The surroundings

The Surroundings

Pradines is a charming hamlet; a cluster of 3 former wine buildings around a small château. The vineyards still surround the house. There is an ‘in-the-country feel’, but the neighbouring town of St Andre de Roquelongue is only 3 minutes drive away and offers a restaurant, baker, grocer, post office, garage and tennis courts. You never feel isolated.

The house rests in the Corbière hills which have a great mixture of rocks, forest and open plains. As a result there is superb variety of natural beauty immediately available on the doorstep. In addition, historic abbeys, châteaux and ancient ruins seem to appear around every corner. Most local villages are old, traditional and charming.

Turning right outside the house leads you past vineyards and (on the right again) onto a footpath leading up a gently sloping hill behind the house. It is perfectly safe for kids to wander up unattended and ours go out every morning on their own collecting wood and looking out for wildlife. (There is a hand bell available for calling them back too!) Once up high, there are some great views of the house and surroundings. Every now and then you will come across a hunting post (like a tree house) which always makes a good spot for a picnic. There is an abundance of natural wildlife; including birds of prey, lizards, bats, toads and wild boar (the latter are mostly only seen at night, but the children love looking out for their trotter prints which can frequently be seen on the footpaths of the hills).

Turn left out of the house to go down a small lane to the village of Saint Andre de Roquelongue

Vineyards surround the house. The harvest is in Sept / Oct.

The walk from behind our house over the top to Montserat : This was a lovely sunny day in October.

Saint Andre de Roquelongue (above) is a quaint, traditional and small village of 830 inhabitants. It has the basic food shops you need plus a restaurant, post office and chemist. It is only a short 3 minute drive away. A hyper market is only a 15 min drive away.

This shot was taken just behind the village, a few days after Christmas. (There are still lovely walking conditions, even in the winter.)

These photos (above, left and below) were taken after a short walk up the Roquelongue (Long Rock) itself (in October). Gorgeous views from the top within the ruins of an abbey which over looks the town. The perfect spot for a picnic!

South of the house looking back at Pradines

Heading south from the house. Great views!

The Château of Saint Martin (above) is majestic and dominates the surrounding area.

The road down to Saint Andre village

Canal du Midi is only 25-30 mins away

The Abbaye de Fontfroide is one of the most famous and well visited landmarks of the local area.

Rows of plane trees line each entrance to the local villages.

Saint Andre re Roquelongue offiial website link : http://www.st-andre-roquelongue.com/decouverte/histoire-de-notre-village.html