Montagne Noire Gîte

Labastide Esparbaïrenque

Perched on the western side of the Orbiel valley and surrounded by chestnut woodland, Labastide Esparbairenque is peaceful village on the southern slopes of La Montagne Noire. It is approximately midway between Carcassone and Mazamet. There are no commerces in the village, although mobile shops visit regularly and there is a local shop in the nearby village of Mas Cabardes (5km), and a good restaurant at Roquefere (2km).

About 10km north is Pic du Nore - the highest point, at 1209m, of La Montagne Noire - which is topped by a radio mast resembling a rocket which was the inspiration of Tintin’s rocket ship. From here, on a clear day, the panoramic view over the Aude Plain to the Pyrénées and the Mediterranean is breathtaking.

About 9km south are the four Cathar châteaux of Lastours, standing on a rocky ridge above the village. Lastours has three restaurants, one with a Michelin star, and a boulangerie.

About 23km north, via a very scenic route, is the town of Mazamet. Largely off the tourist radar, it has all commodities, and a Saturday market with many small producers. En-route, crossing the valley 70 metres above the Arnette River to the medieval village of Hautepoul, is La Passerelle de Mazamet - a spectacular, if somewhat vertiginous footbridge.

Pradelles Cabardes, the village at the foot of the Pic (about 8km from Labastide Esparbairenque) has a lake where you can picnic, take in the sun, and swim in summer. There’s a buvette serving drinks and meals.

For those who enjoy walking, there is a huge choice of routes in all directions, some of them through woodland which is ideal when the summer sun is strong, and all offering variety and stunning views.

For cyclists, La Montagne Noire offers freedom and space. For road bikers (who don’t mind some hills) there are many circular route possibilities, and very little traffic. Mountain bikers will enjoy the many miles of tracks which follow the woodland contours.