The Minervois

Le Parc de Lignieres lies in the middle of the small, and tranquil village of Trausse Minervois with its 10th century tower and 12th century church. The village itself is within walking distance of the Montaine Noir. It was from these mountains that the Maquis launched attacks on the Germans during WWII. Wild boar can be found in the mountains and a wide variety of bird life. The mountains are excellent for mountain biking.

The village is also 10 km from the Canal Du Midi. The village has a post office, library, and a well equipped shop where you can buy most things. The local baker and butcher also visit the village frequently and you can buy directly from their vans in the square. There are two supermarkets, a baker, and a chemist, in the village of Pyriac only 2km away. You can get petrol and diesel at the new service station in Pyriac, and there is an excellent Pizzaria in the village too. Pyriac is near the slightly larger town of Rieux where there are more restaurants.

At Laure Minervois it is possible to take a tour of the vineyards by horse and cart. Nearby lies Caunes Minervois with its 8th Century Abbey and annual sculpture competition using the famous red marble that is produced locally. You can visit the very pretty Notre Dame church which is also positioned at the start of an exciting walk through a valley where you can rock climb. The walk itself begins with a traverse beside a stream on ropes fixed to the rock wall. Caunes Minervoisalso has a good pizza house and excellent restaurant Hotel D?Alibert where you eat amongst the remains of monastery in a secluded courtyard. Other good places to eat locally abound.

Picnics amongst the vines or cycling through the local villages are always a family favourite. You can have a meal alongside the Canal du Midi at Homps, where you can watch the river boats and occasional sculler. Most villages have their own markets, but there is a particularly good one in the very picturesque village of Olonzac, 15 minutes drive away from the house.