The Surrounding Area
The Minervois is a small and geographically diverse area within the larger region of Languedoc-Roussillion which extends from the southern slopes of the Montagne Noire to the Canal du Midi. It is a favourite with cyclists, hikers and naturalists alike.
A five minute car ride outside Beaufort will take you to the principal village of Olonzac. Here you will find four cafés, two banks, three boulangeries, three butchers, two general grocery stores, a supermarket, two florists, hardware and building stores, a small book store, a hair salon, a barber, four restaurants and a weekly outdoor market.
Beaufort is only a few minutes' drive from the tree-lined Canal du Midi, which ambles through the French countryside from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
Or visit the village of Minerve, an historic Cathar site perched at the junction of two river gorges. Minerve is listed amongst "The Most Beautiful Villages of France".
A little further afield (less than one hour by car) you can be in the picturesque walled city of Carcassonne, on a Mediterranean beach, hiking through the Montagne Noire or touring the Abbaye de Fontfroide. In every direction there is an endless variety of things to do and see. Maison Beaufort is perfectly situated for exploring the countryside on foot or bicycle, by car, or canal boat.
Wine
Wine has been produced in Languedoc for more than 2000 years. The Greeks, and later the Romans, established colonies to produce wine and olive oil throughout the region.
In
addition to the hundreds of wine producing estates throughout the Minervois and the neighbouring Corbieres to
the south, many villages support a local cave co-opérative.
these estates and caves typically display
signs reading "dégustation" inviting visitors
to freely taste and purchase their excellent wine at reduced prices. Enjoy –résistance
is futile!
Markets
Almost every village and town in the area has a different market day from Tuesday to Sunday. Many of these are within a half-hour drive of Beaufort. Olonzac is the closest market, while Narbonne is the largest. One of France’s largest flower markets is located an hour’s drive away in Béziers. Fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, local cheeses, meats, flowers, plants and much more are offered.
Restaurants
Dining out is a special treat. Choose from the many charming restaurants in the immediate area: the popular Lo Cagarol in the nearby artists' village of Aigne, the highly rated Le Relais Chantovent in Minerve and Beaufort's well-known l' Auberge de Saint Martin" are all a must for visitors to the area.
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