A

  - Set upon a rocky spur, Azille is surrounded by a fortified wall with several gates and circular and square towers. The town overlooks a plain covered with vineyards and olive groves. Many artisans and their crafts are on display around the town on a permanent basis.

  - Hire a canal boat and spend a day or two discovering the pretty Minervois canalside villages and restaurants.

  - There are many chateaux in the Minervois, be they restaurants or wine estates, you'll have fun discovering them all.

   - Dolmens are ancient monuments thought to be some 5000 years old. There is a good example of one at Villeneuve- Minervois restored by a team of amateur archeologists in 1972.

   - The Minervois is an epicureans delight, with so much great food on offer you'll be spoilt for choice. Why not try the Auberge de St Martin in Beaufort, near Olonzac it's reputedly one of the best in the Minervois.

  - Discover the numerous fetes & ferias that take place around the region, particularly in the summer months.

  - Love your fairways? Indulge your passion for golf just outside Carcasonne. 18 holes, par 71, 5,800 metres. International standard & Panoramic views. www.golf-de-carcassonne.com

  - Enjoying the countryside on horseback is a very pleasant way to spend your time. Stables can be found in many of the towns and villages.

  - Considering this is the South of France property prices are very reasonable. Sign up with a local immobilier and go property hunting in next to no time you could be turning the key to your own front door.

  - Pack yourself a picnic head out to the Lac du Jouarres either spend the day relaxing on the beach, take a walk around the lake or enjoy the water sports on offer.

  - The region's climate - with its combination of wind and sun - makes it one of the best places in Europe for surfing. Travel to La Franqui in April for the Windsurfing/kite-surfing event

  - La Liviniere apart from some of the finest wines in the Minervois, the town itself is not to be missed, pretty boutiques and cafes abound.

  - Every day is market day in the minervois, try the markets throughout the region for traditional crafts and delicious local specialties

  - With an abundance of landscapes mother nature is beautiful here, look around, unwind and enjoy!

  - The pretty town of Olonzac is well equipped with colourful and fascinating shops, plus there are boulangeries, patisseries, cafés and restaurants to enjoy.

  - The village of Pouzols-Minervois, is a great place from which to explore the Minervois region. The beautiful, undulating countryside around the village offers the opportunity of lovely walks and bike rides - cycle hire is available locally.

  - Caunes-Minervois is a quintessential Minervois town, wander it’s pretty medieval streets. Enjoy the many cafes, restaurants and beautiful architecture.