights
until 8 o’clock in the evening; it
boasts snowy slopes with at least
11 snow cannons and also offers
entertainment in the terrain park
where beginners and experienced skiers alike can discover
free style skiing safely, on secure
half pipes with freestyle airbags!
The resort can even be reserved
for exclusive use in the evening,
for nocturnal descents and banquets in the restaurant.
Although this winter sports resort is quite recent, the village it
is situated in has been around a
lot longer! La Llagone has been
a main route linking Haut Con-
66
CÉRET
flent and Capcir via the La Quillane pass ever since the 11th
century.
Festooned in forests, this ancient,
fortified village is clustered
around its parish church, SaintVincent, built in the 12th Century. A little further north lies
Matemale lake, an ice-diving site,
sparkling in its magnificent green
setting, at an altitude of 1,600
metres, in the heart of the Royale
de la Matte forest with its ageold pines, and its populations of
deer and stag.
The village of the same name,
through which the river Aude
runs, houses no more than 300
inhabitants throughout the year
has lost none of its mountain
charms. ◗
TO DISCOVER / ART AND WAR
Strategically situated on the crossroads between Capcir and Cerdagne, MontLouis is the highest fortified village in France. Designed by Vauban in 1679 to
defend the new border with Spain, Capcir became French at the same time as
Roussillon, Conflent and 33 other villages in Cerdagne. This stronghold belongs
to a network of major Vauban sites now listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The path running along the bottom of the ramparts offers a view of the fort in
its entirety and enables you to appreciate the half-moon shaped bastions protecting the curtain walls, the watchtowers and the moats. In 1936, republican refugees from the Spanish civil war
piled into the confines of the citadel which dominates the stronghold. Now the National Commando Training Centre,
the citadel has opened its doors to visitors wishing to see the puits des Forçats (“Convict’s well“), constructed using
18th century wood, which provided the whole town’s water supply. Mont-Louis is also home to the first solar furnace
to use double solar power, built in 1949 and used for both scientific research and harnessing energy for industrial
production and crafts, such as ceramic kilning. www.mont-louis.net
SUDDEFRANCE - 12 -
◗◗◗
ALTITUDES PYRÉNÉES LES ANGLES
withactivities
CARCASSONNE
NARBONNE
LIMOUX
11 - AUDE
PERPIGNAN
LESLES
ANGLES
ANGLES
T
he resort of Les Angles
is one of the most
beautiful ski resorts in
the Pyrenees and the
liveliest in Capcir. Built
on the foothills of the Massif du
Llaret, the highest plateau in
Capcir, the village of Les Angles
is a rural mountain village, which
has been successfully converted
◗
PRADES
66
CÉRET
into a ski resort for 50 years. At
the crossroads of Spain, Andorra
and the Mediterranean, the resort offers a variety of winter
sport options for everyone.
From the Bigorre plateau
with its ski schools to the
Pla de Mir for lovers of
skating and Balcère and
Jassettes with their 55 km of
downhill slopes, with varying levels of difficulty, descending 800
metres and weaving through the
forest with a magnificent
panoramic view over the
Matemale lake.
The resort has a sixth Alpine skiing zone at 2325m on the Cirque
de Costa Verde, comprising 3
black freeride pistes for advanced
skiers and fans of open spaces.
The snow park spreads over 5
hectares at an altitude of 2,000
metres. Created in 1991 and restructured in 2009, it has
adapted to reflect changing practices and techniques and offers
those adept at ski jumps and acrobatics a range of freestyle
modules and several circuits
(snowboard cross, slope-style,
snowskating and an all-new
Freestyle Airbag.). These are the
facilities which make Les Angles
“THE“ snowboarding Mecca in
Languedoc-Roussillon!
Take the opportunity to approach the Lac de Balcère, to follow the meanders of the Aude,
to enter the forests and the hollows of valleys, to
glimpse an izard, a
mouflon or a capercaillie and to
ski in an exotic
landscape, in the
forests of 100year
old
pines. ◗
1600 – 2400m
Aresort overflowing
◗ The site:
45 downhill ski slopes,
8 black, 14 red, 9 blue
et 14 green. Snow park with
a slope-style circuit. Snowboardcross with several modules: tables,
big air, hip, handrails... Quarter
turn. Freestyle airbag. 365 snow
cannons, 1 cable car, 4 chairlifts,
12 ski lifts, 2 tows. 8 shuttle buses.
New in 2014:
Secured play space for children
at the Chevreuil green piste:
Le Desman. Luge space below t
he resort, with 3 secured pistes
(1 green, 1 blue and 1 red),
artificial snow via 2 snow canons.
New “Marmotte” green piste
at Pla-del-Mir.
Accommodation capacity, more
than 18 000 rooms. The resort
endorses environmental protection
Picnic area. Day pass: €35
Ski pass card ticketing.
The “Catalan
Snow Season”
P. 6
◗ Restaurant
Auberge du Carlit
Situated beside Lac des Bouillouses,
this inn serves traditional Catalan
dishes and mountain specialities.
In winter, make a reservation and
we can even drive you from Pla des
Abeillans to the inn by snowmobile.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 22 23
www.aubergeducarlit.free.fr
◗ Leisure
Les Angles Animal Park
TO DISCOVER / A MOMENT OF MADNESS
Take to the skies, paragliding and landing on your skis 600 metres further down the slope. Alternate between the
snow and sky while being pulled along by a kite. Play like a seal on the ice-floor, diving into the frozen lake into
waters of 2°C tied to the outside world by a rope (accompanied by a professional). Or, just before nightfall, when
the slopes are deserted, play snow-snakes with the family on a half-hour descent on a toboggan train... Since the
introduction of the first chairlift in 1965, Les Angles has maintained its ambition of keeping itself at the forefront of
modernity and innovation. And the activities continue to stack up: New Year’s Eve disco, the Cavalcade of the Magi,
the Festival of Adventure, the Flocons de l’Humour comedy festival in January, then Festival Glisse, Last Ultima
Freestyle and Snow Bike in March-April 2015!
SUDDEFRANCE - 13 -
A 30-hectare park with brown bears,
wolves, deer, marmots, reindeer,
mouflons and izards, etc.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 17 20
www.parc-animalier.faunepyreneenne.fr
Practical information
Les Angles :
Tél. 33 (0)4 68 04 32 76
www.lesangles.com
com/mountains
ALTITUDES PYRÉNÉES FORMIGUÈRES
Familyandnature,
1700/2400 m
◗◗◗
great valueguaranteed
◗ The site:
Area: 22 km of slopes. 70 snow
cannons. 17 downhill slopes:
1 black, 6 red, 7 blue,
3 green. Beginners’ slopes at
the foot of the main slopes.
1 play space, 1 snow park.
1 snowboarder cross area.
1 freestyle area. 1 mogul run.
1 toboggan run. 2 chair-lifts
4 tows, 1 free rope-tow
Free, marked snow-shoe paths.
Piou-Piou kindergarten.
1 10-hectare freeride zone on
the north slope of Serre de Maury.
Day pass: €29.
Hourly rates from €13.
Nouveau : carte à puce
“My Formi’Card” permettant l’achat
en ligne de forfaits et le cumul des
avoirs Orogliss.
The “Catalan
Snow Season”
P. 6
◗ Accommodation
Chalet Pomme de Pin
A chalet nestled in the forest
at the edge of the village of
Formiguères, in the direction of
the ski pistes, with 2 guest rooms.
Plus sauna, spa and hamam and
a charming mountain atmosphere.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 45 77
www. chalet-pomme-de-pin.com
◗ Restaurant
Hôtel-restaurant
Picheyre
A family hotel-restaurant in
Formiguères, which has undergone
internal refurbishment, retaining its
mountain atmosphere thanks to a
traditional stone and wood décor.
Local cuisine, Catalan and cheese
specialities (raclette with Tome du
Capcir, mushroom fondue, Capcir
gratin). Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 40 07
www.hotel-picheyre.com
Formiguères:
Tél. 33 (0)4 68 04 43 75
Tourist Information Office:
Tél. 33 (0)4 68 04 47 35
www.formigueres.fr
com/mountains
CARCASSONNE
NARBONNE
LIMOUX
11 - AUDE
W
ithin reach of the
plateau of Serrede-Maury and
the
protected
site of Les Camporells by snowshoe, the resort
of Formiguères, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this
year, has 17 Alpine ski pistes,
which run down the wooded
slopes from 2400 m to 1700 m,
a drop of 650 metres. The resort
and its skiable area of 65
hectares are perched 2 kilometres uphill from the village. The
resort is family-friendly, offering
child-minding for toddlers and
special packages and “tribe
packages“ for youngsters. The
slopes themselves come in varying levels, with play areas and
for the more acrobatic: tobogganing, snowboard cross, a
snow park and a wood park....
◗
The site is a partner of the
Pyrénées-Orientales French Disabled Sport Federation (the others being: Pyrenees 2000, Les
Angles, Porte-Puymorens, and
Capcir). Some of the instructors
at the ski-school are trained in
disabled skiing (handiski) and
have dual-skis and bi-skis as
well as equipment for the vis
ally-impaired.
Accessed by two chair lifts, the
listed site of the Camporells is a
peerless spot for snow-shoe
trekking and cross-country skiing. The circuit opens out onto
magnificent landscapes with
chains of blue lakes that join up
the gentle trickles of the crystalline streams at the foot of the
highest peaks and are... a candidate for the “Forêt Patrimoine“ (“Heritage forest“)
award.
FORMIGUERES
LES ANGLES
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CÉRET
The wooded Camporells massif
is dominated by the hooked
pine, a rare perfume in France,
called “pinegre“ (“black pine“)
because of the colour of its
bark. This site harbours typical
mountain wildlife - the ptarmigan with white winter plumage
and feathered fingers enabling
it to walk on snow, the Pyrenean Chamois (the emblem of
the Pyrenees) – cousin of the
European Chamois. Meanwhile,
“Great North“ – style weekends
are organised by professionals –
set out on snow-shoes and
dogsleds into virgin terrain, followed by a night in an igloo. ◗
TO DISCOVER / AN HISTORIC HAMLET
Formiguères has only 462 inhabitants, yet is the largest village of the Capcir.
This historic capital served as the winter residence of the kings of Majorca in
the 13th Century. Among the mountain dwellings with their lauze roofs, stands
the wall of the pyramidal bell-tower with four bell-arches of the SainteNativité-Notre-Dame church, a listed building. Built in the 11th and 12th
centuries and remodelled in the 13th century, the church was integrated into
the town’s defence system, designed by Peter of Aragon in the 14th century. It
has a unique nave with four lateral side chapels and two sacristies; note also
the wooden carving of Christ’s descent from the cross – it dates from the
second half of the 12th century. Visit the Chapelle de Notre-Dame de Villeneuve
to the east of the village. A votive chapel in the traditional mountain style built
in 1735, which houses one of the most beautiful Baroque altarpieces (retables )
in Capcir, as well as two Virgins from the 14th and 16th centuries.
SUDDEFRANCE - 14 -
PERPIGNAN
PRADES
◗◗◗
ALTITUDES PYRÉNÉES PUYVALADOR-RIEUTORT
1700/2400 m
Theidealresort
forskiing
◗ The site:
Area : downhill skiing: 17 slopes
2 black, 6 red, 5 blue, 4 green.
1 snow park. Marked snow-shoe
trekking paths. 1 chairlift, 7 drag
lifts, 1 boardercross. 65 snow
cannons. A children’s activity
centre and a ski school.
CARCASSONNE
NARBONNE
The “Catalan
Snow Season”
P. 6
LIMOUX
11 - AUDE
PYUVALADOR
PERPIGNAN
PRADES
LES ANGLES
C
ompared to its
neighbours,
the
construction of the
Puyvalador ski resort among the
pine trees at an altitude of between 5,500 feet and 7,900
feet was relatively late – 1981.
Overlooking the Capcir plateau, in
the Madres massif and forming a
natural border between the Aude
and Pyrénées-Orientales departments, its long slopes snake towards the lake bearing its name,
commanding breath-taking views
along the whole valley and over
the Pyrenean mountain chain.
With a total length of 32 km, it
boasts a range of slopes suit-
◗
able for beginners to practise in
a friendly atmosphere, as well
as options for more experienced
skiers, such as the slope at Les
Lys (“The Lilies“) famous for its
level of difficulty and its dizzying
gradient. Advanced skiers, freeriders and those in search of
unique spots will be attracted
by the more technical pistes,
such as the one at Les Lys,
known for its difficulty and vertiginous slope, and the pistes of
Les Combes. Fans of powder
snow can slalom between the
marked pistes in complete
safety. Although a blizzard may
blow over the peak of the
Ginèvre (at an altitude of 2,382
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CÉRET
metres) making it easy to see
why the region is also known as
“little Siberia“, the bright sunshine enables all who visit to appreciate the beauty of the
landscape - with its specially
marked paths and slopes for
snow-shoe trekking or skiing,
from which you may be able to
spot the tracks of the capercaillie – the large heath-land bird,
or the Bearded Vulture – Europe’s largest vulture. Puyvalador has a friendly atmosphere
and a secure and tranquil setting. The view overlooking the
valley creates an authentic resort on a human scale. ◗
◗ Accommodation
Auberge La Prairie
In Matemale, at 1500m on the
Capcir plateau, a large chalet offers
30 bedrooms for 2 to 4 people at
full or half board. A simple, friendly
space with a beautiful view
of Lac d’Aude.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 41 06
www.laprairie.fr
◗ Heritage
Grotte de Fontrabiouse*
Ourney underground for almost
1 km in this impressive lofty cave.
A lake, columns and hundreds
of fistula hanging from the ceiling.
A multitude of colours brightens this
subterranean journey.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 26 14 20
www.fontrabiouse.com
◗ Relaxation
Hot Water Baths
Winter: non-sulphurous hot water
baths, swimming pool, sauna,
hamam and more.
A pleasant and friendly space
for a moment of relaxation.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 34 64 –
www.matemale-tvsports.pagesperso-orange.fr
Puyvalador-Rieutort
La Llagonne :
TO DISCOVER / ON VIRGIN SNOW
Tél. 33 (0)4 68 04 44 83.
www.puyvalador.com
com/mountains
The resort that is charged with emotion - according to its slogan –
and aims to bring all levels together. For snowboarders and other
freestylers, the foot of the slope is equipped with a huge airbag - a
bonus for a risk-free landing! Venture off-piste on the Fontrabiouse
marked trail, amidst the firs, in fresh snow, in the wildest part of
the resort. The Lac de Puyvalador is another destination for snowshoe hikes. The lake, retained by the dam, was built after the First
World War and, like the similar Matemale lake, is designed to hold
back the floodwaters of the Aude. The river, whose source is in the
eastern slopes of the Carlit, tends to flow in torrents as it crosses
the Capcir.
SUDDEFRANCE - 15 -
◗◗◗
ALTITUDES ITINERARY / THE KINGDOM OF MAJORCA (PYRÉNÉES-ORIENTALES)
ITINERARY
Perpignan
Royal Capital
of the Kingdom
of Majorca
A fortress built in the Gothic style,
this palace of the kings of Majorca
(13th and 14th centuries) was a sign that
the earldoms of Roussillon and Cerdagne
belonged to the kingdom of Majorca, of
which Perpignan became the continental
capital. Surrounded by gardens right
in the heart of the town, the palace décor
merges French influences with the
Mudéjar style and is evidence of the
golden age of this ephemeral kingdom
(1276-1349). Several structures
demonstrate the importance of Perpignan
during this period: the Church of SainteMarie de Réal, the parish church for the
kings of Majorca, the Gothic Jean-Baptiste
Cathedral, construction of which began
under King Sancho, and the Campo Santo,
the funerary cloister for the cathedral.
Palace of the Kings of Majorca.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 34 48 29 - www.cg66.fr
Tourist Office, Tel. 33 (0)4 68 66 30 30
www.perpignantourisme.com
Collioure
Summer Residence
of the Court
Constructed on the remains of Roman
structures upon the initiative of the first
king of Majorca, the Château de Collioure
served as the summer residence for the
court of the itinerant kings, who travelled
between Maguelone, Perpignan, Palma in
Majorca and Collioure, which was then an
important commercial port. The château
became a fortress, then a citadel (15th to
17th centuries); it stands on a rock
battered by the waves. Visitors pass
through the keeps, the parade grounds, the
main courtyard, the underground entrance
and the chapel. It is difficult to leave this
ancient fishing village without walking
through the old quarters with their
coloured facades or following the Fauvism
trail, in the footsteps of the artists who
celebrated its beauty.
Royal château. Tel. 33 (0)4 68 82 06 43
www.cg66.fr ; Tourist Office.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 82 15 47
www.collioure.com
From the Fort
de Saint-Elme
to the Tour Madeloc
20 minutes from Collioure, the Fort de
Saint Elme was a watchtower in the 8th
century, used to warn the people in the
event of invasions and attacks. The kings
Etang
de
Leucate
Saint-Paulde-Fenouillet
Saint-Laurentde-la-Salanque
Agly
Rivesaltes
Latour-de-France
Sournia
Têt
Saint-Estève
PERPIGNAN
Millas
Vinça
Etang
de
Canet
Toulouges
Têt
PRADES
Canet-enRoussillon
Thuir
Elne
Tech
Argelèssur-Mer
Collioure
Port-Vendres
CERET
PERPIGNAN
Prats-deMollo-la-Preste
of Majorca added defensive elements to
protect the ports of Collioure and PortVendres. In 1343, the king of Aragon,
having taken Collioure from the kingdom
of Majorca, carried out the construction of
the fortifications. In the 16th century, the
Emperor Charles Quint built a fortress in
the shape of a six-pointed star. A private
historic monument, the fort is open to
visitors and houses a museum, which
includes a collection of weapons of the
time. Built on a rocky spur, the “Torre de
la Madeloc” seems to watch over the plain
of Roussillon, Corbières, Albères and the
Mediterranean. Constructed in 1285 under
James II of Majorca, the tower was
intended to watch over the sea in order to
protect the sovereign from attacks by his
brother, Peter III of Aragon. Modified by
Vauban in the 17th century, it is composed
of two floors linked by a spiral staircase
pierced with loopholes.
Fort Saint Elme.
Tel. 33 (0)6 64 61 82 42 www.fortsaintelme.fr
Collioure Tourist Office.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 82 15 47 www.collioure.com
The Corks
of Maureillas
In the direction of Arles-sur-Tech, take a
detour to Maureillas las Islas, where you
can visit the Cork Museum (Musée du
Liège). Founded by the former village cork
makers, it displays information about the
village’s main industry in the last century.
From cork oak to corks, it features the
tools and machines used in the past to
bark and work the cork oak and to
produce corks. Journey another 2
kilometres to admire the Romanesque
frescoes in the 12th-century Chapelle
Saint-Martin de Fenollar, which impressed
SUDDEFRANCE - 16 -
Arlessur-Tech
artists such as Braque and Picasso.
Cork Museum. Tel. 33 (0)4.68.83.15.41;
Chapelle Saint Martin de Fenollar.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 87 73 82
The Cloth Industry
in Arles-sur-Tech
Close to Arles-sur-Tech, the Tour de
Corsavy, from where you can see the
village of Corsavy and the Vallespir as far
as the sea, was part of the defensive
structures erected by the kings of Majorca.
Built on the mountain summits, these
towers formed a real surveillance network,
communicating by fire or smoke signals. In
Arles-sur-Tech lies the Benedictine Abbey
of Sainte-Marie, the oldest Carolingian
abbey in Catalonia, which immerses the
visitor in a world where legend and
mystery merge with historical heritage. The
Weaving Museum (Musée des Tissages),
housed in a former oil mill, tells the history
of traditional Catalan weaving, which
developed at the end of the 19th century.
A reminder that, aside from the
construction of heritage treasures, the
kingdom of Majorca also encouraged the
development of the cloth industry and
international trade.
Sainte Marie in Arles-sur-Tech Abbey.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 83 90 66
Musée des Tissages Catalans.
Tel. 33 (0)4 68 39 10 07
◗
PYRÉNÉES-ORIENTALES
NEARBY
HERITAGE
A Colourful Little Train
For just over 100 years (the line opened in 1910),
the “canari” has linked the Cerdagne with the
plain of Roussillon. The Train Jaune (Yellow Train)
is both a regional express train and a tourist train,
famous around the world. The 63 km route, between Latour-de-Carol and Villefranche-de-Conflent, is interspersed with 650 engineering works,
including 19 tunnels, 15 bridges and 14 viaducts.
The train passes alongside the River Têt and
crosses the high Catalan plateaus, reaching a
height of 1593 metres above sea level. It runs
throughout the summer and during the winter in
accordance with the season.
Info: 33 (0)8 91 700 900 – www.ter-sncf.com
TRADITIONS
In the Skin of the Bear
In Vallespir, the bear is the main protagonist in a
legend which relates how this animal arrived in
the Pyrénées-Orientales, whilst associating it with
the carnival. A bear that abducts young shepherdesses is chased by the villagers, captured and
brought to the village square, where he is shaven.
This tale is celebrated with music and dance at
the Bear Festival, held on the last Sunday in February (or the first in March).The Bear Festival
takes place in Arles-sur-Tech (February) and SaintLaurent-de-Cerdans (March).
Info: www.fetes-ours-vallespir.com
Aubade
before Christmas
Rivesaltes celebrates Saint Andrew’s Day on the
29 and 30 November with a ball, aubades and
sardanas. This final weekend in November is also
the occasion to celebrate the Muscat de Noël,
which is blessed during the Sunday Mass, then
tasted with the producers!
Rivesaltes Tourist Office. Tel. 33 (0)4 68 64 04 04
MUSEUMS
Céret – Showcase
of Modern Art
The Musée d’Art Moderne de Céret, opened in
1950, is connected to many great 20th-century
artists, who stayed in the town and the surrounding area: Picasso, Braque, Soutine, Chagall, Matisse, Bioulès, Dufy…. The museum also owns
works by other artists who reflect the great pictorial movements of the 20th century. There are
many temporary exhibitions.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 87 27 76 - www.musee-ceret.com
GASTRONOMY
Colourful Flavours
at L’Odyssée
At 23 years old, restaurant chef Lucie Saren is the
youngest holder of the Michelin Guide’s “Bib
Gourmand”. L’Odyssée serves up excellent
flavourful and inventive cuisine at reasonable
prices (ravioli of sea bass and mussels, tart with
tomatoes and magret de canard, farm snails,
etc.). (Open in December and from mid-February).
Tel:33 (0)4 34 52 93 51 - www.restaurantlodyssee.com
SUDDEFRANCE - 17 -
ALTITUDES PYRÉNÉES CAMBRE D'AZE AREA
1640/2400 m
◗◗◗
◗ The site:
Area: 35 km of slopes. 157 snow
cannons. 21 slopes: 2 black,
7 red, 3 blue, green.
Two beginners’ areas.
2 toboggan runs. 1 snowboard.
1 snow park. 14 modules. Forest
circuit. Snow shoe path. 1 chairlift, 16 ski-tows, 1 conveyor,
2 ski schools ESF, ESI.
Skiin
aprotected
area
Adult day pass: €29
Adult half-day pass: €24
Child* day pass: €22
Child* half-day pass: €18
*aged 5 to 11
The “Catalan
Snow Season”
P. 6
◗ Accommodation
Cal-Pai
Françoise Massot and his team
have transformed a small hamlet
overhanging the village of Eyne
into 9 chalets and guest rooms, with
views of the Cerdagne, Font-Romeu
and the Carliet mountain range.
The former presbytery now offers a
further six rooms. An establishment
full of rustic charm. Also a
restaurant. Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 06 96
www.gite-calpai.com
◗ Heritage
Ferme Cal Martinet
Set within a former farm,
the Eyne valley centre, near
Cambre d’Aze, is one of
the showcases of the Parc Naturel
Régional des Pyrénées Catalanes.
This venue provides information
and a setting for evening events
in winter. An environment
education centre is open all year
round (by reservation).
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 97 05 [email protected]
Cambre-d’Aze
Inter-communal
organisation for the operation
of the Cambre d’Aze ski area:
Tél. 33 (0)4 68 04 08 01
www.cambre–d–aze.com
com/mountains
T
he Haute Cerdagne,
which encompasses
the Massif du Carlit
and the Puigmal
range, is a land full
of pure air and sun.The French
upper Cerdagne (the lower
Cerdagne is Spanish), is generously blessed with fresh air and
sun. With 300 days of sunshine
per year, the area lends itself
both to experiments in solar energy and as a tourist destination, especially for winter
sports. Ranging between 1,600
◗
and 2,400 in altitude, the Cambre d’Aze Area is situated
where the Capcir meets the
Cerdagne at the foot of the
Cambre d’Aze mountain range.
United they stand
Unity makes for the charm and
the quality of the Cambre d’Aze
area which combines the skiing
areas of two villages, Eyne and
Saint-Pierre-dels-Forcats. This
warm and friendly ski resort emphasises its family-friendly di-
TO DISCOVER / NATURE AND CULTURE
Eyne and Saint-Pierre-dels-Forçats form part of the Catalan Regional Natural
Park. The Nature Reserve of the Eyne Valley has been known to botanists since
the 18th Century and its status was listed officially as a ‘nature reserve’ in 1993.
The diversity of its locations fosters the presence of rare species of both
plant life and wildlife with populations of Pyrenean chamois, roe deer, red deer,
golden eagle, ptarmigan, and numerous raptors... The ‘Maison de la Vallée’
(‘House of the Valley’) organises visits of the botanic gardens and hikes throughout the year. The area is also known for its archaeological heritage: among
the most visited are the Lou Pou dolmen – a megalithic casket dating from 2000
B.C.; the del pasquerets dolmen – a tomb placed in the centre of a tumulus;
and the Basousse menhir. At Saint-Pierre-dels-Forçats, the Sant Pere church
boasts a unique nave bordered by two side chapels dating from the 12th Century
and houses numerous works of art ranging in date from the 16th to the 18th
centuries. Among the most noteworthy is the main altarpiece.
Children will enjoy the chance to visit the educational farm of Cambre d’Aze,
run by the Gaurenne family, on the Foumagne road.
SUDDEFRANCE - 18 -
CARCASSONNE
NARBONNE
LIMOUX
11 - AUDE
CAMBRE D’AZE
PERPIGNAN
PRADES
LES ANGLES
66
CÉRET
mension and draws together all
types of winter sports within a
radius of just a few kilometres.
Powder snow fields, way
marked trails and perfectly prepared and fully equipped ski
runs are well adapted to downhill, or cross country skiing, to
hiking, snowboarding or tobogganing. Natural snow accumulation is supplemented by a
huge network of 157 snow cannons. This is a favourite site for
outings on skis or snowshoes
while horseback rides on snowy
paths rouse other emotions.
The horseshoe-shaped Cambre
d’Aze pass which overlooks
Saint-Pierre dels Forçats is one
of the most iconic for hikers. At
its summit, an unobstructed
view of some of the highest
Catalan peaks from Canigou,
taking in the pic du Géant
(‘Giant’s Peak’) and further on,
Carlit. On the return journey,
thrills are guaranteed along the
‘grand couloir’ (‘great corridor’)
– it descends 1,000 metres alternating between on- and offpiste... wonderful to watch and
exciting to do, torch-lit descents
are organised throughout the
season. ◗
ALTITUDES PYRÉNÉES PORTÉ–PUYMORENS
Theresort deepin thesouth
witha tasteof
theNorth
CARCASSONNE
NARBONNE
LIMOUX
11 - AUDE
PORTÉ-PUYMORENS
PERPIGNAN
PRADES
LES ANGLES
I
naugurated in 1936, PortéPuymorens was one of the
very first resorts established in
Pyrénées-Orientales and is
now also one of the sportiest.
Guarded by the Cerdagne tower,
of which only some ruins remain
on a rocky outcrop, the village,
the heart of the resort, faces
southwards, at the start of the
Carol valley, whose entrance it
once formerly guarded. The
slopes climb from an altitude of
2,500 metres soaring upwards to
flirt with the Pic de la Mine
(‘Mine Peak’) and the Estagnol
peak, so that for some of them,
there is a descent of 900 metres
– some of the longest in the
Pyrenees.
The area is divided into three
main sectors: La Mine – a
panoramic area; Fontfrède –
◗
threaded around the Coulée,
one of the longest slopes in the
Catalan Pyrenees and Baladra –
for free riding with wide open
spaces. From the Puymorens pass
– at an altitude of 1,915 metres–
it is possible to try cross-country
skiing at altitude as well as
through forests, unless you’d
rather have a go at take-off with
the snow kiting school. The latest
winter sports are also catered for
with facilities for freestylers, a
600 metre-long-snow park and a
half-pipe.
White acrobatics
A mogul run officially recognised
by the French National Team held
the French Mogul Skiing Cup
Competition here in 2011. It is
open to experienced exponents
66
CÉRET
of this spectacular discipline,
combining breath-taking speed
and jump techniques. Porté-Puymorens also acts as a magnet to
free-riders because of the variety
of the numerous corridors, perfect both for those starting out
on sleep slopes and for those
wishing to hone their skills – such
as the Baillettes crest with its
slopes varying between 40° and
50°. The wide range of snow
corridors and spouts of the Baillettes Peak and the Vignolles are
also used to learn the techniques
of another sport – mountaineering. Also in the Porté-Puymorens
valley, in the company of professionals, attempts can be made to
climb frozen waterfalls, superb
watercourses frozen onto the
mountainsides. ◗
1600/2500 m
◗◗◗
◗ The site:
Area: 45 km (28 miles) of slopes.
70 snow cannons. 31 slopes:
6 cross-country ski circuits.
Snow park + 600 metre (1,970
feet) Half Pipe. 1 Mogul run
recognised by the French National
Team. Snow-shoe trekking paths.
4 chair lifts, 9 ski-tows, 1 “Bambi”
tow-rope. 1 ESF Ski-school.
Night time skiing every Saturday
until 8pm.
The “Catalan
Snow Season”
P. 6
◗ Accommodation
Auberge de Porta
A small hotel-restaurant open
all year round, with simple, light
rooms for 1 to 3 people in Porta,
several kilometres from
Porté-Puymorens.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 57 16
www. auberge-de-porta.webege.com
L’Auberge Catalane
Renovated cosy rooms in Catalan
colours at this hotel-restaurant
on the Puymorens mountain road,
in the village of Latour-de-Carol.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 80 66
www. auberge-catalane.fr
Hôtel Marty
A small hotel with around 20 rooms
on 3 floors (top floor for the views),
in the heart of the village of Dorres
(20km from Porté-Puymorens),
with a restaurant serving traditional
cuisine.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 30 07 52
www.hotelmarty.com
Château de Brangoly
The Château de Brangoly
is a superb hotel situated in the
village of Enveitg at 1520 metres.
The comfortable rooms, from simple
bedrooms to suites, are decorated
with plain, traditional materials
(stone, wood) from the region.
All with a magnificent view.
To be discovered.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 92 55
www.chateau-brangoly.com
TO DISCOVER / AN INNOVATIVE RESORT
Porté-Puymorens offers something new for the 2014-2015
season, at last season’s prices. A new chair lift and a new
play zone are available at Estagnol. A new drag lift is running at Le Soldat, and the welcome zone at the exit of village has been renovated. A picnic space and solarium are
now also available, and the panoramic zone “Les Portes de
l’Océan” at La Mine has been restructured. Thrill seekers can
experience the new suspended mirador, which is located 200
metres above the corridors of Fontfrède. A new tradition:
climbing the pistes at sunrise or sunset with the snow
groomer is still an option. Younger children can try snowtubing and airboarding (descent on a rubber ring or inflatable board) on a secured piste.
Porté-Puymorens
Tél. 33 (0)4 68 04 82 41
www.porté-puymorens.net
com/mountains
SUDDEFRANCE - 19 -
ALTITUDES PYRÉNÉES FONT-ROMEU - BOLQUÈRE / PYRÉNÉES 2000
Snowandsun
on theagenda
1700/2200 m
◗◗◗
◗ The site:
Area: 43 km of Alpine skiing
on 43 slopes: 9 black, 9 red,
10 blue, 15 green, 111 km
of cross-country trails, 1 snow
park. 1 kids park. ESF & ESI Jardins
des Neiges for children aged 3 and
up. Child minding. Ski school.
8 chair lifts, 12 ski tows,
2 conveyor, 1 cable car, 500 snow
cannons. www.altiservice.com
Day pass: €36. Cross-country
ski pass: €10. Short day scheme with
four hours' skiing: €32.
The “Catalan
Snow Season”
P. 6
◗ Activities
Hot Air Balloon Flights
France Montgolfières offers hot air
balloon flights leaving from BourgMadame, several kilometres from
Font-Romeu. Experience the sunrise
and the majesty of the Catalan
Pyrenees, the Citadel of Montlouis,
the summit of Carlit and more,
at a height of 1200 to 1800 metres.
Tel: 33 (0)3 80 97 38 61
www.franceballoons.com
◗ Restaurants
La Chaumière*
In a rustic chalet setting,
this friendly restaurant offers a
great selection of Catalan dishes
and tapas, where the pig takes pride
of place (Noir de Bigorre, Bellota,
Serrano, etc.) and the portions are
generous. Last year the restaurant
earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Tel: 33(0)4 68 30 04 40
www.lachaumiere-font-romeu.fr
La Table des Saveurs
Since 2010, the Amaucé family
has taken orders at this restaurant
with an unobstructed view of the
Cerdan plateau. The couple present
a generous and creative gourmet
cuisine. Tel. 33 (0)4 68 04 88 49
www.tabledessaveurs.fr
Font-Romeu / Pyrénées 2000
Font-Romeu Tél. 33 (0)4 68 30 68 30
Pyrénées 2000 :
Tél. 33 (0)4 68 30 12 42
www.font-romeu.fr
www.pyrenees2000.com
com/mountains
CARCASSONNE
NARBONNE
LIMOUX
11 - AUDE
PERPIGNAN
PRADES
LES ANGLES
FONT-ROMEU
T
he resort which rises
in terraces some
1,800 metres above
the Cerdagne plateau
has remained unspoilt. Sun (over 3,000 hours-ayear), fresh air, and snow –
natural and artificial – are all on
the agenda. To revitalise its
aura, the town is now home to
the National Altitude Training
Centre and is equipped with an
Olympic skating rink, used by
high-level sportsmen. Voted
'most sporting town in France'
in 2009, it obtained (and kept)
the “Family Plus” label by installing, in addition to childcare
centres for young children, a
recreational area intended to be
the largest in the Pyrenees.
That’s 20 hectares reserved for
winter sporting fun on themed
slopes, in the company of Pyre-
◗
nean animals or following in the
tracks of the Inuit. Learn how to
ski while having fun at the same
time! Alongside the traditional
luge run, there are hoops, tunnels, boards, meeting the young
freestyler’s every need!
Satisfying
as many as possible
Font-Romeu Pyrenees 2000
emerged when the ski-slopes of
two communities, Font-Romeu
and Bolquère, were amalgamated. The two sectors linked
by chair lifts boast 43 downhill
ski slopes. Marked cross-country skiing trails between the vast
plateau of “La Calme”, and the
forests of “Estanyols” and
“Farneils”. The resort also has a
biathlon stadium (also accessible in summer). On slopes dot-
TO DISCOVER / RIGHT IN THE SUN
Font-Romeu means “Pilgrims’ fountain”, a name given to the area in 1957
after merging the two villages of Via and Odeillo. The origin of this is
the chapelle de l’Ermitage (‘Hermitage Chapel’) which was built over a
fountain. Located along the Way of Saint James, contains baroque works by
one of the great Catalan artists, Joseph Sunyer and a number of ex-votos
(votive offerings). Some 9,130 mirrors make up the 1,830 m² parabolic
reflector of the solar furnace at Odeillo – definitely worth a visit. This CNRS
laboratory was established in 1968 in the wake of the first oil crisis, to find
energy alternatives. Font-Romeu is also a unique rural setting, with many
log cabins spread out in the forest of La Calme, towards the ski slopes.
SUDDEFRANCE - 20 -
66
CÉRET
ted with trees at La Calme lies a
snowpark with moguls and
ramps. Video fans can have
their exploits filmed thanks to
the “DC Live Park”, where you
can access the images online*
by means of a sticker code.
There are also snowshoe trails with or without guides - to satisfy all tastes - energetic or contemplative, by day or by night!
In addition to snowkiting and
paragliding, there is also snowscooting, a cross between BMX
and snowboarding, a kind of
snow bicycle for acrobatic
tricks, and the more relaxing
Quad-VTT, a four-wheeled allterrain vehicle on the snow!
Font-Romeu has many après-ski
activities, including a casino. ◗
* www.dceurope-livepark.com
◗◗◗
PORTFOLIO
RELAXATION IN THE CATALAN PYRENEES
POWDER SNOW AND BREATH-TAKING VIEWS
THE SLOPES AT THE RESORT OF PORTÉ-PUYMORENS
SKATING AT FONT-ROMEU
SUDDEFRANCE - 21 -
◗◗◗
PORTFOLIO
AUBRAC COVERED IN SNOW
DOG SLEDDING AT LAUBERT PLATEAU DU ROY
NÎMES AMPHITHEATRE UNDER THE SNOW
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AT THE RESORT OF LES BOUVIERS-GRANDRIEU
SUDDEFRANCE - 22 -
ALTITUDES MARGERIDE LES BOUVIERS-GRANDRIEU
Forsporty types
andnaturelovers
◗ Accommodation
LES BOUVIERS
Chalets des Bouviers
MARVEJOLS
MENDE
48 - LOZÈRE
FLORAC
ALÈS
30 - GARD
LE VIGAN
n Lozère, to the north of
Mende, between Aubrac
and Allier, at 1400m, the
plateau of Margeride Nord
offers huge expanses of pastureland, ground covered in
brush and heather, punctuated
here and there with large round
rocks, interrupted by vast pine
and beech forests and crisscrossed by tumultuous streams.
At the end of the world where
◗
◗ The site:
Cross-country skiing, green runs
(3 km and 4 km), blue (6 km),
red (8,7 km), black (10 km).
The resort offers four types
of individual and group
accommodation, gites, flats,
chalets...
Fee for access to the pistes:
from €3.30 to 7 per day.
GRANDRIEU
I
1418/1485 m
◗◗◗
land and sky seem to unite in an
eternal dialogue. In summer, an
ideal space for hiking and enjoying the beauty of a protected
natural space thanks to the easily accessible and well-maintained footpaths. In winter, it
becomes the ideal place to
calmly practise cross-country
skiing or snowshoe hiking.
Situated in the village of SaintDenis-en-Margeride, the resort
of Les Bouviers-Grandrieu is
well-known for its cross-country
skiing area, which offers thirty
kilometres of traditional trails
and cross-country trails for different levels of ability at an altitude of 1400m in the heart of
the forests of beech and spruce.
Two snowshoe trails along a nature path (7 or 11 km) take you
on a discovery tour of this granite land (trail map available free
from the Maison des Bouviers),
in unusual and majestic landscapes, before returning to the
village and its hamlet of
wooden chalets that reinforce
that atmosphere of elsewhere.
A space is reserved for children
to practise winter sports whilst
having fun. ◗
TO DISCOVER / BISON AT THE SAINTE-EULALIE RESERVE
Weighing in at one tonne and measuring 2 metres at the shoulder, “Bison Bonasus”, a survivor from Prehistoric times, could only be found living naturally in
Poland and the Caucasus at the end of the18th century. By the end of the 18th
century, the European bison, a prehistoric escapee, - weighing one ton and measuring 2 metres in length –, could only still be found in the wild in Poland and in
the Caucasus. At the beginning of the 20th century, a project to safeguard the European bison was adopted in Poland. The Margeride was chosen as part of a desire
to diversify the reproduction centres.Faced with the alarming drop in numbers, a
Polish Zoologist, Yan Sztolcman, made an urgent appeal at the “International Congress for Protection of Nature”
in 1923. His plan to safeguard the bison in the Bialowieza Forest was adopted and just in time too! Only thirteen
bison make up the gene pool of all current European Bison. La Margeride was selected as part of move to diversify
the centres of reproduction for reasons of security. Long ago, it was part of the lands populated by European Bison
and therefore possessed all the criteria to guarantee success. This animal which lives in the forest and grazes on
grass but also branches, leaves and tree bark, acclimatised well to the western plateau of la Margeride where the
hooves of the first batch of six males and three females first touched the soil in 1991. Viewing areas set out over
a 1km trail enable visitors to meet, on foot, some European and American Bison. The hour-long visit is set in nearly
200 hectares of pasture and forest and it is here in this magical atmosphere, with the sledge skimming through
the snow, that you really get the greatest pleasure. A museum space completes the visit.
European Bison Reserve, 48120 Sainte-Eulalie en Margeride. www.bisoneurope.com - Tel: 33 (0)4 66 31 40 40.
SUDDEFRANCE - 23 -
The resort houses a hamlet
of 14 chalets, including nine chalets
for 4-6 people, and five Nordic
chalets (8/10 beds) with private
sauna and Norwegian wood stove.
Info: 33 (0)4 66 48 48 48
www.lozere-resa.com
Château d’Orfeuillette*
In a 12-hectare park at La GardeAlbaret-Sainte-Marie, on the border
of the département, stands the
Château d'Orfeuillette, a 19thcentury treasure. The hotel has just
undergone complete renovation and
offers a magical and luxurious
setting. Gourmet restaurant on site.
(Opens in December).
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 42 65 65
www.hotels-brunel.com
◗ Restaurant
Le Lion d’Or
Le Lion d’Or is a hotel-restaurant
in the centre of Saint-Chély d’Apcher,
open all year round, with 25 rooms
in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The restaurant serves home cooking,
plus regional specialities on request
(mushroom omelette, calf’s head,
stew, coupétade, etc.)
Tel. 33 (0)4 66 31 00 14
www.leliondor48.com
◗ Relaxation
Atlantie Aquatic Space
A superb and astounding aquatic
complex at Saint-Chély-d’Apcher,
designed for thefamily with sports,
recreation and relaxation areas.
Toboggans and games are available
for children; the relaxation space
includes a spa, Jacuzzi and sauna.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 31 32 33
www.atlantie.fr
Les Bouviers
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 47 41 54
www.lesbouviers.com
com/mountains
ALTITUDES MARGERIDE LAUBERT - PLATEAU DU ROY
1200/1450 m
◗◗◗
Trapperatmosphere
onthePlateau
◗ The site:
Area: Cross-country skiing, 60 km
of marked, secure trails split into
two sectors. The Charpal sector
has 6 trails. On the Laubert sector,
snowfall permitting, 3 trails:
blue, red, black.
Depending on snowfall 20 km
of trails link the two sites. Snowshoe trekking, 25 km of marked
paths – 3 paths: green, blue, red
on the Charpal – 3 paths: green,
blue, red on the Laubert and two
toboggan runs. The dogsled trails
are unmarked but are available
upon request. A ski school.
The site is certified “Cross-Country
Skiing of France”.
◗ Restaurants
Hôtel-Restaurant
de la Poste*
Located in Chateauneuf-de-Randon,
this restaurant is housed in a former
barn owned by a coaching inn with
a beautiful wooden structure, and
serves authentic and generous local
cuisine. The establishment also has
a 16-room hotel. (Closed in JanuaryFebruary).
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 47 90 05
www.hoteldelaposte48.com
Le Chaudron
In Mende, in the 14th-century
former Bishop’s House and its two
vaulted rooms, chef Fréderic Boutet
serves up delicious dishes based on
Lozère cuisine (salad of sesameroasted camembert, lamb
sweetbreads in puff pastry, salami
and aligot) with occasional southern
accents. A beautiful destination.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 31 68 97
www.resto-lechaudron.fr
Domaine de Laubert
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 47 79 30
Tourist Information Office
Châteauneuf-de-Randon,
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 47 99 52
Mende Cœur de Lozère District
Tourist Office.
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 94 00 23.
www.ot-mende.fr
com/mountains
GRANDRIEU
MARVEJOLS
MENDE
48 - LOZÈRE
FLORAC
LAUBERT
ALÈS
30 - GARD
LE VIGAN
S
outh of the Margeride,
the resort of Laubert
Plateau du Roy has a
vast 10,000-hectare
Nordic skiing area, in
grassy and wooded spaces,
owned by the local communities and the state. The crosscountry skiing trails (60
kilometres), divided into two
sections, journey between 1200
and 1450 m, on the plateau of
Palais du Roy from the village of
Laubert to the banks of Lac
Charpal.
They lead to the banks of
Charpal lake, the reservoir retained by the dam and surrounded by woods.
There is plenty of choice for
◗
snow-shoe trekkers either offpiste or by taking one of the
Charpal site’s four marked
paths. You will feel like a trapper when faced with the immensity of this landscape,
which evokes the wilds of the
Canadian north. The impression
will be even stronger when you
visit the European bison reserve
at Sainte Eulalie!
Siberia for the Huskies
Each February, a national dog
sled race is held in the resort.
The “Lozerienne” course takes
in much of Margeride and the
plateau du Roy and leads runners close to the Charpal lake
and the “Truc de Fortunio”.
About fifty teams of between
one and twelve dogs run the
course of approximately 40 kilometres. The teams leave the
starting point at two-minute intervals - for the first leg their
order is determined by a draw
and for subsequent legs it is determined by race rankings. This
superb and unusual competition attracts over 300 crosscountry sled dogs under the
instructions of their mushers.
Side-shows and activities take
place during the races including
dogsled initiation sessions or
more sedate outings in horsedrawn traps. ◗
TO DISCOVER / FROM LES AUROCHS TO DU GUESCLIN
On days of light snowfall, when you have had your fill of fresh air or are exhausted
by the sheer effort, and a little respite is all you dream of, the area around the resort offers the perfect opportunity to commune with nature. The reserve at Sainte
Lucie, some fifty kilometres from the resort, invites you to share the company of
wolves. A surprising challenge to the ravages of time has been mounted in the
hamlet of Giraldès where they have reforged their links to the Auroch – an ancestor of the domestic cattle breed. This bovine was hunted to extinction by Neanderthal man only to be recently resurrected through a succession of crosses
between rustic breeds! The sacred art museum in Chastagnier houses a collection
of priestly vestments and other religious objects. The mill at Les Calquières traces
the history of wool-production in the Gévaudan. The Du Guesclin museum at
Chateauneuf de Randon celebrates the eponymous constable who was charged
with ridding the town of English domination. Plenty of opportunities to explore
the history of the area and its inhabitants thus await the visitor.
Les loups du Gévaudan ; Tél. 33 (0)4 66 32 09 22 - www.loupsdugevaudan.com.
Les aurochs du Giraldès ; Tél. 33 (0) 4 66 47 92 70 - www.vacances-en-lozere.com
SUDDEFRANCE - 24 -
◗◗◗
ALTITUDES CÉVENNES LE BLEYMARD - MONT LOZÈRE
1400/1610 m
Domainof
untouchedspaces
◗ The site:
Area: Alpine skiing: 7 slopes:
Cross-country: 1 green (2.9km),
2 blue (4.8km), 2 red (10.4km).
Snow-shoe paths: red (5km),
blue (2.5km). Toboggan area.
Snow park.
◗ Accommodation
Chalet du Mont Lozère
Situated at the start of the hiking
trails in Bleymard, close to the ski
slopes, this beautiful wooden hotel,
which has just been taken on by
new management, offers 9 simple,
but comfortable bedrooms,
in a mountain atmosphere.
The restaurant offers traditional
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 48 62 84
www.lechaletdumontlozere.com
GRANDRIEU
◗ Restaurants
MARVEJOLS
MENDE
Le Cantou du Poncet
48 - LOZÈRE
LE BLEYMARD
FLORAC
ALÈS
I
30 - GARD
LE VIGAN
n the heart of the Parc National des Cévennes, recently
classified as a UNESCO
World Heritage site, on the
northern slopes of Mont
Lozère, a short distance from
Finiels, highest point at 1699 m,
the Bleymard-Mont Lozère resort brings together winter
sports and nature tourism. From
1400 to 1610 m above sea
level, the skiing zone encompasses Alpine skiing in the north
and Nordic skiing in the south.
From the Col de Finiels, five
cross-country skiing trails head
◗
into untouched green spaces.
It is one of two resorts in the
Cévennes, along with the
Aigoual resort, adapted for
Alpine skiing with 7 pistes for
skiers and snowboarders of all
levels, served by 5 ski lifts. A
snowpark was opened in 2012:
the “Mt Lo Park” is equipped
with a line of 3 rails, for beginners to advanced, and an air
line with 4 kickers (3 to 12 m)
for customised take-offs. Sporty
types will not be able to resist
the banked corners, super loops
and other moguls and triple
moguls, for all levels (children,
beginners, snowboarders, kings
of the board) of “Cross-Boss”,
a temporary route on the red
piste of Prat-Nau. The resort
welcomes independent activities. The Fédération Française
de Ski run schools in Génolhac
and Villefort. Introductions to
dog sledding are available.
Snowkiting is offered from the
Col de Finiels by the Lozère
paragliding club. ◗
TO DISCOVER / QUITE ANOTHER STORY
Within just a few minutes, Mount Lozère is quite capable of enveloping itself
in dense fog and vortices of snow, cutting off its villages. The storm bells lined
along the mountainsides of the Lozère at Fage, Serviès, Auriac and Les
Sagneswere have been put there to aid the stray traveller as a lighthouse aids
a sailor. These granite edifices were built near the communal bread oven, each
topped by a single bell which still chimes to this day as a reminder of the village
life of yesteryear and the rigours of the climate!
SUDDEFRANCE - 25 -
A farmhouse inn at Saint Maurice de
Ventalon that has been running
successfully for 20 years, where
Florence Pantel uses produce from
her cows and poultry to create a
local cuisine: pélardon cheese tart,
deep-fried chard, hot chestnuts,
sautéed potatoes, Cévennes
pancakes, and blueberry tart are
all on the menu.
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 45 85 17
◗ Relaxation
Get Back in Shape
at the Thermal Spa
Bagnols-les-Bains has been a spa
town since the Roman era, thanks
to its hot mountain springs (41°C).
The Centre Thermal also offers many
health and fitness treatments,
available for the day or ½ day.
Ideal after winter sports!
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 47 60 02
www.bagnols-les-bains.com
Le Bleymard-Mont Lozère
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 48 66 48.
www.lemontlozere.com
com/mountains
Barjac
SaintAmbroix
èz
ALTITUDES ITINERARY SOUTHERN CÉVENNES, AGRICULTURE AND HANDICRAFTS (GARD)
La Grand-Combe
Sweet Onion
Cooperative
in Saint-Andréde-Majencoules
The 11th-century Pont du Recodier,
the mill, the Pied de Ville artisans’ quarter
and Rue Villeneuve, the barrel-makers’
quarter in the 13th century… Journey
through the historical heart of the town and
learn about the industries that have shaped
it: barrel making, artisan furniture making
(known as the École de Sumène) and silk,
which brought prosperity to the town in the
19th century. Although the Diguedan
spinning mill has now been turned into a
festival hall, one company continues the
tradition that made Sumène famous: silk
stockings. Recipient of the “Entreprise du
urbie
Lasalle
Nant
Anduze
LE VIGAN
Sumène
Vézénobres
Ga
rd
GARD
Saint-Hippolytedu-Fort
Alzon
Lédignan
Saint-Chaptes
rd
Ga
Sumène – Silk
Stockings Capital
Do
Sauve
Saint-Mamertdu-Gard
Quissac
Claret
NIMES
Sommières
Vi
urle
Characteristic of the hamlets
of the southern Cévennes, with their narrow
streets of houses descending towards the
valley, Notre-Dame-de-la-Rouvière is
positioned around its church. On the low
dry-stone wall terraces, onion farming has
replaced the cultivation of rye and
chestnuts. But sheep farming via
transhumance has continued.
A few kilometres away, the menhir on
the Col du Bès proves that the Valnièrette
valley has long been occupied by man
and offers a panorama of the Cévennes
Mountains and their steep-sided valleys.
Tourist Office, Valleraugue.
Tel. 33 (0)4 67 64 82 15
Valleraugue
Trèves
ALÈS
Saint-Jeandu-Gard
do
Notre-Damede-la-Rouvière
on the Side of
the Mountain
1565 m
Mont Aigoual
rault
Saint-André-de-Majencoules is perched
on a rocky outcrop overlooking the
River Hérault. The numerous terraces
that descend in waves to the river
reflect the importance of onion farming.
Established at the beginning of the 19th
century, by 1950 onions had replaced
the mulberry groves associated with
breeding silkworms. The sweet onions
of the Cévennes, which benefit from an
AOC, have their own cooperative, where
food enthusiasts will enjoy stocking up
on onion relish, onion soup
and onion chutney.
Coopérative Oignon Doux
des Cévennes, route de Valleraugue.
Tel. 33 (0)4 67 82 50 64
Tourist Office, Valleraugue.
Tel. 33 (0)4 67 64 82 15
Saint-Andréde-Valborgne
Hé
ITINERARY
C
◗◗◗
Bessèges
Vauvert
Patrimoine Vivant” label, recognising its
commitment to preserving living heritage,
L'Artsoie specialises
in luxury stockings as well as authentic
nylon seam stockings.
L'Artsoie. Exhibition and sales.
Tel. 33 (0)4 67 81 30 12.
Tourist Office, Ganges.
Tel. 33 (0)4 67 73 00 56
www.ot-cevennes.com
Saint-Julien-dela-Nef – In the Land
of Apples
The Château du Mercou and the Château
de Saint-Julien (now the Auberge Château
d'Isis) flank the village, which is composed
of several small hamlets and isolated
farmhouses. Opposite the town hall,
the Aigues-Folles waterfall seems to erupt
from a rock close to the old 15th-century
bridge which spans the River Hérault
Apples, along with sweet onions,
are a typical produce grown in the Pays
Viganais, where the Renetta Canada, here
known as the Reinette du Vigan, reigns
supreme. Mas Neuf farm gives visitors an
opportunity to crunch apples or try them
in the form of compote, juice or jelly.
Tourist Office, Ganges.
Tel. 33 (0)4.67.73.00.56
www.ot-cevennes.com
Mas Neuf. Saint Julien de la Nef.
Tel. 33 (0)4.67.82.42.96
www.lemasneuf.com
The Weight
of History in SaintHyppolyte
Nestled in the foothills of the Cévennes,
Saint-Hyppolyte du Fort is one of the
towns that made the region one of the
SUDDEFRANCE - 26 -
two most important silk producers in the
world, until the First World War. The Silk
Museum reconstructs the production line
of the silk industry, from the breeding of
silk worms in mulberry groves to weaving
and knitting, along with the supporting
tools and machines. The town with 13
fountains and 22 sundials is full of charm.
Observe the 17th-century fort built in the
style of the forts of Vauban and the mill
channels constructed along the River
Vidourle, to feed the mills and tanneries.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Silk Museum.
Tel. 33 (0)4 30 67 26 94
www.museedelasoie-cevennes.com
Tourist Office. Tel. 33 (0)4 66 77 91 65
www.piemont-cevenol-tourisme.com
The Conservatoire
de la Fourche
in Sauve
Enter the medieval town via the old bridge.
Admire the view of the ramparts, along the
River Vidourle, and the houses ensconced
therein. Once through the gate of the old
bridge, the picturesque alleyways lead to
the Fusterie, the carpenters’ establishment
in the Middle Ages, and to the Tour de
Molle, the medieval house said to belong to
the Bishop. The Château de Roquevaire and
Le Castellas seem to observe a sea of rocks,
a limestone plateau, whose sculpted rocks
have fashioned a fantastical world. A
Conservatoire continues to manufacture
forks from hackberry wood.
Conservatoire de la Fourche.
Tel. 33 (0)4 66 80 54 46.
www.fourchedesauve.free.fr
Tourist Office. Tel. 33 (0)4 66 77 57 51.
www.piemont-cevenol-tourisme.com
◗
GARD
NEARBY
HERITAGE
Musée Cévenol
In the town of Vigan a former silk spinning mill
now presents the culture of the Cévennes through
its art and folk traditions: costumes and objects
from the 18th century and later, traditional crafts
and all the trades and industries relating to wool
and silk. From geology to the Maquis of the Second World War, this is a must-visit museum about
the Cévennes.
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 81 06 86 – www.levigan.fr
Cirque de Navacelles*
This protected site is an impressive geological meander between the Causse du Larzac to the south
and the Causse de Blandas to the north. At a
depth of 300 m, it was created when the River Vis
abandoned a meander, opening up a more direct
course, by creating an 8-metre high waterfall. Two
paths allow access. The Blandas viewpoint offers
three unobstructed views of the cirque and the
position of the Gorges de la Vis. The Maison de
Site includes an information space.
Tel: 33 (0) 04 67 81 01 72
www.cirquenavacelles.com
ACCOMMODATION
Galerie Toscane
In the small village of Lassalle stands a large,
3-floor, 18th-century middle-class house, which
once belonged to a silk manufacturer. Guest
rooms meet modern standards of comfort, yet
retain their nobility and authenticity. One of the
bedrooms has a superb covered balcony and
Italian arches with an unobstructed view of the
Cévennes.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 25 69 88
www.galerietoscane.com
Domaine de Bayssac
A real architectural gem, the Domaine de Bayssac
in the village of Saint-Paul-de-la-Coste is a typical
farmhouse built from Cévennes shale, comprising
five buildings. Each of the 5 bedrooms is unexpectedly spacious and features stone niches and
chestnut woodwork. Timeless charm.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 34 01 17
www.chambre-hotes-cevennes.fr
LOCAL PRODUCE
Poteries
de La Madeleine
Renowned since the 17th century, the Anduze
vase is recognised around the world. Inspired by
the Florentine style, these large earthenware
vases feature garlands and emblems, with a
flamed finish in colours of honey yellow for the
base, olive green on the emblems and chestnut
brown on the garlands, enhanced by orange and
lemon trees, for the wealthy residences of the
south. Poteries de La Madeleine is one of the
workshops that continue the tradition.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 61 63 44
www.poterie.com
SUDDEFRANCE - 27 -
ALTITUDES CÉVENNES LE MAS-DE-LA-BARQUE
1340/1650 m
◗◗◗
Intoxicatedby
thegreat outdoors
◗ The site:
Cross-country ski trails: Green
2.3km, blue 6.2 km, red 8.7 and
10.2 km. Ski hikes, marked route
to the Tarn 14 km Snow-shoe
trekking path: green 0.8 km,
blue 3 km, red 6.5 km.
Tobogganing stadium
10,000m² freely accessible
Dog sledding teams.
Access to the slopes: €1 to 7 per day.
GRANDRIEU
◗ Accommodation
MARVEJOLS
Auberge du Mas
de la Barque
Traditional cuisine with fresh local
produce (meat from Aubrac, fresh
aligot, Lozère cheese, chestnut
gateau, etc.) at this inn in Villefort,
which offers also rooms at full and
half-board. (Closed from 15
November to 15 December).
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 46 97 22
www.lemasdelabarque.com
Auberge Beauséjour
Built in 1908, this charming 8-room
inn has a wooden and flowery
décor. The cuisine is based on local
produce and seasonal vegetables,
including in particular the
mushroom quiche and Villefort
trout. Tel: 33 (0)4 66 61 12 43
◗ Restaurants
La Remise*
A cuisine based on local produce –
chestnuts, trout, cheeses,
charcuterie, meat – at this wellknown restaurant-inn, which offers
inventive cuisine and a friendly
welcome in the village of Bleymard.
Tel. 33 (0)4 66 48 65 80
www.hotel-laremise.com
Auberge de Vialas
Duck with red berry sauce and beef
steak are on the menu at this family
inn in Vialas, which has recently
changed owners.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 41 09 50
Le Mas de la Barque
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 46 92 72.
Villefort Tourist Information Office:
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 46 87 30
Génolhac Tourist Information
Office: Tél. 33 (0)4 66 61 18 32
www.lemasdelabarque.com
com/mountains
MENDE
48 - LOZÈRE
FLORAC
T
ALÈS
he Mount Lozere
whose highest point,
the Finiels Peak, is in
the Cévennes – extends its long plateau
of moorland and grassland. The
landscape’s only vertical elements are the chaotic blocks of
granite, balanced in precarious
and spectacular ways. These
summits, rounded by erosion,
form a series of gentle valleys.
The diversity of its landscape, its
plant life and wildlife, makes
this granite massif worthy of inclusion inside the perimeter of
the Cévennes National Park. In
◗
MAS DE
LA BARQUE
winter, Mount Lozère takes on
a magical aspect, with its waterfalls, murmuring snow-dusted
rivers and its trees glistening
under the frost. At the far end
of the Massif, at the foot of Pic
Cassini (1680 metres), the resort
of Mas-de-la-Barque - 1420 m –
is entirely dedicated to Nordic
activities. The 28 kilometres of
cross-country ski trails start off
from the Mas de la Barque and
meander between the pines
and other conifers in the national forest.
In the family-friendly recreational
resort of Mas de la Barque, you
TO DISCOVER / MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Lovers of the great outdoors will find a true taste of adventure here. Two
marked trails are offered: one, the shorter, stays within the forest while
the other escapes over the Tête de boeuf (“Cow’s head”) crest, the pass
and the eagle rock, finally reaching the Cassini peak. In addition to the
natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, in fine weather there is a
view over to Mont Blanc, Mont Ventoux, Mont Canigou, the Mediterranean, the Tanargue massif, Sancy…
Daredevils can continue their trek towards the source of the Tarn, crossing beautiful hamlets and farms built on the mountainside out of large
carved granite stones: Mas Camargue, l’Hôpital, Bellecoste… Fine
weather expeditions can be undertaken with a compass, a map and a
good sense of direction or you can take a guided snow-shoe trek.
Dogsledding is another option – either as an introduction or half- or fullday outings driving a dog team, a trip can even be arranged over several
days, led by professionals.
SUDDEFRANCE - 28 -
30 - GARD
LE VIGAN
can try “geocaching”; this involves using global positioning
systems (GPS) to find a “geocache”, in this case along a 2.7
km nature discovery trail, with
some 15 caches in enchanting
places, often with no access
path, but amidst breathtaking
landscapes.
This is an enjoyable and novel
way of improving your knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology
and heritage of Mont Lozère. ◗
◗◗◗
ALTITUDES AUBRAC SUD BONNECOMBE
1200/1450 m
Freshairforskiing
andsnowboarding
◗ The site:
GRANDRIEU
BONNECOMBE
MARVEJOLS
MENDE
48 - LOZÈRE
FLORAC
T
his low mountain
plateau feels cut-off
from the world and
offers up its bare
plateaus
to
the
caprice of the winds. Reaching
1400 metres above sea level, it
lies between the valleys of the
Truyère and the Lot. A land of
transhumance, where Aubrac
cows graze peacefully in summer. A transhumance festival
takes place at the end of May
every year, which attracts thousands of spectators at the Col
de Bonnecombe. The immense
expanses of pastureland dotted
with blocks of granite and shepherds’ huts (where shepherds
make cheese during the summer season) are transformed
during winter into a skiing area.
◗
ALÈS
Because this low mountain
zone with a harsh climate,
where deer, red foxes, weasels
and many birds of prey thrive, is
then covered by a thick layer of
snow. Ideal for skiing and snowboarding activities and for
beginners.
The resort is located at the
Col de Bonnecombe, transhumance route and access via the
southern zone of the Aubrac
mountains, the highest in the
plateau. The Espace Nordique
Aubrac comprises 40km of
cross-country skiing trails and
Nordic hiking trails, between
1200 m and 1450 m above sea
level. The trails weave through
the Forest of Baronte, circumnavigate the Étang de Bonnecombe, skim the Signal de
LE VIGAN
Area: cross-country trails, 35 km,
marked and secured, alternate
routes and skating. Green 4.5 km,
blue 6 km, red 8 km, black 10 km.
Sledding zone with instructors
and a beginners’ slope.
Snow-shoe trekking excursions:
3 km, 6 km, 8 km. Marked
and secured. 1 toboggan run,
1 nursery slope, a Nordic (ski and
snowshoe trail), a walking trail,
2 snowshoe trails.
In January, the ski resort holds and
takes part in the “Snowshoe Day”
as well as night time outings.
30 - GARD These activities are supervised
by trained mountain guides.
◗ Accommodation
Mailhebiau, the highest point
in Aubrac at 1469m, and venture onto the high pastures,
which offer unobstructed views
of the Lot, the Cantal mountains, the Puys range, the
Margeride,
the
Grands
Causses… The resort is ideal
for beginners, young and old,
and includes a ski school, a
luge space with educational
workshop and piste. Thrill
seekers can also access a
snowkiting zone from the Col
de Bonnecombe; the usual departure point is opposite the
Relais des Lacs, 1.4km north of
the resort. ◗
TO DISCOVER / CLOSER TO THE CLOUDS
Situated in the municipalities of Les Salces and Les Hermaux, the Bonnecombe pass is, the central point in the Aubrac Sud Nordic sports
complex. The Bonnecombe pass is, along with that of Aubrac, one of the
main departure points for snow-kiting. Used in the early 2000s by a few
rare snow-kiters, the number of enthusiasts of this totally wild sport
is increasing every winter.
Accessible to beginners, the site is split into 3 zones, requiring varying
degrees of skill; one of these zones leads to Signal de Mailhebiau and
then, from that summit to a vast, isolated, open space, measuring
50 hectares where you can roam free with the wind in your sails! The
site is registered with the French Federation of Free Flight and has an
accredited school on site.
http://federation.ffvl.fr
SUDDEFRANCE - 29 -
La Granitière
Five bedrooms with wood panelling
and waxed floors, in a traditional
house in Saint-Laurent de Muret.
Dinner by reservation.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 47 04.28
www.lagranitiere.com
◗ Restaurants
Auberge du Radal
The Auberge du Radal, run by
the Dauban family in Les Salces,
is a dream location for nature lovers
in search of a breath of pure air.
Truffade, steak, aligot… all the
traditional dishes of Lozère cuisine.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 32 61 71
www.aubergeduradal.com
Relais des Lacs
Just after the Col de Bonnecombe,
but still within the village of
Les Salces, a former shepherds’
hut has been transformed into
a restaurant where you can taste
the unforgettable aligot. (Closed in
December). Tel: 33 (0)4 66 32 61 78
www.relais-des-lacs.fr
◗ Relaxation
Thermes de La Chaldette
The spa resort of La Chaldette
(30km away) combines the benefits
of thermal waters and the beneficial
effects of the climate, in a preserved
natural space. Tel: 33 (0)4 66 31 68
00 www.lachaldette.com
Aubrac Sud-Bonnecombe
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 32 39 53
www.aubrac-sud-lozere.com
com/mountains
◗◗◗
ALTITUDES ITINERARY AROUND AUMONT AUBRAC (LOZÈRE)
The Pearl of the Valley was the name once
attributed to this medieval village nestled
in the heart of the Margeride, on the
banks of the River Truyère. Once the
fiefdom of the Mercoeur family, one of the
eight baronies of Gévaudan, this 13thcentury medieval town, surrounded by
ramparts, retains many beautiful traces of
its history. The tour immerses you in the
village’s historical past, leading you
through its paved streets to various
monuments – the Collégiale SaintHippolyte, the towers and the squares - ,
relating its legends and reawakening its
famous figures. The Porte des Fées, near
Le Malzieu, may appeal to single people –
simply pass under the balanced rocks to
find your soul mate
Malzieu-Ville Tourist Office
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 31 82 73.
www.gevaudan.com
Saint-Chélyd'Apcher
Ancient Barony
The Barony of Apcher was one of
the richest baronies in Languedoc.
Situated in the village of Prunières,
the château has a square keep and a
13th-century Romanesque chapel, which
are listed as historic monuments. At 1060
metres above sea level, the château offers
a panorama of the entire Margeride
The Church of Saint Hilaire, now the
Church of Notre Dame, bears the coats
of arms of the lords of Apcher and
the Languedoc Cross on the wooden
pediment of the porch. It houses a superb
17th-century Pietà. The Rue du Vieux
Moulin has retained traces of the
ramparts, also visible on Place du Foirail;
the keep tower is one of the town’s
distinctive features; the church has no
bell tower and the bell tower no church.
In the street parallel to the square is
a half-timbered house made from Lozère
stone. At the southern entrance, the
Fontaine des Âniers welcomes visitors,
with or without a donkey.
Tourist Office.
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 31 03 67.
www.monts-du-midi-tourisme.com
Aumont-Aubrac
On the Way
of Saint James
Aumont-Aubrac developed around a
priory founded by the Barons de Peyre, in
around the year 1000. The Church of
Saint-Etienne features an “Oustalet”
cross, sculpted from two sides of a barrel,
on the exterior. The choir, the oldest part
of the church, has retained its
uyè
Tr
ITINERARY
Le Malzieu
Fortified Village
M o nt s
de la
rg e r i d e
a
M
Saint-Chély-
re
Le MalzieuVille
Fournels
d'Apcher
Grandrieu
Saint-Albansur-Limagnole
AumontAubrac
B ès
Nasbinals
Gévaudan
Marvejols
Saint-Amans
Châteauneufde-Randon
LOZÈRE
MENDE
Saint-Germaindu-Teil
Le Bleymard
Chanac
MENDE
Causse de
Sauveterre
Romanesque style. Look closely at the
astonishing faces sculpted on fan-vaulting
pendants of the nave (15th-century).
A scallop shell, recently set into the porch,
is a sign that the village was a stage on
the Way of Saint James to Santiago de
Compostela. A statue of the “Beast of
Gévaudan” reminds us of the enigmatic
animal, which caused around a hundred
deaths in Gévaudan from 1764 to 1767.
Aumont d’Aubrac Tourist Office
Tél. 33(0)4 66 42 88 70.
www.ot-aumont-aubrac.fr
Chez Camillou. 10, route du
Languedoc. Tél. 33 (0)4 66 42 80 22
Sainte Colombe
de Peyre
The hamlet of Sainte Colombe de Peyre,
built primarily out of granite and lauze,
nestles in a landscape of pastures, heaths
and forests of pine and beech. The
Romanesque chapel with 3-arch bell
tower houses a 17th-century statue of
Saint Privat made from sculpted and
painted wood. The Château du Cher once
stood on a granite peak; the only remains
are a chapel with Romanesque arches.
Bordered by a forest, the Lac du Moulinet,
a reservoir on the River Crueize, is a
peaceful place to walk.
Mairie de Sainte-Colombe
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 42 83 08.
www.stecolombedepeyre.fr
La Baume
Little Versailles
of Gévaudan
The imposing Château de la Baume was
built by the descendants of the Barons de
Peyre in 1630 and 1720. A private château
listed as a Historic Monument.
SUDDEFRANCE - 30 -
Villefort
La Canourgue
1699 m
Mont Lozère
SainteEnimie
Le Pontde-Montvert
The original décor has been preserved;
contributions from successive families
Causse
have equipped the interior with the rusticMéjean
style furniture of Gévaudan from the
beginning of the 17th century and the
more refined furniture of the 18th century.
Nicknamed the Little Versailles of
Gévaudan, the ten furnished and
decorated rooms evoke the luxury of the
court of Louis XIV. It is said that hunts for
the beast of Gévaudan took place in the
woods of La Baume.
Château de La Baume. Prinsuéjols.
Visit by appointment.
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 32 51 59.
www.chateaudelabaume.org
Javols, Ancient
Capital of Gévaudan
Javols occupies the site of the ancient
urban area of Anderitum. In the lower
section of the Triboulin (a river that was
channelled and paved), regular
archaeological digs have revealed a
Roman town with a forum, public
buildings, a theatre and two bathing
establishments. The most interesting items
recovered at the site – vases and pottery,
column shafts, statuettes, fragments of
artworks, bronze objects and a statue of
the Gallo-Roman god Silvain-Sucellus –
are on display in an exhibition hall. The
objects are organised into two themes:
everyday life and principles of
archaeology. Outside, a 1-hour trail with
18 information panels takes visitors to the
locations of these discoveries.
Musée de Javols
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 42 87 24.
www.archeologie-javols.org
◗
LOZÈRE
NEARBY
GASTRONOMY
Traditional Flavours
At La Tieule, situated above La Canourgue, JeanClaude Aulas runs a traditional farm where he
breeds ducks and ostriches, which are then transformed into pâtés, confits, salamis, stews, etc. All
the farm produce comes from the holding, which
can be visited by appointment.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 48 82 93
www.foie-gras-lozere.com
Chez Camillou
At the head of this family establishment, Cyril Attrazic – the only starred chef in the département
– triumphs with Lozère cuisine in AumontAubrac. Significant renovation works have just
been carried out in the establishment, which now
includes a gourmet restaurant, a brasserie and a
3-star hotel. Tel: 33 (0)4 66 42 86 14
www.camillou.com
Villefort
ACCOMMODATION
Les Dolines
de Longviala
Sleeping in a Mongolian yurt is not common. But
sleeping there in winter, under the snow, is highly
original and this is what you can do at “Les
Dolines de Longviala” in La Tieule, on the Causse
de Sauveterre. Cuddle up in your yurt, listen to
the fire crackling in the wood stove, illuminated
by a hurricane lamp, and take walks to the sound
of silence. Those particularly sensitive to the cold
may prefer the Finnish kota (chalet).
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 48 89 51
www.les-dolines-de-longviala.com
Lô d’Ici
Set in a former barn in the heart of the village of
Nasbinals, this guesthouse - tastefully and elegantly converted by Laurence Ratèry - offers
4 comfortable rooms. The mood of the guesthouse encourages relaxation and well-being; the
lady of the house regularly organises yoga and
qigong sessions, as well as walks learning about
trees, cookery lessons with wild fruits, etc. A beautiful refuge.
Tel: 33 (0)6 80 28 51 12
www.lodici-aubrac.com
DISCOVERY
Winter Activities
in Gévaudan
A 4x4 discovery break through the Gorges du Tarn
and the Gorges du Jonte, as well as the Causses
de Sauveterre and the Causses de Sévérac with
their exceptional views. Duration: 3 days. Departure from the village of Recou. Other adventures
on Mont-Aigoual, the Causse de Mende, etc.
Tel: 33 (0)6 59 21 79 99
www.randonnees-4x4.com
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ALTITUDES AUBRAC NASBINALS
1200 mètres
◗◗◗
Nature,well being
in family
◗ The site:
Area: Cross-country ski trails –
classical and skating: green (1.5
km), blue (3.5 km), red (8.5 km).
Links: 13 km.
Alpine skiing: 3 blue slopes (runs).
Snow-shoe trekking: 2 paths
of 4 km, one 12 km trail
Cross country treks: 15 km.
Dog-sledding trails: 10 km of
dedicated tracks. 1 ski lift.
Day passes: €8 to 15.
◗ Accommodation
La Maison de Rosalie
In a beautiful refurbished 19thcentury house in Nasbinals, a small
9-room hotel and a 4-bed chalet,
which is also an inn serving
traditional Lozère dishes, including
aligot. Open during school holidays
in winter. Tel: 33 (0)4 66 32 55 14
www.hotel-aubrac.com
Château de Marchastel
Two charming guest rooms in this
astonishing building in Marchastel,
which used to be a summer camp.
Includes a sauna and a 30°C indoor
swimming pool with a view of
Aubrac! Tel: 33 (0)4 66 32 59 50
www.aubrac2000.com
◗ Restaurants
La Route d’Argent
A well-known local canteen, the
Route d’Argent serves hearty and
generous meals, where the veal
kidneys, aligot, truffade and
chestnut gateau are unforgettable.
Also a hotel.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 32 50 03
www.bastide-nasbinals.com
Buron du Ché*
3 km from Nasbinals, a former
shepherds’ hut features a dining
room with a panoramic view over
the Valley of Bès. Traditional and
elegant cuisine made solely from
quality local produce. Open all year
round.
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 32 55 72
www.buronduche.fr
Nasbinals - Fer à Cheval
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 32 50 17
Office de tourisme de Nasbinals
Tél. 33 (0)4 66 32 55 73
com/mountains
GRANDRIEU
NASBINALS
S
MARVEJOLS
MENDE
ituated 3 kilometres
from the village of
Nasbinals, at an altitude
of 1,200 metres, the site
of Fer à Cheval (“The
Horse Shoe”), is designed for
summer activities, and then transformed towards the end of the
year for winter sports. The crosscountry skiing area of 35 kilometres is part of Greater Aubrac’s
Skiing Zone which groups together 5 ski resorts, AumontAubrac, Brameloup, Laguiole,
Nasbinals and Saint Urcize over
three departments: Lozère, Cantal, and Aveyron, making a total
of 250 kilometres of marked,
snow-packed slopes. The site offers 35 kilometres of classic crosscountry-skiing trails and skating
runs, a very physical spin-off of
cross-country skiing. Three slopes
of varying difficulty provide a
beautiful and experimental space
to experience the skills and techniques of Alpine skiing. The
snow-show trekking paths,
cross country ski trails and dog-
◗
sledding trails offer a real opportunity for the whole family to indulge in the joys of a white
winter, close to nature, crossing
forests and plateaus, inhabited
by deer and squirrels, white eagles and peregrine falcons, far
from the hustle and bustle of
some of the trendier resorts!
Because winter holidays are not
just all about sport, there are two
well-being centres in Nasbinals
and the surrounding area which
provide much needed comfort
after your exertions. The
Chaldette resort, has white
arches with wooden and glass
walls stretching right out to the
banks of the river Bès. Bathed in
light, opening out in harmony
with the surrounding scenery, the
structure symbolises the successful blending of hydrotherapy and
green (or white!) tourism and of
health and well-being. There’s
good quality air at an altitude of
1000 m and good quality water,
naturally flowing at 35°C and
recommended for the treatment
TO DISCOVER / FICTION AND REALITY
The Nasbinals Roman church (dating from the 11th
and 12th centuries and modified in the 15th century)
was renowned on the Way of Saint James because of
its number of beds. This priory, which belonged to the
monks of Saint-Victor de Marseille, became a welcome,
but unexpected resting place for the pilgrims before
crossing the Aubrac plateau, often made perilous by
bad weather conditions. In the centre of the village,
the huge edifice of the church with its brown basalt
walls topped with slate roofs evokes a reassuring sensation of non-threatening power. Since the railways of
Compestello were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Podiensis way which starts at Puy-enVelay and crosses a large area of Aubrac has enjoyed
a new wave of interest. These landscapes were used
as the setting for Coline Serreau’s comedy film, «SaintJacques–la-Mecque».
SUDDEFRANCE - 32 -
48 - LOZÈRE
FLORAC
ALÈS
30 - GARD
LE VIGAN
of digestive and metabolic problems… The resort places its emphasis on modern hydrotherapy,
which like traditional water cures
offers treatment packages lasting from half a day to a week but
with the added benefit of a
swimming pool, sun tanning studio, gym, relaxation space,
sauna, hammam, bubble baths,
massages, tonic or relaxing
showers… A little further away,
in Saint-Chely d’Apcher, the Spa
in Aubrac, with its own supply of
spring water is more rustic in design with a logo portraying the
famous Aubrac cows, and offers
sophisticated treatments such as
balneotherapy with essential oils,
hammams, a 100 m2 swimming
pool heated with a wood burner
to 30°C and a Jacuzzi, etc. ◗
ALTITUDES CÉVENNES MONT-AIGOUAL – PRAT-PEYROT
1 hoursfromNîmes
andMontpellier
1440 mètres
◗◗◗
½
◗ The site:
Area: Alpine skiing, 9 km of slopes:
4 red, 6 blue, 5 green.
Cross-country skiing, 60 km
of trails: 2 green, 2 blue, 2 red.
Snow-shoe trekking – free access.
GRANDRIEU
MARVEJOLS
◗ Accommodation
MENDE
Les Cascades d’Orgon
48 - LOZÈRE
FLORAC
MONT-AIGOUAL
ALÈS
30 - GARD
F
amous for the exceptional panoramic view
from its summit, the resort of Mont Aigoual is
highly appreciated by
Alpine skiers within the region.
Could this be due to the plant
life, which in certain ways resembles that of the Alps at
around an altitude of around
2,000 to 2,400 metres? Or
could it be caused by the extreme climate, the centre of the
weather front between the
oceanic air and that of the
Mediterranean? It is more probable that it is the mighty slopes
which beat a path through
chestnut trees, beech groves,
spruces and fir trees that are the
real strength of this exceptional
Gard ski resort. Situated at
1,440 m in the Prat Peyrot pass,
in the commune of Valleraugue,
in the southern Cévennes, the
◗
LE VIGAN
resort offers downhill slopes
equipped for skating, for all levels, accessible by 13 ski lifts,
both mechanical and electric,
and, if needed, 85 snow
canons. The joy of the slopes
accompanies the beauty of the
peaks from which you can look
onto other summits, Mont
Lozère, the Great Causses, and
when the weather is clear, further away and higher up, Mont
Blanc and the Alps range, the
Pyrenees and… the Mediterranean.
White trails
The skiing area opens out into
mountainous landscapes, centuries-old forestry breaking it up
here and there, clearings and
grasslands where flocks of
sheep and cattle still graze in
the warmer months. There is a
Two guest rooms (for 2 and
4 people), open all year
in L’Espérou, 3 km from the resort.
Tel. 33(0)4 67 82 62 99
www.gitedorgon.fr
Le Monna
total of 60 km of cross-country
ski trails, hard-packed and
marked. Including one black ski
run of competition standard.
The Ecole de Ski Français (French
Ski School) offers one-to-one or
group lessons in cross-country
skiing, Alpine skiing or snowboarding. Snow-shoe trekking
is unsupervised. Perfect for
teaching children, the resort
hosts several competitions including the Journée de la glisse
(“Winter Sports Day”) and the
Traces Blanches de l’Aigoual
(‘The White Trails of Aigoual’) two days of cross-country skiing,
for all categories. The facilities
have been used here for two
winters (in 2006 and 2009) for
the Championnats de France
Masters. (“French Masters
”Championship”). ◗
A room for 1 to 4 people, in a
Cévennes farmhouse in absolute
calm, bordered by a river. Closed
during the Christmas holidays.
Tel. 33 (0)4 67 82 44 59.
[email protected]
Hameau de Valbonne
Situated in a typical Cévennes
hamlet, a 9-person chalet and a
guestroom (up to 4 people) in a
pretty farmhouse.
Tel. 33 (0)4 67 81 55 54
www.hameaudevalbonnecevennes.com
◗ Local produce
Terres d’Aigoual
Set in a former forester’s house on
the Col de la Serreyrède, this shop
has been run by the Terres d’Aigoual
association (member of the
Languedoc-Roussillon network of
farm shops) for 15 years to
promote and sell Cévennes produce:
sweet onions, foie gras, charcuterie,
honey, chestnuts, etc. Open in the
afternoons.
Tel. 33 (0)4 67 82 65 39
www.terres-aigoual.com
Mont- Aigoual-Prat-Peyrot
Tél. 33 (0)4 67 73 19 80
www.pratpeyrot.fr
Mont Aigoual Causses Cévennes
Tourist Office
Tél. 33(0)4 67 64 82 15
www.causses-aigoual-cevennes.org
Valleraugue Tourist Office
Tél. 33 (0)4 67 82 25 10
www.valleraugue.fr
com/mountains
TO DISCOVER / A MATTER OF TIME
The observatory on Mont Aigoual, the last inhabited meteorological observatory in France, was opened in 1894.
Situated at 1567m above sea level, this Météo France station is a park of modern observation and forecasting instruments, which also houses a museum, presenting
exhibitions of photos of the weather centre and the massif
itself. Open throughout the summer and also open to visitors for two weekends during the February school holidays and for the National Snowshoe Festival.
Tel. 33 (0)4 67 42 59 83
SUDDEFRANCE - 33 -
◗◗◗
ALTITUDES ITINERARY FROM THE CAUSSE DU LARZAC TO THE SEA (HÉRAULT)
MONTPELLIER
L a r z a c
LODEVE
Lunas
Rendezvous with
History in Lunas
Overlooked by the rock of “Redondel”,
the former site of a 12th-century fortified
château, Lunas has retained many traces
of its past. Discover the Visigoth
sarcophagi in the cemetery, the Church
of Saint-Pancrace, which retains several
primitive capitals from its Romanesque
origin and a Lombardy frieze, and
the Chapel of Saint-Georges, a preRomanesque structure on the banks of a
stream a short distance from the village.
Journey a further 3 km, where the Chapel
of Notre-Dame de Nize remains a site of
pilgrimage, no doubt due to the presence
of a “miraculous fountain”. The Moulin
de Rouby is evidence of the ancient
industry of the town bordered by the River
Gravezon. A colourful Occitan village,
realised by an artist from Lunas,
can be seen from the road from Nize.
Saint-Martinde-Londres
Les Matelles
Castries
Aniane
Lac du Salagou
Saint-Gervaissur-Mare
Bédarieux
Clermontl'Hérault
Gignac
Castelnau-le-Lez
MONTPELLIER
Pignan
HÉRAULT
Orb
Roujan
Murviellès-Béziers
Viewpoint on Mont
Saint-Baudille
In the direction of the plain, the mountain
crossing over the Serrane massif,
the natural border with Larzac, passes by
Mont Saint-Baudille. At 848 metres above
sea level, it is one of the highest points
in the département. Accessible by car,
it offers a panoramic view of the Hérault
plain and its coastline, from Pic Saint-Loup
to the Biterrois, revealing Sète and Mont
Saint-Clair, Cap d'Agde, the lagoons and
the red earth of Salagou. Departing from
La Font-de-Griffe, a short but strenuous
trail climbs up to the summit of SaintBaudille. In clear weather the view
stretches from the Alpilles to the Pyrenees.
Lodève Tourist Office, Larzac
Tél. 33 (0)4 67 44 51 52
www.tourisme-lodevois-larzac.com
Claret
Le Caylar
Hérau
lt
In the village square, a sculpted tree
evoking the life and traditions of
the Causses and its inhabitants reminds
us that we are in the land of sheep
farmers. A marked trail leads to the
medieval village, Roc Castel (photo),
naturally protected by the rocks,
overlooked by a château belonging to
the bishops of Lodève, of which only a
few traces remain. The 12th-century castle
chapel of Notre-Dame du Roc has been
entirely renovated. In the medieval alleys
and the troglodyte houses, traces of
the past merge with the ruin-like rocks.
At the summit, there is a 360° view
of the Larzac plateau.
Tourist Office, Le Caylar
Tél. 33 (0)4 67 88 86 44
www.tourisme-lodevois-larzac.com
Ganges
Servian
Florensac
BÉZIERS
Tourist Office, Lunas
Tél. 33 (0)4 67 23 76 67
www.avene-orb-gravezon.com
Faugères, Grains
of Wheat and Grapes
The mills of Faugères stretch out their
wings on a hill exposed to the winds.
One of the three mills, built in the 16th
century, has been reconstructed
as an exact replica and milled its first
grains in 1998. Another path leads to
the Carabelles, ancient circular shelters
made from dry stone. Faugères is also
the name of an AOC and wine-tasting
establishments abound in this land
of shale. Several kilometres away, Rojan
has one of the oldest churches in
the region (9th or 10th century).
Nearby, the Lac des Olivettes
is a lovely place to walk.
Faugèrois Tourist Office, Faugères.
Tél. 33 (0)4 67 98 54 73
www.madeinfaugeres.com
Pézenas,
Food and Culture
The medieval town unveils its charms
along narrow streets, with residences built
at the end of the Middle Ages, beautiful
manor houses and must-see buildings,
such as the Collégiale Saint-Jean.
Many famous figures have stayed in
Pézenas – yet Molière occupies a special
place in the imagination. The Scénovision
presents a spectacular journey, in 3D,
through five rooms, evoking the life
and work of the founder and director of
the Illustre Théâtre. The Musée de Vulliod
Saint-Germain owns his chair. Boby
SUDDEFRANCE - 34 -
Etang
de Méjean
Etang
de Vic
Montagnac
Pézenas
Lattes
Frontignan
Mèze
Bassin de
Thau
Sète
r
Hé
ITINERARY
Le Caylar, last
Sentinel of Larzac
a
Lapointe also has a museum, which will
delight fans of this iconoclastic artist.
At lunchtime, do not forget to sample
the famous pastries - “petits pâtés
de Pézenas” - on sale in all the patisseries
in town. A final stop at the artisan soap
maker “Savonnerie Pézenas” for colourful
and perfumed plant-based soaps made
from shea butter.
Scénovision. Tel: 33 (0)4 67 98 35 39
www.scenovisionmoliere.com
Musée Boby Lapointe.
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 21 02 87
www.bobylapointe.fr
Savonnerie Pézenas
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 37 97 48
Pézenas Tourist Office
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 98 36 40
www.pezenas-tourisme.fr
Balaruc-les-Bains,
Finish on a High Note
The last stop beside the Étang de Thau
in the charming village of Balaruc.
Famous for its thermal baths.
O'Balia is a newly-opened thermal spa
built on the edge of the lagoon.
The first Mediterranean thermal spa
dedicated to well-being with a caldarium
and Japanese whirlpool bath for aromatic
escapades, offering mini health cures,
à la carte sessions, etc.
O’Balia.
Balaruc-les-Bains.
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 18 52 05
www.obalia.fr
◗
HÉRAULT
NEARBY
HERITAGE
The Chaos of Mourèze
Several kilometres from the Lac du Salagou lies a
vast field of rocks shaped by erosion, presenting
a fantastic spectacle at the Cirque de Mourèze,
the most important dolomitic site in France. Some
rocky outcrops are more than 100 metres high.
An information panel is installed at the viewpoint
in the Parc des Courtinals.
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 96 23 86
www.clermontais-tourisme.fr
In the Pilgrims’
Footsteps
at Saint-Guilhem
Situated in the heart of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert,
the Gellone Abbey is one of the stages on
the Via Tolosana, the Way of Saint James
towards Santiago de Compostela from Arles.
The abbey is a Romanesque jewel founded in
804. Saint-Guilhem deserves an extensive visit.
The Pont du Diable controls access to the village
and has a tourist information point.
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 56 41 97 / 33 (0)4 99 61 73 01
www.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr
TRADITIONS
The Fragrance of
Festival at Roquebrun
The first mimosa flowers are the occasion for
Roquebrun to celebrate the first signs of spring
on the second Sunday in February. The highlight
of the event is a procession of floral floats, based
on a different theme each year. And, of course,
there are armfuls of mimosa, sold and blessed
during a sung mass, which give colour and
fragrance to the festival.
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 89 79 97 - www.ot-caroux.fr
Pézenas
at Carnival Time
Tambourines, fifes and oboes… Accompanied
by the sound of these secular instruments, the inhabitants of Pézenas follow the Foal through the
streets, a totemic animal, a symbol of the town,
which appears in the run-up to Mardi Gras, for
Saint Blaise’s Day (3 February) and the carnival.
The legend goes back to the arrival of King Louis
VIII in Pézenas in 1126; his mare was said to have
fallen ill. Looked after by two town consuls, it is
said that the animal gave birth to a foal and, in
gratitude, the king offered a wooden foal to the
town. Therefore, every year, nine men carry the
enormous frame of a giant horse ridden by the
figures of Estieinou and Estieinette.
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 98 36 40 - www.ville-pezenas.fr
GASTRONOMY
A Restaurant
among the Vines
In the heart of the Domaine Paul Mas, which encompasses 150 hectares of vines, olive groves and
garrigue in Montagnac near Pézenas, the Restaurant Côté Mas serves up an inventive cuisine
based on mainly organic regional produce, in a
bistro atmosphere. An original and high-quality
wine destination.
Tel. 33(0)4 67 24 36 10 - www.cote-mas.fr
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NASBINALS (LOZÈRE)
SUDDEFRANCE - 36 -
ATTITUDES
Nestled between the sky and the sea,
Languedoc-Roussillon has long been famous
for its sunny beaches and unmissable sights, like
the city of Carcassonne, the Pont du Gard, the Cathar castles
and the Nîmes amphitheatre. But in this region you can also
travel from the sea to an altitude of almost 3,000 metres
(the Pic du Carlit in the Pyrénées-Orientales reaches 2,921 m)
in only several dozen kilometres!
A land of contrasts, Languedoc-Roussillon
has many vast spaces to explore, including some
of the most stunning caves in France. An exceptional land
which has produced an unusual terroir, as attested
by its remarkable produce and cuisine.
Relaxation:
Spa and massage to revive the body ....... p. 38
13 spa resorts to inspire well-being .......... p. 39
Great outdoors:
Large protected areas to admire ................... p. 40
Nature:
The largest subterranean
network in France ............................................... p. 41
Gastronomy:
A reputable terroir ......................................... p. 42-43
Truffles, foie gras, oysters…
a well-stocked region .................................. p. 44-45
Languedoc-Roussillon, new seeds in the soil
............................................................................ p. 46-47
Sud de France, a brand
and a quality approach .................................... p. 48
Tourism committees and tourism development
agencies in Languedoc-Roussillon................. p 49
SUDDEFRANCE - 37 -
◗◗◗
ATTITUDES RELAXATION
Thalassotherapyand
Spa torevive thebody
Modern and varied thermal treatments
Patients have recently
discovered the brand new
facilities at the NET, the
“Nouvel
Établissement
Thermal”, which has just
opened in Balaruc-lesBains, beside the Étang de
Thau with an unobstructed
view of Sète. The centre is
at the forefront of
modernity, with eight treatment zones, 1000m2 of pools adapted for phlebology and
rheumatology treatments. And with 45,000 clients, it is the largest spa centre in France.
In total, Languedoc-Roussillon has no less than 13 thermal spa resorts. Therapeutic in their
own right, thermal treatments are appreciated by patients for their natural properties,
which can be both preventative and curative.
In the last decade, traditional medical treatments have been supplemented by general
wellness and relaxation treatments. Massage rooms, cosmetic treatments, clay baths,
whirlpools and saunas are there to meet the expectations of a new clientele in search of
comfort and pleasure, in an enchanting landscape.
In the Pyrénées-Orientales, Le Boulou combines thermal treatments and tourism in a resort
surrounded by garrigue scrubland. The Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste resort combines thermal
treatments with the discovery of nature and the art of the Catalan country.
In the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, the Rennes-les-Bains resort has been dedicated to thermal
treatments since Antiquity. This tradition has been enriched by a fitness area and a beauty
area, ideal for combining with the delights of the Aude hinterland.
In Hérault, more than 15 springs are spread out along the geological fault, which crosses
the valley of Lamalou-les-Bains into the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du HautLanguedoc. Still within the park, Avène-les-Bains owes its reputation to its specialisation
in dermatology. Thanks to its new facilities, the resort at Balaruc is now unmissable.
In Lozère, La Chaldette welcomes clients to the Aubrac plateau.
In addition to these thermal spa resorts, there are many high-quality thalassotherapy
centres in La Grande-Motte, Banyuls and Canet-en-Roussillon.
SUDDEFRANCE - 38 -
In a complicated world, taking
care of oneself has become a
necessity. There are many
establishments in LanguedocRoussillon, which provide an
opportunity to travel and to
enjoy a beauty break.
«S
tress, poor posture,
inopportune exertion…
there are multiple
causes. Thanks to targeted treatments and
individual sculpting sessions, our new health
cure for the back provides an antidote to the
pain,” explains the management at the Thalasso-Spa Centre in the Grand Hôtel Les Flamants Roses in Canet, Roussillon. This establishment has offered thalassotherapy and
spa treatments for several years, in an environment which combines relaxation and comfort. New treatments are added regularly. In
ATTITUDES RELAXATION
THE 13 SPAS
◗◗◗
LES BAINS DE SAINT-THOMAS
• Alet-les-Bains
This small Aude resort enjoys a pleasant
microclimate. The hot springs feed the
centre where digestive and metabolic
conditions are treated.
• Amélie-les-Bains
One of the first spas of France located
in the Pyrénées-Orientales. It deals with
rheumatic and respiratory diseases.
• Avène-les-Bains
The Sainte-Odile d’Avène springs,
in Hérault, are at the forefront of research
in the treatment of skin diseases, especially
for burn victims.
• Bagnols-les-Bains
Languedoc-Roussillon, thalassotherapy and
body treatments are part of a rapidly-developing tourist sector. “Our philosophy is to offer a range of journeys for the skin and the
body, using ancestral beauty rites and an art
of living inherited from Asian dynasties,” explains the founder of the Sensotek spa in
Montpellier In her institute, treatments are
chiefly based on plants and energising roots
from Asia, vitalizing plants from the Amazon
and Kombucha, a substance traditionally used
to ferment tea, which has a strong oxidizing
ability.
Other spas offer treatments using clays, algae,
muds, shea butter, honey, argan oil and even
plant powders. The range of treatments is
vast. The therapeutic properties of these products and essential oils, combined with a real
expertise, offer visitors a new dimension in
wellness.
Whether they are equipped with a swim spa,
a Jacuzzi or a sauna, these centres – like the
very luxurious one at the Domaine de Verchant on the outskirts of Montpellier and the
Centre Thalazur Port-Camargue in Grau-duRoi which has just undergone refurbishment–
aim to improve well-being, using traditional
sculpting treatments, shiatsu techniques, plant
reflexology or Ayurvedic massage based on
the principles of traditional Indian philosophy.
Several exotic hamams (Turkish baths), such
as “Bain d’épices” in Montpellier and “La
source d’énergie” in Nîmes, give women a
chance to experience an ancient beauty and
relaxation rite, in a chic environment, whilst
enjoying a cup of mint or spiced tea. You can
also experience the thermal spas, which use
natural hot springs, like those in Molitg-lesBains.
Whether you are looking for serenity or revitalisation, whether you are focusing on relaxation, losing weight or simply getting in
shape, the wellness experience is easily attainable!
21 km from Mende in Lozère, this station
located 900 m above sea level, the water at
this spa gushes forth at 41.5°C. Rich in
fluorine, mineral salts and rare gases, it is
used for ENT disorders and rheumatology.
• Allègre Les Fumades-les-Bains
Its cold sulphurous waters, rich in calcium
bicarbonate, make this Gard resort a
specialist in diseases of the skin and
respiratory system.
Water in the
great outdoors
Torrents of hot water have always spurted out
of the Pyrenees. The Romans already
appreciated these thermal spas spurting out
between the Carlit and Canigou mountains,
through granitic rock that heats up the water.
Ideal for relaxing, these outdoor hot water
springs at 38 degrees, sometimes over 50°C,
are found in Dorres, Llo and Saint-Thomas-lesbains where they're tapped in to. In Llo, in the
Sègre valley, the spring is rich in glairines,
particularly beneficial for the skin. In SaintThomas, the sulphurous hot waters naturally
spurt out at 58°C into three large outdoor
pools, surrounded by cliffs and forest. Rich in
fluorine, it's appeasing and healing. In Dorres,
two pools together for bathing and swimming
outdoors at 1400m altitude, offer an unusual
atmosphere in a rural setting not far from the
ski resorts. As for lovers of Mother nature, they
could experiment in the wild baths at Nyer, En,
Thuès or Prats-Balaguer, where the water
comes out at 62°C. Experience reserved for
good walkers!
• Bains de Dorres
• Dorres baths
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 66 87
www.bains-de-dorres.com
• Llo baths
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 04 74 55
www.lesbainsdello.com
• Saint-Thomas baths
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 97 03 13
www.bains-saint-thomas.fr
SUDDEFRANCE - 39 -
• La Chaldette
The water at 35.6°C from this resort
in the Lozère contains bicarbonate and
sodium with a sedative and decongestant
effect, ideal for ENT and intestinal
disorders.
• Lamalou-les-Bains
The oligometallic and ferruginous waters of
this Hérault spa are famed for the
treatment of pain and nervous disorders.
• Molitg-les-Bains
Molitg, in the Pyrénées-Orientales,
is a resort specialising in the treatment
of dermatological, respiratory, and
rheumatological conditions.
• La Preste
At the gates of Spain in the PyrénéesOrientales, the presence of sulphurous and
radioactive springs led to the development
of an important resort in the nineteenth
century.
• Rennes-les-Bains
The warm and sulphated waters
of this Aude resort are used to treat
rheumatism.
• Vernet-les-Bains
ENT disorders and rheumatism are treated
in this town in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
• Balaruc
Located along the Hérault coast, Balaruc is
the second biggest spa resort in France. Its
warm waters containing trace elements
have healing properties
for the joints and legs.
• Le Boulou
South of Perpignan in the PyrénéesOrientales, Le Boulou is a charming little
village where cardio-arterial
and digestive conditions are treated.
◗◗◗
ATTITUDES THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Vast protectedareas
toenjoy
The Catalan Pyrenees and Cévennes are wide open spaces offering sublime
countryside. A National Park and a Regional Park protect these places, as well
as Unesco listing the Cévennes as a Heritage of Humanity.
A National Park
and now listed
by Unesco
AIGOUAL
les Causses et
les Cévennes
Parc Naturel
Régional des
Pyrénées
Catalanes
Beyond the National Park, the whole of the
Causses and Cévennes have been registered by
Unesco on the list of Human World Heritage sites
since June 2011. The result of the interaction
between the natural milieu and people, which
shaped this geography, has thereby been recognised.The biggest cultural landscape ever listed
in Europe, this territory covers 3000km2 including
a little more than half of it in Lozère, a quarter in
the Gard and some in Hérault
www.cevennes-parcnational.fr
www.causses-et-cevennes.fr
◗
TO DISCOVER /
FROM THE CANIGOU
FOOTHILLS TO THE SPANISH
FRONTIER
The Catalan Pyrenees Natural Regional Park
covers 137,000 hectares in the Cerdagne, Capcir and Haut-Conflent areas. Mountain landscapes, peaks and crests, high-altitude plains
and plateaux from 300 to 3000 metres above
sea level, subjected to a mountain climate softened by the Mediterranean influence. Alongside some unforgettable natural sites, the
Canigou massif, Carança gorges, Bouillouses
lakes and Carlit massif "desert", Lanoux lake
and the circle of Camporells lagoons; the Park
also watches over the cradle of an outstanding heritage. Starting with the abbeys, cloisters and numerous Romanesque and Baroque
churches. The Mont-Louis fortifications and
Villefranche-de-Conflent, listed by Unesco
world heritage, tell the turbulent history of this
part of Catalonia, annexed by France in 1659
yet has managed to keep its identity.
www.parc-pyrenees-catalanes.fr
T
he Cévennes' valleys, granite
massifs of Mount-Lozère, L'Aigoual and Le Lingas, immense
karstic plateaux of the Causses…
The variety of the Cévennes landscape was worth the particular kind of protection alone that the statute of National
Park gives it. Spreading across three regions
(including the Lozère and Gard) the Cévennes National Park is the only one in a
mountain environment. Different milieux,
moor- and heathland match these contrasting landscapes, sheltering hugely varied
flora (11,000 species) and fauna (2410 species). Numerous birds of prey such as the
royal eagle, peregrine falcon, the great duke
and wild vulture have made the park into
their favourite place to live. Discovery trails
and eco-museums are open to the public
for walkers who love unusual countryside.
Happy days for mountain bikers
Hiking lovers or sporty people who like endurance, everyone will find
something for them as the region has over 6000 kilometres of marked out
mountain biking routes. In the Aude, from the Black Mountain to the
Corbières vineyards, without forgetting the Midi canal, there are 1400km
of marked out bike paths. In the Eastern-Pyrenees region, there are over
60 routes from Capcir to Haut Conflent. In the Gard, mountain biking
is a full-on experience with loops that follow the old shepherd and cattle
grazing trails up onto Mount Aigoual; but also allow less cold walks in winter from the slopes
of the Costières and Uzès heathland. In Lozère, between the Tarn gorges, the Compostella route,
Aubrac tower and playgrounds are worth visiting. As for the Hérault, there's the marked out Green
Network in particular, which lets you cross the region from east to west via 500 km of trails.
French Cycling Federation regional office. Tel: 33 (0)4 67 22 49 63 - www.ffclr.fr
SUDDEFRANCE - 40 -
◗◗◗
ATTITUDES NATURE
The largest subterranean
network in France
From the Pyrénées-Orientales to the Lozère, Languedoc-Roussillon is famous for its subterranean
riches. The land has many natural cavities. Around fifteen magnificent caves are open to visitors
in high season, a large number of which are also accessible in winter.
W
◗
inter is an excellent time
to visit the caves, because
the temperature is usually
higher than outside. The
Grotte des Demoiselles in
Hérault features an impressive array of colours
and evocative shapes, including the famous
“Virgin and Child” and “Organ Pipes”. The
Grotte de Trabuc, in the Gard – the largest in
the Cévennes – is a real subterranean network, which extends on two levels and
contains a lake and a waterfall, as well as a
mysterious space where the earth appears to
be strewn with thousands of miniature soldiers. The Aven Arman, in Lozère, reveals magical landscapes in a unique space: the 400
stalagmites of the “Virgin Forest”, the “Draperies”, and the largest stalagmite in the
world, which is 30 metres tall. Its rival in
beauty, the Grotte de Dargilan – also in Lozère
– presents a surprising intensity of colour in
the pink room and amazing intertwined rocks
in the “Salle de Chaos”. In the Hérault, the
Grotte de Clamouse has an exceptional variety
of high-quality aragonite crystals. Other sites,
such as the Abîme de Bramabiau, the Grotte
de la Devèze, the Grotte de la Cocalière and
the Grotte de Limousis conceal many wonders, but are not accessible between December and February. ◗
VISITES / CAVES
ACCESSIBLE IN WINTER
Gouffre de Cabrespine*
Cabrespine (Aude)
Closed mid-December to late January.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 26 14 22
www.gouffre-de-cabrespine.com
Grotte de l’Aguzou - Axat (Aude)
Only by reservation.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 20 45 38
www.grotte-aguzou.com
Prehistoric Cave of Cova Bastera
Villefranche-de-Conflent (Pyr.-Orientales)
Open in school holidays.
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 05 20 20
www.3grottes.com
Grotte de Fontrabiouse*
Fontrabiouse (Pyr.-Orientales)
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 30 95 55
www.grotte-de-fontrabiouse.com
Grotte des Canalettes*
Corneilla (Pyr.-Orientales)
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 05 20 20 - www.3grottes.com
Grotte de Clamouse*
Saint-Jean-de-Fos (Hérault)
Opening hours vary in winter.
Tel: 33 (0)4 67 57 71 05
www.clamouse.com
Grotte des Demoiselles*
Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois (Hérault)
Tel: 04 67 73 70 02
www.demoiselles.com
Grotte de Trabuc - Mialet (Gard)*
Closed in December-January
Tel: 33 (0)4 66 85 03 28
www.grotte-de-trabuc.com
A Region of Waters
The sodas manufactured by Brasserie Milles are based on Sémillante, spring water drawn and bottled in Toulouges,
in Catalan country. In the Hérault, the mineral water Salvetat, classified in 1868, is sourced from the heart
of the Parc Naturel du Haut Languedoc. Not far from Lamalou-les-Bains, the Vernière source is naturally sparkling and
rich in bicarbonates and calcium. In Lozère, the naturally sparkling mineral water Quézac has earned a solid reputation.
Finally, the star of all the waters in the region, the world-renowned Perrier comes from the heart of the garrigue near
Nîmes; more than a billion bottles have been produced. The Bouillens source was first exploited in 1863
and the site became a health spa. In 1894 it was acquired by Doctor Perrier, who gave it its name.
Perrier belongs to the Nestlé group.
Open to visitors
Sémillante - Toulouges (Pyr.-Orientales). By appointment. - www.semillante.com - Tel: 33 (0)4 68 54 44 66
Perrier - Vergèze (Gard). www.visitez-perrier.com - Tel: 33 (0)4 66 87 61 01
SUDDEFRANCE - 41 -
◗◗◗
ATTITUDES GASTRONOMY
A region that
loves foie gras!
Seasons
ofdelight
Languedoc-Roussillon is an ideal region for many agricultural products thanks to
the diversity of its terroir. From the limestone plateaus of the Causses to the
Mediterranean scrubland of the Garrigue, all the flavours combine to create a land
of gastronomy.
C
MARKET HALLS
amargue red rice, Collioure anchovies, Aubrac beef, octopus pie from
Sète, Carlencas chick peas, Pardailhan turnips, Céret cherries, Tome de Lozère, Camargue cattle, sweet onions of the
Cévennes, Moussoulens truffles, picholines,
Pain de Lodève, Limoux nougat, brandade
from Nîmes, Bouzigues oysters, white asparagus from the Gard, Castelnaudary beans,
ham from Cerdagne, Vigan apples, Roussillon apricots… The list goes on and on.
Languedoc-Roussillon yields exceptional
produce every season. A land of plenty distinguished by its diversity, Languedoc-Roussillon benefits from high-quality produce –
not to mention the largest wine-growing
region in the world – often using organic
production methods. Thanks to this abunHalles d’Agde,
From Monday
to Saturday morning.
Halles d’Alès,
14, rue de la République
From Monday to Saturday
morning.
Halles de Béziers,
place Pierre-Sémard.
From Tuesday
to Sunday morning.
www.halles-beziers.fr
dance, the region is the cradle of a cuisine
that has long been overlooked, yet which
today is recognised for its quality, diversity
and creativity, thanks in particular to exemplary chefs, such as Gilles Goujon in Fontjoncouse, Franck Putelat in Carcassonne,
the Pourcel brothers in Montpellier, Michel
Kayser in Nîmes-Garons and Fabien Lefebvre in Béziers (See chefs’ menu on pages
46-47). All terroir enthusiasts, these chefs
work with and enhance local produce, for
which they regularly visit the many markets
in the region. There are 14 covered markets in Languedoc-Roussillon, which are
open throughout the year (see below) - the
perfect expression of a terroir and the beating heart of the region.
Halles de Carcassonne,
rue de Verdun. From Tuesday
to Sunday morning.
Halles de Frontignan,
place du Marché. From Tuesday
to Sunday morning.
Halles de Lunel,
cours Gabriel-Péri. From Tuesday to Sunday morning.
Halles de Montpellier,
From Monday to Sunday
morning. www.montpellier.fr
SUDDEFRANCE - 42 -
Halles de Narbonne,
boulevard du Dr-Ferroul. From
Monday to Sunday morning.
www.narbonne.halles.fr
Halles de Nîmes
rue du Général-Perrier. From
Monday to Sunday morning.
www.leshallesdenimes.com
Halles de Sète,
boulevard Gambetta.
From Monday to Sunday
morning. www.halles-sete.com
SUDDEFRANCE - 42 -
In November and December, in squares,
market halls and marquees, an increasing
number of foie gras fairs are being held
in the region. These spectacular markets
are particularly popular in the Aude, the
Pyrénées Orientales and western Hérault.
In the Aude, around forty kilometres from
Carcassonne, the village of Belpech
proudly holds the title of “foie gras capital
of Languedoc-Roussillon”. And beyond
that: “the region produces the best foie
gras and the best magret de canard. Even
better than in the South West region!
Here, small family holdings raise no more
than 1500 ducks in the open air,” states
the President of the Fairs Committee. The
Fairs Committee has been organising a
foie gras fair in the multi-purpose hall for
almost 40 years. Around fifty producers
from the region and surrounding areas
come to present their ducks and geese,
attracting several thousand enthusiastic
and curious visitors each year.The atmosphere is extraordinary: producers exhibit
their foie gras, magret de canard, duck
fritons and other products amidst a congenial hubbub. In addition to the duck breeders, a food market features stalls offering
cheeses, honey and gingerbread, bread
and charcuterie products.An authentic local atmosphere is guaranteed, enhanced
by a gigantic gourmet meal, parades, music, etc.
“Les foires au gras”
• Coursan (Aude)
Sunday 16 November
• Limoux (Aude)
Saturday 22 November
• Prades (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Sunday 23 November
• Castelnaudary (Aude)
Sunday 7 December
• Thuir (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Sunday 7 December
• Florensac (Hérault)
Saturday 13 December
• Belpech (Aude)
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December
• Sérignan (Hérault)
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December
• Carcassonne (Aude)
Sunday 21 December
• Céret (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Sunday 21 December
• Sauvian (Hérault)
Sunday 21 December
The truffle,
oneof
theJewels
of theregion
The black truffle is a rare product,
which grows beneath oak trees in certain regions. The regional production
of the famous “tuber melanosporum”
represents 20 to 30% of the entire
production in France.
T
his capricious mushroom is harvested between December and
March. End-of-year festivals provide an opportunity to welcome
the truffle to our tables, by purchasing it at truffle markets where the presale ceremony is a fundamental part of
the transaction. In Moussoulens, the truffle
capital of the Aude, the market is accompanied by a visit to a truffle farm and demonstrations by chef. Uzès, in the Gard, blesses
this precious mushroom with great fanfare,
by holding a truffle mass in the cathedral
in January, as well as a banquet served by
Michelin starred chefs. Arles-sur-Tech in
Pyrénées-Orientales, honours the truffle
with music and the induction ceremony for
the Brotherhood of the "Trufa Catalana”.
Maison de la Truffe,
Villeneuve-Minervois (Aude)
Tel: 33 (0)4 68 26 14 22
www.maisondelatruffedulanguedoc.com
A hint of hazelnut in the oysters from Bouzigues
Classified as a “Site Remarquable du Goût”, the town of Bouzigues is the centre of oyster farming on the Étang de Thau in
Hérault.This small inland lagoon covers a surface area of 7500
hectares, between Bouzigues and Marseillan. Since the beginning of the 20th century, several generations of oyster farmers have managed their shellfish farms by combining family
tradition and technical precision. Due to the absence of tides,
the farms must use suspension culture, as opposed to flat cultivation practised on the Atlantic coast, although some producers have invented a process that
imitates tidal activity. Fully immersed in water for the duration of cultivation, the shellfish benefit
from the exceptionally rich environment to present excellent growth performances.Today, 2500
shellfish tables of 50 x 12 metres emerge above the lagoon and enable oyster production in
Bouzigues, where the oysters have a flavour of iodine with a hint of hazelnut. The towns and
villages beside the lagoon abound with producers, where you can taste oysters with your feet
in the water and eat at restaurants with a view of the lagoon.
SUDDEFRANCE - 43 SUDDEFRANCE - 42 -
TRUFFLE MARKETS 2014-2015
◗◗◗
• Moussoulens (Aude)
Saturday 13 December 2014
and 3 January 2015.
Day of the Truffle and Gastronomy
• Villefranche-de-Conflent
(Pyrénées-Orientales)
Sunday 14 December. Truffle Market
• Talairan (Aude)
Saturday 20 December 2014
and 10 & 31 January 2015
Truffle Market
• Collioure (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Sunday 21 December
Truffle Market
• Céret (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Saturday 27 December
Truffle Market
• Villeneuve-Minervois (Aude)
Saturday 27 December 2014, then
17 January, 7 February and 8 March 2015
Truffle Festival
• Saint-Géniès-des-Mourgues
(Hérault)
Sunday 11 January 2015
Truffle Market
• Montner (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Truffle Market
• Thuir (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Saturday 17 January 2015
Truffle Weekend
• Uzès (Gard)
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2015
Ampélofolies du Cabardès
Moussoulens (Aude)
Truffle Festival
• Clermont-l’Hérault (Hérault)
Saturday 25 January 2015 (to be confirmed)
Truffle Festival
• Arles-sur-Tech
Sunday 1 February 2015
Truffle Festival
• La Canourgue (Lozère)
Truffle and Farm Fair
• Lesquerde
Farmers’ Day
• Saint-Jean-de-Buèges (Hérault)
Truffle Market
• Calce (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Truffle and Terroir Festival
• Claret (Hérault)
Pig and Truffle Festival
• Saint-Pons-de-Thomières
(Hérault)
Truffle and Terroir
• Roullens (Aude)
Saturday 27 June 2015
◗◗◗
PORTFOLIO GASTRONOMY
CYRIL ATTRAZIC,
RESTAURANT
CHEZ CAMILLOU
(AUMONT-AUBRAC - LOZÈRE)
*
GILLES GOUJON,
RESTAURANT
AUBERGE DU VIEUX PUITS
(FONTJONCOUSE - AUDE)
***
CELERY NOODLES, LOCAL MUSHROOMS, TRUFFLE OIL JUS.
FABIEN FAGE,
RESTAURANT LE PRIEURÉ *
(VILLENEUVE-LÈS-AVIGNON
GARD)
JEAN-MARC BOYER,
RESTAURANT
LE PUITS DU TRÉSOR*
(LASTOURS - AUDE)
COMINÉE OF ROASTED
PIGEON, AUBERGINE CONFIT
AND MUSHROOMS FROM
MONTAGNE NOIRE.
STEW OF ERQUY SCALLOPS,
HERITAGE VEGETABLES
AND AUTUMN TRUFFLE
FRANCK PUTELAT,
RESTAURANT LE PARCFRANCK PUTELAT **
(CARCASSONNE - AUDE)
SUDDEFRANCE - 44 -
BOUILLABAISSE OF DUCK FOIE GRAS.
OIE GRAS.
FOIE GRAS, ARBOUSES AND GREEN TOMATO JAM.
LOCAL OYSTER JELLY IN WATER AND SALT.
JÉRÔME NUTILE,
RESTAURANT JÉRÔME NUTILE BISTR’AU (NÎMES-GARD)
PATRICK OLRY,
RESTAURANT L’AMBASSADE
(BÉZIERS - HÉRAULT)
FRESH VICTORIA PINEAPPLE, THIN SLICE OF FOIE GRAS
AND MEDALLION OF BLUE LOBSTER INFUSED WITH GINGER.
MICHEL KAYSER,
RESTAURANT ALEXANDRE MICHEL KAYSER **
(GARONS - GARD)
TRUFFLE SABAYON.
SUDDEFRANCE - -45
SUDDEFRANCE
45- -
CYRIL ATTRAZIC
FRÉDÉRIC BACQUIE
PASCAL BORRELL
JEAN-MARC BOYER
SERGE CHENET
OSCAR GARCIA
PHILIPPE DESCHAMPS
FABIEN FAGE
CHARLES FONTÈS
FABIEN GALIBERT
LIONEL GIRAUD
GILLES GOUJON
MICHEL KAYSER
ALEXANDRE KLIMENKO
MATTHIEU DE LAUZUN
LAURENT LEMAL
ANNE MAJOUREL
PIERRE-LOUIS MARIN
DANIEL MINET
JACQUES ET LAURENT POURCEL
Languedoc-Roussillon,
newseedsin thesoil
22
in 2013… and 25 today. The
Michelin, which is a gold
standard in high-end restaurant trends, never ceases to
award stars in Languedoc-Roussillon. In Pyrénées-Orientales alone, the 2014 edition of
the guide has just awarded three new stars,
sometimes to restaurants that have been
open for less than four years. And in Gard, it
has just awarded a star to Oscar Garcia,
whose restaurant has been open for less than
2 years and who has only just celebrated
his… 25th birthday! Here, value doesn’t have
to wait for the years to go by.
A phenomenon that is clear to everyone: the
restaurant owners of Languedoc-Roussillon,
land of a thousand terroirs, through their
hard work and passion, have asserted their
identity and demonstrated their talents. Whether it be Jacques and Laurent Pourcel in
Montpellier, awarded stars by the Michelin
guide for twenty five years and key ambassadors of this Mediterranean cuisine, Michel
Kayser from Nîmes with all the finesse of his
cuisine, or the talented Giraud from Aude,
they all fly the colours of a land where the
art of living is pronounced with a southern
accent.
Gilles Goujon, the only three star chef in the
region, at the head of one of France’s most
prestigious restaurants (there are only 27
three-star restaurants in France) in the smalSUDDEFRANCE - 46 -
lest commune (110 inhabitants) would agree
with this. This ogre of life, mad about flavours
and very hard working, has raised his restaurant to the firmament of French cuisine. And
what about Franck Putelat from Carcassonne,
who already holds two stars? They are the
ambassadors of a region that is bubbling over
with talent, with people like Fontès, Ryon,
Attrazic, De Lauzun, Lefebvre, and Bacquié,
their worthy colleagues. Assisted by restaurants that may not be in the firmament but
are equally respectable, and have been rated
“Bib gourmand”, bearing witness to their
excellent relations with the customer, who,
during lunch or an evening meal, is the king
of the world. ◗
OURCEL
◗◗◗
AUDE
• LA BERGERIE*
CHRISTOPHE COMES
AUMONT-AUBRAC
Chef : Fabien Galibert
11600 Aragon
www.labergeriearagon.com
• HOSTELLERIE
DE LA POMARÈDE*
Chef : Gérald Garcia
11400 La Pomarède
www.hostellerie-lapomarede.fr
• LA BARBACANE
Chef : Jérôme Ryon
11000 Carcassonne
www.hoteldelacite.com
• DOMAINE D’AURIAC*
GÉRALD GARCIA
UZÈS
Chef : Philippe Deschamps
11000 Carcassonne
www.domaine-d-auriac.com
PUJAUT
VILLENEUVE-LÈS-AVIGNON
• LE PARC FRANCK PUTELAT
NÎMES/GARONS
GIGNAC
Chef : Franck Putelat
11000 Carcassonne
www.franck-putelat.com
MONTPELLIER
SÈTE
BÉZIERS
LASTOURS
LA POMARÈDE
FABIEN LEFEBVRE
ARAGON
NARBONNE
PEZENS
CARCASSONNE
FONTJONCOUSE
LEUCATE
BÉLESTA
The number of gourmet
restaurants is increasing
in this region, where tastes
and talents are being
discovered all the time.
In one year, the number
of Michelin-starred restaurants
has increased by 15%.
PERPIGNAN
MONTNER
FRANCK PUTELAT
COLLIOURE
BANYULS
• AUBERGE DU VIEUX PUITS
Chef : Gilles Goujon
11360 Fontjoncouse
www.aubergeduvieuxpuits.fr
JÉRÔME RYON
*Label “Tourisme
Sud de France”
• LE PUITS DU TRÉSOR
Chef : Jean-Marc Boyer
11600 Lastours
www.lepuitsdutresor.com
• LA TABLE SAINT-CRESCENT*
Chef : Lionel Giraud
11100 Narbonne
www.la-table-saint-crescent.com
• L’AMBROSIA
Chef : Daniel Minet
11170 Pezens
www.ambrosia-pezens.com
• KLIM & CO*
Chef : Alexandre Klimenko
11370 Leucate
www.klimenko.fr
PYRÉNÉES-ORIENTALES
• LE FANAL
Chef : Pascal Borrell
66650 Banyuls
www.pascal-borrell.com
• LA COOPÉRATIVE
Chef : Laurent Lemal
66720 Bélesta
www.riberach.com
HÉRAULT
GARD
• OCTOPUS*
• ALEXANDRE
• DE LAUZUN
• ENTRE VIGNE
ET GARRIGUE*
Chef : Fabien Lefebvre
34500 Béziers
www.restaurant-octopus.com
Chef : Matthieu de Lauzun
34150 Gignac
www.restaurant-delauzun.com
• LE JARDIN DES SENS
Chefs : Jacques
et Laurent Pourcel
34000 Montpellier
www.jardindessens.com
• L’AUBERGE DU CELLIER*
• LA RÉSERVE RIMBAUD
• LA GALINETTE
• LA COQUERIE*
Chef : Pierre-Louis Marin
66720 Montner
www.aubergeducellier.com
Chef : Christophe Comes
66000 Perpignan
• LA BALETTE
Chef : Frédéric Bacquie
66190 Collioure
www.relaisdes3mas.com
SUDDEFRANCE - 47 -
Chef : Charles Fontès
34000 Montpellier
www.reserve-rimbaud.com
Chef : Anne Majourel
34200 Sète
www.annemajourel.fr
Chef : Michel Kayser
30128 Garons
www.michelkayser.com
Chef : Serge Chenet
30131 Pujaut
www.vigne-et-garrigue.com
• LE PRIEURÉ
Chef : Fabien Fage
30400 Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
www.leprieure.com
• LA TABLE D’UZÈS
Chef : Oscar Garcia
30700 Uzès
www.lamaisonduzes.fr
LOZÈRE
• CHEZ CAMILLOU
Chef : Cyril Attrazic
48130 Aumont-Aubrac
www.camillou.com
◗◗◗
ATTITUDES ENCHANTING ACCOMMODATIONS
Amadeto-measure
holiday
From picturesque hotels to refined holiday homes, with
off-the-beaten track locations and a warm, attentive welcome,
accommodation quality makes every guest a special guest.
C
lassic or luxurious, Languedoc-Roussillon’s accommodations are beyond cavil.
With a vast and varied territory including both the
shore of the Gulf of Lion
and the green valleys inland, LanguedocRoussillon has countless superb sites representing local art de vivre. Here, there's
no need to look elsewhere.
Above all, accommodations are extremely
varied. A stay in a holiday gîte will delight
visitors who want a family atmosphere in
a traditional cottage or outbuilding, tastefully decorated by its hosts, privileged ambassadors of the terroir.
By the sea, vacation villages or hotels with
all the conveniences are an ideal solution
for enjoying both the beach and modern
facilities like a pool, spa, and gym.
Guaranteed by the ‘Qualité Sud de
France’ label, these establishments let you
drop your suitcase and enjoy a carefree
holiday in the region.
On the other hand, over fifty establishments selected for their exceptional features form the Cercle Prestige, established
by Sud de France Développement for
luxury tourism. There are a constellation
of possibilities: a country escape to an authentic bastide manor, a mystical night on
the grounds of a Benedictine monastery,
an evening under the stars in the restaurant of a Catalan golf club, gourmet tasting in a winery domaine, and more. The
quintessence of refinement, satisfying
every desire for novelty, discovery, sensation. ◗
SUDDEFRANCE - 48 -
◗
Trust Sud de France
for your accommodation
This label, established in 2008, guarantees a warm
and professional welcome, quality, and comfort in
more than 1000 Languedoc-Roussillon establishments and tourist sites.
Accommodations, restaurants, wine-tastings, sale
outlets for local products, tourist and cultural sites,
all are committed to rigorous standards and pass an
external audit before the label is awarded. They are
capable of welcoming English-speaking and reduced-mobility clients, and will provide clear, thorough
information on cultural and recreational activities in
Languedoc-Roussillon.
For more information, scan this QR code with your
Smartphone or connect
directly to:
◗◗◗
SUD DE FRANCE PRACTICE
What to know before you go
Sud de France Développement
Tourisme en Languedoc-Roussillon
(“South of France Development
Tourism in Languedoc-Roussillon”)
Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 200 220
Maisons du Languedoc-Roussillon abroad
www.suddefrance-developpement.com
Tourism development agency of the Aude
www.audetourisme.com
Tourism development agency of the Gard
www.tourismegard.com
Tourism development agency of the Hérault
www.herault-tourisme.com
Comité départemental du tourisme de la Lozère
www.lozere-tourisme.com
Comité départemental du tourisme
des Pyrénées-Orientales
www.tourisme-pyreneesorientales.com
How to get there
Located in the south of France on the Mediterranean coast, Languedoc-Roussillon is
three and a half hours by TGV from Paris, one
and a half hours' flight from London, and
two hours’ drive from Barcelona.
cassonne), from Glasgow (to Carcassonne),
from Edimbourg (to Béziers)
By air
FROM FRANCE :
Direct flights from Paris (to Béziers,
Perpignan, Montpellier), from Lille (to Montpellier, Perpignan), from Strasbourg (to
Montpellier), from Rennes (to Montpellier),
from Nantes (to Montpellier, Perpignan), from
Lyon (to Montpellier), from Ajaccio (to Montpellier, Perpignan), from Calvi (to Perpignan)
from Bâle-Mulhouse (to Montpellier), from
Strasbourg (to Montpellier, Perpignan).
DEPUIS GERMANY:
Direct flights from Munich (to Montpellier),
from Francfort (to Montpellier),
Dussëldorf (to Béziers, Montpellier).
FROM BELGIQUE :
Direct flights from Brussels (to Montpellier),
from Charleroi (to Carcassonne, Montpellier,
Nîmes, Perpignan).
FROM BRITAIN :
Direct flights from Londres (to Perpignan,
Béziers, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Nîmes),
Bristol (to Béziers), Leeds Bradford (to Montpellier), Liverpool (to Nîmes), from Birmingham (to Perpignan), from Southampton (to
Perpignan), from Luton (to Nîmes), from Liverpool (to Carcassonne), from Bournemouth
(to Carcassonne), from East Midlands (to Car-
FROM IRLANDE:
Direct flights from Dublin (to Carcassonne,
Perpignan), Cork (to Carcassonne)
DEPUIS ITALY:
Direct flights from Rome (to Montpellier).
FROM NETHERLANDS :
Direct flights from Amsterdam (to Perpignan), from Rotterdam (to Montpellier).
FROM SWEDEN :
Direct flights from Stockholm
(to Béziers).
FROM DENMARK :
Direct flights from Copenhague
(to Montpellier). from
Billund (to Carcassonne).
FROM NORWAY :
Direct flights from Oslo (to Béziers).
FROM LE MOROCCO :
Direct flights from Casablanca, Nador,
Fès (vers Montpellier).
SUDDEFRANCE - 49 -
MORE INFORMATION
visit the websites of airports:
Nîmes (www.nimes-aeroport.fr),
Montpellier
(www.montpellier.aeroport.fr),
Béziers
(www.beziers.aeroport.fr),
Perpignan
(www.aeroport-perpignan.com)
Carcassonne
(www.aeroport-carcassonne.com)
Girona, Spain
(www.barcelona-girona-airport.com)
By train
Direct TGV from Genève et Bruxelles.
- SNCF reservations: daily TGV connections
between Paris, Lille and Lyon and the principal cities in Languedoc-Roussillon.
TGV from Brussels.
Direct TGV from Barcelone to Perpignan.
Information on www.voyages-sncf.com
- TER connections: www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/languedoc_roussillon/fr
- Information on Montpellier,
Narbonne, Nîmes et Perpignan :
www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr
By car
- A 61 Toulouse - Narbonne
- A 75 Montpellier - Clermont-Ferrand - Paris
- A 9 Barcelone (Spain) - Montpellier - Lyon
- A 54 Montpellier - Marseille
A destination
for
all seasons
Destination South of France,
blessed by nature
www.destinationsud
defrance.com
THE TOURIS
M MAGAZIN
E
IN SOUTH O
F FRANCE L
ANGUEDO
C-ROUSSILL
ON
SUD DE FRANCE
LANGUEDO
C-ROUSSIL
LON
Pyrenees, Cévenn
Aubrac, Margeridees,
,
Facili
ties and activities
2014 - 2015 resort
by resort!
Destination South
of Fra
Winter 2014-2015
e,
blessed by natuncre
Well
ness: therm
great 100% relaxa al and spa resorts,
tion programmes
Gastronomy:
a land rich in surpris truffles, foie gras and oysters,
es
PRACTICAL INFORM
ATION:
Great outdoors:
Canigou, Cévennes,
Aubrac, Margeride…
vast protected space
s
to admire
5 DISCOVERY TOURS
, FROM THE CATALA
N PYRENEES TO THE
LOZÈRE
Sud de France brochures can be downloaded from
www.destinationsuddefrance.com or by downloading Mon Sud de France app for iPad.
Keep up with all the tourism news in Languedoc-Roussillon by subscribing to the
Vacances en Languedoc-Roussillon and Prestige Languedoc-Roussillon e-newsletters
at www.destinationsuddefrance.com

The site - Sud de France Languedoc

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