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REVEL AND SURROUNDING AREARevel is centre of the highly skilled reproduction furniture industry. A picturesque market is held every Saturday under the ancient Halles, recently named as one of the 100 best markets of France, where fresh produce and local atmosphere are in abundance. The medieval town is built symmetrically around the central market place, the roof of which is a masterpiece of 14th century local craftsmanship, supported by a forest of wooden pillars.  Surrounding the market square are fine 17th and 18th century houses with beautiful arcades at street level. Near Revel is the lake of Saint-Ferreol, built in the 17th century by Pierre Paul Riquet, as the main water reservoir for the Canal du Midi. Today all sorts of leisure activities are possible on the lake, such as canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, pedal boats, and swimming. The shore is ideal for walking and cycling in beautiful mature surroundings. In the middle of the historic Cathar country, Le Riou affords easy access to the wild country of the Ariege, with its precipitous castles and the heavily wooded Montagne Noire, which is a National Park, with pretty lakes to swim in and picnic by, with horse riding facilities. Although not by itself a wine-growing area, the Lauragais plain is surrounded by the vineyards of Gaillac, Corbieres, Limoux, Minervois, and Fitou, making it an ideal base for any wine lover. In high summer the countryside is aglow with huge fields of sunflowers. There are also a number of excellent restaurants nearby, many of which serve the famous cassoulet.  International airports are at Carcassonne (45 mins), Toulouse (1 hour) and Montpellier (2 hours). The closest railway is at Castelnaudary, 20 minutes away. It is advisable to have transport if staying at Riou. Bicycles and Mobylettes may be hired in Revel. |
