Explore the Area
the village of Leran is situated in the Ariége, close to the border of the Aude, and also where Midi-Pyrenees borders Languedoc-Roussillon. The village is very pretty and has it's own chateau. It has most facilities including a boulangerie, shop, bar, restaurant, post office and school and is only a few minutes drive from both Chalabre and Mirepoix, were all amenites can be found. Leran is about 30 minutes from the larger departemental capital of Foix.
Mirepoix
The beautiful medieval town of Mirepoix is just 15 minutes away from Leran. With it's lively monday market, café-lined square, great cathedral and carved couverts, it's a wonderful place with an easy-going atmosphere.
3kms away is Lac de Montbel, were there is a wide range of watersports, sailing, fishing, horse-riding and swimming. It is also a bird-watcher's paradise.
This region is steeped in Cathar history, with many great castles nearby including Montsegur and Roquefixade.
Carcassonne
The fortified Cité of Carcassonne, is around an hour away. Carcassonne also is served by Salvaza airport with daily flights in and out of the UK and Eire.
An hour and a half away is the beautiful "Ville Rose" of Toulouse, were there are some amazing galleries, restaurants, shopping and sights. Toulouse, the capital city of the Languedoc, the 3rd largest French university campus and the home of Airbus, has a great atmosphere and is a fabulous place to lose yourself. It also is served by Blagnac International Airport and of course the TGV.
Also within an hour and a half's drive from Leran you can be lounging on the beaches of the Meditteranean, where here is a wide range of choices from the resorts offering all amenities such as Narbonne Plage, to the much quieter Torreilles, or the lovely Coulliere. In fact drive a little furthur on and you can soon enjoy the beaches of Spain.
The Pyrenees
The Pyrennes offer year round interest. A huge network of walking trails in the spring, summer and autumn and of course skiing in the winter. The nearest Ski station of Mont d'Olmes is 45 mins away, but there are many to choose from including Andorra.
This is also a region steeped in pre-history with the caves at Niaux and the grotto of Mas D'Azil nearby. White-water sports are available on both the Ariége and Aude rivers. Likewise climbing and caving can be found locally.
This is a region of great history, culture, nature and of course gastronomy, all waiting for you to discover!