carcassonne 2018 - 2019ja.tourisme-carcassonne.fr/files/ot-carcassonne/files/brochures/pdf/... ·...

World Heritage

Carcassonne

Touristicguide

2018 - 2019

Municipal Tourist OfficeClassified Category I28, rue de VerdunCS 60032 11890 Carcassonne Cedex - FranceTél (+33) 04 68 10 24 [email protected]

Summary

Opening hours Bastide Saint-Louis (28 Rue de Verdun)• July and August :from 9h to 19h daily• April, May, June, September, October :from 9h to 18h from Monday to Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 10h to 13h• From November to March :from 9h30 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 17h30 from Mon-day to Saturday.

Medieval City (Impasse Agnès de Montpellier)• July and August :from 9h to 19h daily• April, May, June, September, October :from 9h to 18h daily• From November to March :Daily from 9h30 to 13h and from 13h30 to 17h30

Touristic Guide - Carcassonne - EDITION 2018 2019Photo credits : Paul Palau - Julien Roche, Mairie de Carcassonne - LC Vision

Print : MaravalGraphic Design : Barthe CommunicationWriting : Carcassonne Tourist Office

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Useful information

Arriving at Carcassonne

Parking

Getting around

History of the city

Bastide Saint Louis

Canal du Midi

The Medieval City

Cavayère Lake

For children

For when it rains

Where to swim

The markets

Wine shops and local produce

Wine estates

Highlights

Discover the surrounding area: Day trips

C A R C A S S O N N E - Touristic guide 2018 3

Useful informationUseful numbers

Useful links

Left luggage and Bicycle lock-ups

• Police emergency .....................................................................................17• Ambulance Service ....................................................................................................15• Fire Service .............................................................................................................18• General Hospital .................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 24 24 24• Montréal Clinic ...................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 11 53 53• All night pharmacy ..............................................................................+33 (0)4 68 11 26 00• Lost property .....................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 77 70 18• Police Station ....................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 11 26 00• Gendarmerie .....................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 77 22 22• Weather ...........................................................................................+33 (0)8 92 68 02 11

Institutionals• Carcassonne Agglo ............................................+33 (0)4 68 10 56 00 - www.carcassonne-agglo.fr• Ville de Carcassonne - City Hall ................................. +33 (0)4 68 77 71 11 - www.carcassonne.org• Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Carcassonne ...+33 (0)4 68 10 36 00 - www.carcassonne.cci.fr• Préfecture ........................................................................................+33 (0)4 68 10 27 00

Tourism• Agence de développement touristique de l’Aude ......... +33 (0)4 68 11 66 00 - www.audetourisme.com• Comité Régional du Tourisme Languedoc Roussillon +33 (0)4 67 22 98 09 - www.destinationsuddefrance.com• Atout France ..................................................................................... www.atout-france.fr• Carcassonne Sud de France airport ...................+33 (0)4 68 71 96 46 - www.aeroport-carcassonne.com• Carcassonne marina ........................................ +33 (0)4 68 25 10 48 - www.port-carcassonne.com

Other• Gites de France ........................................ +33 (0)4 68 11 40 70 - www.gites-de-france-aude.com• Accueil des Villes Françaises Carcassonne ..............+33 (0)4 68 72 68 24 - [email protected]

Hôtel de la BastideAll year round, from 8am to 8.30pm, except Sundays when the hotel closes between 1pm and 4pm• Luggage : €3 half day / • €6 full day81 Rue de la Liberté - Tel: +33 (0)4.68.71.96.89

Au Royal-Hôtel From June to September and from 9am to 9 pm • Luggage: €1 per hour and per person (re-gardless of the number of luggage items)• Bicycles: €1 per hour per bicycle. After 7pm, a fine of €10 per hour will be applicable! 22 Bd Jean Jaurès - Tel: +33 (0)4.68.25.19.12

Hôtel Central • Luggage : €1 per hour 27 bd Jean Jaurès - Tel: +33 (0)4.68.25.03.84

Hôtel Astoria• 2€ per suitcase /3 € bikes, for the day.From 7am to 7pm18 Rue Tourtel - Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 31 38

Youth Hostel• Luggage : free for members,• €2 for non membersRue Trencavel – La Cité - Tel: + 33 (0)4 68 25 23 16

The «Accueil Vélo» label provides the guarantee of a special welcome and services specifically adapted to tourists travelling by bike.


FRANCE Carcassonne

Barcelone (3h/300 km)

MerMéditérrannée

OCCITANIE

Albi (1h30/170km)

Toulouse(1h/90km)

Montpellier( 1h30/150km)

Carcassonne

Paris

Getting to Carcassonne

BY ROAD• Autoroute A61: Exit Carcassonne Ouest (n°23) – Exit Carcassonne Est (n°24)• RD6113 ( Toulouse – Narbonne)• D118 ( Limoux – Mazamet)• D119 ( Pamiers)• Toulouse: 90 km• Montpellier: 150 km• Bordeaux: 340 km• Marseille: 320 km• Lyon: 450 km• Paris: 730 km• Barcelona: 300 km BY TRAIN• SNCF - Enquiries – 3635From abroad : +33 (0)892 35 35 35www.voyages-sncf.com BY BOAT• Port du Canal du MidiHarbourmaster’s office: (+33) 04 68 25 10 48www.port-carcassonne.com

BY AIR• Airport Carcassonne Sud de FranceInformation (+33) 04 68 71 96 46www.aeroport-carcassonne.com

For fights operated by Ryanair: www.ryanair.comFlights from• England: London Stansted – East-Midlands ( Nottingham)

– Manchester• Scotland: Glasgow - Edimbourg• Ireland: Dublin - Cork• Portugal: Porto • Belgium: Bruxelles Charleroi

A shuttle service between the airport and the city center is available. It costs 6€ and comes with one hour’s use of the entire city urban transport network.Information +33 (0)4 68 47 82 22www.carcassonne-agglo.fr

• Toulouse airport : www.toulouse.aeroport.fr


Parking

FREE PARKING • Quai Bellevue• In the Bastide Saint Louis :- 80 places in front the Collège le Bastion ( Bd de Varsovie)- 120 places at the corner Bd Barbès/Bd Marcou

PAID PARKING • In the Bastide Saint LouisUnderground car park : open from 7.30am to 8pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays and public holidays.• Gambetta: 403 places. Tel : +33 (0)4 68 71 34 11• André Chénier: 340 places. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 72 30 10• Jacobins: 211 places.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 47 64 83Charges: • Up to 1hr15 of parking : 1 €• 1hr15 to 2hr30 : 2 €• 2hr30 to 3hr45 : 3 €• 3hr45 to 5hr : 4 €• 5hr to 6hr15 : 5 €• 6hr15 to 24hr : 6 €Part of an hour is chargeable at full rate

• By the Medieval City * Car Park P0 Narbonnaise gate Car Park P1 chemin de Montlegun - Car Park P2 Camin del Orts Tel: +33 (0)4 68 77 73 11Open every day of the yearCharges apply from 8am to 8pm – Free from 8pm to 8amThe first half-hour is freeUp to 2 hours: 15 mins = 1€Up to 12 hours: 45 mins = 0.50 €Lost ticket: 30€ Free shuttle from 1st July to 30th September (car park P1only)

CAR PARK FOR BUSES AND MOTORHOMES• Parking P1 Chemin de MontlegunTel. +33 (0)4 68 77 73 11Open every day of the yearCharges apply from 8am to 8pm – Free from 8pm to 8am - Lost ticket: 100€Bus charges: • Up to 30 mins: 8€• From 30 mins to 24 hours = 20€ (flat rate)Motorhome charges:• Flat rate 24 hours = 20€Parking is allowed at night but this car park is not an accommodation area.

MOTORHOME AREA* Camping de la Cité Chemin Bernard DélicieuxOpen every day of the yearLocation is without electricity – Drain and refill included in the price.• Parking limited to 72 hours• Up to 5 hours: 5€• From 5 hours to 12 hours: 9€• From 12 hours to 24 hours: 15€• From 24 hours to 48 hours: 30€• From 48 hours to 72 hours: 45€


Getting around

TOUCSGetting around without harming the environ-ment!For short journeys in Car-cassonne city centre, Toucs run from May to September and December : a silent, non-polluting and original mode of transport. Free of charge.

BUS and TRAIN SHUTTLE : Bastide Saint Louis / Medieval City:• By bus : Line 4 from Monday to Saturday €1• By train shuttle: 2€ single journey – 3€ day return http://rtca.carcassonne-agglo.fr/

• Airport: A shuttle service to the city centre is at your disposal, departing 25 minutes after the arrival of each flight and tickets for this service (priced at €6) allow passengers to use the entire urban transport network for 1 hour.

TAXI Taxis de Carcassonne provides transport over any distance 24/7• Fleet of 14 air-conditioned vehicles capable of carrying 4 to 6 passengers and their luggage. Available for transfers to or from the airport, station to city centre, hotels, holiday accommodation and bed & breakfasts in Carcassonne and the surrounding area. Personalised journeys undertaken…• Taxis Carcassonne : Tel +33 (0)4 68 71 50 50www.taxi-carcassonne.fr• Jim le Taxi24h/24 et 7j/7 - All transports services.Tel : +33 (0)6 60 39 50 [email protected]• SARL Taxis ParedesProvision of comfortable and air-conditioned vehiclesPassenger vehicles with driver (rates on request).Can arrange touristic routes, sea and mountain, discover the vineyards… Tel: +33 (0)4 68 78 51 51 / +33 (0)6 50 39 39 17www.taxi-paredes.fr/• Taxis Occitans 11 All transport services. Assistance + touristic circuits. Tel : +33 (0)4 68 74 47 72 / + 33 (0)6 77 25 45 [email protected]• Taxis UlysseSpecialised in the transport of people with reduced mo-bility.Tél : +33 (0)6 74 49 86 89 [email protected]• Transport Cardon – Taxi CardonCardon is an accredited transport service for children, adults, social security card holders, leisure tours, hotels, airports, Andorra, Perthus... Tel: +33 (0)6.78.24.46.60 - http://taxi-cardon.fr

• Eco Navette aéroportToulouse-Blagnac airport shuttle. Professional, private or family transport on reservation, 7 days a week. From 1 to 8 people Tel: +33 (0)5 67 33 93 23 [email protected]

CAR HIRE • Airport : Alamo Rent a Car ................. +33 (0)4 68 71 69 97www.alamo.frAvis ................................... +33 (0)4 98 25 05 84www.avis.frEuropcar ............................... 33(0)4 68 72 23 69www.europcar.frFirefly (low cost de hertz) ........ +33 (0)4 68 71 00 55www.hertz.frHertz Thrifty ........................ +33 (0)4 68 71 00 55www.hertz.frNational Citer ...................... +33 (0)4 68 71 69 97www.citer.fr

• City Centre or beyond the city centre :L.O.V (Location Occitane de Véhicules). +33 (0)4 68 11 74 10www.lovlocation.com AMDS Renault Rent ........... Tel: +33 (0)4 68 77 77 68Renault Relais, Route de Narbonne. ADA Location .................. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 11 71 92Rue J.F Duplex. www.ada.fr UCAR ............................ Tel: +33 (0)4 68 72 71 64ZA Salvaza - 260, Rue Gustave Eiffel. www.ucar.fr

CYCLE HIRE A guide to bike rides is available at the tourist office• EVADEO Cycles / Génération VTTAll year round on reservation, we can bring the the bikes to the port or you can pick them up at our shop Fun Sport 14 Rue Jean Monnet. Tel: +33 (0)4 34 42 88 32ou +33 (0)6 19 61 33 26 [email protected]: +33 (0)6 09 59 30 85 www.generation-vtt.com

DEPARTEMENTAL BUSEShttp://rtca.carcassonne-agglo.fr/infos/6Coachfirms• Cars TeissierLe Pont Rouge - route MinervoiseTél : +33 (0)4.68.25.85.45www.teissier.fr• Kéolis Aude2 bd Paul SabatierTél : +33 (0)4.68.25.13.74www.keolisaude.com


Getting around

PRIVATE TRANSPORT TOURISTIC TRANSPORT

• Convivial Services Touristic routes for a full day of half day, with different themes. Transport to the airports, touristic sites, etc. Tel: 04.68.27.43.34 or: +33 (0)6.85.62.10.6 www.convivial-services.fr

• Chauffeur Confort Chauffeur-driven vehicles.Tel: +33 (0)6 62 16 52 03 / + 33 (0)9 73 55 39 16 [email protected]

• Executive Roadlines Chauffeur-driven transport to ensure transfer to or from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport... All year-round, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.Tel : +33 (0)6 95 71 08 84 /+33 (0)9 50 86 63 74 www.executive-roadlines.com Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, Hall B, arrivals level

• Bod. Aude 11 Passenger transport services for the touristic sites and circuits from €25 (based on 8 passen-gers)

Accompanied tours, guide service, entrance tickets for the sites are subject to a supplement.Tél : +33 (0)6.03.18.39.95 - www.catharexcursions.com

• V & M Carcassonne Winetours A la carte excursions, Wine Routes, vehicle hire with driver (minibus), transfers.Tél : +33 (0)6.12.27.47.01

www.carcassonnetourism.com

• Sun Tour Excursions for full day or half day depending on the dates, vehicle hire with driver (minibus). Tel: +33 (0)6.84.76.39.01- www.sun-tour.fr

• Vineyard tours in the Languedoc Tel: +33 (0)6 42 33 34 09 - [email protected]

• The Essential Tours Excursions to the castles of Peyrepertuse and Quéribus, with the option of wine tasting. Minibus transfers and transport tailored to customers’ requirements. Tel: +33(0)6 12 27 47 01 www.carcassonnetourism.com

• Tresor Languedoc Tours Full-day or half-day excursions, depending on the day, hire of chauffeur-driven minibus, transfers, themed stays and experiences tailored to customers’ requirements.Tel: +33 (0)6 51 84 02 [email protected]

• VTC CITE Transport for any distance, leisure and professional.Hybrid vehicle.Tél: +33 (0)6 84 66 06 [email protected]

• Mediteralys Leslie Hodin a specialist tour guideTourist excursions in 9-seater air-conditioned minibus with driver / tour guide to discover the history and heritage of the lands of the “Oc” & Cathar Country. Half day, full day and 2-day package. Transfer service available.Tél : +33(0)6 66 38 51 92www.mediteralys.com

Carcassonne History

It was in Carsac, to the south of the city, where the history of Carcassonne truly began, 1000 years before the birth of Christ. In the VI B.C, this settlement was abandoned in favour of a hill camp located on the site of the current City. In the I B.C it was integrated into the Roman Empire as part of the Narbonensis Province, and would later beco-me Castellum during the IV Century. The City suffered long periods of occupation at the hands of the Visigoths and the Saracens. Integrated into the kingdom of the Francs in the VIII Century, it subsequently became the seat of a power-ful Count. In the XIII Century, in response to the Cathar heresies, Pope Innocent III declared a Crusade against the Albigensians. Count Simon de Montfort was at the head of this crusader army that came to fight heresy. He laid siege to the City, which fell to him in 1209, and he impri-soned Raymond Roger Trencavel, Viscount of Carcassonne. Handed over to the King of France in 1226, the City be-came a Seneschal’s seat. Saint Louis transformed it into a Royal fortress, at the forefront of a defensive line to guard the Franco-Spanish border. In 1240, Raymond II Trencavel, attempted to retake it, without success. The settlements that then surrounded the City, made up of the parishes of Saint Vincent and Saint Michel, were destroyed. In 1247, following the surrender of the Trencavels, Saint Louis or-dered that the inhabitants of these settlements should be rehoused on the left bank of the river within a Bastide that was to be designed according to a grid system.

In 1355, the Bastide was torched by the Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince. Rebuilt, but with a smaller surface area, it was encircled by ramparts. In 1590, du-ring the Wars of Religion, the City, unlike the Bastide, refused to recognise Henri IV as King of France because he was a Huguenot. A violent conflict divided the City for several months. After the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659), the City lost its position as a border crossing and also its pre-eminence. The production of woollen cloth, in evidence since the XIV Century, became the main in-dustry. Around 1780, a decline in the market led to the disappearance of this industry in the area. It was only under the 3rd Republic that it was to rediscover its eco-nomic vibrancy thanks to viticulture and the trades asso-ciated to this industry. In the XIX Century, the City, then used as a stone quarry, was saved by an erudite local named Jean-Pierre Cros-Mayrevieille and was restored by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. The cultural life of Carcassonne was to become increasingly rich over the next century: of particular note are the composers Paul Lacombe and Déodat de Severac, as well as the writers Joë Bousquet and René Nelli. Carcassonne, whose City and Canal du Midi are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nowadays enjoys an international reputation and welcomes several million visitors every year.


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The Bastide Saint-Louis : A remarkable patrimonial Site

Situated on the left bank of the Aude, the Bastide was built during the reign of Saint Louis in 1260 on a rectan-gular plan laid out around the central square, now the Place Carnot. Nowadays the Bastide, delimited by the boulevards laid out in the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries on the site of the old moats, has retained its chequerboard arrangement of streets and boasts a remarkable architec-tural heritage, both in its former private mansions and its religious edifices.

A little of history…Jewel of the present-day city, the Bastide is delimited by the boulevards laid out in the XVIIIth and XIXth centu-ries on the line of the old moat surrounding the formerly walled city. The military fortifications and its gates de-fended the lower city. The enclosing wall of the latter was built between 1355 and 1359 on the orders of the Count of Armagnac; its perimeter was 2,800 metres in length; the bastions were constructed at a later period, after 1359; at the time, military architects limited themselves to erec-ting round towers on the corners of the walls, with dimen-sions greater than those of the other sections of the wall.

Towards the end of the XVIth century, during the Wars of Religion which decimated the south of France, four bastions were erected on the corners of the walls: the Saint-Martial bastion in the north-west, the La Figuières

bastion in the north-east, the Montmorency in the sou-th-east and the Tour Grosse or Moulins bastion in the sou-th-west (now known as the Calvary bastion).

On the eve of the 1789 Revolution, the lower city still had only four gates:- the west gate, the Porte de Toulouse or the Porte des Augustins (rue de Verdun) adorned with two fine towers which made it a kind of small castle and which were restored in 1749, but following a decree signed by the Council and dated 31st May 1778 transferring to the lower city community authorities in perpetuity the walls, moat, towers, ramparts and rampart walk, the city consuls al-lowed the gate to fall into ruin and it was completely de-molished in 1806.- the north gate or the Porte des Carmes (end of the pre-sent-day rue Georges Clemenceau).- the east gate or the Porte des Cordeliers, at the eastern end of the present-day rue Aimé Ramond (formerly the rue de la Mairie).- the south gate or the Porte des Jacobins, now preserved and listed along with its surrounding area as a Historic Monument. The Porte des Cordeliers was in the early days of the city’s construction on the site of the gate of the former law courts at the eastern end of the rue Mage (now the rue de Verdun) and was moved in 1571 to the end of the rue de la Pellisserie (present-day rue Aimé Ramond).


THE FABULOUS DESTINYOF THE BASTIDE SAINT-LOUISTHEATRICAL VISITS 1H45A fun way to discover the history and the principal monuments of the city centre, accompanied by actors and a tour guide.

Duration : 1h45.Departure at 10 : 30am from the chapel of Notre Dame de la Santé 1210th, 17th, 23rd and 31st July.7th, 10th, 14th, 17th and 21st August.Prices : Adults : 8€ , 7-18 year-olds 5€ , 0-6 year-olds freePrices (+ 10 pers): Adults : 5€ , 7-18 year-olds 3€ , 0-6 year-olds free

Information and booking at the tourist office or online atwww.tourisme-carcassonne.fr - Tel (+33) 04 68 10 24 30

To the Medieval City15 min walking

2018 / 2019

6,00€*

9,50€*

*Pr

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from

Guided tour included

Guided tour not included

THE BEST WAY to enjoythe city and its surrounds at the keenest prices

Carca’Pass entitles its holders to promotional deals and benefits at many tourist establishments in Carcassonne and the surrounding area: visits to tourist attractions, leisure activities, tastings, restaurants, shows, transport, local produce..

2018 / 2019

SNAP IT UP !Online at www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr

In person at the Carcassonne tourist officeOr from one of our partners (hotels, camp sites, b&bs...

only with guided tour included)

GUIDED TOUR OF THE LA BASTIDE SAINT-LOUIS «GOURMET FLAVOURS AND HERITAGE» 1H45with a specialist tour guide, Historical tour of the Bastide Saint-Louis, punctuated by tastings in boutiques to sample our local produce. A tour for foodies in search of the finest establishment.

Information and booking at the Municipal Tourist Office or online :www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr - Tel (+33) 04 68 10 24 30


Monuments and museums

1 The Saint Martial bastion, the bastion of the Garden of Calvary, MontmorencyTowards the end of the XVI Century, during the Wars of Religion, bastions replaced the medieval fortifications of the Bastide, which were made up of a XIV Century rampart surrounded by a trench, later to be transformed into a boulevard.Bastions with well-preserved orillons.

2 The Carmelite Chapel (end XIII, XVII and XVIII Centuries)Ancient chapel of the Carmelite convent built in the gothic style of the Languedoc re-gion. It is quite modestly decorated: historiated capitals and capitals decorated with leaf designs. The chapel is made up of a single nave measuring 12.8m long and 17m wide, flanked by 10 side-chapels. Open all year round : from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm, on Sunday from 4pm to 6:15pm.Closed on Monday.

3 The church of Saint Vincent and its bell tower (XIV – XV Century)Illustrating the gothic art of the Languedoc region with its nave, the largest in southern France. Possibility of visiting the bell tower: Panoramic views of the Medieval City and the Bastide Saint-LouisFrom 1st January to 28th February : Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm to 5pm, Wednesday, Fri-day and Saturday from 10:15am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Closed on Monday and Sunday.From 1st March to 14th June, from 16th September to 31st October and from 1st to 31st De-cember: from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:15am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5:15pm. From 15th June to 15th September: Monday from 2:45pm to 6:15pm, from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 12pm and from 2:45pm to 6:15pm.From 1st to 30th November : Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm to 5pm . Wednesday and Friday from 10:15am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm and Saturday from 10:15am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4:45pm

4 The Fountain of NeptuneAt the centre of the Place Carnot, the fountain of Neptune was created by the Italian sculptors Barata, father and son, in 1771. The basin is made of Caunes marble and the rest is sculpted from Italian white marble.

5 The Hotel Roux d’Alzonne (XVI and XVIII Century)The bulk of the construction seems to date back to the very end of the Middle Ages or to the start of the XVI Century. Nevertheless, it was renovated during the XVIII Century by Roc David La Fajeolle, a merchant and manufacturer of some importance from Carcas-sonne. Louis XIV stayed here on the two occasions that he travelled the Saint-Jean de Luz Way, where he married the Infanta Maria Theresa. At the end of the XIX Century, the hotel became a boarding school for young girls, and in 1921, it subsequently became the first public school for girls in Carcassonne, named André Chénier.

6 Les Halles (XVII –XIX Century)Constructed in 1768 and recently renovated, it brings together the corn exchange, the butchers and the fishmongers. Come and meet all the traders in the covered mar-ket (Halles Prosper Montagné) from Tuesday to Saturday mornings from 7am to 1am. Located at the heart of the Bastide St Louis, the ancient corn exchange today houses the Grain d’Aile media library. Beautiful framework, the site of the ancient pillory at the centre of the square.

7 Memorial House and the room of Joë Bousquet (XV – XVIII Century)The Memorial House (Maison des Mémoires) is a fine example of a mansion house; it houses the room of the poet Joë Bousquet, preserved in its original state. The poet was injured in 1918 and left paralysed, dedicating himself thereafter to the « life of the spirit » and to receiving very talented writers, right up until his death in 1950. Temporary exhibitions are held here. Open all year round from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm; except public holidays. Entry is free.Tel: +33(0)4 68 72 45 55

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8 Museum of Fine Art (XVII – XIX Century) Ornate Neo-Classical facade. The museum boasts a rich collection of paintings and ceramics from the XVII to XXI Centuries and also hosts excellent temporary exhibitions. Open all year round except public holidays: From 2nd January to 15th June and from 15th September to 31st December : from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm ( from Tuesday to Saturday)From 15th June to 15th September: every day from 10am to 6pmThe first Sunday of each month : from 2:30pm to 5:30pmEntry is free to all. Tel: +33(0)4 68 77 73 70

9 The Hotel de Rolland (XVIII Century) – City Hall Constructed between 1746 and 1761 by Jean François Cavailhès, an ancient woollen cloth merchant, and acquired in 1815 by the Rolland family, who kept the property until 1924. Today, it is the Town Hall and the building that best represents the architecture of the XVIII Century. Monumental facade with sculpted decor, the facade onto the courtyard and the mas-ter staircase. The interior is accessible from Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from1:30 pm to 5:30pm, and on Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30pm to 4pm

10 Saint Michel Cathedral (XVIII –XVI Century) This church was built in the gothic style of the Languedoc region and became a cathedral in 1803 after the Basilica of Saint Nazaire fell out of use. It was restored by Viollet le Duc following a fire in 1849.Central stained-glass window and ruins of external ramparts. From 2nd January to 31st May and from 1st October to 31st December : from Monday to Friday : from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7pm. On Saturday, from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 5pm. On Sunday, from 9:30am to 12:30pm.From 1st June to 30th September: from Monday to Friday : from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7pm. On Saturday, from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm. On Sunday, from 9am to 12pm.Entry is free to all.

11 The Portal of the Jacobins (XVIII Century)Designed by the architect Dolbeau in 1778 to occupy the site of the ancient gate that allowed those entering the fortified Bastide to be monitored. On the right hand side of the door it is possible to see the remains of a rampart and of the Fountain of the Jacobins, dating from the XVIII Century.

12 The Chapel of Notre Dame de la Santé (XVI –XVII Century)Constructed in 1527, this chapel stood beside Saint-Jacques hospital. It is still very popular today, both with the faithful of Carcassonne and with tourists. It marks the start of the Pyrenean foothills path leading towards Saint-Jean Pied de Port, on the way to Santiago de Compostella.The interior has fine ceilings with lierne and tierceron ribbed vaulting.

13 The Old Bridge (XIV Century)Until the XIX Century , this typical medieval bridge was the only link between the Bastide and the Medieval City. Crossing the River Aude, it is nowadays reserved for pedestrians and provides quick access to the ramparts. Beautiful views of the Medieval City.

14 The Manufacture Royale (XIV Century)At the foot of Pont-Vieux, the façade of the former Manufacture Royale remarkably restored in 2013, testifies to the textile business that occupied the city for centuries.Front entrance, arched openings, ornamental faces and wrought iron balconies.

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Walks, discovery and leisure

The canal du Midi (XVIII-XIXth centuries) : A technical prowess

33 MobilboardVisit the exceptional city of Carcassonne, stroll along the Canal du Midi, the banks of the Aude and enjoy unique activities. Initiation, hire and discovery tour on a Segway.Prices: Initiation Bastide (the first tour of the Bastide on wheels): from 17 €The banks of the Aude (enjoy an unforgettable moment of relaxation on the water): from 30 €.The Ramparts of the City (admire the cultural richness of our city): from 40€At the heart of Capital (Indulge yourself by visiting the Bastide, the banks of the Aude and the Medieval City): from 50 €Tel : +33 (0)4 68 79 33 49 or +33 (0)6 10 92 64 12 - [email protected]

34 The Cavalry GardenThe Calvary Garden was created in 1825, under the reign of Charles X. Canon Cazaindre, supported by the Friends of Calvary, took over the disused bastion and turned it into a place of worship.In the form of a snail and bordered by low walls, beds of box, cypresses, olive trees and laurels.Open daily from mid-April to mid-October from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 7pm and from mid-October to mid-April from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm.Entry is free to all.

35 The Place Carnot and its marketA favourite meeting place for residents of Carcassonne, this very lively square is home to the Fountain of Neptune and the shade of its plane trees also provides shelter for a market that sells flowers, fruit and vegetables on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays mornings.

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The work of Pierre-Paul Riquet and excavated in the XVIIth century to link the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the Canal du Midi, formerly used for transporting goods and people, is today frequented by numerous boaters and tourists and flows through the centre of the city of Carcassonne since 1810.

In 1996, the Canal du Midi was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.The locks, bridges, aqueducts and canal bridges along the 240 km of the waterway are witness to the technical prowess of its constructors and also a work of art.

Spend a few hours or a week discovering the exceptional work of Pierre-Paul Riquet and the canal’s locks, bridges and aqueducts and enjoy the peaceful and fresh cool air in a hire boat or with a boat tour.The canal banks, once towpaths, are fringed with different varieties of trees and are a ideal walking and cycling trail for visitors.


The canal du Midi (XVIII-XIXth centuries) : A technical prowess

29 Marina A wide range of services are available: water, electricity, sanitation, showers, hair dryers, internet access, laundry (paying) and tumble dryers (paying). The marina is supervised during the day by the harbour master and by a seccurity team overnight. Just 100 metres from the port, the Bastide Saint-Louis (city centre) provides a wide range of shops and services (bars, restaurants, shopping, supermarkets, local artisan products, taxis, service stations, local market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays... and enter-tainments. From 17th March to 1st May and from 1st October to 1st November : every day from 8:45am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 6:30pmFrom 2nd May to 30th September : every day from 8:45am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 7:30pmFrom 2nd November to 16th March : from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 12pm and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm,on Friday from 9am to 12pm.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 10 48 - www.port-carcassonne.com

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Discover the Canal du Midi with a boat tour

30 Floating restaurant Le Défi This boat offers cruises on the Canal du Midi with lunch or dinner included. Visitors step aboard at the Port of Carcassonne and discover the preserved landscapes of the Canal du Midi, whilst sharing a very pleasant moment.From April to October: departure at 12:30am (duration 2h30) Adults : €38.50 Children : €24From 15th June to 15th September : departure at 7:15pm Adults : €36.50 Children : €24Tel: +33 0(6) 95 79 21 20 – www.carcassonne-navigation.com

31 Bateaux Hélios & Lou GabaretCruises with commentary in English, lasting 1h30, 1h45 or 2h30. Sail through locks, through the Epanchoir de Foucault botanical gardens, across the Meridian, under the Canal Bridge and enjoy views of the Medieval City.April, May, June, September, October : departures at 10:30am,2:30pm and 4pmJuly and August : departure at 10am,10:30am, 12pm and every hour from 2pm to 6pmOnly in July and August: picnic cruises with a stop-off in the Foucaud Gardens for lunch, visit the lock house. Adults : from 8,50€ to 11,50€ ; Children : from 6,50€ to 7,50€Tel: +33 (0)4 68 71 61 26 ou +33 (0)6 80 47 54 33 www.carcassonne-croisiere.com

32 Le CocagneRiver cruises with commentary on the Canal du Midi, lasting 1h15 (City Cruise – departures at 2 pm and 6pm ) and 2h (Discovery Cruise – departures at 10am and 3:30pm). It is pos-sible to hire the boat for events.July and August: daily departures at 10am, 2pm, 3:30pm, 6pm.April, May, June, September,October : departures at 10am, 2pm, 3:30pm, 6pm. ( except Tuesday)2H : Adults : €10, under13 years : €81H15 : Adults : €8, under13 years : €6Tel: +33 0(6) 50 40 78 50 – www.bateau-cocagne-canal-carcassonne.fr

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For more information : Association du Canal du Midi en Languedoc - www.canaldumidi.comAssociation Canal à la Une - www.canal-du-midi.orgVoies Navigables de France - www.vnf.fr



Discover the Canal du Midi in a hire boat

Discover the Canal du Midi on foot or by bike

Boating on the Canal du Midi is from mid-March to the start of No-vember and no licence is required to hire a boat.

Cris’Boat15 Quai Riquet - 11000 CARCASSONNETel: +33 (0)2 30 96 05 57 www.crisboat.com

In the shade of the canal du Midi, between the riverbanks and locks, discover this veritable haven of peace where you can see the locks and their keepers, trip and fishing boats…

CARCASSONNE- Unesco World Heritage Site -

Nature and Heritage

Walks

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The Medieval City : 2 500 years of history

Situated on the right bank of the Aude, the City, a medieval village that is still inhabited, has 52 towers and two concentric walls totalling 3 km in length. Open at night as well as during daytime, via the Porte Narbonnaise and the Porte d’Aude, a large part of the Me-dieval City can be seen on unguided tours by visitors. Accessible on foot from the Bastide

Saint Louis via the Old Bridge and the Trivalle district. (1.6 km, 25 minutes)

The district of Trivalle : a small, picturesque and peaceful district. The main streets are Rue de la Barbacane and Rue Trivalle. A 5-minute walk from the Medieval City, the district of Trivalle is much like a village, with its church (St Gimer), shops, artisans, and restaurants. It provides a link between the Medieval City and the Bastide.

A town, a “Cité”... an history

From its dawning to its gloryThe earliest traces go back to the 6th century B.C. and are to be found on the heights upon which the “Cité” is built. Round about the 3rd century B.C. the Volques Tec-tosages from central Europe subdued the Iberians in the Languedoc. In 122 B.C. the Romans conquered Provence and Languedoc. They fortified the Roman village that took the name of Carcaso and continued to rule the region up until the middle of the 5th century.

The Albigensian CrusadeCatharsism, a religion based on dualism, developed ra-pidly during this prosperous period. The young viscount of Carcassonne, Roger Raymond Trencavel (1194-1209), tolerated and protected such heresy in his fief. He was to feel the first shock of the Crusade against the Cathars pursued by Pope Innocent III. The end came on the 15th August 1209 after 15 days of siege. The “Cité” and the fief of the Trencavels was given to the military leader of the Crusades, Simon de Montfort and in 1224 gave up all his interests in Languedoc to King Louis VIII.

Destroyed and rebuiltOnce within the royal domain, the destiny of the “Cité” was to be changed forever. Under the successive reigns of Louis IX, Philippe le Hardi and Philippe le Bel, it took on its present day appearance. A new lower town came into existence in 1260 on the flatlands of the north bank : the Bastide Saint-Louis. In 1355, Edward Prince of Wales (the Black Prince) burnt this lower town to the ground. It was immediately rebuilt. Whilst the new town overflowed with life, the “Cité”reaffirmed its place as a royal fortress.

The end of the royal fortressHowever, the use of new technologies in warfare (gunpow-der, cannons) and, in particular, the changes to the Fran-co-Spanish border in 1659 following the Peace of the Pyre-nees lead to it being adandonned.In the 18th century the “Cité” was just a miserable outlying quarter of the lower town which had prospered through the sale of wine and the manufacture of sheets. It is only thanks to the combined actions of Jean-Pierre Cros-Mayre-vieille, a learned inhabitant of Carcassonne, Mérimée and the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc, that they were saved and that thousands of visitors can still admire one of the most accomplished fortified towns in Europe.


THE BEST WAY TO ENJOYTHE CITY AND ITS SURROUNDS AT THE KEENEST PRICES !GUIDED TOUR OF THE MEDIEVAL CITYInformations ans booking to the Municipal Tourist Office or online :www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr

Choose your visit and book !

« CLASSIC » 1H15 - Adults 9,50€ / 10/17 years Students Disabled 7€ / 4/9 years FreeFrom the ramparts to the basilica via the château (exterior only), our tour guide will lead you to the heart of the Occitan City.

« CATHARISM » 1H30 - Adults 12€ / 10/17 years Students Disabled 9,50€ / 4/9 years FreeLearn about the events that have shaken the history of the South of France : Who were the people we now call “the Cathars»? Why did the Pope and the King of France unleash the terrible Albigensian Crusade?

« MILITARY ARCHITECTURE » 1H30 - Adults 12€ / 10/17 years Students Disabled 9,50€ / 4/9 years FreeDiscover the mysteries of the Medieval City’s construction; the genius of military techniques finds ample expression in its dual ramparts and in the intriguing remnants of the various phases in its fortification.

« FULL TOUR » 2H - Adults 12€ / 10/17 years Students Disabled 9,50€ / 4/9 years FreeThe grand tour of the City : From the Roman gates to the once feudal, then royal, château, take a guided journey through 2600 years of turbulent history.

« FAMILY VISIT WITH GUIDE IN PERIOD DRESS » 1H - Adults 9,50€ / 10/17 years Students Disabled 7€ / 4/9 years 2€Legends will be told and mysteries revealed by a character from the distant past! The walls and alleys of the City will share with you their many secrets.

« NIGHT-TIME TOUR » 1H - Adults 12€ / 10/17 years Students Disabled 9,50€ / 4/9 years FreeEnjoy the cool of a summer night, to (re)discover Carcassonne’s Medieval City, between illuminated ramparts and romantic alleys, in search of a lost age.



15 The Chateau (XII and XIII Century) and inner rampartsA last line of defence, the Château was built in the XII-XIII Century by the Trencavel family, Viscounts of Carcassonne, and was constantly altered throughout the following centuries. In the XIII Century the construction of the inner section was carried out in order to fortify the building. This ring of fortifications includes a curtain wall, circular towers, a small castle at the entrance, a barbican and a trench. The interior wall includes parts of the Gallo-Roman ramparts (III-IV Century) characterised by their small openings surmounted by brickwork stringcourses. Much of the inner rampart was rebuilt in the last quarter of the 13th Century and the beginning of the 14th Century. It is accessible from the Château Comtal.Prices: Castle and ramparts self-guided tour 9€, Europeans aged under 26: free, 18-25 year-olds from outside the EU: 7€Guided tour 12.50€, 18-25 year-olds 9€, under-18s free.From 1st April to 30th September: from 10am to 6:30pm From 1st October to 31st March: from 9:30am to 5pmClosed on 01/01, 01/05,01 and 11/11,25/12.Château and ramparts free access €9, Europeans under 26: free, non Europeans 18/25 years €7Lecture tour: €12,50, 18/25years: €9, under 18 years : free.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 11 70 70

16 The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire (XI-XIV- XIX Centuries) The “Jewel of the Medieval City”, an example of harmonious coexistence of Romanesque and Gothic architecture with the finest stained glass in the south of France. The very fisrt legal document that mentions this church dates back to 925. In 1096, Pope Urban II visited Carcassonne and blessed the stones of Saint-Nazaire and Saint Celse cathedrals. The building was constructed in the first half on the XII Century. Altered serveral times, it lost its status as a cathedral in 1801 to the church of Saint-Michel, which is located in the Bastide. In 1898, it was given the title of Basilica by Pope Leo XIII.Roman portal, nave, vault and 8 Roman side-chapels, Gothic transept and choir, stained-glass windows.From 1st January to 28th February: daily from 8am to 5:30pm March : daily from 8am to 6:30pm / From April to October : from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm.Sunday from 8am to 10:45am and from 12:30pm to 8pm. Free entrance.

17 The tilt yard (XIII Century) and external ramparts This space, in between the two ramparts, measuring just over 1km in circumference, was levelled out in the XIII Century, at the time when the 2nd wall was raised. From the XVII Century onwards, the poorest residents of Carcassonne built their homes here before these settlements were destroyed during the restoration of the City by Viollet le Duc in the XIX Century. During the XIII Century, the Kings of France ordered the construction of a second defensive ring around the outside of the City, complete with dry moat. Today, the tilt yard allows visitors to discover the different features of military archi-tecture and offers opportunities to appreciate the various aspects of the City’s mili-tary architecture and provides fine views over the Bastide Saint Louis, the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire.

18 Aude Gate (XIII Century)To the west, the Aude Gate faces the river of the same name.This gate with its typically me-dieval appearance was formerly extended by the Aude barbican or bastion which was partly demolished in 1816 for the building of the church of Saint-Gimer. Only the ramp surrounded by crenelated walls still remains.Located next to the castle, the gate has been used as the backdrop for the shooting of numerous films such as Les Visiteurs, Robin Hood Prince of \Thie-ves and Le Corniaud. Gateway to the City. Gateway to the City. Very Picturesque trails and magnificent viewpoints on the ramparts.

19 Saint Gimer Church (XIX Century)One of the 3 churches designed by the architect Viollet le Duc (XIXth) and built between 1854 and 1859.Its architecture is characterised by the Gothic vision of the famous architect.

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20 The Théâtre de la Cité (XX Century) and its FestivalThis theatre, located inside the Medieval City, was founded in 1908 on the site of the former Saint-Nazaire cloisters. It once welcomed nearly 6000 people at a time (only 3000 or so are allowed today) with the audience seated on benches or simple chairs.In 1957, actor and director Jean Deschamps created the famous Festival de la Cité, which has taken place every summer since then. In tribute to his actions, the Théâtre de la Cité adopted the name « théâtre Jean Deschamps » on 15th July 2006.Only visible from the ramparts during a guided visit from the Chateau.

21 Museum of The SchoolReconstruction of a classroom from the time of Jules Ferry in the 1950’s. Entertaining visit where visitors can write using a feather quill or Sergeant Major pen. Open all year round.Closed on1st January, 1st May and 25th December.January, February and November : from 10am to 5mFrom March to October and December,: from 10am to 6pmAdults: €3,50 ; Under 12 years: free. Tel : +33 (0)4 68 25 95 14

22 Museum of the InquisitionA presentation of the Inquisition, its history and the instruments of torture used right up until the French Revolution. Open every dayFrom 1st January to 8th July and from 27th August to 31st December: from 10am to 6pm From 9th July to 26th August : from 10am to 9pmAdults: €9,50; students: € 8,50. Tel: +33 (0)6 03 84 13 86

23 The Large and the small WellOf the 2 wells that supplied the City, this is reputed to be the oldest. Its edges date from the XIV Century and its columns and locks date back to the Renaissance era. Legend tells that there is a treasure hidden here, but the archaeological dig organised in 1910 failed to find it.

24 The Narbonnaise Gate (XIII Century) – The Levis BridgeBuilt around 1280 during the reign of Philippe III (the Bold) and consisting of two enor-mous projecting towers. It owes its name to its orientation towards Narbonne. The main entrance to the Me-dieval City is via the Levis Bridge.

25 Museum of Treasures of Notre Dame de l’Abbaye This museum holds the collections of the Bishopric and of the major and minor semina-ries of Carcassonne, the donations from private individuals and religious congregations, as well as acquisitions from the last 50 years. Notre-Dame de l’abbaye is Carcassonne’s oldest place of worship, visited on 11th June 1096 by Pope Urban II (1042-1099) when he came to bless the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Nazaire in the Medieval City.July and August : every day from 10am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm.By reservation the rest of the year.Free entrance.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 16 65

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26 Cultural Centre devoted to the memory of combattants pastExhibition.Retrospective of military history, with objects, uniforms, accessories and do-cuments.From Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 18pm.Free entrance.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 72 40 16

27 Museum of ChivalryCome and discover the world of chivalry and its codes, as well as numerous objects from everyday life in the Middle Ages.From January to June and from September to mid-November : from 10am to 6pmJuly and August : from 9:30am to 9pm Adults: €6, Children : €4, Students : €5Tél : +33(0) 6 89 20 28 [email protected]

28 Tresau Tower and vestiges of the Gallo-Roman rampartsBuilt into the inner ramparts of the Medieval City, the Tresau Tower (meaning “treasure”) completes the defences of the Narbonne Gate. In the 14th century, it was an annex to the treasury of Carcassonne’s royal seneschal.High flat facade, stepped gable, two high chimneys, and large windowsVestiges of the Gallo-Roman walls can be found at the foot of and all along the Medie-val City’s high inner wall.

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36 The Tourist trainComplete tour of the rampart walls ( in 13 languages and one for children) looking at the architecture and defences.Duration : 20 min – From July to 15TH OctoberJuly and August : from 10am to 6pmFrom 2nd September to 15th October : from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pmClosed on 14th July and 2nd SeptemberReception and starting point : Narbonnaise Gate, in front of the Levis BridgeAdults ( + 26 years ): €7,50 ; Students (13/ 25 years): €6, Children 4/12 years : €4Tel: +33 (0)4 68 24 45 70www.petit-train-cite-carcassonne.com/

37 The calèches de la CitéCarriage tour of the tilt yard between the 2 ramparts. Duration : 20 minMay and June : daily except on Saturdays from 10am to 6pmJuly and August : daily from 10am to 6pmSeptember : daily except on Saturdays from 10:30am to 5pmOctober : From 1st to 21st : daily except on Saturdays from 10:30am to 4pmFrom 22nd to 31st daily : from 10:30am to 4pmNovember : daily from 1st to 5th from 10:30am to 4pmClosed from 11st to 1st April The times shown above may vary slightly, for technical reasons or due to adverse weather conditions (extreme heat or heavy rain).The schedules of visit are indicated at the entrance of the City.Adults: €8; 2/10 years: €5 Tel: +33 (0)4 68 71 54 57 - www.carcassonne-caleches.com

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38 ILC Medieval ‘Living History’ CentreLive through the Middle Ages with a knight.Let yourself be transported into the medieval world with entertainment and visits that are fun, informative and interactive.All year long at the heart of the Medieval City:Guided tour: «Over the ramparts» in French and EnglishDiscovery of the history of the City, its defensive system and the link between individual military equipment and the architecture of the place.Duration : 45 minutes€7.50/person; Under 5 years old : freeThe chivalry experience: «Meet a 12th Century knight”Discover the strict codes of chivalry, a knight’s equipment and how to wield a sword / shield.Duration : 30 minutes€5/person; Under 5 years old : freeOption to buy a group ticket - Visit + chivalry experience: 11.50€Wheelchair access; dogs allowed.Tél : +33 (0)6 37 80 69 33www.ilc-lacite.com

39 The haunted house A haunting experience in a mock-up of an old country manor house.July and August : Every day from 10am to 10pmOut of season : Every day from 10am to 6pmPrice: €7Tel: +33 (0)6 03 84 15 12www.maisonhantee-carcassonne.com

40 Medieval Jousting At the foot of the walls and the towers, horsemen will ride their galloping horses into combat where no quarter is given, all set to the sound of clashing swords.July / August : 3pm and 4:45pm except on Saturdays

41 The book workshop Colours and words ... At the foot of the Medieval City, in the halls of an ancient abbey, discovery workshops and introductions to the artisanal techniques of book production. Making sheets of marbled paper, experimentation with typography and engraving. Short workshops (45 mins) or courses (full day or half day).Discovery of book exhibitions, engravings and printing equipment.Open Easter weekends, from 23rd to 27th April, from 7th to 11th May. July and August and from 22th October to 2nd November : From Monday to Friday from 10:30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6:30pm.From €3Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 88 90 or +33 (0)6 38 68 49 42 or +33 (0)6 86 97 21 22www.atelierdulivre.net

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La Cavayere Lake : the beach just a stone’s throw from the town!

Located a short distance from the Medieval City, the lake lies in a beautiful setting where peace and serenity reigns in the midst of a preserved natural environment. Born out of the ashes of the fire of 1985 that ravaged the area, Cavayère Lake is a magnificent reservoir that covers a surface area of 18ha.An ideal spot for rambling and relaxing, Cavayère Lake

is a veritable haven of rest, fresh air and outdoor plea-sures, right on the doorstep of Carcassonne. Play areas for children, watersports, sandy and pebble beaches with lifeguard in the summer (from 1pm to 7pm), ideal fishing spots, perfect for walkers.

Access• By car :Take the RD6 113 departmental road in the direction of Narbonne. On the outskirts of Carcassonne, turn right in the direction of ‘Le Lac de la Cavayère’, Montlegun• By Bus : Line n°1 and Line n°2 from Monday to Saturday – Agglo’bus : +33 (0)4 68 47 82 22• By bike or on foot (10.5 km) : leave the Medieval City Narbonnaise Gate, walk alongside the cemetary and turn left in the direction of Sainte-Croix. Follow the white and red signposted path (GR36): you will get to a junction where it crosses the Pech Mary loop, there you will cross a pine grove and take the path downhill alongside to the left, the Relais de la Cavayère ( Bed and Breakfast) then the stadium (to the right), and finish up on the Montlegun road to Cavayère that can be followed along the cycle path that runs along the right hand side. After the motorway bridge, turn left until you reach the lake. Walkers can take the lakeside path that runs around the entire lake and return to the Medieval City by the same route.

Mini golfJune : 2pm-6pm / July-August : 2pm-7pmAdults : 5€ Children ( Under 9 ) : 3,50€Tél. +33 (0)6 45 06 92 83


La Cavayere Lake

42 The Australian ParkWildlife and leisure park on the theme of Australia. A unique and interactive experience in the land of Kangaroos, gold prospectors and aborigines.From 7th April to 4th November, daily public holidays from 10:30am to 6pmGuided visits and entertainment at 11am,2pm,3pm,4pm and 5pm in summer.Adults and children +12 Years : €10,50, Children (4/11 years) : €7,50, Under 4 : freeNot during holidays: from Monday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm. No guided visits : €7.50Tel: +33 (0)4 68 25 86 83 or +33 (0)4 68 25 05 07 - www.leparcaustralien.fr

43 Acrobatic forest park O2 Aventure Acrobatic forest trail for children and adults by the Lac de la Cavayère.April and May: every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays and throughout the school holidays: 1.30pm – 5pm. Other days by reservation, min. 8 people.June, July and August: every day from 1pm to 6pm. Mornings by reservation only.September and October : every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays and throughout the school holidays: 1.30pm – 4.30pm. Other days by reservation, min. 8 people.From November to March: opening by reservation only.Adults : €16, Children : €8Tel: + 33 (0)4 68 25 33 83 ou + 33 (0)6 07 96 04 55 - www.o2aventure.com

44 Nautical ski liftThe centre offers many disciplines: wakeboarding, monoski, wake-skate, kneeboard and water skiing drawn by cables + modules available to riders (kickers, roof, ollie box), paddle boarding.There’s also a dining area with a relaxed tapas bar atmosphere, with places to sit in the sun and in the shade.Paddle : from €7 to €10 / Ski Lift : €18 for 1 hour.Open out of season on reservation.Tel : +33 (0)6 38 56 72 62

45 Pedalos, paddle boardingFrom mid-June to early September: daily from 11am to 7pmRates for pedalos: With 2 seats (10€ per ½ hour, 15€ per hour) – with 4 seats (20€ per ½ hour, 30€ per hour) – with 6 seats (25€ per ½ hour, 35€ per hour)Rates for paddle boards: 7€ per ½ hour, 10€ per hourTél: +33 (0)6 20 06 27 28

46 Aquaviva ParkAn inflatable water park at the Cavayère Lake: toboggan, catapult, climbing cage, tram-polines, swing and giant turnstile.From 1st June to 31st August from 11am to 7pmRates for aquatic park : 8€ per hour or 12€ for 2 hours ; option Waterjump : plus 5€Day Pass : 18€Tel: +33 (0)6 16 23 00 46 - www.parcaquaviva.com

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Museum of Chivalry (p 22)12 Rue St Louis – La CitéTél. +33(0)6 89 20 28 96

The Tourist train (p 22)Porte Narbonnaise – La CitéTél. +33(0)4 68 24 45 70

Adventure trail in Bastide St LouisMy name is Baptiste. I am a painter and I live in Carcassonne in 1770. Follow me, solve riddles and discover the town ! Duration : 1h45 Sell at Tourist office of Carcassonne at 8 € - (from 8 to 12 years old)Tél. +33(0)4 68 10 24 30

Treasure hunt‘’ The Treasure of 3 Kings ‘’All year round, come and discover the Medieval City and find the clues that will lead you to the treasure!In sale in the Tourist Office in Carcassonne: 12€(All ages)Tél. +33(0)4 68 10 24 30

The book workshop (p 23)Notre Dame de l’Abbaye 103 rue TrivalleTél. +33(0)4 68 26 88 90 / +33(0)6 38 68 49 42

Museum of the Inquisition (p 21)Rue St Jean – La CitéTél. +33(0)6 03 84 13 86

The calèches de la Cité (p 22)Porte Narbonnaise – La CitéTél. +33 (0)4 68 71 54 57

Je m’appelle Baptiste. Je suis peintre et j’habite à Carcassonne en 1770... Suis-moi, résous des énigmes et

découvre la ville !

BAPTISTE EN BASTIDE BAUTISTA EN LA BASTIDA

BAPTISTE IN THE BASTIDE

Mi nombre es Bautista. Soy un pintor y vivo en Carcasona en 1770... Sígueme, resolver enigmasy descubre la ciudad!

My name is Baptiste. I am a painter and I live in Carcassonne in 1770... Follow me, solve riddlesand discover the town!

8 € el primero folleto con dos entradas para adultos ofrecidas en el campanariode Saint-Vincent2 € el (los) siguiente(s)

8 € the first booklet with two adult tickets offered at the Saint-Vincent's bell tower2 € the following

8 € le premier livret avec deux entrées adultes offertes au clocher Saint-Vincent2 € le(s) suivant(s)

8 €

POUR LES 7-12 ANS

For children in Carcassonne


For children in Carcassonne

Museum of The School (p 21)Rue du Plô - La Cité Tél : +33 (0)4 68 25 95 14

The haunted house (p 23)Place du Grand Puits – La CitéTél : +33 (0)6 03 84 13 8

ILC Medieval ‘Living History’ Centre (p 23)Rue du Comte Roger – La CitéTél : +33 (0)6 37 80 69 33

WIN KART Go KartingRoute de BramJuly-August: 10am-8pm every dayNovember-March: 2pm-6pm,

June, Sept, Oct : 2pm - 7pm (except Mondays)(by reservation for other times)(From 7 years old)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 25 67 07

Acrobatic forest park O2 Aventure (p 25)Lac de la CavayèreTél : +33 (0)6 07 96 04 55 / +33 (0)4 68 25 33 83

Pedalos, paddle boarding (p 25)Lac de la CavayèreTél : +33 (0)6 20 06 27 28

Planète Bowling35 Rue Alfred de Musset Bowling, laser quest, snooker, games roomMonday-Thursday : 9am-1am, Friday : 9am-2am, Saturday : 2pm-2am, Sunday : 2pm-1am(from 5 years old for bowling and 8 years for the laser quest) Tél : +33 (0)4 68 10 09 62

«Royal Kids» (kids play area)ZI du Pont Rouge (In front of Cap ‘Cinéma)Open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as holidays from 10am to 7pm. Tuesdays and Fridays from 3pm to 7pm. Every day from 10am-7pm during school holidays. (from 0 to 12 years old)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 77 88 80

The Australian Park (p 25)Chemin des BartavellesTél : +33 (0)4 68 25 05 07 / +33 (0)6 07 06 86 83

Aquaviva Park (p 25)Lac de la CavayèreTél : +33 (0)7 81 91 49 12

Nautical ski lift (p 25)Lac de la CavayèreTél : +33 (0)6 79 18 16 95


WILDLIFE PARKS

The Lamas of the Black Montainsin Castans(32kms)Open 365 days a year from 9am onwards Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 60 11

Pedagogic Farm/La matarelle11400 Laurabuc (32km)April - June : 2pm-6pm, July-September: 10.30am-7pm,October/Nov: 2pm-6pmTél : +33 (0)6 83 05 61 40

Bump balad in the Corbières Fontjoncouse (57 kms)Open all year (reservation required) Tél : +33 (0)6 81 45 63 09

The Bee City Gruissan (70kms)Every Wednesday, Saturday: 2 pm-6 pm.July and August: everyday 2pm-7pmDuring the holidays: open every day from 2pm -7pm. Closed in January Tél : +33 (0)6 09 30 48 34

The African Animal Reserve in Sigean (77kms)Open all year, from 9amTél : +33 (0)4 68 48 20 20

SPORTING ACTIVITIES

Flyzone in Lézignan Corbières (38km)Timetable adjustable depending on the demandTél : +33 (0)4 68 48 20 41

Sky Fly in Leucate (90 kms) June – September from 10a.m to 6p.mTél : +33 (0)6 75 42 26 91

FAMILY FISHING

Picarel Lake in Saissac (35 kms)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 24 40 98

St Pierre Lake in Saissac (35 kms)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 24 41 91

For children around Carcassonne


OTHER ACTIVITIES

The Knigthood Museum in Villesèquelande (12km)Feb. to December: Tuesday - Saturday 10am-12pm 2pm-6pm,Sunday 3pm-6pm. July-August: open 7d/7Tél : +33 (0)6 62 95 66 43 / +33 (0)4 68 71 48 43

The Windmill in Villeneuve Minervois (18 kms)Closed from October to March.

April: 2pm-5pm / May-June : 2pm-5:30pm every day.July-August: 10am-6:30pm, Saturday and Sunday:1.30pm-6pm September: 2pm-5pm Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 57 56 / +33 (0)6 15 18 57 18

Le Moulin à papier (Paper Mill) in Brousses (19km)

Open every day (except Dec. 25th and jan. 1st), During school holidays: 11am-5:30pm / Oct. 1st

- jun. 30th : 11am-5:30pm (week days) and 11am-5:30pm (w-e) December to February : last visit at 4.30pm / Sept : 11am-5:30pm. Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 6 43

The Limousis caves (18 kms)Open from 1st March to 11th November

Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 14 20

Giant caves ofCabrespine (22km)

Direction Mazamet Open from 6th Feb. to 10th December

Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 14 22 / +33 (0)4 68 26 14 20

The Historical Themed Park in Chalabre (47 kms)Open from 16 April to 2 May, 5-8 May, 5 July to 31 August: 12pm-6.30pm (in July and August, closed on Saturdays) Tél : +33 (0)4 68 69 37 85

The Robot Museum in Limoux (25 kms)10 Jan - 31 March : 2pm-6pm (closed on Mondays)1 April - 30 June : 10am-12pm/2pm-6pm (closed on Mondays)1 July - 30 September :10am-12pm/2pm-7pm (everyday)1 Oct.-10 Nov: 10am-12pm/2pm-6pm (closed on Mondays) Tél : +33 (0)6 70 39 01 74

Dinosaur Museumin Espéraza (44 kms)Museum: 5-8, 26-31 December, 10.30am-12.30pm/1.30pm-

5.30pm2-3, 23-24, 30-31 January, 10.30am-12.30pm/1.30pm-5.30pmClosed from 30 November-4 December, 9-25 December, 4-22, 25-29 January included / Paleontology workshop: Open eve-ry day during the summer holidays, session every hour from 11.30am - 5.30pm (except 12.30)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 74 26 88 / +33 (0)4 68 74 02 08

The Honey Farm of Clausesin Montseret (50 kms)

Shop: Open every day from 9am-12pm/2pm-6pmVisits: July and August: 10.30am, 2.30pm,

4pm, 5.30pm / 14th July and weekends in July and August: 10.30am, 3pm, 4.30pmFrom 18 April, May, June and Sept: 2.30pm, 4pm (everyday) Tél : +33 (0)4 68 43 30 17

Association « La fabrique aux Cents idées » in Montolieu (17km)Creative workshop in the production of objects: birdhouses, decorated mirrors, small baskets etc ... from recycled ma-terials. Tél : +33 (0)6 15 88 06 38 / +33 (0)4 68 25 65 11

For children around Carcassonne


For when it rains - in Carcassonne ?

Planète Bowling 35 Rue Alfred de Musset Bowling, laser quest, snooker, games roomMonday-Thursday : 9am-1am, Friday : 9am-2am, Saturday : 2pm-2am, Sunday : 2pm-1am(from 5 years old for bowling and 8 years for the laser quest) Tél : +33 (0)4 68 10 09 62

Cap’ Cinéma Colisée10 Boulevard Omer SarrautWeekly programming availableAt the tourist officewww.cap-cine.fr/carcassonne-colisee/Tél : +33 (0)4 68 25 07 35

CGR Cinéma ZI Pont RougeWeekly programming availableAt the tourist officewww.capcine.fr

«Royal Kids» (kids play area)ZI du Pont Rouge (In front of Cap ‘Cinéma)Open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as holidays from 10am to 7pm. Tuesdays and Fridays from 3pm to 7pm. Every day from 10am-7pm during school holidays. (from 0 to 12 years old) - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 77 88 80

The Jean-Alary TheatreDepending on the programmingwww.carcassonne.org/theatre

The book workshop (p 23) Notre Dame de l’Abbaye - 103 rue TrivalleTél : +33 (0)4 68 26 88 90 / +33 (0)6 38 68 49 42

BASTIDE ST LOUIS VISITSMuseum of Fine Art (page 13)Free - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 77 73 70

Saint Michel Cathedral (page 13)Open all year from monday to saturday : 8am-12pm 3pm-7pmSunday : 8am-12:30pm

The Carmelite Chapel (page 12)

The church of Saint Vincent (page 12)Tél : +33 (0)4 11 47 75 34

Memorial House and the roomof Joë Bousquet (page 12)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 72 45 55

Cultural Centre devoted to the memory of combattants past (page 22)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 72 40 16

MEDIEVAL CITY VISITSThe Chateau (page 20)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 11 70 70

ILC Medieval ‘Living History’ Centre (page 23)Tél : +33 (0)6 37 80 69 33

The haunted house (page 23)Tél : +33 (0)6 03 84 13 86

Museum of The School (page 21)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 25 95 14

The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire (page 21)

Museum of the Inquisition (page 21)Tél : +33 (0)6 03 84 13 86

Museum of Fine Art


The Knigthood Museum in Villesèquelande (12km)Feb. to December: Tuesday - Saturday 10am-12pm 2pm-6pm,Sunday 3pm-6pm. July-August: open 7d/7Tél : +33 (0)6 62 95 66 43 / +33 (0)4 68 71 48 43

The Limousis caves (18 kms)Open from 1st March to 11th November

Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 14 20

Giant caves of Cabrespine (22km)

Direction Mazamet Open from 6th Feb. to 10th DecemberTél : +33 (0)4 68 26 14 22 / +33 (0)4 68 26 14 20

Saint Hilaire Abbey (19 km)Fermé vacances de NoelJanuary to March, November to December :

10am – 17pmApril to June, September to October : 10am – 18pmJuly and August : 10am – 19pmTél : +33 (0)4 68 69 62 76

Lagrasse Abbey (35 km)17 January-31 March, November-20 Dec : 10am-5pm1er April-14 June, 14 Sept-31 October : 10am-6pm15 June-13 September : 10am-7pmTél : +33 (0)4 68 43 15 99

Dinosaur Museum in Espéraza (44 kms)Museum: 5-8, 26-31 December, 10.30am-12.30pm/1.30pm-

5.30pm2-3, 23-24, 30-31 January, 10.30am-12.30pm/1.30pm-5.30pmClosed from 30 November-4 December, 9-25 December, 4-22, 25-29 January included / Paleontology workshop: Open eve-ry day during the summer holidays, session every hour from 11.30am - 5.30pm (except 12.30)Tél : +33 (0)4 68 74 26 88 / +33 (0)4 68 74 02 08

Flyzone in Lézignan Corbières (38km)Timetable adjustable depending on the demandTél : +33 (0)4 68 48 20 41

Le Moulin à papier (Paper Mill) in Brousses (19km)

Open every day (except Dec. 25th and jan. 1st), During school holidays: 11am-5:30pm / Oct. 1st

- jun. 30th : 11am-5:30pm (week days) and 11am-5:30pm (w-e) December to February : last visit at 4.30pm / Sept : 11am-5:30pm. Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 6 43

The Robot Museum in Limoux (25 kms)10 Jan - 31 March : 2pm-6pm (closed on Mondays)1 April - 30 June : 10am-12pm/2pm-6pm (closed on Mondays)1 July - 30 September :10am-12pm/2pm-7pm (everyday)1 Oct.-10 Nov: 10am-12pm/2pm-6pm (closed on Mondays) Tél : +33 (0)6 70 39 01 74

The Historical Themed Park in Chalabre (47 kms)Open from 16 April to 2 May, 5-8 May, 5 July to 31 August: 12pm-6.30pm (in July and August, closed on Saturdays) Tél : +33 (0)4 68 69 37 85

Fontfroide Abbey (58 Km)2 Jan-31 March, 1 Nov.-31 Dec :

10am-12.30pm/1.30-5pm1st April-30 June : 10am-6pm

1st July-31 August : 9.30am-7pm1st September-31 October : 10am-6pmTél : +33 (0)4 68 45 50 71

Fontfroide Abbey

For when it rains - around Carcassonne ?


Where to swim

The Cavayère Lake in Carcassonne

The Bassin du lampy in Saissac 30 km

Pradelles - Cabardès Lake 30 km

Jouarres Lake in Homps 34 km

Plan d’eau les Fargues in Ribaute 47 km

Le Gue Sur la Cesse Bize-Minervois 48 km

La Nielle falls in Saint - Laurent - de - la Cabrerisse 48 km

Garrenne sur la cesse in Mirepeisset 50 km

Arques Lake 50 km

Montbel Lake 54 km

Fontclaire Lake in Puivert 58 km

The gorges de Galamus 74 km

Belcaire Lake 80 km

Les PyrénéesGR36

Mer

Méd

iter

ran

ée

GR78

Voie des Piémonts

CARCASSONNE

Tuchan

Villerouge-TermenèsTermes

Lagrasse

Montolieu

Limoux

Villeneuve-Minervois

Autoroute des Deux Mers

Espéraza

Roquefère

Caunes-Minervois

Minerve

Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse

Puicheric Lézignan-Corbières

Brousse-et-Villaret

Alet-les-Bains

Rennes-le-Château

Bugarach

Saint-Hilaire

Lastours

Le Somail

Cabrespine

Cucugnan

Fontfroide

A 61

A 61

A 61

A 9

A 9

Trèbes

Saint-Papoul

Saint-Martin-des-Puits

Mouthoumet

Ladern/Lauquet

Saint Polycarpe

Couiza

Verzeille

Montréal

Quillan

Mas-Cabardès

Fabrezan

Rieux-Minervois

Bram

Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet

GR78

Fontjoncouse

Montséret

Durban-Corbières

Padern

GR78

GR78Fanjeaux

Villelongue d’Aude

Castelnaudary

Mirepoix

GR78

Olonzac

GR78

Pradelles-Cabardès

Bélesta

Narbonne

Bize-Minervois

Le Bassin de Lampy

Le Gué sur la Cesse

Le Lac de la Cavayère

Le Lac de Pradelles-Cabardès

Mirepeisset

Garrenne sur la Cesse

Saissac

Le Lac d’Arques

Arques

Le Lac de Fontclaire

Puivert

Les Cascades de la NielleSaint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse

Plan d’eau Les Fargues

Ribaute

Les Gorges de Galamus

Homps

Le Lac de Jouarres

Le Lac de Belcaire

Le Lac de Montbel Chalabre

Belcaire

D6113

D119

D102

D6

D679

D103

D4

D64

D164D118

D103

D4

D253D53

D101

D679

D118

D620

D135 D11

D182

D12

D6113

D610

D11

D910

D6113

D607

D20

D607

D26

D613

D611

D611

D12

D123

D40

D70

D129

D118

D118

D118

D14

D212

D623

D119

D620

D117

D613

D23

D212

D611

D611

D106

D423

D410

D14

D626

D44

GR36

D625

ÉCHELLE : 10 km

N

S

O E

GR36

GR3

6

D7

D16

D620D109

0101D1

12

D613

Le Canal du Midi

Le Canal du Mid

i L’Aude

L’Au

de

Le Pic de NoreLa Montagne

Noire

Le Col du Paradis

Les Plages de l’Aude (75 km)

Narbonne PlageGruissan

Port la NouvelleLeucate Plage...


The markets

Carcassonne‘Prosper Montagné’ indoor market hall: from Tuesday to Saturday, 7am to 1pmPlace Carnot : Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning

NarbonneIndoor market hall : daily from7am to 2pm

Lezignan – CorbièresTown centre: every Wednesday morningGrand fair every first Wednesday of the month until 4pm

Castelnaudary : Place Verdun – Cours de la République : Monday morning

Other weekly markets (mornings only)Bram : WednesdayEspéraza : Thursday and SundayGruissan : MondayLimoux : FridayOlonzac : TuesdayPort la Nouvelle : Saturday ( Place de l’Eglise) and WednesdaySigean : TuesdayQuillan : Wednesday and SaturdayTrèbes : Wednesday and Sunday

Local small marketsBizes-Minervois : WednesdayCaunes-Minervois : Tuesday and ThursdayFabrezan : ThursdayFerrals des Corbières : TuesdayFerrals les Montagnes: Sunday (farmers market in summer)Ginestas : ThursdayLagrasse : SaturdayLa Franqui : Monday and Thursday in summerLeucate village : Tuesday and Friday, in summer + SundayLeucate plage : in summer : Monday and ThursdayOlonzac : TuesdayPort Leucate : Thursday and Wednesday in summerVillesèque des Corbières: Saturday, organic market at Domaine Mandoureille

Place Carnot - Carcassonne


Wine shops and local produce

Zone Vin290, Rue Ampère - Zi la BourietteTél: +33 (0)4 68 10 15 96 http://zone-vin.com/From Tuesday to Thursday : 10am – 12.15pm and 3pm - 7pmFriday and Saturday : 10am – 12.15pm and 3pm – 7.30pmWines from the region and all over France, spirits, beers and other local produce.

V and B 340 Rue Paul Henry Mouton ZAE FERRAUDIERETél: +33 (0)4 68 72 36 10 https://magasin.vandb.fr/766405-v-and-b-carcassonneFrom Tuesday to Friday : 10am – 1.00pm and 2.30pm - 8pmSaturday : 10am – 8pmSelection of wines from France and abroad, beers, whiskies and spirits.

Le Verre d’Un 2 Rue de Verdun Tél: +33 (0)4 68 71 43 99 www.leverredun.comFrom Tuesday to Friday : 9.30am – 12.30pm and 3.30pm - 7pmSelection of wines from the Languedoc and from the shop’s owners, the Anne de Joyeuse winery (Limoux)

La Passion du Vin 35 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt Tél: +33 (0)4 68 25 89 54 www.passiondu20.com/From Tuesday to Saturday : 9.30am – 12.30pmand 3.30pm - 7pmLocal wines

Etablissements Cabanel 72 Allée d’IénaTél: +33 (0)4 68 25 02 58 From Tuesday to Saturday : 8am - 7pmArtisanal liquorist

La Ferme55 Rue de Verdun Tél: +33 (0)4 68 25 02 15 https://www.laferme-carcassonne.fr/From Tuesday to Saturday : 8am – 12.30pmand 3pm – 7.30pmLocal wines, champagnes, whiskies, local produce, de-licatessen.

La Cave de Dame Carcas69 Rue de Verdun Tél: +33 (0)9 53 67 74 78 Monday : 2.30pm – 7.30pmFrom Tuesday to Saturday : 9.30am – 12.30pm and 3pm – 7.30pmMore than 300 different wines from all over France, spi-rits, champagnes, blanquette sparkling wines, aperitifs, liqueurs, customised gift boxes.

Le Cellier des Quatre-Chemins43 Avenue Bunau VarillaTél: +33 (0)6 18 93 01 10 From Tuesday to Saturday : 9.am – 12.30pm and 3.pm – 7.30pmLarge selection of regional wines, with some ‘first growths’ and champagnes.

Chez Julien 100 Chemin de MaquensTél: +33 (0)4 68 26 34 32http://www.chez-julien-carcassonne.fr/Monday : 2.30pm – 7.30pmFrom Tuesday to Saturday : 9.30am – 7.30pmDelicatessen and wine merchant

Vins et Vinos38 Rue BarbèsTél: +33 (0)4 68 10 97 04 From Tuesday to Saturday : 10am – 6pmMonday and Sunday by reservationhttps://www.vinsvinos.com/Wines from the local area and all over France

La Fille du Midi76 Rue Trivalle11000 CarcassonneTél: +33 (0)4 68 72 47 [email protected]://www.facebook.com/lafilledumidi1Wines and local produce


Wine domains

VIN DE PAYS CITÉ CARCASSONNE

DOMAINE DE SERRES - Herminis (1 km) 11000 CARCASSONNE - Tél : +33 (0)6 80 45 27 78 Daily from 9am to 8pmwww.tallavignes.fr

VIGNOBLES SARRAIL - L’estagnère - (4 km) 11570 CAZILHAC - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 78 01 42From Monday to Friday : 9am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 6;30pm. From mid-May to September : Saturday from 10am to 1pm and from 3pm to 7pmwww.vignobles-sarrail.fr

DOMAINE DE SAUTES - (4,5 km) 11000 CARCASSONNE - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 78 77 98Closed on Monday and Sunday. From Tuesday to Thursday : 12pm to 3pm. Friday : 12pm -3pm and 6pm – 12am and Saturday from 6pm to 12pmwww.domainedesautes.fr

DOMAINE SAINT MARTIN - (10 km) 11250 LEUC - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 79 82 77 Wednesday and Sunday, from 10am to 12.30pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thurs-day, Friday, Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm and from 3pm to 6pmwww.domaine-saintmartin.fr

DOMAINE DE SAINTE MARIE DES PINS - (10 km) 11250 VERZEILLE - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 69 48 24All year long : in the afternoon or by reservationwww.domaine-sainte-marie.com

DOMAINE PLÔ ROUCARELS - (9,3 km) 11250 COUFFOULENS - Tél : +33 (0)6 63 21 82 70 / +33 (0)6 61 77 51 35Daily from 8am to 8pmhttp://plo-roucarels.com

LES VIGNOBLES DE CARSAC - (7,8 km) 11570 CAVANAC - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 79 61 18Monday from 2pm to 7pm. From Tuesday to Saturday : 10am-12pm and 2pm-7pm. Closed on Sunday.www.carsac.fr

CABARDÈS

Château JOUCLARY - (9,2 km) 11600 CONQUES - SUR - ORBIEL - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 77 10 02From Monday to Saturday : 11am – 7pm. Closed on Sundaywww.chateau-jouclary.com

DOMAINE DE CABROL - (12,5 km) 11600 ARAGON - Tél : +33 (0)6 81 14 00 26From 15th June to 31st October from Monday to Friday 3pm – 6pm. The rest of the year : from 11am to 1pmdomainedecabrol.fr

DOMAINE CAZABAN - (9,5 km) 11600 VILLEGAILHNEC - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 72 11 63www.domainedecazaban.com

CHÂTEAU SALITIS - (9,2 km) 11600 CONQUES - SUR - ORBIEL - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 77 16 10From Monday to Friday : 8am – 12pm and 1pm to 5.30pm.Closed on Saturday and Sunday ( except by reservation)www.domaine-soleil-couchant.com

DOMAINE GUILHEM BARRE - (9,5 km) 11610 VENTENAC - CABARDES - Tél : +33 ()06 32 38 72 55All year long by reservationhttp://domaineguilhembarre.over-blog.com

CHÂTEAU DE PENNAUTIER - (5,8 km) 11610 PENNAUTIER - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 72 65 29From Monday to Thursday : 10am to 7pm.Friday and Saturday : 10am-10pm. Closed on Sunday.www.lorgeril.wine

DOMAINE O’VINEYARDS - (7,6 km) 11620 VILLEMOUSTAUSSOU - Tél : +33 (0)6 30 18 99 10Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 11am to 2pm and 5pmto 9pm. Sunday from 11am to 2pmhttp://ovineyards.com

CHÂTEAU AUZIAS - (5,8 km) 11610 PENNAUTIER - Tél : +33(0)4 68 47 28 28 Daily from 9am to 12pmwww.auzias.fr

CHÂTEAU LE BOUCHAT ALAUX - (5,8 km) 11610 PENNAUTIER - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 47 30 03Daily from 9am-12pm and 2pm-6pmwww.bouchat-alaux.fr

DOMAINE PARAZOLS - BERTROU 11600 BAGNOLES (11,3 km) / CONQUES SUR ORBIEL (9 km)Tél : 04 68 77 06 46 / 06 07 49 15 14Monday to Friday from 8am-12pm and 2pm to 5pm.By reservation on Saturday and Sunday.www.domaine-parazols.com

DOMAINE LA MIJANE - (7,6 km) 11620 VILLEMOUSTAUSSOU - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 10 99 71Monday to Friday from 9am-12pm and 2pm to 5pm.Closed on Saturday and Sundaywww.lamijane.com

CHÂTEAU LA VENTAILLOLE - (9,5 km) 11610 VENTENAC - CABARDÈS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 24 92 74Monday to Saturday from 10am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7pm.Closed on Sunday.www.domaine-ventaillole.fr

CHÂTEAU CAUX ET SAUZENS - (9,7 km) 11170 CAUX ET SAUZENS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 97 39Monday to Saturday from 10am to 12pm and from 3pm to 8pm.Closed on Sunday.www.chateaudecaux.com

CHÂTEAU SESQUIÈRES - (16,7 km) 11170 ALZONNE - Tél : +33 (0)6 08 45 96 83Daily from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7pm.www.château-sesquieres.fr

MALEPÈRE

CHÂTEAU DE COINTES - (10,8 km) 11290 ROULLENS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 81 05In season daily. Off season by reservation.www.chateaudecointes.com

DOMAINE DE LA SAPINIERE 11090 CARCASSONNE - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 71 59 98 / +33 (0)6 64 27 03 32From 1st April to 30th September from Monday to Saturdayor by reservation.www.domainedelasapiniere.com

CHÂTEAU BELVEZE - (30 km) 11240 BELVEZE - DU - RAZESTél : +33 (0)6 81 18 09 51/ +33 (0)4 68 69 13 94Monday to Friday from 10am-7pm. Saturday and Sundayfrom 10am to 6pmhttp://chateaubelveze.blogspot.com

DOMAINE LA LOUVIÈRE - (26 km) 11300 MALVIÈS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 20 71 55 / +33 (0)6 07 64 06 01Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. Closed on Sunday.www.domaine-la-louviere.com

CHÂTEAU GUILHEM - (26 km) 1300 MALVIÈS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 31 14 41 / +33 (0)6 83 88 98 23Monday to Friday from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6pm. Closed on Saturday and Sunday out of season. Open on Saturday in season.www.chateauguilhem.com

DOMAINE ROSE ET PAUL - (13,2 km) 11290 ARZENS - Tél : +33 (0)6 03 92 91 11/ +33 (0)4 68 76 33 96Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 7pm. Closed on Sunday.www.rose-paul.fr

CAVES MALPÈRE - (13,2 km) 11290 ARZENS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 76 71 76Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pmwww.cavelamalpere.com


Wine domains

LIMOUX

CAVES ANNE DE JOYEUSES - (25,3 km) 11300 LIMOUX - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 74 79 40Monday from 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm. From Tuesday to Satur-day : from 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm. Closed on Sunday.www.annedejoyeuses.fr

BULLES ET LUMIÈRES - MAISON GUINOT - (25,3 km) 11300 LIMOUX - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 31 01 33/+33 (0)6 09 79 83 33Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm.Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 6pmwww.bullesetlumieres.fr

DOMAINE RIVES BLANQUES - (18,2 km) 11300 CÉPIE - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 31 43 20www.rives-blanques.com

CAVES DE SIEUR D’ARQUES 11300 LIMOUX Tél : + 33 (0)4 68 74 63 45 Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm. Sundays and Public holidays : 10am to 12.30pmSummer period : 9.30am to 12;30pm and from 2pm to 7pmwww.sieurdarques.com

DOMAINE DE BARONARQUES 11300 SAINT POLYCARPE ( 25km) Tél : +33 (0)4 68 31 96 60Daily from 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 5pm. Summer period : 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 5.30pmwww.domaine-de-baronarques.com

CORBIÈRES

CHÂTEAU VIEUX MOULIN - (29 km) 11700 MONTBRUN DES ORBIÈRES - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 43 29 39 Daily from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm.www.vieuxmoulin.net

DOMAINE ROQUES SESTIÈRE - (8 km) 11200 LUC - SUR - ORBIEU - Tél : +33 (0)9 70 35 22 50Monday to Saturday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm.Closed on Sunday.www.roques-sestiere.com

DOMAINE SERRES - MAZARD - (54 km) 11200 TALAIRAN - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 44 02 22 / +33 (0)6 85 83 47 83Daily from 9am to 6pmwww.serres-mazard.com

CHÂTEAU VIEUX PARC - (31,4 km) 11200 CONILHAC -CORBIÈRES - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 27 47 44From 1st April to 30th June : daily from 9am to 12pm and from 1.30pm to 7pmFrom 1st July to 31th August : daily from 9am to 7pmFrom 1st to 30th September : daily from 9am to 12pm and from 1.30pm to 7pmFrom 1st to 31st December : Monday to Saturday : from 9am to 12pm. Sunday : from 9am to 12pmwww.chateau-vieuxparc.com

CAVES CASTELMAURE - (70 km) 11360 EMBRES - SUR - CASTELMAURE - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 45 91 83 Daily from 10am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pmwww.castelmaure.com

CHÂTEAU ETANG DES COLOMBES - (43,5 km) 11200 CRUSCADES - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 27 00 03/ +33 (0)6 18 03 03 43 Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Sunday : from 9.30am to 5pmwww.etangdescolombes.com

DOMAINE LA LAUZE MONZE - (13,9 km) 11800 MONZETél : +33 (0)4 68 78 73 11/ +33 (0)6 71 23 42 94Tuesday to Sunday : from 11am to 8pm. Closed on Monday.www.lalause.com

PRIEURE SAINTE MARIE D’ALBAS - (26,6 km) 11700 MOUXTél : +33 (0)4 68 75 48 24 / +33 (0)4 68 49 61 54 / +33 (0)6 98 83 47 36www.saintmariedalbas.com

CHÂTEAU LE BOUÏS 11430 GRUISSAN ( 73 km) - Tél : + 33 (0)4 68 75 25 25daily from June to September : 10am-1pm and 3pm-7.30pmwww.chateaulebuis.com

MINERVOIS

CHÂTEAU DU DONJON - (11,3 km) 11600 BAGNOLES - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 77 18 33Monday to Friday from 9am tto 12pm and from 2pm to 7pm.Closed on Saturday and Sunday.www.chateau-du-donjon.fr

CHÂTEAU GUERY - (32,2 km) 11700 AZILLE - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 91 44 34All year longwww.chateau-guery.com

CHÂTEAU D’ARGÈRES - (18,1 km) 11800 LAURE - MINERVOIS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 78 27 73All year longwww.chateaudargeres.fr

CHÂTEAU LAGRAVE - (15,5 km) 11800 BADENS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 79 16 00Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm.Closed on Saturday and Sunday except by reservation.www.chateau-la-grave.net

DOMAINE DES HOMS - (26,7 km) 11160 RIEUX - MINERVOIS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 78 10 51Daily from 9am to 12.30pm and from 3pm to 7.30pm.www.domainedeshoms.com

CELLIER LAURAN CABARET - (17,6 km) 11160 VILLENEUVE - MINERVOIS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 16 02Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7pm.Closed on Saturday and Sunday.www.lauran-cabaret.com

CHÂTEAU RAYMOND JULIEN - (15,5 km) 11800 BADENS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 79 12 30www.leminervois.com

CHÂTEAU BORIE NEUVE - (15,5 km) 11800 BADENS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 79 28 62Daily from 10am to 12.30pm and from 3.30pm to 6pm.www.chateauborieneuve.com

CHÂTEAU SAINT JACQUES D’ALBAS - (18,1 km) 11800 LAURE - MINERVOIS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 78 24 82Monday to Friday from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5pm.Closed on Saturday and Sunday.http://chateausaintjacques.com

CHÂTEAU VILLERAMBERT JULIEN - (21,5 km)11160 CAUNES - MINERVOIS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 78 00 01www.villerambert-julien.com

DOMAINE BENAZETH - (17,6 km) 11160 VILLENEUVE - MINERVOIS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 57 56 May and June : daily from 2pm to 5.30pmJuly and August : Monday to Friday from 10am to 6.30pm,Saturday and Sunday from 1.30pm to 6pmwww.moulin-benazeth.fr

DOMAINE DE LA TOUR BOISÉE - (18,1 km) 11800 LAURE -MINERVOIS - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 78 10 04www.domainelatoourboisee.com

DOMAINE PUJOL - IZARD - (22,5 km)11800 SAINT - FRICHOUX - Tél : +33 (0)4 68 78 15 30www.pujol-izard.com


Carcassonne: Highlights of the year

Carcassonne Festival – 1st to 31st JulyIn just 13 years, the Carcassonne Festival has grown to become one of France’s 10 largest - the benchmark cultural event for the entire south of France. A unique festival which runs throughout the month of July, offering nearly 100 shows, more than 60 of which are completely free (the OFF), on 7 stages, with performances that range from OPERA to theatre, dance to classic music, with a multitude of concerts performed by national and international artists.Ticket office in the Cultural Centre (Pôle culturel)Tel : 04 68 115 915www.festivaldecarcassonne.fr

L’embrasement de la Cité de Carcassonneevery 14th of July from 10:30pmSetting alight The Medieval City is lit up for more than 25 minutes by what is considered to be one of France’s most beautiful firework displays. A unique and grand spectacle!

Feria de Carcassonne - 3rd weekend Of August4 days of festivities when the town moves to a Spanish rhythm, with free concerts and traditional Spanish street food. A festive, family atmosphere, where people of all ages can enjoy the sounds of Latin music along with French popular favourites, accompanied by Sevillana dancing and street entertainment (bandas).

Wine Festival – 3rd week of OctoberDiscover and taste the best wines from the local area while enjoying regional culinary specialties, in a festive and friendly environment at the heart of the Bastide Saint-Louis... Around thirty winemakers serve their wares at stands stands on Place Carnot from 6pm to 1am: a real moment of sharing and celebration, animated each evening by bandas, DJs and music groups.

The Magic of ChristmasBeginning of December until beginning of JanuaryAn entire month of magic... Carcassonne lights up and puts on its winter coat, from the Bastide Saint-Louis to the Medieval Cité, to offer you the most beautiful family Christmas: Ice World, Father Christmas’s Village, thrilling attractions, street entertainment, magic lights and decorations, Christmas market, a Ferris wheel, carousel ... and a multitude of shows for young visitors.

Medieval JoustingBeginning of July to end of AugustAt the foot of the walls and the towers, horsemen will ride their galloping horses into combat where no quarter is given, all set to the sound of clashing swords.

Full calendar of events upon request from the Tourist Office.Please consult our web site atwww.tourisme-carcassonne.fr


Carcassonne guarantees you a rich and varied trip!Carcassonne and the sur-rounding area benefit from an exceptional geographical location, offering an enor-mous diversity of landscapes and bountiful riches a stone’s throw from the city:

• A stunning, wonderfully preserved natural environ-ment, between sea and mountain, vineyard and forest, lake and gorge ...

• A rich historical & cultural heritage, marked by the traces of Catharism


Vertiginous Citadelles

From Carcassonne, head towards Cucugnan via Lagrasse and Villerouge-Termenes. (74.1 km, 1hour 40 mins).

Continue through Lagrasse (view of the abbey from the bridge) towards Villerouge-Termenès (view of the castle from the road) then carry on towards Davejean, Maison et Padern.

Rounding a bend, you will find Cucugnan, legendary village of «The Priest of Cucugnan» by Alphonse Daudet.Park in front of the Tourist Office and walk up into the village.This picturesque village invites you to take a stroll through its narrow streets: its pretty stone houses, its craftsmen’s workshops, its mill and its church - which houses an ama-zing statue of the pregnant Virgin - all make this a charming place to visit. You can access the «Masters of my Mill» wind-mill through a small alley.Admire its proud form with sails spread imposingly. A faith-ful witness to the miller’s trade, this mill has been in ope-ration since 2003. Head for the Achille Mir theatre, where you can see two shows, each lasting 30 minutes: «The keys of Quéribus,» filmed by drone and «The Sermon of the Priest of Cucugnan,» by Alphonse Daudet.

At lunch time, you can either take a picnic (tables in front of the Tourist Office) or enjoy a meal in the village.Set off to discover Quéribus Castle, 3.7km from Cucugnan .Contemplate this silent fortress from the road.Perched on a narrow rocky peak at an altitude of 728m, it overlooks the Corbières and Fenouillède hills and the plain of the Roussillon. Access the castle from the ticket office via a pathway (a fairly gentle 15-minute walk).Take the time to admire the panoramic view over the village of Cucugnan and the whole valley.

Rejoin the road towards Peyrepertuse Castle : Castle that dates from the 13th Century crusade against the Albigensians, it was one of the fortresses built by Saint Louis to protect the southern border of the kingdom of France. This huge fortress is equal in size to that of the City of Carcassonne. Thanks to the quality of its constructions, Peyrepertuse is the most remarkable example of military architecture from the Middle Ages. At 800m above sea level, in the heart of a natural wilderness, this edifice overlooks the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse.

Set off towards the Gorges of Galamus via Cubières-sur-Cinoble. Make a stop in Galamus to photograph these magnificent gorges, dug through by the River Agly. The gorges stretch over more than 2 km, straddling the counties of Aude and Pyrénées Orientales. These beautiful gorges are more than 500m deep, dug through by the river Agly on its way to the Mediterranean. An exceptional site! The river runs some 100 metres beneath the road. Canyoning and hiking available.

Saint Antoine de Galamus’s Hermitage: The chapel of the Hermitage is perched 376 metres above sea level in the gorges, clinging to the rock face. Unbelievable! A small path allows access to the Hermitage.From the gorges, continue along the D14 until you reach Bugarach.

From relatively cool but desert-like valleys, you can admire the different faces of the Bugarach Peak, a mountain that dominates Corbières from its peak at an altitude of 1231m.Continue towards Limoux (33.3km, 44 mins), passing through Rennes-les-Bains, a spa town located at 310m above sea level.

In Limoux, you can stop to enjoy a glass of local blanquette sparkling wine before returning to Carcassonne.

Achille Mir TheatreAudiovisual shows: «The keys of Quéribus» and «The ser-mon of Cucugnan’s priest» by Alphonse DaudetOpening hours: January: 1pm-4pm November, December and February: 1pm- 5.30pmMarch: 2pm-6pm April: 2pm-7pm May, June and September: 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-7.30pmJuly and August: 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-7.30pmSingle price: 1 show: 3.50€ 2 shows: 5€Tel: +33 (0)4 68 45 03 69 - www.cucugnan.fr

Quéribus CastleSelf-guided tour: 1 hour Audio-guided tours in English, French and Spanish: 1 hour 30 minsOpening hours: January and March:10am-5pmNovember, December and February: 10am-5.30pmApril: 10am-6pm May, June and September: 9.30am-7pmJuly and August: 9am-9pm October: 10am-6.30pm

Prices : Adults: 9€ Children (6-15 years): 6€ Students: 8€An exciting visit in high winds, but prohibited in stormy weather.Dogs must be kept on a leash.Be sure to bring appropriate footwear.Inaccessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs. Group ticket for Quéribus Castle and show:Adults: Entry to the castle + 1 show: 7€Entry to the castle + 2 shows: 9€Entry to the castle + 1 shows: 4€Entry to the castle + 2 shows: 6€

DAY TOUR


Peyrepertuse CastleFrom the ticket office, follow the steep and stony path that leads to the castle entrance (20 mins walk).Opening hours: January and December: 10am – 4.30pmFebruary and November : 10am – 5pmMarch, October : 10am - 6pmApril, May, June, September : 9am – 7pmJuly and August : 9am – 8pmPrices: Adults: 7€ Children (6-12 years): 4 € Under 6 years: freeTel : +33 (0)4 30 37 00 77 or +33 (0)6 71 58 63 36 [email protected] visit 20 minutes before closing.Bring walking shoes and drinking water.Dogs kept on a leash are welcome.The castle is inaccessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs.People with reduced mobility: an access ramp has been

provided and 1 parking space is located next to the recep-tion area.An interactive model is available in the shop, to provide a better understanding of the architecture and history of the monument.

The gorges of Galamusand Galamus’s HermitageThe gorges are narrow and it is impossible to cross them by car.Park at the entrance to the gorges. If you wish, you can walk to the hermitage, which is 2 km from the car park.To walk down to the hermitage from the road, take the small pathway (30 mins walk).

Les PyrénéesGR36

GR36

LIMOUX

D3

D3

D104

GR36

Mouthoumet

Saint Polycarpe

Couiza

Quillan

Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet

Padern

GR78

Alet-les-Bains

Ladern/Lauquet

Verzeille

Davejean

Maisons

Cubières-sur-Cinoble

Villerouge-Termenès

Limoux

Espéraza

Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse

Rennes-le-Château

Bugarach

Cucugnan

A 61

A 61

D6113

D6113

D610

D123

D40

D70

D129

D118

D118

D118

D14

D212

D623

D119

D620 D613D23

D212

D39

D410

D14ÉCHELLE : 10 km

N

S

O E

D14

D14

D613

D6113

D613

D410

D212

D613

D139D613

D40

D40

D613D613

GR36

D3

D110

D104

D620

D10

Le Canal du Mid

i L’Aude

L’Au

de

L’Agly

Les Gorges de Galamus

Le Pic de Bugarach1230 m

La Blanquette de Limoux

Le Carnaval

Le Musée de la ChapellerieLe Musée des Dinosaures

Le Château de Peyrepertuse

L’Abbaye

Termes Le Château

Arques Le Donjon

Ses mystères...

Le Village médiévalLe Château

Le Col du Paradis

Saint-Hilaire Le Village, l’abbaye,

la Blanquette de Limoux


Le Château de Quéribus

CORBIÈRES

FITOU

DE LA CIT ÉVINS

Lagrasse

Trèbes


CARCASSONNE

LimouxThe famous Blanquette de Limoux, a sparkling white wine that can be tasted in many cellars open to the pu-blic. Also don’t miss the red and white still wines from these vineyards, which are equally interesting!Carnival: Limoux continues its tradi-tion of hosting the world’s longest-run-ning Carnival, from January to March.The «Fecos» and «Goudils» (people in masks), accompanied by traditional music from Limoux, dance from one café to the next beneath the medieval arcades of the Place de la République, engulfing you in a giant swirl of colour, festivities and musical performance

Peyrepertuse Castle

Vertiginous Citadelles DAY TOUR


The Corbières Massif : from Castles to Abbeys

As you leave Carcassonne, head towards Narbonne along the RN D610 road, then as you approach Trèbes turn right towards Lagrasse via Fontiès d’Aude.Lagrasse : At the height of summer, visitors are invited to park outside the town centre, on either of two paved terraces.Off season, you can leave your vehicle beneath the plane trees on the promenade.Stroll through the alleys of this charming village where various craftsmen have set up shop in the medieval dwellings.Enter the ramparts and stroll through the small alleys, passing through the Place des Halles, and follow the signs to the Abbey of Sainte Marie de l’Orbieu, architectural jewel of the medieval period.

At lunch time, you can either take a picnic or eat in the village.

Variant : After Lagrasse, join the D212 road towards Termes Castle, with its double walled enclosure and ruins that are classified as historical monuments.

Set off towards Villerouge-Termenès. Park before entering the village. Take the small path and stroll through the narrow streets and small plazas to discover the heritage of this little village in the higher reaches of Corbières. Visit the castle, where you can learn about the life of Guilhem Bélibaste, the last “Perfect” Cathar.

Leave Villerouge-Termenès and head towards Arques via Mouthoumet and the Paradise Pass.Arques is a charming village located on the D613 road, which traverses the Corbières Massif until it reaches Narbonne.The Castle: Everything that stands today was built in the 13th and 14th Centuries. Constructed in the form of a rectangular enclosure, in beautiful golden sandstone and once armed with deadly weapons, its curious angled turrets are mounted on hollowed-out bases. Its upper part is adorned with bossed stones.In the village, the house of Deodat Roché, expert in Catharism – perhaps even a Cathar convert himself! – houses an exhibition on heresy.Continue on your journey towards Carcassonne via Saint Polycarpe and Saint Hilaire. Option to take a break at Saint Hilaire to visit the Abbey: Ancient fortified Benedictine abbey which houses the famous Sarcophagus of Saint Sernin, sculpted by the Master of Cabestany. You will find a Gothic cloister leading to a Romanesque church, a monastic dwelling with French ceiling, the monks’ refectory and a 14th Century pulpit.

LagrasseLa place des halles : Charming square with a small indoor market dating from the fourteenth century, with a beautiful timber-framed roof supported by ten stone pillars.The square is adorned with medieval dwellings, some with half-timbered façades.The Abbey of Sainte Marie de l’Orbieu :Former Benedictine abbey renowned for its elegance and refinement. Classified as a historic monument, its buildings date from the pre-Roman period to the 17th century, bearing witness to its history.1st of November to 16th of December: 10am – 5pm.1st of April to 15th of June and from 17th of September From 16th of June to 16th of September: 10am – 7pmPrices: adults: 5€ / with Passport: 4€Children (6-15 years): 2.50€People with reduced mobility, students, unemployed: 3€Tel : +33 (0)4 68 43 15 99 - www.abbayedelagrasse.com

Villerouge-Termenès - CastleGuided audio tour entitled «The world of Guilhem Bélibaste, the Last Perfect Cathar» explains Catharism, the power the archbishopric of Narbonne and the daily life of the Baylie of Villerouge-Termenes in the 14th Century.Visit covers 3 floors and is available in 3 languages: French, English and Spanish.Opening hours: March: Every weekend 10am – 5pmFrom April to June and from 1st of September to 15th ofOctober: 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 6pm (non-stop on weekends)July and August: every day 10am – 7.30pmFrom 16th of October to mid-December: weekends and ho-lidays: 10am to 1pm, 2pm - 5pmAll Saints’ Day: 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pmLast visit 1 hour before closing.Prices: adults: 6€ Children (6-15 years): 2€Inter-site ticket: 5€Castle inaccessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs.Tel : +33 (0)4 68 70 09 11 - www.villerouge.fr

Termes - CastleMarch, November : 10am – 5pm weekends, bank holidays and holidays : everydayApril, May, June, September, October : 10am – 6pm everydayJuly, August : 10am – 7:30pmPrices: adults: 5€ With Passport :4€Children (6-15 years): 2€Young persons (16-25 years) : 4€Access only to the film and the permanent exhibition about the siege in 1210 : 2€

DAY TOUR


The Corbières Massif : from Castles to Abbeys

GR36

LIMOUX

D3

D3

D104

GR36

Mouthoumet

Saint Polycarpe

GR78

Alet-les-Bains

Ladern/Lauquet

Verzeille

Davejean

Frontiès-d’Aude

Variante

Termes

Villerouge-Termenès

Limoux

Arques

Saint-Hilaire

A 61

A 61

D6113

D6113

D610

D70

D54

D129

D118

D118

D212

D623

D119

D620 D613D23

D212

D39

ÉCHELLE : 10 km

N

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O E

D6113

D613

D212

D139

D40

D40

D613

D129

GR36

D3

D110

D104

D620

D613

D51

D104

D129

Le Canal du Mid

i

L’Aude

L’Aude

L’Abbaye Sainte Marie de l’Orbieu

Le Château

Le Donjon

Le Village médiévalLe Château

Le Col du Paradis

Le Village, l’abbaye,la Blanquette de Limoux


CORBIÈRES

DE LA CIT ÉVINS

Lagrasse

Trèbes


CARCASSONNE

Arques - Castle(12th-14th Century) built in the form of a rectangular enclosure surrounding a central square dungeon standing 24 metres high.From 17th of February to 2nd of March: every day 2pm - 5pmFrom 3rd to 31st of March: Saturdays and Sundays: 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pmFrom April to June: every day 10am – 1pm, 1.30pm – 6pmJuly, August and September: every day 10am – 1pm, 1.30pm – 7pmFrom 1st of October to 25th of November: every day 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pmClosed in January and DecemberPrices: adults: 6€ children: 3€ students: 5€Tel: +33 (0)4 68 69 82 87 - www.chateau-arques.fr

Saint Hilaire - Abbey From January to March, November and December: 10am – 5pmFrom April to June, September and October:

10am – 6pmJuly and August: 10am – 7pm. Last visit 30 mins before closing.Prices: adults: €5.50Children from 6 to 15 years: 2€, under 6 years: free.Students, people with disabilities and jobseekers: €4.50Tel: +33 (0)4 68 69 62 76 - www.saint-hilaire-aude.fr

Saint-Hilaire Abbey

DAY TOUR


La Montagne Noire : a wild and unspoiled natural environment

Leaving Carcassonne, head towards Lastours via Conques-sur Orbiel.Lastours: park at the entrance to the village and follow the signs for «visite des châteaux,» which lead to the reception area near the restaurant Le Puits du Trésor.Not to be missed! : The belvedere, which offers a panoramic view of the castles. Easy to access, it offers a visit from afar. (Access by car from the village centre.)

Move on from Lastours towards Mas Cabardès via Les Ilhes, along the D9. Enter Roquefère then turn left towards Cubserviès on the D8005 road and continue for 13 km.

You will arrive at Cubserviès. Park and take the time to admire the waterfall. This splendid waterfall alone justifies the trip! At 90m high, it is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.

Leave the village and head towards Pradelles-Cabardès and the Pic de Nore (superb view of the valley) along the D1009 road and continue for a few kilometres before turning left towards the hamlet of Lacombe.Drive through the hamlet to an intersection where you turn right onto the D112 road.(In Pradelles-Cabardès, you can take a break to visit the church of Saint Jean-Baptiste and the Romanesque tower)Around 6 kms from Pradelles-Cabardès is the Pic de Nore, the Montagne Noire’s highest point (altitude 1211m). Near the television transmitter, an orientation panel helps you to admire the magnificent panorama over the Valley of the Aude.

Return to Pradelles-Cabardès and head towards Villeneuve-Minervois along the D112 road. Drive through Cabrespine and at the end of the village continue for a few km then turn right towards The Giant Cavern of Cabrespine: an unmissable marvel of international heritage, the chasm is one of the 10 most beautiful caverns in Europe. (250m deep) Rejoin the D112 road towards Carcassonne via Villeneuve-Minervois (Look out for: the Occitania house of Truffles and the windmill - see Tour n ° 6) and Villegly.

The Castles of Lastours These 4 castles, perched on a rocky spur, proudly overlook the village; its dwellings spread out over the hills and along the shady banks of the

Orbiel. The castles of Cabaret, Tour Régine, Surdespine and Querthineux are built on the same bedrock; from the 11th Century until the Revolution, they guarded the Cabardès area, offering fierce resistance during the crusade against the Albigeois.

Visit: The hike lasts between 2 and 2 ½ hours.The first stretch of the trail is well laid out and includes some stairs. Then, stony dirt tracks allow access to the castles.Bring good shoes and a bottle of water in case of hot weather.

Access to the castles is not possible with a pushchair.Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Closed in JanuaryFebruary, March, November and December: (weekends and school holidays): 10am – 5pmApril, May, June and September: 10am - 6 pmJuly and August: 9am – 8pmOctober: 10am – 5pmPrices: Adults: 7€ Carca’Pass price: 6€Children (6 – 15) years: 3€ Under 6 years: free16-25 years, unemployed, disabled: 4€Family packages : 1 adult + 2 children : 11€2 adults + 2 children : 18€ (1.50€ per extra child) Tel: +33 (0)4 68 77 56 02 - www.chateauxdelastours.fr

The Giant Cavern of CabrespineFrom the 1st day of the holidays in February until 10th of December.February¸ March, November and from the 1st

to the 10th of December: self-guided interactive tour 2pm - 5pmFrom April to June, September and October: tours begin at 10.30am 11.30am 2.30pm 3.30pm 4.30pm 5.30pmJuly and August: tours begin at 10.15am 11am 11.45am 12.30pm 1.15pm 2pm. Afternoon tours begin approxima-tely every 30 mins (final tour 6pm)Adults: 10.90€ Children (5-12 years): 6.90€ Young persons (13-17 years) : 9.20€ Tel: +33 (0)4 68 26 14 22www.gouffre-de-cabrespine.com

The Giant Cavern of Cabrespine

DAY TOUR


Roquefère

Mas-Cabardès

D118

Le Pic de Nore1211 m

La Montagne

Noire

Le Gouffre Géant

Les cascades

Le Lac de Laprade

Basse

Les Grottesde Limousis

D101

D118

D1009

D9

D9

Villeneuve-MinervoisLa Maison de la Truffe

Le Moulin à ventD11

Conques-sur-Orbiel

Les Ilhes

Cubserviès

Pradelles-Cabardès

Cabrespine

Lastours

Villegly

A 61

ÉCHELLE : 10 km

N

S

O E

D6113

GR78

D135

D620

GR36

D101

D101

D201

D149

D8005

D1009

D87D37

D101

D620

D112

D112/D112AD8006

Le Canal du Midi

L’Aude

Trèbes

CARCASSONNE

Les 4 Châteaux

Lastours Castles

Cubserviès Fall

La Montagne Noire : a wild and unspoiled natural environmentDAY TOUR


Medieval atmosphere

As you leave Carcassonne, head towards Mirepoix via Bram and Fanjeaux, on the D33 road.Drive through Bram, village with concentric streets and continue on the D533 towards Fanjeaux, cradle of the Dominican Order, then carry on towards Cordelier and Bartas.

When you reach Mirepoix, park your car and head into the town centre - “the bastide.”, the typical Southwest bastide.The town was rebuilt in the characteristic grid pattern that typifies French bastide towns, following a flood in 1289. The main square has retained its original medieval form.You can admire its fifteenth century arcades and beautiful half-timbered houses perched above wooden galleries.Not to be missed: the Monday morning market. Colourful with a friendly atmosphere!

Continue en route towards Lavelanet along the D625 road, and then follow the D109 for a few kilometres before joining the D9 to Montségur.

Montségur is a small village famous for its castle, built at 1216 metres above sea level on a rocky spur called «The Pog». It is one of the most symbolic sites from the 13th Century history of the Cathars (205 Cathars were burned there). Amid a wild and perfectly preserved natural environment, this is a famous castle with a rich and moving history.

Take the D9 to Belesta and follow the D117 towards Puivert : Lord’s residence (with a 35-metre dungeon and 6 towers) which dominates the plain of Puivert-Nébias. The castle was well-renowned in the 12th century for its “court of love,” animated by troubadours.In season, you can also take a dip in the lake.(The replica of a natural lake that emptied suddenly and without warning in the 13th century)

Continue en route towards Chalabre by following the D16 road via Villefort.

Chalabre Castle : The story tells of the great respect that the de Bruyères family had for the Cathars, as evidenced by the people of Chalabre’s defence of the castle against revolutionaries. The dungeon has never been destroyed and rebuilt further afield (as was often the case with other castles in Cathar Country), so this is an original dungeon from the Cathar period. Since 2001, the members of the volunteers association of Chalabre Castle have applied their skills to help with the castle’s renovation, its maintenance and the realisation of many tourist projects. Interactive Medieval Park for the whole family : Activities and entertainment.

Rejoin the route towards Carcassonne via Limoux on the D620 road.

FanjeauxFrom an altitude of 360 metres, this village of Roman origin is built on a rocky promontory, dominating the Lauragais plain.Heritage: parish church, the house of St. Dominic, the former convent of the Friars Preachers, the monastery of Prouilhe, the 18th century indoor market, the seigandou, the 13th Century discoid cross.Info: inter-municipal tourist office Trap Lauragais Malepère www.collinescathares.com

MirepoixTourist office31 Place Maréchal LeclercTel : +33 (0)5 61 68 83 76www.tourisme-mirepoix.com

Montségur - CastleSelf-guided visit or visit with tour guide on set days and hours from May to September.Opening times: Every day February: 11am – 4pm (closed in adverse weather conditions)March: 10am – 5pm April: 10am – 6pm May and June: 9am – 6pm (guided tours for no extra charge on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 2pm and 3pm)July and August: 9am – 6pm (guided tours for no extra charge daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 4.30pm)September: 10am – 6pm (guided tours for no extra charge on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm and 3pm)October: 10am – 6pm November: 11am – 4pmDecember: 11am – 4pm (closed in adverse weather conditions)Prices : adults : 6.50€ (July and August) /5.50€ (low season)Children (8-15 years): 3.50€ (July and August) /3€ (low season) – Free for children under 8 years.Tel : +33(0)5 61 01 06 94 - www.montsegur.fr

Puivert - CastleAccess is via a narrow, steep roadFrom 2nd of January to 30th of April: every day 10am - 5pmFrom 1st of May to 15th of November: every day 9am – 7pmFrom 16th of November to 15th of December: every day 10am – 5pmPrices: adults: €5, children (under 12) €3Tel: +33 (0)4 68 20 81 52 www.chateau-de-puivert.com

The village of Puivert also houses the Quercorb Museum, dedicated to the daily life of this region in times past.

DAY TOUR


Quercorb MuseumSights and sounds retrace daily life in Quercorb to the beginning of the 20th century. The Instrumentarium, bathed in a musical atmosphere, presents 9 musical instruments from the Middle Ages, reconstructed based on the sculptures made by the musicians of Puivert Castle.Opening times: From 1st of April to 13th of July: Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 6pm. Open Tuesdays 1st and 8th of MayFrom 14th July to 26th August: every day 10am -7pmFrom 27th August to 16th September: Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 6pm.Prices: adults: 4.10€; adults with Passport : 3.10€ ; Children (6 - 15 years): 1.70€Tel: +33 (0)4 68 69 81 51 www.museequercorb.com

Chalabre - CastleOpen during the spring school holidays (school zone

C - Toulouse and Montpellier), Ascension weekend and during the summer school holidays (closed on Saturdays in July and August) 12pm – 6.30pmWorkshops and exhibitions – free entry: Calligraphy, heraldry, Master Builders, weapons hall, medieval storytelling workshop, games from yesteryear...Entertainment – from 1.15pm without reservation:Archery 12pm – 5.30pmParticipatory Fairytale 1.15 pm – 1.45 pmThe forge 1.50pm – 2.30pmThe castle’s history 3pm – 3.30pmMedieval dances 5.30pm - 6pmChivalry show 5.30pm - 6pmLow season: Children (4-11 years): 12€Adults (over 12 years): 14.50€High season: Children (4-11 years): 13€Adults (over 12 years): 15.50€Tel: +33 (0)4 68 69 37 85 - www.chateau-chalabre.com

Les Pyrénées

LIMOUX D104

GR78

Alet-les-Bains

Voie des Piémonts

Chalabre

Puivert

Autoroute des Deux Mers

Montréal

Bram

Fanjeaux

Villelongue d’Aude

Mirepoix

GR78

Le Château

D119

D117

D626

D44

D625

D7

D16

D620D109

Le ChâteauLe lac

Le Château, Le Musée du Quercorb

Lavelanet

Bélesta

Villefort

Montségur

D33D533

D4

D9

D109

D9

D9

D16

Limoux

Saint-Hilaire

A 61

A 61

D6113

D118

D118D623

D119

D620

ÉCHELLE : 10 km

N

S

O E

D6113

D104

D620

Le Canal du Midi

L’Au

de

La Blanquette de LimouxLe Carnaval

Le Village, l’abbaye,la Blanquette de Limoux

MALEPÈRE DE LA CIT ÉVINS

Trèbes

CARCASSONNE

Medieval atmosphereDAY TOUR


Heritage, Flavours & Nature

Upon leaving Carcassonne, head towards Narbonne, capital of the Narbonesis province of ancient Gaul via the D6130 road or the highway A61.Fine collections reveal a part of this heritage. Mediterranean city, important centre of wine production, you will love the vibrant buzz on market days!Connected to the Canal de la Robine, near the sea, Narbonne is a great place to take a stroll.Park your car and discover the famous Halles – Narbonne’s indoor market. This large Baltard-style metal pavilion is home to nearly 70 food traders.An exceptional market that recently celebrated its centenary.Les Halles, a colourful place that will charm you with the quality and diversity of its products (many places to get a bite to eat).

Leave Narbonne and head towards Fontfroide on the D613 road.

Fontfroide Abbey is a wonderfully restored Cistercian abbey in the heart of Corbières. This peaceful monument is nestled at the bottom of a valley, planted with cypress trees and surrounded by a terraced garden with flower-bedecked courtyards. A truly enchanting place! Founded in the eleventh century, at first Benedictine then affiliated to the order of Citeaux in 1145. Fontfroide was an active bastion of orthodoxy during the crusade against the Albigensians. From the 15th Century, the abbey suffered a long period of decline. Religious life was reborn in Fontfroide at the end of the 19th century and the restoration of the Abbey began in 1908.

Miraculously preserved, it still has its church, its cloister, its 12th century chapter house and the lay brothers’ quarters.

Leave Fontfroide and head towards Ribaute.Follow signs to Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, Lagrasse on the D613 road.You will traverse the grand Corbières Massif.As you arrive at Lagrasse, admire the magnificent Abbey of Sainte-Marie on your left.Enter Lagrasse and take the D212 on your left, continuing to Ribaute ,a little corner of paradise. Follow the narrow streets through the porch that leads to the banks of the River Orbieu. You will find yourself on a terrace which overlooks the river, the bridge and the Alaric Mountain. The view is magnificent! Cross the bridge and walk down to the river’s edge, where many people come to bathe in summer. ( Supervised swimming in July and August, everyday from 3pm to 7pm)

Leave Ribaute and return to Lagrasse along the D212, continuing to Carcassonne (make a stop, if you wish, to discover the charming medieval village of Lagrasse (see Tour n° 2)

NarbonneTourist office31 rue Jean-JaurèsTel: +33 (0)4 68 65 15 60 www.narbonne-tourisme.comLes halles (indoor market):Every day, including public holidays, 7am – 2pm.Association of artisans and merchants of Narbonne’s HallesBoulevard docteur Ferroul Tel: +33 (0)4 68 32 63 99 or +33(0)6 12 86 86 56 www.narbonne.halles.fr

Fontfroide AbbeyEvery day

From January to March: 10am – 12pm, 1pm – 5pmFrom April to June: 10am – 6pm

July and August: 9.30am - 7pm September and October: from 10amFrom 1st of November to 24th of December and from 26th of December to 31st of December: 10am – 12.30pm, 13.30pm to 5pmClosed on 1st of January and 25th of December The entry ticket includes the visit of the abbey & its gardens.Visit with tablet + headphones with an application that includes audio, photos and videos (1 ½ - 2 hours)Visit with flyer in FR, ENG, SP, GER, IT (1 ¼ - 1 ½ hours)Adults: 11.50€ Children (7-18 years): 7€ Family Package (2 adults + 2/3 children): 30€ + 4€ each per additional childStudents (under 25 years) and persons of reduced mobility, with supporting ID: 8€ Guided tour : 1 ¼ - 1 ½ hours From January to March and December: 11am and 3pmFrom April to June and from September to November: 11am and 3pmJuly and August: 11am – 12pm – 2pm- 3pm- 4pmAdults: 13.50€ children (7-18 years): 9€Family Package (2 adults + 2/3 children): 38 € + 4 € per additional childStudents (under 25 years) and persons of reduced mobility, with supporting ID: 10 €Dogs are not allowed in the abbey or gardens; a kennel is at made available for them free of charge.Tel: +33 (0)4 68 45 11 08www.fontfroide.com

DAY TOUR


A 61

A 61

D6113

D610

D613D23

D212ÉCHELLE : 10 km

N

S

O E

D6113

D212

GR36

D110

D104

D620

D3

D3

GR36D3

D6113

Le Canal du Mid

i L’Aude

L’Abbaye Sainte Marie de l’Orbieu


CORBIÈRES

Lagrasse

Trèbes

RibauteSa rivière

CARCASSONNE

Lézignan-Corbières

Portel-des-Corbières

Fontfroide

A 9

Fabrezan

Fontjoncouse

Montséret

Le Palais des Archevêques

Narbonne

D613

D611

D611

D106

D423

L’Au

de

L’Abbaye

La Réserve Africaine de Sigean

DE LA CITÉVINS

Les Plages de l’Aude Narbonne Plage

GruissanPort la NouvelleLeucate Plage...

D611

D611

Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse

D613

Le SomailLe port

Pradelles-en-Val

Fontfroide Abbey

Ribaute Narbonne - ©Ville de Narbonne

Heritage, Flavours & NatureDAY TOUR


Discovering Minervois

As you leave Carcassonne, head towards Villeneuve-Minervois on the D620 road.Villeneuve-Minervois: Ancient fortified village best-known as the site of prehistoric dolmen tombs, classified as historical monuments. Its windmill was completely restored in 2002 and still in operation: take a guided tour, led by the miller himself, to learn how the magnificent oak and chestnut timber mechanism works, and experience the transformation of wheat into flour.

Also an important centre of truffle farming, Villeneuve-Minervois’s museum offers a subterranean journey into the world of the “black diamond”, the production of which is estimated to be around 1.5 tons annually in the Aude. Fun and varied visit unearthing all of the Truffle’s mysteries: from the planting of trees to harvesting and selling the truffles; rounded off with a gastronomic twist.

Follow the route to Caunes-Minervois, an ancient fortified village from the Middle Ages with an incredibly rich heritage. The village can be explored via two routes marked with arrows. The marble sculptures in the village are an invitation to discover the quarries that have given Caunes-Minervois an international reputation for its crimson red marble. ( Petit Trianon, Vatican…) Some of these quarries are still in operation.Not to be missed: the Benedictine Abbey; its nave a rare jewel of early southern Romanesque art.

Rejoin the road towards Minerve, via Trausse Minervois and Siran.

Curiosity : the magical hill (an uphill climb... downhill, intriguing all who discover it). In the village of Siran, follow the route de la Cesse. Before Lauriol, turn right. Stop your car at the lower end of the fork towards Fournes and take a look...

Medieval City of Minerve renowned for the siege it suffered in 1210 as part of the merciless crusade against the Cathars. The Medieval City appears as you round the final bend in this small serpentine road, surrounded by stunning natural scenery and perched on a rocky spur overlooking the gorges of Cesse and Brian rivers, in which the water has carved amazing natural bridges. Stroll through the medieval streets, or visit the Museum of Archaeology and Palaeontology and the Hurepel Museum.

Return to Carcassonne via Puichéric: a village built around its castle and surrounded by water. Canoeing and Paddling on the Aude, either on your own or supervised. Walk around Marseillette’s drained salt water lake (Étang) and discover the surprising sculptures at the Needle Lock.

Villeneuve - MinervoisBénazeth Windmill: During a 45-minute guided tour you will discover how the mill works and how flour is made.

Flour is produced as visitors watch and is on sale at the mill, with a choice of natural local produce as well as wines from Domaine Bénazeth.A CD explains how the mill was built (25 minutes)April and September: 2pm – 5pm every day.May and June: 2pm – 5.30pm every day.July and August: Weekdays 10am – 6.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 1.30pm – 6pm (final visit).Entry to the mill + 45-min guided tour + video of the mill’s reconstruction: Adults: 9€ Children 0 - 6 years: free Children 6 - 15 years: 6 EurosTel: +33 (0)4 68 26 57 56 - www.moulin-benazeth.fr

The Occitania House of Truffles: Interactive tour spread over 300 m2 of ground, exploring the world of truffles: tree planting, harvesting; the sale of and cooking with the famous “black diamond.” A film also allows visitors to witness a demonstration of digging for truffles (searching with a dog or a pig).January, February, March, November, December:10am-12pm * 2pm -6pm – Closed on Sundays.April, May, June, September, October: 10am-12pm * 2pm-7pm – Closed on Sundays and Tuesday afternoons.July & August: 10am-1pm * 2pm-7pmPrices: Adults: 5€ Carca’Pass rate: 6€ Children (10-18 years): 3€ Students: 5€ Family: 4€Tel: +33 (0)4 68 72 35 47 www.maisondelatruffedoccitanie.com

Minerve

DAY TOUR


Caunes-Minervois - The abbeyFebruary, March, November, December:10am-12pm * 2pm-5pm April, May, October: 10am-12pm * 2pm-6pm

June, September: 10am - 6pmJuly, August: 10am – 7pmClosed from the 24th to the 26th and the 30th and 31st of December; and throughout January.Final admission 1 hour before closing.Guided tours in July and August: 11am / 3pm / 4.30pmPrices: Adults: 6€ Carca’Pass rate: 5€ Children (6-16 years), Students: 2.50€ Tel: +33 (0)4 68 78 09 44 www.caunes-minervois.org

MinerveMuseum of Archaeology and PalaeontologyFossils, remains of dinosaurs, exhibition, model...From 3rd of March to 4th of November every day: 10am - 1pm, 2pm – 6pm. Adults: 3€ Children under 10 years: 1.50€ Tel: +33 (0)4 68 91 22 92Hurepel MuseumThe museum tells the tragic epic tale of the Occitan Cathars in the form of dioramas (dramatisation with original figurines). From 1st of April to 31st of October every day: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 6pmPrices: Adults: 3.50€ Children: 2.50€ Tel: +33 (0)4 68 91 12 26

PuichéricEaurizon Outdoor activity centre: canoeing, stand up, paddle ...activities last from 1 ½ hours to a full day,

depending on the route followed.Prices for 1- 5 people: Equipment hire at the water’s edge: 12€ – 1 ½ - 6 hour route: from 19€ to 32€ - supervised: 35€ per ½ day, 47€ per full dayTel: +33 (0)4 68 49 99 82 – www.eaurizon.eu

Canoë, kayak, paddle

Église romane

Blomac

Villeneuve-Minervois Caunes-Minervois

MinerveD182

D52

La Maison de la Truffe Le Moulin à vent

La Cité Médiévale

L’Abbaye Les Carrières de marbre

D177

D10

D112D111

D115

D10/E1

TrausseCesseras

Siran

D168

D10

A 61

D6113

D610

ÉCHELLE : 10 km

N

S

O E

D6113

GR36

D135

D3

D11 D610

D5

D65

D620

D620

Le Canal du Mid

i L’Aude

MINERVOIS

Trèbes

Pouzols-Minervois

Homps

MarseilletteÉtang asséché

CARCASSONNE


L’Au

de

DE LA CITÉVINS

Puicheric

Rieux-Minervois

D910

LastoursLes 4 Châteaux

D907

D907

D20

Discovering MinervoisDAY TOUR


On the book trail

Head towards Montolieu via Pezens on the D6113 road and Moussoulens along the D629.

Montolieu was an important industrial centre until the beginning of the 19th century thanks to the royal factory founded by Colbert in the 18th Cen-tury.Leave your car behind and take a stroll through this charming stone-built village in the Cabardès hills. You will discover a village dedicated to the world of books, animated by about fifteen bookshops and graphic arts craftsmen (bookbinder, copyist, calligrapher, engraver).

The Cérès Franco Cooperative Collection is a centre of art and culture devoted to the works of Cérès Franco. Every year, a number of ex-hibition curators team up to choose a selection of works to display.

Variant : In the south of the village, along the D64, you can go to the old Cistercian Abbey of Villelongue with finely carved capitals. At the river’s edge, isolated at the far end of a moor in the «Long Valley,” the 12th Centu-ry Cistercian Abbey of Villelongue is hidden among centuries-old trees. A site of the utmost historical and archi-tectural interest.

Rejoin the route on the D164 towards Saissac.

SaissacThe village is perched on a high ridge overlooking the Carcassès plain.A belvedere on the D103 road offers a panoramic view over the Carcassonne plain, the Lauragais area and the Pyre-nees. Make your way through the steep alleys that descend towards the church, below which a road leads to the castle.

The Castle: The least well-known of the Cathar castles, Saissac is nonethe-less the oldest and one of the largest! Carbon-14 analysis of a fragment of charcoal found in the masonry of the dungeon dated its construction to ap-proximately 900 AD. The ruins of this castle give an idea of the power once wielded by the local lords, vassals of the Trencavels, lords of Carcassonne. It houses the interpretation of the legend

of the Treasure, and historical refe-rences to the history of the currency.Head towards the Bassin du Lampy along the D324.Nestled in the heart of a vast forest, the Bassin du Lampy combines nature, recreation and human ingenuity. This lake, built in the late 18th Century, is part of the man-made supply network for the Canal du Midi.

Return to Saissac and take the D103 road towards Brousse-et-Villaret. Discover the paper mill and immerse yourself in the world of handmade paper, in the only surviving paper mill of the 10 that worked in the vil-lage 150 years ago.

Leave the village and head towards Aragon along the D203.Standing proudly on a rocky outcrop, this village never fails to charm vi-sitors with its picturesque narrow streets.Park below the village. Climb through the narrow streets to the higher reaches of the village and discover the

castle’s 16th Century façade, the 14th Century church, a collection of discoid stelae and the dry stone construction museum.

Make your way back to Carcassonne along the D935 y D203 via Pennautier. Consider making a final stop at the Château de Pennautier cellars (reser-vation essential) for a wine tasting, at the heart of the Cabardès wine appel-lation. This 17th Century château has belonged to the de Lorgeril family for the past 10 generations.

Roquefère

Mas-Cabardès

La Montagne

NoireLe Lac

de Laprade Basse

CABARDÈS

Pezens

Aragon

Lastours

Montolieu

Brousse-et-Villaret

Saissac

Le Village du Livre

Le Moulin à papier

L’Abbaye de Villelongue

Le Bassin de Lampy

Le Château

Pennautier

A 61

ÉCHELLE : 10 km

N

S

O E

D6113

GR78

GR36

D101

D203

D6113

D935

GR78

D118

D629

D64

D164

D4

D324

D6113

D6113

D38

D33

D119

D629

D103

Variante

Le Canal du Midi

L’AudeCARCASSONNE

Les 4 Châteaux

Villelongue Abbey

DAY TOUR


MontolieuMuseum of Book Arts and Crafts:

Exciting journey through the history of writing. Discovery of the birth of writing, the venture of printing, tools and techniques of the bookbinder and the engraver...From 1st of January to 31st of March: Monday to Sunday 2pm - 5pmFrom 1st of April to 11th of November: Monday to Friday 10am – 12pm, 2pm – 6pm; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 3pm – 6pm.From 12th of November to 31st of March: Monday to Friday 2pm – 5pm; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 3pm – 5pmClosed on 25th of December and 1st of January Prices: all visitors: self-guided visit 3€ / guided tour 5€39, rue de la Mairie 11170 MontolieuTél : +33 (0)4 68 24 80 04

The Cérès Franco Collection :This year, the cooperative offers a narrative exhibition based around the theme of the quest, entitled «In Search of the Holy Grail»,

From 31st of March to 4th of November 2018, every day except Mondays 2pm – 7pm. Exceptional opening on bank holiday Mondays.Prices: Adults: €7 Under-16s and jobseekers: €45, route d’Alzonne 11170 MontolieuTel : +33 (0)4 68 76 12 54 http://www.collectionceresfranco.com/[email protected]

Villelongue AbbeyFrom 1st of April to 30th of June and from 1st of September to All Saints’ Day: every day ex-cept Fridays and Saturdays: 10am – 12pm, 2pm

– 6.30pm. Final visit 30 minutes before closing.From 1st of July to 31st of August: every day 10am – 12pm, 2pm – 7pm.(closes at 4 pm on Saturdays – final visit 30 minutes before closing)Closed for the remainder of the year.Prices: adults: 6€ children: 1€ (6 -16 years)Free for children under 6 years oldTél : +33 (0)4 68 24 90 38www.abbaye-de-villelongue.com

Saissac - CastleClosed throughout January. From April to June and September: 10am – 6pmOctober: 10am – 5pmFebruary, March, November and December:

10am – 5pm (weekends and school holidays)July and August: 9am – 8pmPrices: Adults: €5 children 6 - 15 years: €3 children under 6 years: free.Tél : +33 (0)4 68 24 40 22www.saissac.fr

Bassin du lampy The Bassin du Lampy is a man-made lake built by the en-gineer Garipuy 643 metres above sea level over the bed of the Lampy river, between 1777 and 1782. Its design flows from the need for additional water caused by the develop-ment of the Junction canal connecting the Canal du Midi with the Canal de la Robine.The vast forest that surrounds the Bassin is criss-crossed by many paths, including the GR7 route and service lanes which follow the river banks to the Rigole de la Montagne. Take a bucolic walk around the lake; go fishing or take a swim: swimming is allowed and supervised in July and Au-gust from 3pm to 7pm.

The paper millat Brousse-et-Villaret

Guided tours on the history of paper and its ma-nufacture, old machines and hydraulic motors.

Demonstration of papermaking by hand. Guided tours sche-dule: From 2nd of January to 30th of June and from 1st of October to 31st of December: Monday to Friday 11am and 3.30 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 11am, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm and 5.30pm.Final tour of the day at 4.30pm in December, January and February.From 1st of July to 31st of August: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pmFrom 1st to 30th of September: 11am, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm and 5.30pmSchool holidays (all French zones): 11am, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm and 5.30pm.Final tour of the day at 4.30pm in December, January and February.Prices: Adults €7.50 Children (5-12 years): €4Children (under 5 years): free.Tél : +33 (0)4 68 26 67 43 - www.moulinapapier.com

Château de PennautierDomaine de LorgerilThe château’s wine cellar and shop. With 6 family estates in the Mediterranean

region, Maison Lorgeril (owners of Château de Pennautier) offers more than 30 wines in its shop, with tastings for the public.Visit the wine ageing cellar, stacked high with oak barrels, with an educational tour to understand how the wines are made, by reservation.Tasting available at any time (except during restaurant service).Visit of the castle : Wednesday and Saturday in July and August at 11am ( Min 8 persons) : 9€ /pers. By appointment all year round.Tél. +33 (0)4 68 72 65 29www.lorgeril.wine / www.chateaudepennautier.com

On the book trailDAY TOUR


Following in the footsteps of Riquet and the Canal du Midi

As you leave Carcassonne, head towards Marseillette via Trèbes.

On leaving Marseillette, take the D157 road. Go through Blomac then rejoin the D610 towards Puichéric.Between the villages de Marseillette and Puichéric (the Needle Lock), the Canal du Midi runs alongside Marseillette’s drained salt water lake : In the Tertiary Period, all of this area was covered by the sea. When its levels dropped, the receding sea left salt water lakes behind it. The one at Marseillette must have been vast, since it would still exist today had it not been deliberately drained. The lake is fed by irrigation canals that give it a distinctive complexion. In the 19th Century, the lake was best known for the production of rice. Today, it is mainly planted with vines and fruit trees, although, little by little, rice is once again gaining ground.

Walk around Marseillette’s drained salt water lake (Étang) and discover the surprising sculptures at the Needle Lock.

Take the D111 as you enter Puichéric, towards Rieux-Minervois. The road crosses the Needle Lock.Rieux-Minervois: wine village in the heart of the Minervois vineyards. Consider visiting the village’s 12th Century Romanesque church that is distinguished by its circular choir.Get onto the D11 road and then the D610 towards Homps.

Homps: a village that flourished in the 18th Century when the Canal was built: it became an important commercial port for the wines of Languedoc and is large enough to allow barges to turn around.

Leave Homps on the D65 and then immediately turn right onto the D124 towards Argens-Minervois before you get to the bridge over the Canal (road that follows the towpath. An aqueduct was built upstream of the Pechlaurier lock in 1689. It is possible to walk beneath the arches)

Argens-Minervois : beautiful village typical of the Minervois, fanning out from its 14th Century castle which overlooks the Canal du Midi.

Take the D124 towards Ventenac-en-Minervois. Take a break at Ventenac Château, then head for le Somail via Ginestas.Le Somail: One of the Canal’s prettiest ports! This port enjoyed great prosperity almost from the moment it was built. Today it is one of the most pleasant stops on the Canal du Midi; its chapel, its attractive stone bridge, the lock keeper’s house and the lively bustle that surrounds it have inspired the works of many artists.This charming flower-bedecked village is a great place to take a break! You will discover an excellent bookshop, a veritable Ali Baba’s cave of books (at least 50 000 works are to be found on its shelves!) and a floating grocery store (Dutch houseboat moored along the Canal).

Leave Somail and head towards Bize-Minervois via Cabezac along the D607 and D26 roads. On your right as

you leave Cabezac, you will find the Oulibo olive-producing cooperative. offering a free informative walk in an olive grove and visit of the mill.

Return to Carcassonne via Pouzols-Minervois and Homps.

PuichéricThe church and castle (where Pierre-Paul Riquet stayed du-ring the construction of the Canal du Midi) are located in the higher reaches of the village.The church: Listed in the French Supplementary Historical Monuments List; the paintings in the choir are its jewels.Visit: by appointment. Contact the Mayor’s officeon +33 (0)4 68 27 89 89.

Jouarres Lake (Homps)Enjoy a moment of tranquillity in this natural setting, with its beach and shady pine forest, near the Port Minervois (Homps) on the banks of the Canal du Midi. Grass and pe-bble beach. Supervised swimming in July and August.Barbecue, picnic area, hiking trails around the lake and water activities.

Ventenac-en-MinervoisDiscover the Château with its wine cellars, complete with shop and tasting room, and the “Winemakers’ Loft” mu-seum; as well as the first bridge built on the Canal du Midi, by Pierre Paul RIQUET in 1676.In 1938 the winemakers of Ventenac banded together to form a cooperative, settling in the exceptional «Gothic cel-lar» that was added to the ancestral castle in 1880. The Château is the village’s iconic structure, built above the peaceful waters of the Canal du Midi.From 1st of April to 31st of October: every day, including Sundays and public holidays 10am - 12.30pm, 2.30pm - 7pm.From 1st of November to 31st of December: Monday to Sa-turday 10am - 12.30pm, 2.30pm - 7pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.From 1st of January to 31st of March: Monday to Saturday 10am – 12pm, 4pm – 7pm

DAY TOUR


Le SomailLe Trouve tout du livre (antique bookshop)From 1st of April to 15th of November: 10am – 12pm, 2.30pm – 6.30pmFrom 1st of December to 31st of March: closed morningsClosed from the 15th to the 30th of November, Christmas and New Year’s Day.Closed Tuesdays except in July and August28, Allée de la Glacière 11120 LE SOMAILTél : +33 (0)4 68 46 21 64http://[email protected]

Tamata, the Grocer’s Barge 24 metre-long Dutch barge, built in 1927. Useful for small daily shops; also sells regional specialties, small gifts and interesting surprises. Open every day 7.30am – 7.30pm from April to October.Bateau Tamata - Allée de la glacièreTél : +33 (0)4 68 46 95 11

L’Oulibo The area’s only olive-producing cooperative farm. By reviving the culture of olive growing, it became an economic motor for the entire county, supplying world-famous chefs like Alain Ducasse.Guided tours (1 ½ hours): July and August: 11am; 3pm; 4pm; 5pm; 6pmJune and September: 11am; 3pm; 4pm; 5pmOff season: 10.30am; 2.30pm; 4pmJanuary and February by reservation only.Prices: Adults: 6€ Children: 4€Family package (2 adults + 1,2 or 3 children from 6 to 15 years old): 16€Family package (1 adult + 1,2 or 3 children from 6 to 15 years old): 14€Info and reservations: +33 (0)468 41 95 84http://www.odyssea.eu

Blomac

Bizes-Minervois

A 61

A 61D6113

D610

ÉCHELLE : 10 km

N

S

O ED6113

GR36

D620

D3

D6113

D11

D11

D55

D111 D610

D5

D65D926

D124

D5

D124

D26

D5

D26

D26

D607

D26

Le Canal du Mid

i L’Aude


MINERVOIS

Trèbes

Cabezac

Argens-Minervois

Pouzols-Minervois

Homps

Marseillette

Ventenac-en-Minervois

Ginestas

CARCASSONNE


D611

L’Au

de

DE LA CITÉVINS

Le port

Puicheric

Rieux-Minervois

Le Somail

D910

D607

D607

Étang asséché

Canoë, kayak, paddle

Église romane

Le Somail L’Oulibo

Following in the footsteps of Riquet and the Canal du Midi DAY TOUR

FRANCECarcassonne

Barcelone (3h/300 km)

MerMéditérrannée

OCCITANIE

Albi (1h30/170km)

Toulouse(1h/90km)

Montpellier( 1h30/150km)

Carcassonne

Worl Heritage

Carcassonne

Municipal Tourist OfficeClassified Category I

carcassonne 2018 - 2019ja.tourisme-carcassonne.fr/files/ot-carcassonne/files/brochures/pdf/... ·...

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