Map of the Area

The Climate

Maneque is situated in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the South of France.
Average hours of sunshine per year: 2400 - 2600

Average temperatures in the region, in Centigrade, compared with Paris in the North, and the French Riviera

Location



Village and vineyards of Alaigne

The village of Alaigne is situated in the 'Aude department' in Languedoc-Roussillon region in the South of France, between Limoux (12 km away) and Fanjoux and 25 minutes south of Carcassonne. Maneque is ideally located to explore the historic and unspoilt countryside of Languedoc-Rousillon. The area was a centre for the Cathar Religion and many castles, towns and villages can trace their origins over 800 years. The property is situated 10 mins. walk outside Alaigne, which is a small, quiet medieval village and it has a bakery, post office and a small general stores. A Cafe/Bar serving simple food is due to open for the summer season 2005.

Walled city of Carcassonne by day and night

The walled city of Carcassonne, dates back to the Gauls and was for centuries one of the major fortress cities in the south west of France. Renovated in the 19th century today it is a perfect example of a medieval walled city. Within its walls are narrow streets with shops and restaurants and the ramparts provide a breath-taking view of the city and plains below. Summer visitors will find a medieval ‘Son-et-Lumière' show as well as festivals featuring music, drama and dance. The city is lit up every evening throughout the year and is a stunning sight. Toulouse, with its stunning architecture, theatre and concert Halls is nearly 1 hour away by motorway.

Market and Carnival Town of Limoux

In Limoux all essential shops including bars and restaurants can be found. It is a very picturesque town with the river Aude (15,000 inhabitants) and an attractive town square. Limoux is famous for having the longest lasting carnival in the world which lasts from January to Easter. During this time various local guilds take over the town square (Place de Republique) each week-end and parade and dance in their costumes. There is an evening market every Tuesday during the summer.

View of the Pyrenees from Alaigne

The quality of the light in southern France has long attracted painters and photographers. In this very agricultural area the landscape is coloured with the changing seasons and everywhere there are awe-inspiring views across the plains to the mountains. It is a major wine producing area with many well known varieties; The Malpere vineyards are closest which produce some very good wines from the Bordeaux grape varieties. Next door is the appellation controllee Blanquette de Limoux, a sparkling white wine that the locals claim was discovered before champagne. Other excellent wines like Minervois, Corbiere, Fitou and St. Chinian can also be found in the area.

Informed wine-tastings can be arranged from Maneque.

Spain and Andorra are both within easy driving distance.

Local Activities:

The coast of the western Mediterranean, an hour away by car, is a land of unspoiled countryside, wide uncrowded beaches, ancient cities and sleepy hilltop villages

There are several lakes within an hour of Alaigne which offer swimming, sunbathing and water sports Canoeing and rafting are also available on the lakes and rivers in the mountains.

Walkers of all levels are spoilt for choice with the enormous variety of hiking terrain both on the plain and in the mountains. The sunny days and cooler temperatures in Spring and Autumn are ideal for walking, cycling and mountain biking. In winter there are several ski stations 1-2 hours from La Chevaline.

Markets and country bric-a-brac markets in towns and villages on different days and from early spring until late autumn, there are numerous festivals, fetes, classical jazz and folk concerts.

Boating and Fishing is available on Canal du Midi. There are well-known Caves such as Gouffre Geant de Cabrespine, Grotte de Limousis within 34 - 40 mins. drive. Alet les Bains is the base in the department for rafting/kayaking on the river. go-carting and horse-riding is also available. There are many different museums in the area. For the Tennis enthusiast, Maneque has its own tennis court to keep you busy.

A typical Mediterranean climate with long hot summers, temperatures often reaching over 30 degrees C and short mild winters.

Directions

There are numerous routes by Car, either by ferry or Euro Tunnel. Carcassonne airport - 20 minutes by car from Maneque - has daily connections to London (Stanstead), Brussels (Charleroi) and Paris-Orly. Toulouse airport (Blagnac - 50 mins.) has direct connections to all destination. Many bargain flights are available out of high season, Ryan Air flies into Carcassonne and Easyjet to Toulouse. Most airlines have car hire arrangements with Hertz or similar with discounts available if booked with flights.

Directions from A61 (toll road) Toulouse-Narbonne:-

• take Junction 22 at Bram

• route D4 towards Fanjeaux

• route D623 signposted Limoux

• route D18 to Belveze du Razes

• route D102 to Alaigne.

• from Alaigne take the D52 towards Bellegarde.

• Maneque is the first road off to the right after the bridge as you travel up the hill.

A View from the village with Maneque in the background