|
The PlaceA complete compendium of history lies on the vineyard's doorstep: the spectacular medieval walled city of Carcassonne and the famous Canal du Midi (both World Heritage sites) are both just 20 minutes away. The landscape is an unspoilt rural harmony of vineyards jostling with fields of sunflowers and fruit trees, in the sight of the snow-capped Pyrenees. Château Rives-Blanques is named after one of the white peaks dominating its horizon. The region resonates with the magic and the mystery of Cathar castles, Roman ruins and medieval monasteries. But there is also white-water Languedoc Roussillon is France's oldest, biggest and most exciting wine producing region, attracting investors from all parts of the world as well as important wine producers from the rest of France. The Greeks were making wine here 3000 years ago, followed by the Romans and then by the monks. At the heart of all the great wines here, is the soul of a great wine-making monastery - and that is why we say a little prayer of thanks to the16th century Benedictines in Limoux, who were the first in the world to bless their wine with beautiful bubbles. To this very day, Blanquette de Limoux is made only in the vicinity of the Abbey of Saint Hilaire, from a grape of the Renaissance called Mauzac. LinksWine Informationwww.vinecole.com
(wine education and tutored tastings)
Tourist Informationwww.cathares.org - about Catharism
www.wikipedia.org - about the Occitan language
Nearby Chambres d'Hôtes, Self-Catering and other Accommodation www.letrabet.com - self-catering gîtes in beautifully renovated 19th C. winery
www.manufacture-royale.eu gîtes, chambres d'hôte in a village famous for old books
www.lesarrail.com stylish contemporary-chic boutique holiday houses
www.chateaudecamon.com - beautifully situated chateau/abbey, chambres d'hôte
www.chateaudevillereglan.com - palatial chambres d'hôte
in village chateau.
www.chezgrady.com - well-appointed early 19th century self-catering gîte
www.trapel.com - luxury chambres d'hôte / B&B and self-catering accommodation
www.bargecolibri.com- luxury barge all-inclusive holidays on the Canal du Midi
GPS - E: 2.22585/N: 43.11643
Read the current 'Vine Lines' or browse our
|