La Montagne Noire

La Montagne Noire is a range of hills, the highest point of which is Pic du Nore (1209m), marking the northern limit of the Aude department. Effectively the souther foothills of the Massif Centrale, they overlook the Aude Plain and, on the southern side, benefit from a Mediterranean climate - although much more temperate than the Aude’s coastal regions.

This is a haven of nature - wooded hills and valleys interspersed by a few small villages. With footpaths in all directions, it’s a walkers’ paradise.

There are many places to explore in the area. From Pic du Nore you can enjoy panoramic views across the Aude Plain to the Pyreneés, and on clear days you can even see the Mediterranean. At the medieval village of Hautpoul, you’ll find the Passerelle, a suspension footbridge 70 metres above the Arnette gorge. There are lakes where you can swim, or just relax, at Montagnès and Pradelles Cabardès, cathar castles to explore at Lastours and Saissac, and much more.

There are several restaurants nearby - Sire de Cabarét at Roquefère, Les Puits de Trésor and l’Auberge d’Orbiel at Lastours, and Le Petit Pradellois at Pradelles Cabardès.

Our local town is Carcassonne, 25km, and there you will find - in addition to its famous walled cité - all the shopping opportunities you could wish for. Mazamet, to the north, is about the same distance but it takes a little longer to get there. It is a smaller town, but has all the services you could need, as well as a very good Saturday market.