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Axat has a swimming pool with view to the Pyrenees, it is public (350 m from the house) and exclusive to Axat inhabitants and visitors to Axat. It is securely fenced and not overlooked. There is a wide patio around the pool with plenty of space for sun bathing. Refreshing on a hot summer day - very suitable for children.
You will find some major shopping centers in Quillan (11 kilometers from Axat).
There is also a weekly fish man and a micro market in in Axat.
Two of the most played boule games are pétanque and boule lyonnaise. The aim of the game is to get large, heavy, balls as close to the small, 'jack'. It is very popular in France where it may often be seen played in any open space in villages and towns.
Within a 3-minute walk from the house is the village square where you can play boules. (next to the swimming pool) in the evenings you will find the local inhabitants playing boules. You are more than welcome to join in.
This is also the place where the village fetes and celebrations take place in the summer months.
Water sports
There are water sports at Axat (the latter being of international standard), kayaking, canoeing and rafting. 30 000 people practice here each year the rafting, the stroke out of running water and the kayak.
The country of climbs
The sites of practice of climbing around Axat and Quillan have the advantage of being easily accessible. Erosion and the rivers notched “Piedmont Pyrénéen” to create true limestone cathedrals, sharp-edged peaks and monumental chaos. Here climbs are generous and imposing. The territory of climbing presents more than 600 ways equipped.
Rrafting at Aude is without no similar in the Pyrenean. The famous passages of "Triple Chute", of the "des Flippeurs" and of the "Dessert" make the fame of this course. Available River tours every day from the beginning of May to the end of August! (depending of the water level).
Canyonning the Cathare Country offers many possibilities of descent of canyons through the throats of Galamus and the canyon of Terms. Beautiful watery excursions with many possible jumps.
Nearest firm offering these activities is “Sud Rafting” (in the roundabout just outside Axat).
Sud Rafting
Restaurants
There are several excellent restaurants in the surrounding area. i.e. The spectacular “Hostellerie du Grand Duc” not fare from Axat in the direction GINCLA (turn right in Lapradelle). Lovely stylish restaurant which has become more and more popular in recent years. The gastronomy here is excellent and the food is well-presented, served in elegant surroundings. The winelist includes some good local wines - let the staff advise you.
Don’t miss the local "Petit Ourse" where you can have local specialties. The local wines are also worthy of mention and excellent value for money. One of the areas classic restaurants. The owner of this restaurant is quite a local personality and th restaurant offers customers imaginative dishes based on local ingredients. Definitely worth a visit. The set menu costs around 16 - 25 euros.
"Le Rébenty" A delightful restaurant in in the direction Quillan, just a 5 minute drive from Axat. Famous throughout its good dishes. Elegant decor but still child-friendly.
Thousands of miles of walks
All around Axat there are forest paths offering easy walking with lovely views. Opportunities for more strenuous walkingabound in the surrounding hills. We believe there is a mountaineering school in the area.
Many footpaths around the village. Following the river in the directions Mijanes, you will find the spectacular valley “Gorges de St. Georges”. Doing the walk it is possible to drink fresh spring water from the local spring. On you way home, you can stop for a drink at the local bar next to the river.
The Pyrenees allow you to discover landscapes of immense natural beauty. From lush, green valleys and rolling hills to dramatic, snowy mountains to the dry, Mediterranean, Catalan-influenced East.
The Pyrenees are also home to the famous GR10. From the Atlantic ocean through the Pyrenean chain to the Mediterranean, the GR10 provides walking holidays that never cease to amaze.
The Pyrenees has an unspoilt, wild terrain, rich in unique flora and wildlife.
The Tour de France
The Tour de France started in 1903, and is the world's biggest cyclingrace. It is a 23-day, 21-stage road race that cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometers. The route traces a circuit around most areas of France.
The Tour de France travels through Axat every second year (latest in 2007). It is full of pagentry and a must to see. There is usually a stage finish in the area and many vantage points to see this historic race.
Look here if Tour de France is coming to Axat this year.
