The Canal du Midi at Homps has its own marina where boats can be hired for the day, or longer, and there are paths on both sides providing shady walks under the trees. Bikes can also be hired for cycling along side the canal.

The Lac de Jouarres, next to Port Minervois, has magnificent views over pine forests and hillsides and covers over 100 hectares. A windsurfers’ paradise, it is ideal for water sports. There is a life-guard station and canoes are available to rent. There is also a restaurant/café.

For the more adventurous there are many historical places to visit. Top of the list has to be Carcassonne the historic medieval fortified town which is only about a half hours drive. To the south, and approximately 45 minutes drive is the beginning of the Cathar region with its wonderful castles built on top of rocky promentaries. The nearest is Termes, whose seigneurs paid homage to the lords of Carcassonne, and was first noted in 1061. It is a 'ruin' but is accessible and can be explored although it requires a fairly hard climb to reach the castle. The Abbaye de Lagrasse, and the abbots with whom the Cathars were in conflict, is another interesting site not to be missed.

Minerve, within 30 minutes driving, is also worth a visit. The medieval hilltop village has the remnants of a Cathar castle and is built on the edge of spectacular gorge and on leaving the village the road follows this gorge.

If the family tires of the swimming pool, the sandy beaches of Narbonne on the Mediterranean will make a great day out. The sand is fine and the sea shallow so great for children plus there are lifeguard stations on the main part of the beach. Narbonne itself is also an interesting town on the Canal and again has medieval origins,

A short drive further along the coast takes you to Cap d’Agde, a fashionable resort. A mile or two inland from the Cap, stands the old walled town of Agde, which is traffic free inside the battlements. The narrow streets are filled with interesting boutiques and restaurants. The streets lead to shady squares where you can enjoy a coffee or a glass of the local wine.

There are caves scattered all over the region. The Grotte de Limousis and the Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine are very near each other, just 20 minutes from Carcassonne or 45 minutes cross country from Homps. There are carefully constructed walkways that take you through the illuminated chambers filled with amazing stalagmites and stalactites, underground pools
and rivers and crystalline formations like snowflakes.

And, of course, the wines. There are many wine growers nearby and plenty of opportunity for wine tasting. Find your own favourites and enjoy the magical Minervois wines.