Make holiday rental accommodation or a villa in Castelnaudary, France your home away from home

The Castelnaudary region of France is found to the west of Carcassonne, deep in the mountainous landscape of Aude in Languedoc-Roussillon. The hilly farmland of the Castelnaudary countryside is adorned with beautiful mansions and villages climbing the sides of steep valleys, many of which overlook the beautiful Canal du Midi.

Things to do in Castelnaudary, France

The Castelnaudary region is known for its cuisine, especially cassoulet, which is a thick stew of mutton, goose, sausages and beans. There are a great selection of Castelnaudary restaurants, both within the town itself and in the many towns and villages that adorn the countryside. The country produce is absolutely exceptional, and the foie gras and sparkling white wines (which outdate Champagne) are very high on the list of delicacies to try from a self catering Castelnaudary villa, gite or chateau.

The dramatic rural landscapes of the Castelnaudary area are a huge attraction. The mountains and lakes create a perfect landscape for walking, horse riding and mountain biking holidays, as well as being a breath taking backdrop to enjoy as you go about your day from a Castelnaudary property rental. The history of Cathar Castles is firmly embedded in the region, and the ruins of many of the castles can still be seen standing proudly on rocky ridges and other strategic positions throughout the region.

The Canal du Midi and the many glorious lakes in the area offer some excellent water sports, as well as perfectly peaceful places to walk, picnic and relax. The Canal du Midi is a magnificent place to walk, canoe and fish, and there are many options for sailing, windsurfing and fishing on the freshwater lakes of Castelnaudary.

Places to visit on holiday in Castelnaudary, France

The town of Fanjeaux occupies a rocky spur overlooking the Lauragais Plain, with fantastic views in every direction. Famous for its medieval history, Fanjeaux is a magnificently peaceful place from which to explore the many attractions of Aude, from the peak of the Black Mountains to the beaches of the Mediterranean coastline.

Labastide d’Anjou is a wonderfully quaint village in the foothills of the Pyrenees, tucked away, out of sight from the usual tourist trails through this part of Southern France. There are many options for entertainment from a Castelnaudary villa in Labastide d’Anjou, mainly revolving around the rugged slopes of the mountains and the golf courses that adorn the flatter regions of the area.

The picturesque Cathar village of Laurac is a charming village, instantly recognisable by the 410m platform suspended over the village, providing views over seven separate departments of France. Laurac is a very peaceful place from which to enjoy the local food, wines, medieval markets and thermal springs of Castelnaudary, as well as the outdoor activities that the region is famous for.

Pech-Luna is the highest altitude village in Aude, affording visitors breath taking views across the country. Blissfully peaceful, yet within easy reach of all that has made this region such a popular holiday destination, from prehistoric caves to the world renowned foie gras, Cathar Castles to fishing lakes.

Travel to Castelnaudary, France

A holiday home in Castelnaudary is wonderfully quick and easy to reach. The nearby Carcassonne Airport (CCF), which receives Ryanair flights from across Great Britain, is a huge asset, located just miles outside the edges of the Castelnaudary region. A hire car is a great option to have when staying in a Castelnaudary villa, as it will allow you to move around Aude without restriction, visiting all the finest sites in the department.