Map and direction
The Winemaker’s House
17 Rue du Somail
11120 Mirepeisset
Aude, France
+33 (0) 681133259
vero.peterschmitt@gmail.com
How to get here
By Air:
There is a wide choice of airports that serve the area.
Here are some of the budget and regular services available from the UK:
– Beziers/Cap d’Agde: 50 kms (40 minutes) away, Ryan Air from Luton
– Carcassonne: 56 kms (45 minutes) away, Ryan Air from Stansted and East Midlands
– Perpiganan: 78 kms (60 minutes) away, Ryan Air from Stansted and Birmingham
– Montpellier: 105 kms (70 minutes) away, Easy Jet from London Gatwick or Luton
– Toulouse: 153 kms (90 minutes) away, British Airways and Easy Jet from London Heathrow
Airline web sites:
UK
www.ryanair.com
www.easyjet.com
www.ba.com
www.cheapflights.co.uk
By Train:
Eurostar/TGV from London direct to Avignon. Change for Narbonne
Or
You can put your car on the train in Paris and have it taken all the way to Narbonne
The Village and nearby
Mirepeisset’s medieval ramparts still stand watch above the River Cesse. In the ancient Occitan language (the origin of “Langue d’Oc”), Mirepeisset means “See the little fishes.”
This thriving, welcoming village has a year-round population of around 550, which rises to 800 during the summer months. It’s an excellent base from which to explore the region.
Just a two-minute walk from the Winemaker’s House, the village general store provides all your daily essentials, including fresh bread and croissants. Mirepeisset also has two restaurants: La Garenne, located on the banks of the River Cesse, and Le Bistrot de la Placette, which opened in the village center in August 2022 and has quickly become a local favorite.
Set between the River Cesse and La Rigole—a small canal linking to the Canal du Midi—Mirepeisset offers plenty of opportunities for scenic walks, cycling, swimming, and fishing. There are also excellent tennis courts and nearby horse-riding facilities.
🚲 Bicycles can be rented from Les Vélos du Somail, just a short distance away.
Close by, the charming historic village of Le Somail, situated along the Canal du Midi, boasts several restaurants and the famous old bookshop. The restaurant L’O à la Bouche is particularly recommended.
For everyday conveniences, the nearby village of Ginestas (3 km) offers a bank, pharmacy, and additional dining options. A large Intermarché supermarket with 24/7 fuel is just a 5-minute drive from the village.
Further afield
The historic city of Narbonne is just a 15-minute drive away. It’s well worth a visit for its Roman road (Via Domitia), magnificent cathedral, picturesque canal, and the bustling indoor market (Les Halles), known for its local produce and lively atmosphere. Béziers, another beautiful southern city, is also within easy reach.
Local life is rich with weekly markets in many surrounding towns and villages. Olonzac and Saint-Chinian are two of the best for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a taste of regional charm.
A must-see destination is Carcassonne, with its iconic medieval fortified citadel that has starred in many films. It’s just a 40-minute drive and perfect for a day trip.
Also highly recommended is the stunning village of Minerve, once a Cathar stronghold, perched dramatically above deep river gorges. Don’t miss Le Relais Chantovent, a renowned local restaurant. Another highlight is the Abbey of Fontfroide, an impressive and serene monastic site surrounded by vineyards.
The Mediterranean coast is just 30–40 minutes away, with numerous beaches easily accessible — including Gruissan, Narbonne Plage, La Franqui, and Leucate. For those who prefer freshwater options, nearby lakes and rivers also offer wonderful places to swim and relax.
For the more adventurous, kayaking on the River Orb in Roquebrun is a fantastic experience (personally recommended!), and whitewater rafting in the Pyrenees is also available for thrill-seekers.
Don’t miss the spectacular Cathar Castles. Quéribus and Peyrepertuse are two breathtaking examples set high in the mountains, about an hour’s drive away.
And of course… the wine. The Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine-producing region in the world, home to legendary names such as Fitou, Minervois, Corbières, and Saint-Chinian. Mirepeisset itself has its own domain — Les Herbes Saintes — and many others are just a short drive away.
If you’re a wine lover, don’t miss the chance to book a professional wine tasting or guided tour with Taste du Languedoc Wine Tours, including the option of a private tasting right at your gîte.
Click here to find out more about Occitanie wines and the surrounding area.
