Gite with 3 attractive and spacious self-catering apartments in Languedoc, France with terrace, computers and original art.
Rivers and Lakes
There are plenty of rivers to choose from in Aude for river swimming and water sports and these feed into some splendid lakes where you can swim in the refreshing waters. At Arques and the Lac de Montbel you can also hire boats or pedalos.
Please be aware that you swim in these lakes at your own risk. Apart from the Lac de Montbel, there are no life guards, so please take care.
There are plenty of rivers to choose from in Aude for river swimming and water sports and these feed into some splendid lakes where you can swim in the refreshing waters.
La Fontaine des Amours
La Fontaine des Amours is a stunning heart shaped pool with a cascade. The literal translation is Fountain of love or the Lovers Fountain.
It is very close to Rennes Les Bains. To get there, head out of Rennes Les Bains away from Couiza and towards Bugarach. After a few hundred yards, take the left turn on the D74, signposted Sougraigne. The road goes over a small stream while veering sharply to the right after a couple of hundred yards. Look out for parking places on the right hand side, and there is a short path down to the river.
Dhuilac
Dhuilac's lake is in an out of the way spot close to the Cathar castle of Peyrepertuse. It is breath-takingly beautiful with natural cascades and water falls creating natural swimming pools tiered up the mountainside.
Puivert Lake
Puivert lake has a managed area and is very safe for swimming. It's in a beautiful setting, overlooked by hills, and has an artificial beach.
The water can get a little green with algae in the late summer, and nearby Montbel is clearer.
Puivert also has a castle and the well renowned museum, Musee de Quercorb. It can be reached in approximately 30 minutes from the holiday accommodation.
Salz in Couiza
The river Salz is a tranquil and gently flowing tributary to the Aude. Ten minutes walk (or two minutes drive) from Gite des Cathares, is a beautiful natural pool (shown in the photos) with a sloping beach into the water and deeper areas for the accomplished swimmer. It is possible to spend a relaxing day sunbathing and cooling off in the river with plenty of shady and sunny spots to suit everyone. The water is so clear that you can even use a snorkle and mask.
Montbel
Montbel is probably the largest lake near Aude. You can hire pedalos and life jackets for young children, and in the summer there is a cafe serving chips, pizza and drinks. There is also a life guard who watches a small man made beach near the cafe.
Arques
The lake near Arques is small and pretty, and also the closest lake to Couiza. There are plenty of good picnic spots with tables and benches around the lake and you can hire boats or pedalos.
While you are there you can also visit the town of Arques and Arques Chateau
