On the Roads of the Most Beautiful Vineyards of the Corbières

Journey to the Heart of Terroirs and Passionate Winemakers

Nestled in the Occitanie region, the wine-growing area of the Corbières is a true gem to discover for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts. This territory, with its rich historical past, has been a land of vines since Antiquity. The Corbières are more than just wine: it's the soul of a region, the encounter with passionate winemakers, and a breathtaking landscape of hills, garrigues, and Cathar castles. For this 7-day journey, we will explore three anchor points that will allow us to visit the most emblematic estates, taste exceptional wines, and discover the stunning landscapes of the region.

1. Itinerary for a 7-Day Stay in the Corbières

Day 1 to 3: Narbonne – Gateway to the Corbières

Charming Narbonne is an excellent base to start this wine tour. Historically significant, Narbonne was once a Roman colony. Today, the city exudes a gentle way of life with its canals and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.

Activity 1 – Visit to Domaine de Beauregard Mirouze in Bizanet (20 min from Narbonne)

The Domaine de Beauregard Mirouze, nestled in a natural setting in Bizanet, is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. The history of this estate goes back several generations of winemakers. Nicolas Mirouze, the current winemaker, continues a family tradition with his wife Karine, while integrating organic and biodynamic viticulture practices. The estate offers complex and lively wines, the fruit of a preserved nature.

Why visit?

• You will appreciate Nicolas's passion when he talks about his vines and the responsible methods he implements to create delicate and authentic wines.
• The walk through the vineyard is punctuated with stops where you will learn more about the soil, the surrounding garrigue, and how these elements influence the unique character of the wines.
• Tasting included with a panoramic view of the vineyards.

Practical information:

• Guided tour and tasting by reservation (between 10 and 20€ depending on the package).
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the vineyard visit.

Activity 2 - Walk in the Narbonnaise Park

After a day of wine, set off to explore the nearby Narbonnaise Natural Park. Spanning over 80,000 hectares and home to exceptional biodiversity, it is the ideal place to enjoy a beautiful walk in nature.

Why this activity?

• The park is home to breathtaking landscapes combining ponds, salt marshes, vineyards, and typical Corbières garrigues.
• Observation points are installed to observe local wildlife, including birds like flamingos.

Practical information:

• Several marked trails according to difficulty level (3 to 12 km).
• Free walk, no reservation necessary.

Where to stay in Narbonne?

• Hôtel La Résidence (Budget: 80-120€/night): A charming hotel in the heart of Narbonne, ideal for exploring the city on foot.
• Château l'Hospitalet (Budget: 200-300€/night): For a unique experience, this vineyard hotel offers total immersion in the world of wine with included tastings.

Where to eat in Narbonne?

• Les Grands Buffets (30-50€): Iconic restaurant offering a gourmet buffet highlighting local products, a treat for the taste buds after a long day.
• En Face (15-30€): For a more casual address, this bistro offers local and seasonal products.

Day 4 to 5: Lézignan-Corbières – Land of Cathar Castles and Exceptional Vineyards

Located just under 30 minutes from Narbonne, Lézignan-Corbières is the heart of the Corbières wine appellation. This peaceful little town is ideal for exploring the region and discovering its rich wine heritage.

Activity 1 - Visit to Château de Lastours

The Château de Lastours is a place of history and also an excellent wine estate. Situated atop a hill, it offers an incredible panorama of the Corbières and vast vineyards. The family owning the château continues a millennial tradition of wine production. They will show you their cellar and explain all the steps of wine making, from vine to bottle.

Why visit?

• Discover a site classified as a French historical monument and taste some of the most renowned wines of the region.
• Learn how the history of the château is inextricably linked to the wine terroir of the Corbières.

Practical information:

• Duration of the visit: 1h30.
• Cost: Visit + tasting from 15€.

Activity 2 - Bike Tour in the Vineyards of Lézignan

Cycling through the vineyards offers a unique perspective on the landscapes of the Corbières. With a local guide, set off on an electric bike for a loop of a few kilometers amidst the vines. The path will lead you to small family cellars for informal tastings.

Why this activity?

• It's a fun way to learn more about local wine production.
• You will enjoy the fresh air while admiring the unspoiled hills of the Corbières.

Practical information:

• Electric bike rental: about 40€ for half a day.
• Remember to bring a hat and water. The summer heat can sometimes surprise even those used to the sun.

Where to stay in Lézignan-Corbières?

• Maison Allégeance (Budget: 50-100€/night): A charming guesthouse in the heart of Lézignan with homemade breakfast.
• La Cathare (Budget: 100-150€/night): A beautiful winegrower's house transformed into a gîte, with a swimming pool.

Where to eat in Lézignan-Corbières?

• Le Comptoir Nature (20-40€): This small organic restaurant highlights local products and food & wine pairings.
• La Table des Vignes (15-25€): A friendly bistro where the menu often changes, following seasonal products.

Day 6 to 7: Lagrasse – Medieval Villages and Small Artisan Vineyards

The final stage of our journey takes us to Lagrasse, one of the most beautiful villages in France located 40 minutes from Lézignan. A medieval city and vineyard, Lagrasse charms with its authenticity and gentle way of life.

Activity 1 – Discover the Artisan Cellars of Lagrasse

Off the beaten path of large cellars, Lagrasse is home to a few small innovative and passionate producers. Among them, families working on plots often difficult to access but producing wine of exceptional quality.

Why this activity?

• Direct contact with committed winemakers who take the time to explain their work.
• The discovery of wines in small productions often very hard to find outside the region.

Practical information:

• Book in advance, especially in high season.
• Tasting and visit free or at a low price depending on the estates.

Activity 2 – Hike to the Abbey of Lagrasse

The Abbey of Lagrasse is a major historical monument. Located a few kilometers from the village, it can be visited in its entirety and offers a great history lesson. A nice 2-3 hour hike will allow you to admire the vineyards below.

Activity 2 – Hike to the Abbey of Lagrasse

Perched above the village, the Abbey Sainte-Marie d'Orbieu, founded in the 8th century, is one of the historical jewels of the region. The hike will take you through the garrigues, with a breathtaking view of the medieval village and surrounding hills. Upon arrival, you can visit the abbey and discover its impressive architecture while learning about the monastic history linked to Lagrasse.

Why this activity?

• It combines the discovery of historical heritage and immersion in the wine landscapes of the Corbières.
• The Abbey of Lagrasse is a true open-air museum, with its restored rooms, gardens, and spectacular views.

Practical information:

• Hike of 2 to 3 hours (moderate level).
• Entrance to the abbey: about 6€. Guided tours offered depending on the season.
• Don't forget to bring water and a cap for the hike.

Where to stay in Lagrasse?

• Chambres d'Hôtes Les Remparts (Budget: 70-120€/night): A charming place in a medieval house in the village with spacious rooms and a generous breakfast.
• Le Clos des Souquets (Budget: 100-150€/night): Elegant residence with a private garden and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

Where to eat in Lagrasse?

• Le Temps des Courges (15-30€): Small restaurant that honors local and seasonal products, with simple but tasty dishes. The wines of the region are well represented on the menu.
• Le Bastion (20-50€): A more refined address, ideal for a gourmet experience. Their menu showcases local products with modern cooking techniques.

2. How to Organize This Trip?

How to Get There?

To start this stay in the Corbières, it is recommended to set your bags down in Narbonne. The city is well served:

• By train: Narbonne is accessible by TGV in about 4h30 from Paris, 2h from Montpellier, or 1h from Perpignan.
• By car: You can rent a car if you arrive by train to facilitate your movements between vineyards and villages (the region is difficult to access without a personal vehicle).
• By plane: The nearest airports are Béziers (45 minutes) and Carcassonne (30 minutes by road).

Must-Sees Not to Miss During This Trip:

1. Visit the Domaine de Beauregard Mirouze, a beacon of organic wines from the Corbières.
2. Explore the impressive Abbey of Lagrasse and walk along the vineyards.
3. Participate in tastings at Château de Lastours, offering both quality wines and incredible landscapes.
4. Relax in the Regional Natural Park of Narbonnaise.
5. Discover the small family vineyard of Lagrasse by meeting local producers.

3. Booking Your Trip

Flights

Although the Corbières themselves do not have major airports, it is easy to find flights to nearby airports:

• Béziers-Cap d'Agde Airport (45 minutes from Narbonne).
• Carcassonne Airport (45 minutes by road).

To find affordable flights, consider comparing offers via platforms like SkyScanner or Google Flights. Low-cost flights, especially with Ryanair or EasyJet, are often available to these destinations, with short and economical trips from European capitals.

Accommodation: Recommended Options

The region offers a wealth of accommodations for all tastes and budgets, ranging from intimate guesthouses to more traditional gîtes and hotels.

• Gîtes or guesthouses: To truly feel the local atmosphere and share with the inhabitants, opt for gîtes and guesthouses. These accommodations often include the possibility of breakfasts with local products.
• Rates: 50 to 150€ depending on the standard.
• Vineyard hotels: For total immersion in the world of the Corbières and wine, choose to spend a few nights in a vineyard hotel. These establishments generally offer an exceptional setting and private tastings.
• Rates: 100 to 300€ per night.

Car

The Corbières can be discovered at your own pace, and for that, nothing is better than renting a car. Agencies like Avis, Sixt, or Europcar are present in all major transport hubs (Narbonne train station, Carcassonne airport).

• Rental cost: About 30-60€/day for a small economical city car.

4. Preparing Your Trip

Administrative Documents

For European Union citizens, a valid ID card is sufficient to travel in France. Other travelers must ensure they have a visa according to the rules in force in their country of residence.

Health

No specific vaccination is required to travel in the Corbières, but remember to travel with your European Health Insurance Card (if applicable). Also, consider bringing your travel pharmacy (anti-mosquito, anti-allergy, etc.).

Climate and Clothing

The climate in the Corbières is Mediterranean: hot and sunny in summer, mild with some rain in autumn and spring. Prepare light outfits, but don't forget:

• A hat/cap.
• Sunscreen.
• A light jacket for cooler evenings.

What to Pack

• Comfortable hiking shoes: for walking in the vineyards and hills.
• A camera to capture the landscapes and memories of your tastings.
• A notebook to jot down your oenological discoveries (for wine enthusiasts).

5. Conclusion: Immerse Yourself in the Soul of the Corbières

This 7-day stay will have allowed you to discover the Corbières from another angle: that of its vineyards and lands nourished by centuries of winemaking tradition. Each day will have been an opportunity to meet passionate winemakers, appreciate high-quality wines, and explore a terroir where nature meets history.

If you are a fan of beautiful walks in the vineyards, curious to learn the fascinating history of the Cathar country, or a foodie in search of exquisite flavors, this trip to the Corbières is for you. Ready to raise your glass and toast under the Occitan sun? The winemakers are eagerly waiting to share their expertise and passion with you.

Cheers and have a great trip!