Olonzac, with a population of 1600, is the meeting place of the Minervois valley. This is where the people from the surrounding villages come to socialise and shop. With four restaurants, four cafes/bars, three patisseries, two supermarkets and many other shops selling everything from flowers to newspapers, there is everything here to meet your needs. Professional services include a range of doctors, dentists and banks.

Olonzac has a large municipal park of many varieties of mature trees, rose arbors, ponds with ducks and swans, tennis courts, boules courts and extensive lawns and gardens. The main boulevard is lined with huge plane trees, cafes and buildings of architectural interest. There is an archeological museum, tourism office and wine co-operative to visit.

There is a wonderful Tuesday market in Olonzac, one of the biggest and best in the area. The market fills the main boulevard and winds up the narrow streets to fill the iron-roofed square in the heart of the ancient village. Displaying colourful goods and filled with the aromas of fresh foods and spices it is always a treat. The stall owners are a friendly group as are the town's people. Flea markets and antique sales are regular events.

The main economic activity here is wine and the town is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

The residents here are from a mix of cultures, French, of course, but also Spanish, Italian and new comers from all over Europe.

A magnificent lake, Lac de Jouarress, is only a few minutes away. Here you can fish, sunbathe, swim, windsurf, picnic or sail. There is also a restaurant and cafe overlooking the water.

Tourism is growing due to the many area sites and activities within a very short distance.

The picturesque rolling hills and vineyards provide a wonderful setting for cycling and walking. Relax in the warm Mediterranean Sea and sunbathe on golden sands just 30 minutes away, or discover an adventure in the snow-capped Pyrenees to the south.