Nature & Adventure
From walking and horse riding to cycling, golf and days in the Pyrenees, there is plenty to do for those who want to explore beyond the Domaine, however long you stay.
Horse riding
The history of the Domaine de la Vène is closely tied to its horses, and several of the surrounding meadows have been converted into pasture. The stables are still today home to two retired horses named Llamp and Ming, who were rescued and provided a safe haven here at the Domaine.
Horseback riding is one of the best ways to explore the region, and many surrounding riding schools offer fantastic treks tailored to both beginners and experienced riders. We have partnered with Valerie Paulo from our local village, only a seven minute drive away, who specialises in horse whispering with her 18 horses, and who will create unique riding treks for our guests - even those who are novice riders.
— Cycling
Tucked away between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, the Aude is a dream location for cyclists, providing a wonderful mix of hilly inland rides and more gentle paths alongside its rivers and wine routes.
Such is the quality of the cycling paths and roads here that the Tour de France race passes very close to the house every year. Should you wish to explore the area by bike yourself, we can arrange road, mountain, and even electric bike hire.
— Golf & Tennis
Located only 15 minutes from the house on ancient vineyards, the Domaine d’Auriac has an 18-hole golf course that is open all year round. The course’s perfectly manicured lawns and exceptional panorama on the local landscape deservedly earn it a high reputation.
Tennis enthusiasts can rent rackets and use the tennis courts at several of Carcassonne’s tennis clubs for a small hourly fee.
— Skiing
During the winter months, the Pyrenees offer some wonderful skiing, which is totally unspoilt, more intimate, family-friendly, and affordable than the Alps. The ski resort at the Mont d’Olmes is under two hours’ drive from the house, making a wonderful day trip.
The Ax 3 Domaines and Camurac ski resorts are also within easy access, and have great pistes for all levels.
— Family activities
For those visiting with children, there are also plenty of fun family activities to do in the area. Open all year round is the go-karting centre of Carcassonne, and the town also has an acrobatic forest centre, with eight courses for the whole family.
The Cavayère lake itself is within walking distance of the estate, and young children will be delighted to use the aquapark that has recently opened there.
Walking & Hiking
Nestled in the heart of the Corbières, there are no shortages of walks across its 630 acres of hills and forest. We highly recommend taking a walk up the Montahut Est hill to watch the sunset, perhaps with a picnic hamper and some wine.
Should you wish to go further afield, you can follow in the footsteps of the ancient Cathars with the Languedoc’s unique Sentier Cathare. This trail links nine of the Cathars’ famous fortresses through countryside and high mountain ridges of breathtaking beauty
— On the water
On nearby rivers you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, rafting, rock climbing, and canyoning and, if you spend a day by the beach, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, water-skiing, and wakeboarding can be arranged. You can even hire a jetski at Leucate beach.
— For thrill seekers
For more extreme adrenaline hunters, tandem skydives can be booked near Lezignan, and you can also book an afternoon of ballooning and paragliding.
From the Journal
Ready to start planning your stay?
Get in touch with your dates and group size and the team will come back to you with availability and a bespoke quote.
EMAIL
contact@domainedelavene.com
LOCATION
Palaja, Languedoc, France