Cities
Surrounding villages
Belcaire, Montaillou, Prades, Comus, Espezel, Roquefeuil
Montaillou
Les Sapins offers a great view of Montaillou and its old castle is beautifully lit at night. The centuries-old church of the Notre Dame of Carnesses, an intimate, warm spot, is idyllically located in the open landscape. The names on the graves at the churchyard show that the people are apparently all descendants of the Cathars.
The fontcanal, the most important spring of medieval Montaillou, still
works. Today there is almost nothing left of the medieval village, except
for the foundations and a few walls.
You get the best view of modern Montaillou from the fontcanal that lies
very close to the ruins. From Les Sapins it will take you about one
hour to get there.
Carcassonne
The 2000-year-old Walled City is unique in the world and is definitely worth a visit. The construction of the castle and the Cathedral, by order of the Trencavels, was of importance to the city as an ancient monument. The conclusion drawn by Saint Louis in 1240 was of at least equal importance. He made a plan to surround the existing wall by a second wall of 1672 meters long containing 19 towers. This was completed by his son Philip the Bold. A strategic defence system was developed in order to defend the border with Aragon. The system’s centre was formed by Carcassonne and its “Five Sons” (the castles of Queribus, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens, Termes and Aguilar). The river Aude divides the historic city into two very different parts. Carcassonne
La Ville Basse (The Lower Town)
La Ville Basse is a modern city with shopping streets and outdoor cafés.
Limoux
Limoux is only a short drive from Carcasonne. The fountain and the
15th – 16th century arcades, surrounding the “place de la République”
on three sides, make it very picturesque. The Saint Martin cathedral,
with its beautiful woodcarvings on the chancel, top of the altar and
the altar itself (12th – 15th century), is also worth seeing. Limoux
is also famous for its “Blanquette”, a sparkling white wine, which
calls itself the precursor of Champagne.
More about Limoux
Visiting Limoux
Le jardin aux plantes parfumées:
Le musée des automates:
Rennes le Château
Mysterious clues that lead to the woman of Bethany, Mary of Magdala,
have been found in this small village. At the beginning of the twentieth
century, the priest found a treasure under the altar of his church.
Soon after, the church, the presbytery and the garden were renovated
and no one knew where the money came from?
Can you solve the mystery?
Rennes–les-Bains
Renne –les – Bains is a spa that specializes in treating rheumatism.
The thermae building was renovated after a devastating flood in 1992.
The outdoor spa (30°)is rich in Calcium, Iron and Magnesium and also
non-guests are allowed in.
Rennes-le-château and Rennes-le-bains
AX-Les–Thermes
This city is also a spa. The sulphur and sodium containing springs were already known in the Middle Ages. The “bassin des Ladres”, in the middle of the village, was used by returning crusaders who suffered from leprosy. This free spa is still popular with those who enjoy paddling the water. The Col de Chioula, not so far from Ax-Les-Thermes, is great for hiking through the beautiful scenery and is often part of the ‘Tour de France’.
A little bit to the east lies Orlu, where you can compare wolves from all around the world in “La Maison de
Loup” (House of the Wolves). Also nearby is Luzenac, which has the largest open air talc quarry in the world (the quarry of Trimouns).
You can find more information on vallees-ax.com
and Luzenac.com.
Perpignan
Of all the bigger cities in the French Pyrenees, Perpignan is the most ‘Spanish’ one. The centre has a lot of very narrow streets and intimate squares. It is a very busy city during the day and ideal for anyone who loves to shop.
Pamiers
Pamiers was a very important city during the Cathar period. The “promenade du Castella” offers a nice view of the Pyrenees. More info about Pamiers
Mirepoix la Medievale
Mirepoix “la Medievale” (“the medieval”) is a very cosy town, with a beautiful market square that seems to come straight out of the Middle Ages. The square is surrounded by old houses supported on wood pillars, creating a covered arcade. More information about Mirepoix
You can also visit the unique church of Vals (l’église rupestre de Vals”). This church is so unique because it is partly built in the rocks. More information about Vals
Foix
Foix, a picturesque old city, is beautifully located between the mountains.
Tarascon-sur-Ariège
Tarascon-sur-Ariège is uniquely located because five valleys meet
there. This region is especially known for its many caves. Particularly
the caves of Niaux, which are among the most famous caves in Europe,
are worth a visit. The 12 000-year-old cave paintings, which can be
found on the walls of a big, round hall (Salon Noir), are well preserved.
The cave paintings mainly depict animals, such as horses and bisons,
painted in black and red. Also worth seeing is the nearly four- kilometre-long
“Grotte de Lombrives” (the Cave of Lombrives”).
Near Tarascon-sur-Ariège is the “Parc de la Préhistoire” (Prehistoric
Park), where light effects, virtual shows, film and replicas take
you on a wonderful trip to the prehistoric world.
More information
Quillan
