Superb cheeses, wines, breads, olives, honeys and a multitude of all sorts of local produce are available from vibrant, buzzing street markets.

Our favourite is at nearby Olonzac on Tuesday mornings (drive on to Minerve or Homps for lunch as both are worth exploring to make a great day out of it). Lezignan Corbieres (15 min drive) is on a Wednesday morning, Carcassonne (15 min drive), Saturday mornings and Narbonne (30 min drive) is on Thursday and Sunday mornings. The famous Narbonne covered market is open most days until 2pm.

During July and August there is a weekly ‘local produce’ market in Douzens followed by an evening soiree – a unique French experience not to be missed!

If your holiday dates are during Peak and High season then you will probably have the opportunity to join in one of our local village fetes.

Some will celebrate the wines and gastronomy of the region and provide an opportunity to sample exceptional local wines and foods and enjoy the ambience of the friendly commune ‘al fresco’ meal, usually accompanied by a troupe of enthusiastic Occitan musicians! Other events are surprisingly well presented cabaret/meals normally set in the balmy atmosphere of a village square.

There is also a ‘bull run’ in some villages reflecting the Spanish influence of the region, usually finishing with a Paella meal and flamenco dancing.

The main season starts around Easter and runs through to late October, usually being held on Sundays or French public holidays. They are great fun for hunting out ‘bric and brac’ and extraordinary bargains can often be found! There are several held in our local villages (Douzens & Capendu) and there is usually one to be found within a short drive.

A great way to spend a Sunday morning, finishing just in time for lunching ‘en famille’ French style at a local restaurant!