Cathar Castles
Depending on your definition of ‘Cathar castles’ you might claim anything from the five ‘sons of Carcassonne’ to the 17 or so ancient castles that lie in the ‘Pays Cathar’ (Cathar lands). The castle at Carcassonne itself is probably the best-known of the region, but there are many others worth seeing. Puivert Our closest castle…
Conspiracies
Just 10km or a little under 20 minutes from here, perched on a hilltop near Couiza, is the village of Rennes-le-Chateau. This little village of less than a hundred people has become the centre of many conspiracy theories, speculation and fiction of the last century or so. Books include The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail…
Wine tasting
Explore the wonderful wines produced in the area here around Quillan, in the southern Languedoc. Languedoc is one of France’s longest-established wine-producing regions, probably because of its Mediterranean location. Wine has been produced here for thousands of years. Greeks started colonies here as early as 6 BC and began cultivating vines. Apparently, the Roman historian, Titus…
Les bains
One of the things the Languedoc region has been known for is its spa towns, with settlements and towns building up around the natural springs with their healing minerals. There are many hot springs, created by geological activity under the Pyrénées heating the underground water. Alet-les-Bains The nearest of these is Alet-les-Bains, 20 minutes away….
