Gallery 9 - Photographs of France Back to all galleries               Next gallery Gallery Notes Languedoc Roussillon and the Midi Pyrenees in France are fascinating and beautiful areas. From medieval villages to grand cathedrals, beautiful and tranquil valleys and rivers to ancient castles. My particular favourite areas are the medieval villages on the river Tarn, Albi, Ambialet and Brousse le Chateau, the rustic charm and amazing location of Cassagnes and neighbouring villages nestling in the foothills of the Pyrenees and of course the Pic de Canigou in the Pyrenees. Queribus One of the 5 most famous Cathar castles, Quéribus was built in the 10th century and became the property of the counts of Barcelona and then Aragon. After the fall of Montségur to the crusaders, some of the last Cathars retreated to the castle and the relative safety of its sheer mountain walls. You get a real sense of place and importance in this castle and because it appears to grow out of the rock it is perched on, I left with a feeling of awe and marvel wondering how on earth this castle was built.. Cassagne Between sea and mountain, Cassagnes, is located 35 km from Perpignan in the Pyrenees Orientale in the canton of Latour-de-France. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking with views to Le Barrage sur l'Agly and the surrounding mountains and of course the Pic de Canigou in the Pyrenees. This area offers a plethora of interesting villages with great local restaurants, miles and miles of Vineyards and meandering roads which can also take you to great gorge and mountain walks, beach life and major cities such as Carcassonne and Albi. Brousse le Chateau At 50 kilometres from Rodez, Millau and Albi, above the waters of the Tarn and Alrance, the fortified castle of Brousse, situated upon a rocky outcrop, dominates one of the most beautiful villages of France. It is an outstanding site for visitors. The medieval village reflects its rustic and historic landscape with its distinctive houses, Roman style bridge, church and oratory. This area is great for cycling and the route from Albi to Brousse via Ambialet is beautiful. Prices and Further Information