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Portiragnes Plage is situated in the Languedoc Roussillion region of the south of France. The two distinct regions of Languedoc and Roussillion stretch from the foothills of the Pyrenees on the Spanish border to the river Rhone. The Languedoc Roussillion shore line (100km) forms an almost unbroken sweep of sandy beach. The flat beaches and lagoons of the coast form a purpose built Sunbelt, while in between, the dry sun burnt land produces half of France's table wine and the season’s first peaches and cherries. The beautiful “Blue Flag” beach at Portiragnes Plage is only 8 minutes walk from the villa complex. The village is 6 minutes walk; this has numerous cafes, bars, shops, restaurants and a play area for the children. There is also a “Toro Piscine” (bull ring), the entertainment is not cruel to the bull. The large Wednesday morning market is well worth a visit. Nearby you will also find many riding stables where ponies and horses can be hired. This beautiful preserved area can be discovered by walking, cycling or on horse back, the highlight being the majestic tree lined Canal Du Midi. Portiragnes PlageClick on any thumbnail for a larger view.
A little history of the region......While visiting the splendid cathedrals, castles and other historic sites within this region you will notice many references to the CATHARS. The Cathars were a 13th century Christian sect. In 1209 twenty thousand citizens were massacred in the crusade against the Cathars, the papal legate troops were ordered not to discriminate between Catholics and the Cathars but to kill them all, as God will recognise his own. The spiritual home of the Cathars is Montsegur castle, famous as the supposed resting place of the Holy Grail. When the siege was finally ended and the castle and its inhabitants had agreed to surrender, they where allowed one last night to put their affairs in order. Four knights slipped out under the cover of darkness supposedly with a large chest of treasure. Did this contain the Holy Grail? And what was the Holy Grail? Some claim it was the chalice Christ used at the last supper, but perhaps it was documentary proof that Jesus had married Mary Magdalene and produced children? The premise of Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” also looks at the premise that these children, of Mary Magdalene and Christ, moved into Cathar Country taking the Holy Grail with them.
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