About Weather/Climate/Temperature

In this 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. In the heart of this wild, romantic landscape lies the small wine-producing village of 'Caudiès de Fenouillèdes', home of Cave Ancienne.

About Beaches

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.

There are numerous opportunities for white water rafting, hydrospeed and canoe trips in the Pyrenees. The adjacent department of Aude is a playground for these kinds of activities - an exciting thrill, especially when rafting the gorges of the wild river Aude.

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.

There are numerous opportunities for white water rafting, hydrospeed and canoe trips in the Pyrenees. The adjacent department of Aude is a playground for these kinds of activities - an exciting thrill, especially when rafting the gorges of the wild river Aude.

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.

About Airport Information

Next airports are: Perpignan (40 min.), Carcassonne 1 hour), Girona/Spain (1 1/2 hour),Montpellier (1 1/2 hour) Toulouse, Barcelona...
Also very attractiv: eurolines.com - a busline from all over Europe to Perpignan!

About Family Activities

Bathing in one of the many natural rock pools in the gorges of the immediate surrounding area is also pleasure that should not be missed.
Insider tip: a safe and quiet, absolutely natural bathing spot known only to insiders is hidden right between the rocks and the plateau on the edge of the village - waterfall included. Just the place to relax at the end of a hard day's holiday fun.
Openair swimming pools and new leisure-pools in the surrounding villages also ensure plenty of variation on the theme of wet and cool fun pursuits.

About Local Attrcations

Bathing in one of the many natural rock pools in the gorges of the immediate surrounding area is also pleasure that should not be missed.
Insider tip: a safe and quiet, absolutely natural bathing spot known only to insiders is hidden right between the rocks and the plateau on the edge of the village - waterfall included. Just the place to relax at the end of a hard day's holiday fun.
Openair swimming pools and new leisure-pools in the surrounding villages also ensure plenty of variation on the theme of wet and cool fun pursuits.

About Driving

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.

About Walking

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.

About History

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 Corbière Mountains(interactive museum for Prehistory at Tautavel).

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.