- The Canal-du-Midi is ever present and runs from Beziers to Carcassonne. You can admire the original commercial canal barges (peniches) as you bicycle up and down the towpath and pass through many small villages, vineyards and beautiful sites along the way. (Note: peniche cruises can be arranged in conjunction with your stay at La Dolce Vita. Please contact us for further details).

- Carcassonne, the site of one of the last standing medieval cities in all its glory, is just 34km (21 miles) away from the comfort of your guest house. Within the modern village center, many cultural festivals, markets and fairs are present throughout the year, and a walk along the Canal du Midi and its port running through the city center is pleasant and calming.

- Narbonne, a proud little city, features the Canal Robine that connects the Canal-du-Midi and the Mediterranean Sea, and where peniches and pleasure boats are a daily visual delight. Narbonne also offers a daily open-air market, and twice a week closes off the main streets to more crafts and local products. The center of town opens its doors to museums, the magnificent Archeveques Palace and Cathedral, and literally opens its street to the historical Roman road in the main plaza. There's something for everyone in this town, only 25 minutes away from Azille.

- Gruissan, just 15 minutes past Narbonne, offers its Mediterranean beaches and well-known salt flats where tours are available and the excellent sea salt can be purchased. If olive oil and quaint villages are your pleasure, be sure and take a guided tour through the Oulibo olive oil factory and its host town, Bize-Minervois situated along the river Orbieu. Bize can be reached via a variety of routes from Azille, each one a treat in itself.

- If history of the Cathares is your interest, make sure and visit the town of Minerve, sitting atop a ledge between two riverbeds, a mere 15 minute drive from La Dolce Vita - not to be missed!

- Another medieval village, this time hidden away in the valley surrounded by Corbière vineyards, is the village of Lagrasse, with its Abbey, ancient monuments and tiny streets filled with artisans' crafts, where you will enjoy the afternoon casually walking through town and visiting the sights. Accessible from Azille via Lezignan-Corbières.

- Along the way, in any direction, there are stops and visits that will also fill your day: Fontfroide Abbey, The amazing Chateaux Queribus & Peyrepertuse perched upon the hilltops of the Corbières, the African reserve in Sigean, hikes in the Black mountains, as well as wine tasting and local cuisine, cultural events, and so much more!