a big breath of fresh air
To fill up on nature, we offer you some of our good deals less than 45 minutes from the Château de Palaja, your hotel with swimming pool near Carcassonne.
Is it very hot? Go and cool off in the Mediterranean at Gruissan or in a small sumptuous river or take the opportunity to visit the caves and chasm which will leave you admiring.
Stroll through the typical villages on a market day to allow you to appreciate the variety of the short circuit on the Corbières or side Black Mountain.
Discover the abbeys and go on hikes on trails that smell of thyme and rosemary.
Taste the local wines and admire the vineyards.
Take part in discovery workshops or choose a sensational sport.
Lagrasse and Ribaute
Located less than 40 minutes from our establishment, is the village of Lagrasse, among the most beautiful villages in France. At the heart of the Corbières massif, we invite you to discover this picturesque village between vineyards and mountains and discover its vestiges from another era: its Benedictine abbey, its strong>monastery, still inhabited by monks whom you can meet in the sumptuous religious bookstore, the 14th century market halls, the old bridge etc.
Our suggestion: in summer, sip a local fruit juice under the majestic lime tree in the courtyard.
3 minutes from Lagrasse, at Ribaute, sunbathe on the terraces dug into the cliff on the edge of the Orbieu and relax in the pools dug by the river in its bed. A pure corner of paradise for swimming in the middle of wild nature.
The Castles of Lastours
Less than 30 kilometers away, discover the four castles of Lastours in the Black Mountain. All four are built on a rocky spur and offer a panoramic view of the Orbiel valley and the medieval village of Cabaret. They have been classified as a “Historic Monument” since 1905. Along the Orbiel, visit the Cabaret, the Tour Régine, the Surdespine and the Quertinheux. Even today, there are archaeological excavations. The walk is done on foot and lasts about an hour. Come with good shoes and take a bottle of water!
Our suggestion: From the village, access the belvedere which offers a remarkable view overlooking the valley.
Gruissan, the salt marshes and its chalet beach
From Leucate to Fleury-d'Aude, the coastline is divided into a string of islands and ponds. Sometimes salty, these bodies of water can be explored by mountain bike, on foot or by boat. Observe the pink flamingo colonies, taste fleur de sel and fresh oysters while visiting the salt marshes of Ile Saint-Martin in Gruissan! At the end of summer, the waters take on a magnificent pink color!
Our suggestion: go to the chalet beach and lose yourself in the middle of these wooden houses on stilts, made legendary by the famous film by Jean Jacques Beineix “37.2°C in the morning” in which we remember the scenes of the couple Beatrice Dale and JH Anglade.
Fontfroide Abbey
This abbey is located in the heart of the Narbonnaise regional natural park. It was founded in 1093 and was a Benedictine abbey until 1144 and 1145 when it was integrated into the Cistercian order. Several trails invite you to appreciate splendid and wild landscapes by crisscrossing the scrubland, but also the vines which produce the Corbiteres wine. Admire the particularly varied flora.
Our suggestion: Many concerts, events, exhibitions are organized on site. Find out about the agenda. A restaurant also welcomes you on site.
The Mayronnes Sculpture Trail
An unusual getaway of 6km for everyone, just 10 km from Lagrasse and 40 minutes from the Château de Palaja, our hotel with parking near Carcassonne.
Between art and nature, this artistic hike invites you to stroll. The contemporary works of art line the path and happily embrace the beauty of the Corbières.
The caves of Limousis
In around twenty minutes, you will be on the site of the Grottes du Limousis. A one-hour journey will be offered to you to discover five rooms and two underground lakes over a kilometer. This underground world will surprise you with its stalactites, its columns and multicolored ecstatics and especially its giant and unique aragonite chandelier! You will have the chance to discover hundreds of multi-millennial mineral formations, cave bear remains and tools dating from prehistoric times.
The Chasm of Cabrespine
This converted cave is to be discovered with family, friends or as a couple. This chasm of 250m depth visible from a suspended footbridge is so big that it could contain the Eiffel Tower!
Upon reservation, you can participate in a cave climbing activity. This underground activity allows you to do zip-lining or even wall progression. The opportunity for you to discover the underground river.
Our suggestion: Enjoy it whatever the weather because the caves have a constant temperature of 14°C.
The Paper Mill
In the town of Brousses and Villaret, less than a 40-minute drive from our establishment, is the Paper Mill. Built at the end of the 18th century, it is the last paper mill in Languedoc still in operation. Come discover the magic of handmade paper and participate in making your own sheets using old-fashioned hydraulic machines. dresses are even made at the mill!
Paper is made from different raw materials....some are very surprising...