CATHAR COUNTRY
Domaine de Mournac is in Southern France, just South of Carcassonne, very close to the Pyrenees mountains and the border with Spain. Benefiting from glorious sunshine most of the time, but still with green and lush vegetation.
You can walk amongst the woodlands in the domaine, or walk up through the vineyards surrounding the property. A trek to the top of nearby Mont Sec is a must!
You will find that there is plenty to see and do in the local area, whether its exploring the many Cathar castles, or hiking up mountains. We have a few suggestions of local places of interest below.
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions!
RENNES LE CHATEAU
Rennes le Chateau is a village famed for its location and beautiful views of the valley below, just 8km from Domaine de Mournac. The highlight revolves around the mystery of the Abbe Francois Berenger Sauniere, appointed parish priest in 1885 and died in 1917. This priest found a fabulous treasure and came across great wealth. Readers of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci code will be interested to visit this site.
Read our blog about this fascinating place here
CARCASSONNE
The cité of Carcassonne is a medieval architectural complex located in the French city of Carcassonne in Aude department of Languedoc-Roussillon. It is located on the right bank of the Aude, south of the current city. This walled medieval city, which dates back to the Gallo-Roman period, is renowned for its double enclosure, reaching nearly 3 km of development and with fifty-two towers, which dramatically overlooks the Aude Valley. The city also has a castle (the count’s castle) and a basilica (the Saint-Nazaire Basilica). Saved from destruction and restored in the nineteenth century sometimes controversially under the direction of Viollet-le-Duc, the city of Carcassonne is since 1997 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The count’s castle, fortifications, and towers owned by the state and managed by the Center for National Monuments, while the lists and the rest of the city are part of the municipal area.
ABBEY OF ALET-LES-BAINS
Located in the spa town of Alet in the Aude Valley, the origins of this abbey are unknown. Built in the ninth century, it is a magnificent example of the rich history of village. Dating from the twelfth century, it attracts many pilgrims. They Abbey enjoyed an unexpected revival after the difficult time of the Crusade against the Cathars, being chosen as the seat of a new bishopric. The abbey within the walls of the city was destroyed during the religious wars and it remains today as imposing remains.
LABYRINTHE AT NEBIAS
21km from Domaine de Mournac and you will find Nebias. Take the nature trail and you will come across the Green Labyrinth. It is a winding path which sinks into a forest of boxwood, oak and other plants of the local flora. You will discover along its course, a series of ancient glades of beauty.
WHITE WATER SPORTS IN THE GORGES L’AUDE
The gorgeous river Aude provides the perfect and beautiful place to enjoy rafting. Located just 26km from Domaine de Mournac, Sud Rafting offers a variety of rafting tours to cater for all levels. Find out more here.
DINOSAUR MUSEUM ESPERAZA
The Dinosaur Museum in nearby Esperaza caters to all generations. The museum offers a journey through time that goes back to the origins of life on Earth. More than 2000 m2 of exhibition are entirely devoted to dinosaurs and other fossils of reptiles, mammals, invertebrates and plants discovered around the planet.
BUGARACH
Bugarach is located 26km from Domaine de Mournac. The Peak of Bugarach (Pech Bugarach in Occitan) rises to 1230 meters and provides a fantastic days waking and climbing enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The village itself is famed for an ancient prophecy which claimed the village would be the only place on earth left standing when the world ended on 21 December 2012. Even though the world did not end, the village still has an enduring fame from the Spielberg film “Close Encounters of the Third kind”.
ABBEY OF ST. HILAIRE
Abbey at St.Hilare is an ancient fortified abbey, noted for its Romanesque abbey church, which opens onto a 14th century cloister. Emerging from vineyards, the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Hilaire is 34 kilometres from Domaine de Mournac. Located in the picturesque valley of the Lauquet, it was founded in the late eighth century.
RENNES LES BAINS
Rennes les Bains is a spa town, located just 13 km from Domaine de Mournac. Offering hot and cold springs, long renowned for their therapeutic qualities, this is a nearby attraction not to be missed.
GORGES DE GALAMUS
Gorges de Galamus is a ravine in the Pyrenees, located 38km from Domaine de Mournac. It is perfect for swimming in the clear waters on a sunny day.
CATHAR CASTLES
The nearby castles of Peyrepetuse, Albedun, Queribus, Puivert and Puilaurens are all within easy reach of Domaine de Mournac. Spend your days exploring the history of the Cathars, all whilst enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
LOCAL SKI STATION – CAMURAC
After a stunning drive through the winding mountains, you can reach the family ski station of Camurac, just 50km from Domaine de Mournac. From January to March enjoy skiing. The rest of the year, take a walk round the peaks.
ANDORRA
125km from Domaine de Mournac lies the tiny, independent principality Andorra. Situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, it’s known for its ski resorts and a tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping. It’s the best skiing in the Pyrenees!