Montagne Noire Holiday Gite for Self Catering Rental
Situated at the foothills of the Montagne Noire, our holiday Gite is perfectly positioned to explore these varied and historic mountains, very popular among the French, the Montagne Noire holiday is a discovery of nature and history!
The Montagne Noire (Black Mountains), set on the edge of the Mediterranean, near Carcassonne and Toulouse the Montagne Noire are situated in South Western France at the end of the Massif Central. The Mountain range is located on the border area of the Tarn, Hérault and Aude departments. It's highest point is Pic de Nore at 1,210 m.
Holiday's in the Montagne Noire regional park of the Haut-Languedoc provides endless walking opportunities marked with diversity of vegetation due to influences from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. You can see in only a few miles completely different vegetation and completely different climatic influences. The range is dotted with historic castles and citidels orginating from Cathar times, probably the most famous being Royal Citadel of Carcassonne, the stronghold of Hautpoul, Châteaux de Lastours and Château de Saissac. All within easy reach from the holiday Gite (you can walk to Hautpoul).
In the Orb valley (east of the Gite), you have a Mediterranean influence that makes the mimosa bloom, olives and cherries ripen quickly, but a few miles west, due to a more wet climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, beech trees and epiceas are growing.
Swimming available in a number of mountain lakes, the two closest being at Pradelles and Lac du Montagne.
"Le Lac de Pradelles" (Pradelles Lake) located at about 15kms from Mazamet, provides swimming, tennis courts, pedal boats, fantastic mountain air and stunning views yet incredibly peaceful and completely unspoiled. Lifeguards look over the small lake where children and adults can swim out to the island. For those who would rather not get wet, pedal boats offer a relaxing way to enjoy the water. A small snack bar is on hand most days.
A short walk from the lake is the village of Pradelles, once an important supplier of ice to the coast. The village cafe offers very reasonably priced french fare
Set above Pradelles is the "Le Pic de Nore", 4000 feet high, offering a panoramic view over Carcassonne's plain, and in the distance, to the Pyrenees.
Lac du Montagne is altogether more organised! A larger lake where the french spend their holidays and weekends. Life guards are present and watch over the shallow waters close to shore where there are wooden play structures shaped like boats. At lunch time, there is a choice of restaurants offering regular and fine french food
There are tennis courts and mini golf as well as a lovely walk right around the lake. the lake is within 5 minutes drive from the Gite.
