Canet d’Aude is a charming, up-and-coming village in the department of Aude in the Languedoc, in Southern France, just 15 minutes to the rear of Narbonne. Easy to reach via major roads, railways stations and airports, but none the less tucked away it is surrounded by vineyards and sunflowers. Only minutes away from the Canal du Midi, and a 10 minute drive to the Corbières mountains with their mysterious Cathar castles, 30 minute drive to the Mediterranean beaches at Narbonne Plage, and close to the medieval City of Carcassone. The village has a small supermarket, boulangerie, tabac, bar, pizza restaurant, pharmacy and doctor’s surgery. There is also a vegetable market on Friday and Sunday mornings. The large supermarkets are only 4km away at Lézignan Corbières.

• • Carcassonne – ½ hr from Le Manoir, includes a more modern town as well as the Medieval Cité which is sited as a top 100 UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a must see. Boasting over 2000 years of history it hosts a number of events during the year, including a diverse music festival featuring top international artists starting at the end of June, until August every year. Click Here for more info.

• • The Canal de Midi –  Within sight of the house and only 5 Minutes away by Car to it’s Restaurants at Ventenac, Perazza and Rubio. The canal is a popular destination for walking, biking or even whiling away some time on a boat – For more information about day boat hire Click Here.

• • Sea – The coastline boasts various Ports and Beaches all within easy driving distance. Our recommendation close to home is; Gruissan for the variety of good beaches, hire of water sports equipment, it’s old town and more modern marina developments with a good choice of places to eat and drink. For more info click here.

• • Collioure – Slightly further afield (about 1hr) you will find Collioure, nestled in a little cove on the Cote de Vermillon, a beautiful old port that has inspired artists through the ages which today still offers a plethora of galleries and well as a great variety of places to eat and drink. For further info click here.

• • Narbonne – the closest large town to Le Manoir is only about 15 minutes away by car. With a wide range of shops, restaurants, a cathedral as well as it’s fantastic indoor market (les Halles) open every day apart from Sundays until 12h00. The market is a really good place to stock up on all your fresh ingredients with a wide diversity of stalls stocking vegetables, meat, fish, cheeses and bread as well as being an a typical French experience. More info can be found here.

• • Abbae de Fontfroid – about 40 minutes away is one of France’s best preserved Cistercian monuments. The Abbey is open all year round but from March to December there is also a very good restaurant open on site as well as classical music concerts. Please click here for further information.

• • The lake at Homps – A great kid friendly place to swim and visit if the beaches are a bit too windy as well as being far closer to home. It is also well serviced with a café, toilet facilities and life guard as well as tons of free parking. Click here for info.

• • Local Wine -If you would like to try some of the local wines a good place to visit is the The Wine Cave at Ventenac which offers a wide range of wines from the region. For more information about opening hours please click here.

• • Restaurants –  The “Auberge Du Vieux Puits” is a  three Michelin Star Restaurant, just half an hour drive away at Fontjoncouze. Bookings essential well in advance. For more information please click here.

• • Pezenas – Slightly further away (about 1hr) is a well restored medieval town with a wide array of little independent shops and a good selection of bars and restaurants. If you can’t face it on the heat of a summer day all the shops remain open till midnight on Wednesdays and Fridays during the main summer months. They also hold an Estival on Friday evenings where you can purchase a glass that allows you to try a couple of glasses from various local producers. Also on offer are a wide array of locally produced foods that can be purchased from the various stalls. Its Saturday market with a variety of stalls with everything from fresh produce through to clothing is also worth a visit. For more info click here.

• • Rennes-le-Chateau – If you liked Dan Browns book The Da Vinchi Code then a visit to Rennes-le-Chateau with its strong links to the book is a must see place for you. His book draws inspiration from 2 books about the area “The Holy Blood” and “The Holy Grail” written by a local author and expert on the subject lives in our village who can do personal guided tours, if you are interested.
  • Spain – And lastly but not quite in the same vein, the border of Spain is only about an hour away and there are some lovely villages along the coast that are accessible for a day trip, or if you are a Dali fan you can visit the museum at Figueras or his former house just outside Cadaques.