MAP
of AUDE (below
text) shows the RAZÈS regionnear CARCASSONNE, LIMOUX & CORBIÈRES
The Razès lie within Le Pays Cathare in Haut Languedoc province & feature rolling hills that rise to 800 metres. Local walks are mostly "EASY" and we're central to places of interest (such as the enigmatic RENNES-LE-CHÂTEAU and twenty "Circulade" villages). The Oceanic-Mediterranean climate here makes it ideal for wine production.
Ramblers in search of cooler climes & more challenging trails can try more advanced rambling routes in the Pyrénées at 2,000 METRES altitude. These and various Cathar castles can be reached in under 1 hour by car. Bird-watchers staying here during Summer will find locals such as: bee eater; roller; golden oriole; cirl bunting; hoopoe; crag martin; red backed & great grey shrikes; wryneck; short toed & booted eagles; marsh & montagus' harrier; lammergeier; alpine swift; subalpine warbler and the short toed tree creeper (seen on plum tree in the garden). Alternatively, take it easy, pop down to the coast via the CORBIÈRES and go for a plunge in the Mediterranean. If that’s too energetic, snooze alongside the shady CANAL DU MIDI.
During Spring/early Summer our predominantly alkaline soil nurtures 83 species of WILD ORCHID. At this time of the year the river Aude is also full of melt-water from the high mountains and organised WATER SPORTS offer an exciting alternative for younger visitors.
