Fanjeaux is situated at the southern part of France. And noted as the birthplace of the Dominican movement and is still
the home to a monastery and for having wonderful views over 5 departments.
Local shops, butcher, baker, superette, restaurant and cafe/bar meet
immediate needs and Mirepoix is nearby as well as Castelnaudary the home of
Cassoulet - and of course Carcassonne. From Les Gites Brunet you can walk
into the local hills on trails that explore the our immediate region and in
a very short time you can feel that you have got right off the beaten track.
Pick up a picnic in Fanjeaux and head out for the day!
Carcassonne is a splendid medieval fortified town with noted restaurants.
Two old towns dominate this city, a Cite, the medieval fortified castle that
was the backdrop for Kevin Costner's Robin Hood, and the new old town
fortified in Napoleonic times. La Cite is truly a fairly tale castle with
over 50 towers, well restored and full of restaurants, shops and a moated
castle. Below this medieval city the new 'old town' has a lovely central
square with the rest of the town being built in a defensive grid. The Canal
du Midi runs through the town as does the Aude river giving charming walks
and views. Cycling along this waterway makes for a relaxing expedition.
Walking, Cathar castle exploration, spas and the Mediterranean ensure that
visitors have plenty of options.
Near Fanjeaux is the Medieval town of Mirepoix. This bastide (fortified)
town has a lovely central square with cafes and shops as well as great
restaurants. It is very lively on a Monday morning when the market is in
full swing and people are attracted from a wide region. Many languages can
be heard here, especially in the summer and the market offers an eclectic
mix of the traditional with the unexpected; goats cheese to Indian
souvenirs, chain saws to live ducks and chickens. This is a French market at
its best.
