Local Area Information

La Petite Tuilerie is 2 km from the historic village of Bize-Minervois.

Now famous for its olives, Bize-Minervois was a thriving cloth town up to the 19th century.  Its mills on the banks of the river Cesse produced blankets for the Kings and then later, Napoleon's, armies.

Inhabited since ancient times many relics and remains have been found in the caves in the limestone cliffs above Bize.  The Romans too spent some time in this area cultivating the plain known as the Travers de Belveze - with vines, olives and garlic - where La Petite Tuilerie is situated and to the north of Bize built a watch tower known as La Tour de Boussecos.  There are many marked trails around the Tour de Boussecos, the limestone cliffs and caves and the rocky hill know locally as Le Pech.   The local history society - Bize Patromoine, a group of volunteers - work hard all year round opening up and keeping clear these areas of historic significance.

The village of Bize-Minervois was built in the circulade or escargot form around the ancient church.  It's pretty "ruelles" or lanes are wonderful to explore at any time of year.  The village celebrates many fêtes throughout the year.  In February the colourful carnival celebrates its history.  In mid July Bize is "en fête" with week long celebrations culminating with its famous "Fête du l'Olivier".  No visitor to Bize should miss a visit to L'Oulibo the famous olive mill where the olive is King.  

The village boasts an excellent selection of shops, bars and restaurants as well as the weekly market and many local producers nearby.  Built on the banks of the river Cesse, in summer the river is turned into a "swimming pool". The "pool" is supervised by lifeguards in the months of July and August.

La Petite Tuilerie is 6 km from the famous Canal du Midi ideal for walking or cycling along its shady towpath.  And there are many VTT routes close by.  The proprietors of La Petite Tuilerie are life long racing cyclists and are happy to give advice regarding routes or cycle racing in the area.

And don't forget the wine!  The Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine producing region in the world.  Made up of many A.O.C's La Petite Tuilerie is in the heart of the popular Minervois wine region.  If wine is your interest there are many producers around the village happy to offer free tastings.

Roman Narbonne with it's L'Horreum and via Domitia is 18 km.  The famous "Halles" - covered food market - is open 365 days of the year and is a food lovers paradise.

Mediterranean Blue Flag beaches at Gruissan and Narbonne plage are 25 km.

Historic Carcassonne with it's beautiful medieval town is 40 km and the region is well known for it's many summer festivals.