About Weather/Climate/Temperature

In the southern part of the Languedoc-Roussillon (Departement Pyrenees-Oriental, Aude), where countless ancient vineyards mingle with the wild and untameable forces of nature, wild rivers, gorges, wind and mountains blend into a unique landscape composition. What's more, the mild influence of the nearby Mediterranean is clearly tangible - creating a truly rare and exquisite natural ambiance.

About General Entertainment

Whether young or old, adventure thirsty or laid back - everybody can enjoy this varied region according to their own heart's desire. Hardly any other place offers such a wide-ranging choice of close-up nature encounters, thrilling adventure sports or conventional family fun.

It's motorbike-season here all year around! A paradise for Onroad and Offroad Bikers amidst incredible scenery of infinite twists and turns, mountain passes and unbeatable excursions to the nearby Pyrenees along the borderland between France and Spain! Endlessly winding, but quiet and even lonesome mountain roads, passes and endurance routes beyond limit. Ever more bikers are using our facilities in the foothills of the Pyrenees as a base for their extensive explorations - since 2005 we are therefore offering guided tours in co-operation with an expert tour guide, specialized on this region (please inquire).

About Skiing

Where else in Europe is it possible to go skiing at 3000m in the morning and relax at the beach to soak up the sun that same afternoon? Here, where the mountains converge with the sea, practically the entire spectrum of outdoor activities can be found within a small area.
The lower valleys of this region usually remain snow free during the winter months, but the ski resorts are never far away. Despite the glorious location (so close to the Mediterranean) and the awe-inspiring scenery, the Pyrenees have remained a secret among skiers and winter sports fans. Though one could hardly wish for a more beautiful winter sports environment: a fabulous mountain world with fantastic panoramas stretching all the way to the sea, slopes from blue to black and extensive cross-country trails - whether skiing, snowboarding, skating or sledging, the ski resorts of the eastern Pyrenees have something to offer for everyone. Yet, despite its 'hard to beat' location, the area has so far not been overrun by tourism. The gorgeous sunny winter weather here in the south makes winter sports a special pleasure. One can play in the snow to one's heart's content all morning, indulging in all the 'cool' fun to one's heart's content and in the afternoon descend to the coast for Après-ski on the beach under the open sky, where one can enjoy sunshine, sea and the beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks.

About Airport Information

Next airport: Perpignan 40 km, Carcassonne 60 km, Montpellier 1 1/2 hours,
Girona-Barcelona 1 1/2 hours, Toulouse 2 hours

Next bus-stop with eurolines.com: Perpignan, 40 km

About Family Activities

The Languedoc-Roussillon is an immensely historic region. The remnants of the past can be encountered everywhere, particularly here in the south. The oldest archaeological remains of Europe date back more than 400 000 years into the past. They were found in Tautavel, a small village in the...
The Cathar castles, once bastions of a Gnostic Christian sect that resisted the crusades of the Roman Catholic Church, write their own chapter of history, the consequences of which far transcend the limits of mere regional significance. In honour of their memory this area is also often referred to as 'Pays Cathar'. Most of these castle ruins are aligned in a straight line between Perpignan and Montsegur, within the closest surroundings of Cave Ancienne.

About Local Attrcations

The Languedoc-Roussillon is an immensely historic region. The remnants of the past can be encountered everywhere, particularly here in the south. The oldest archaeological remains of Europe date back more than 400 000 years into the past. They were found in Tautavel, a small village in the...
The Cathar castles, once bastions of a Gnostic Christian sect that resisted the crusades of the Roman Catholic Church, write their own chapter of history, the consequences of which far transcend the limits of mere regional significance. In honour of their memory this area is also often referred to as 'Pays Cathar'. Most of these castle ruins are aligned in a straight line between Perpignan and Montsegur, within the closest surroundings of Cave Ancienne.

About Walking

For walking, mountain biking and horseback riding the landscape presents a veritable paradise. The breathtaking beauty of this largely unspoiled mountain world has so far been preserved from the onslaught of mass tourism and thus still offers nature experiences that have become rare in Central Europe.Countless gorgeous hiking paths criss-cross the landscape, leading through vineyards, little villages, gorges and rocky mountain crests. Hiking trails are generally marked very clearly. One can explore the surrounding area either on short day hikes or traverse the Pyrenees in sections (called 'etappe') via a network of long-distance paths. There are also some specific historic paths. The 'Path Of The Cathars' for example leads directly through Caudiès de Fenouillèdes. Spring and autumn are the best times for hiking.


From Caudiès the first high mountain pass of the Pyrenees, known as the 'Col de Jau', can be reached in less than 45 minutes by car. From here, the wild mountain world of the Madre Mountains stretches into the distance. Its highest peaks lie between 2000 - 2500 meters. During the winter this area is also great for skiing.


The small quiet roads and dirt roads provide an ideal terrain for mountain biking. Local agents offer organised tours, but of course one can also explore the region independently. Mountain bikes and touring bicycles can be rented locally.

About History

The Cathar castles, once bastions of a Gnostic Christian sect that resisted the crusades of the Roman Catholic Church, write their own chapter of history, the consequences of which far transcend the limits of mere regional significance. In honour of their memory this area is also often referred to as 'Pays Cathar'. Most of these castle ruins are aligned in a straight line between Perpignan and Montsegur, within the closest surroundings of Cave Ancienne.

In the Roussillon culture does not just belong to the past. Especially during the summer months a colourful and vibrant cultural life awakens throughout the region. Summer festivals with theatre, dance and music are staged in practically all the small towns and even the usually tranquil villages show themselves in all their splendour for their village fêtes.

In many villages, one might quite unexpectedly stumble upon the studios of artists, sculptors and artisans, who, attracted by the beautiful landscapes and timeless pace of life, have long been drawn to this region.