There are many things to do in Occitanie (Languedoc Roussillon), France. There are a whole host of activities available for you to participate in. These range from normal leisure activities like sightseeing and beach days to any number of sporting activities like cycling, tennis golf and many more. Quite simply put, you are spoilt for choice; so lets start with a list of just some of the things you can do.

If you need more information or suggestions for the activities mentioned then please don't hesitate to contact us -

We are not golf players personally, but the following is an appraisal of Carcassonne golf course, from someone who uses it regularly.

"If you are staying at Domaine de Cazes and fancy a game of golf, the place to go is Carcassonne Golf club, a 35 minute drive away.

Most courses that golfers play tend to blend into one another after a while, but I guarantee that you will remember this one! The daunting first hole is a steep, lung bursting climb but, once you reach the top, the stunning views of the snow capped Pyrenees are equally breathtaking. Take a camera.

In fact, much of the course is played with the backdrop of the mountains and the spectacular French countryside. I won’t spoil the surprise by going into too much detail but there are a few really good, unusual holes which you will remember.

The course itself is in immaculate condition with well kept fairways and fast greens. My husband and I are at opposite ends of the handicap scale (34 and 13) but both enjoyed the course as there are no carries too long for the beginner but plenty of challenges for the more experienced player.

We played on a windy Autumn day but a crisp Spring morning or still Summer day would be equally delightful."

Practical bits you need to know:

The friendly staff in the pro-shop do speak English, in fact the club has many ex-pat members who are very willing to chat about the course and offer advice. Booking of tee-times, particularly in high season, is advisable.

Clubs, trolleys and buggies are available to hire. The course is very steep in a couple of places so a buggy may be worth having if you don’t like hills.

Distances (in meters) are written on sprinkler heads.

The club has a bar and a restaurant which came highly recommended.

A warning to those more used to UK golf courses! The tape linking the low white posts around the perimeter of the golf course is electrified in order to keep out the wild boar. The shock is not huge but be aware when retrieving wayward balls, not that you would have any, heaven forbid.

Strange as it may seem, canoeing (one of the things to do in Aude, France) is definitely a summer activity. The reason for this is that throughout the rest of the year the water is nearly always too high and too fast to allow people out on their own, even with bouyancy aids. But during the summer the water is sedate enough for safety although still lively enough for some real fun and a great day out.

We recommend the route that starts in Couiza and finishes in either Alet de Bains or Limoux, depending how long you want to go for. Limoux is the furthest and Alet de Bain is about half of that and takes a couple of hours.  Contact Les Parcours for more information.

We have found that there seems to be more than one type of cyclist that like to stay at Domaine de Cazes. There are the more gentile cyclists that like a flat but scenic route, we very much fit into that category, and there are the extreme cyclists who somehow seem to enjoy the challenge of riding through the Montagne Noire with all the ups, downs, curves and, we have to say, magnificent views that option brings.

Personally we would of course enjoy the views but we are not sure the pain would be worthwhile, especially as you can get very picturesque views riding the tow paths of the Canal du Midi. And  everyone knows a specific feature of a canal is that, other than the locks, it is pretty much completely flat.  

Lac de St Ferreol close to Revel and only about 15 minutes from Domaine de Cazes, has lots to offer, there is a large beach, or you can hire canoes, pedalos, paddle boards and even a bit of sailing is to be had. Also if you prefer your entertainment to be land based there is a crazy golf course, walks through the adjoining arboretum or simply enjoying the restaurants and cafes that are located next to the lake taking in the fabulous views to the 'Black Mountains'. Or the wooded surround with picnic tables makes it an ideal place to laze the day away

Just a little further away near to Carcassonne you will find the Lac de la Cavayere with a large Aquazone, water slides, beach, tree top walk,  and a range of other facilities similar to St Ferreol.