The environment of La Borde Blanque
the house the surroundings the Kathars practical information more photographs the homepage

Unlimited possibilities

Our surroundings offer many possibilities, a.o. Caves with stalactites, cave-drawings from the Cro Magnon period and a very ancient and mysterious Labyrinth. The thermal baths from Roman times are still always used. Also the Kelts left their trace. The region is becoming more and more wellknown through the dramatic history of the Kathars. Their best known stronghold Mont Ségur is at 20 minutes distance, just as the Rennes le Chateau and the medieval town of Mirepoix.

The size of the Lac de Montbel is around 600 ha and suitable for all kinds of water recreation. The Pyranees of course have endless interesting possibilities for visiting and hiking. Around 1865, 600 border posts were placed between the border of France and Spain on account of individual pacts. You can find them on 1:25000 maps.
Medieval towns like Carcassonne, Mirepoix and Foix
Carcassonne is called "la ville aux deux cites", the uppertown la Cite and the lower town la Bastide Saint Louis. La Cite is the famous stronghold and since1997 on the list of worldheritage (Unesco). It is situated on a 150m high hill on the rightbank of the Aude.
Here in summer there are weekly contests of chivalry.
Mirepoix is a partly well conserved small medieval town with traces of former inhabitance by Kelts and Gallo-Romans. Monday markets are rendezvous for all.
 The castle in Foix is the museum of the Ariege. Objects from prehistoric, Roman period and the Middle Ages.
In July the middle Ages are brought to life again.
Katharcastles like Montségur and Peyrepertuse
Montségur was one of the principle and last centre of the Kathars.
Peyrepertuse is perched on the rocktop like an eagles nest.
Prehistoric finds, rockdrawings, stalactite caves, underground river
The region has along and eventful history. Amongst others you will find stalactite caves and prehistoric caves with rockdrawings. The Kelts left their trace, as well as the Romans whose thermal baths are still used.
 A very special adventure is a boattrip on the underground river Labouïche.
Recreational activities

Y ou can enjoy many kinds of sports as water- cycling, canoeing, horseriding, playing golf etc. And of course you can also take walks or go cycling.