the mag
Transcription
the mag
AUDE Cathar country MAGAZINE 2014 CROSSROADS BETWEEN CIVILISATIONS Destination history THE TERROIR SUBLIMATED Vineyards and delicacies A LAND OF ART AND MEMORIES Popular know-how and traditions BEYOND THE SEA An exceptional coastline Magazine AUDE CATHAR COUNTRY 2014 NESTLING IN THE LUSH GREENERY A thousand activities in unspoilt natural surroundings editorial SUPPLÉMENT DIFFUSÉ SUR UNE PARTIE DU HORS-SÉRIE “CATHARES” DE PYRÉNÉES MAGAZINE, 2014 PYRÉNÉES MAGAZINE ET CAHIERS DU PATRIMOINE sont édités par MILAN PRESSE SAS, société par actions simplifiées, 300, rue Léon-Joulin, 31100 Toulouse. Président et directeur de la publication : BAYARD PRESSE, représenté par Georges SANEROT. RÉDACTION Site Internet : www.pyreneesmagazine.com. E-mail : [email protected] Tél. : 05 61 76 64 64. Fax : 05 61 76 63 04. Directeur délégué : Éric de KERMEL. Comité éditorial : Louis AUDOUBERT, Francis DURANTHON, Vincent FONTVIEILLE, Isaure GRATACOS, Jean-François SOULET, Gérard LARGIER. Rédactrice en chef de Pyrénées magazine : Florence GARÈS, [email protected] Rédactrice en chef de ce supplément, premier secrétaire de rédaction : Natacha SCHEIDHAUER Maquette : Christine NEBLE, Corinne DENIEL (versions étrangères) Ont participé à ce numéro : Pascal ALQUIER, Isabelle MIARD, Vincent POUSSON, Axel PUIG, Marie-Hélène SERVANTIE. Pour la Belgique, éditeur responsable : Laurence FESTRAETS, Bayard Presse Bénélux, rue de la Fusée, 50 Bte 10, 1130 Bruxelles, Belgique. Tél. : 02/702 45 37. Fax : 02/702 45 35. Service abonnements, tél. : 087 30 87 87, fax : 087 30 87 88, e-mail : [email protected] Pour la Suisse, éditeur responsable : Dynapresse Marketing SA, 38, avenue Vibert, CH-1227 Carouge. Tél. : 022 308 08 08. Fax : 022 308 08 59. E-mail : [email protected] Service des ventes au numéro et réassorts pour diffuseurs de presse : 0 800 22 86 22 (n° vert). SERVICES ADMINISTRATIFS ET COMMERCIAUX Ventes au numéro : Philippe ORILLAC, Marion GÉLIS. PUBLICITÉ Publicité nationale : Bayard Publicité : 18, rue Barbès, 92 128 Montrouge Cedex. Tél. : 01 74 31 48 05. Directrice de publicité : Valérie GOURHANT. Tél. : 01 74 31 62 84. valé[email protected] Publicité locale et régionale : Tél. : 05 61 76 64 64. Fax : 05 61 76 63 90. Directrice de clientèle : Martine COUTURE. Tél. : 05 58 98 00 96. [email protected] Directeur de publicité : Thierry MERCIER. Tél. : 05 61 76 65 84. [email protected] Suivi technique et remise des éléments : Ghislaine DAMARDJI. Tél. : 05 61 76 63 93. FABRICATION Vincent TIXIER, Marine ANQUETIN. Photogravure : Quat’Coul, Toulouse. Impression : Imprimerie Vincent, 37010 TOURS CEDEX, France. © 2014 Éditions Milan et les auteurs. Dépôt légal à parution. Numéro de commission paritaire : 1113 K 83852. Les manuscrits non sollicités par la rédaction et non insérés ne sont pas rendus et ne peuvent être considérés comme acceptés par la rédaction. ISSN 1252-2783. Tous droits de reproduction réservés sauf autorisation préalable. Supplément gratuit. Ne peut être vendu. AGENCE DE DÉVELOPPEMENT TOURISTIQUE DE L’AUDE Allée Raymond-Courrière - 11855 CARCASSONNE CEDEX 9 Tél. : 00 33 (0)4 68 11 66 00 - Fax : 00 33 (0)4 68 11 66 01 [email protected] www.audetourisme.com www.lesentiercathare.com AUDE THE CATHAR COUNTRY AN INVITATION TO TRAVEL… Shaped by the elements and the hand of Man from time immemorial Aude, the Cathar Country brings together the multiple facets of singular worlds in one geographical place. The wooded slopes of the Montagne Noire, in Cabardès and Minervois, overlook the golden hills of Lauragais, gently sloping down to fill out the plains of Narbonne on the horizon as they disappear into the sea. The original minerality of the Upper Aude Valley confronts that totally Mediterranean one of the cliffs of Cap Leucate. When, here and there, the proud silhouettes of the Cathar Country castles symbolise this land’s ceaselessly reasserted spirit of resistance. From its diversity, this mosaic of characterful lands with the strength of great countries forms one harmonious whole. You just have to contemplate the vast expanses of perfectly aligned vines that are the subject of every attention from men and women passionate about their terroir. You just have to stroll along beside the immaculately white salt pans of Gruissan and the lagoons of Bages-Sigean or Ayrolles where the fishermen continue to fish in their traditional way. These landscapes, at the crossroads between East and West, sparkle with the natural tints of the sea, sky and soil. Those same skies that bathed the Celts, Romans and Visigoths with their light, and long after them the Cathars too. Mottled with the greens of the olive, oak and fig trees, golden with the hues of the wheat and maize, sprinkled with thyme, rosemary and lavender, they create a fantastic mosaic, an unparalleled concentrate of humanity. Steeped in history, traditions and an art of living intimately entwined with nature Aude, the Cathar Country extends its invitation to travel, there where everything is possible… CRÉDIT PHOTO SERVICE ABONNÉS ET LECTEURS : Pour tout renseignement : 0 825 80 50 50 (0,15 € la minute). Pour s’abonner par Internet : www.pyreneesmagazine.com Pour s’abonner par fax : 05 61 76 65 67. Toutes les photos sont de Paul Palau sauf : Ph. Benoist : couverture Cahier du Patrimoine (bm), couverture Aude Pays Cathare (bd), p. 10(h), p. 13(h et b), p. 17(hd), p. 18(h), p. 22(h et b), pp. 29-30, p. 34(b), p. 35(d), p. 36(h et bd), p. 37(h), p. 45(m et d), p. 51 ; D. Chauvet/Milan : p. 10(b) ; S. Bonnet : p. 23(g) ; Les Grands Buffets : p. 31(b) ; Chambre des Métiers et de l’Artisanat de l’Aude : p. 35(m) et p. 37(g, bd et m) ; P. Teisseire-Dufour/Milan : p.39(g) ; Thermes de Rennes-Les-Bains : P. 44(h) ; OTI du Haut-Minervois : p.47(h) ; Logis de l’Aude : p.47(b) ; Le Grand Narbonne : p. 48 ; Les cabanes dans les Bois : p. 49(h) ; Domaine de Lespinet : p. 49(b).Toutes les cartes sont de H. Fuggetta. Aude, the Cathar country 3 CONTENTS p. 6 Aude, the Cathar Country, the south and its history Romanity, Mediaevality, Catharism… at the crossroads of peoples, Aude has a richly endowed heritage. Pic de Nore (1 210 m) La Pomarède Vers Toulouse Mas-Cabardès Saissac Seuil de Naurouze D 611 3 D 103 Castelnaudary D6 du M idi 11 Aragon Cabardès Alzonne 3 18 21 Cana l Montolieu Abbaye de Villelongue D1 Plan d’eau de La Ganguise Cabrespine Limousis CaunesMinervois Lastours biel L’Or 1 Sallessur-l’Hers SaintPapoul m A6 Les Ilhes Conquessur-Orbiel 23 D6 25 D6 Carcassonne Fanjeaux Ho Puichéric Trèbes 22 D 102 Peyriac-Minervois D6 Minervois Bram Belpech 20 Plan d Joua m Montréal Capendu 24 23 Malepère D3 Cavanac 8 D 11 D 623 de Au L’ Saint-Hilaire m Limoux Lagrasse Limoux D 620 Alet-les-bains D 613 Rennesles-Bains D1 Pech de Bugarach (1 230 m) D 613 Espezel Lapradelle Belcaire Roquefeuil Axat Grotte de l’Aguzou T Bugarach Quillan Aude, the Cathar country Mouthoumet 18 Puivert 4 Ville Ter rbièèr Arques Espéraza Couiza Vers Ax-les-Thermes Termes L’O rbi e Chalabre u te va de Le Dourmidou (1 843 m) Pic de Madrès (2 469 m) Puilaurens Peyrepertuse Cucugnan Quéribus D 117 Maury Saint-Paulde-Fenouillet O p. 14 p. 24 p. 38 Beyond the sea The vineyard with a thousand faces When nature is simply sensational p. 20 p. 32 p. 45 On the Castelnaudary cassoulet route A land of arts and memories Discovery Guide Family or sports stays, a contemplative stopover, seaside resorts or coastal lagoons, on the Aude coast the choice is yours. Complex and varied, the wines of Languedoc will enthral the enlightened amateur. Taste this jewel of Occitan cuisine and go out to meet passionate producers and growers. Ancestral traditions and knowhow, find out all about the rich local culture. On the programme, a broad range of activities in the heart of an unspoilt environment. Special attractions, the best addresses… All you need to make a success of your stay. Port de la Robine Plan d’eau de Jouarres Ouveillan is Le Somail Ginestas Homps ArgensMinervois Cuxac-d’Aude Sallèlesd’AudeC D 6113 ana D6 Narbonne Coursan Abbaye de Fontfroide 13 11 erre La B Corbières 37 Quatourze Fleury d’Aude Saint-Pierre-la-mer Narbonne-Plage Gruissan-Plage LÉGENDE / LEGEND m 39 Port-la-Nouvelle Sigean Fontjoncouse La Clape Gruissan Étang de Bages et de Sigean A9 D6 D6 38 m Robine de La La nn en Méditerra rr A9 Les Cabanes de Fleury l 07 LézignanCorbières Boutenac Vers Béziers et Montpellier m VillerougeTermenès La Palme La Franqui D 61 1 s DurbanCorbières Treilles 40 A9 Tuchan Leucate m Fitou Aguilar Port-Leucate s Vers Perpignan et l’Espagne N 0 O E S 5 10 Km Étang de Leucate ou de Salses Abbaye,édifice religieux Abbey, religious building Vins A.O.P de l’Aude Aude AOP wines Château Castle Plus Beaux Villages de France Most beautiful villages in France Site majeur du Pays Cathare Major Cathar country sites Port et halte de plaisance Port and leisure stopping place Patrimoine mondial World Heritage Site Office de tourisme Tourist office Musée de France French National Museum Train touristique Tourist train Grotte Cave Gare Railway station Golf Golf course Aéroport Airport Station balnéaire Seaside resort Péage Toll Station thermale Spa resort 37 Réseau Ferré de France Railway line Sport d’eau vive Whitewater sports Chef-lieu de canton Canton administrative centre Activités nautiques Water sports Commune/Hameau Village/hamlet Sites VTT-FFC Mountain bike-cycling sites Sentier Cathare Cathar Trail AUDE THE CATHAR COUNT The south has its own history -AJORÀCHAPTERSÀOFÀHISTORYÀHAVEÀLE˴ÀÀTHEIRÀMARKÀONÀTHEÀLANDSCAPESÀANDÀTOWNSÀ OFÀ!UDEÀ.ARBONNEÀTHEÀ˰ÀRSTÀCOLONYÀFOUNDEDÀOUTSIDEÀ2OMEÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ BUILTÀBYÀTHEÀ6ISIGOTHSÀANDÀTHENÀBYÀTHEÀ4RENCAVELÀDYNASTYÀASÀWELLÀASÀTHEÀ NUMEROUSÀABBEYSÀANDÀTOWERINGÀCITADELSÀBEARINGÀWITNESSÀTOÀTHEÀEXPANSIONÀ OFÀ#ATHARISMÀFROMÀTHEÀHEIGHTSÀOFÀTHEÀ-ONTAGNEÀ.OIREÀTOÀTHEÀFOOTHILLSÀOFÀTHEÀ 0YRENEESÀ.OTÀTOÀMENTIONÀTHEÀ#ANALÀDUÀ-IDIÀAÀ0HARAONICÀENTERPRISEÀLEDÀ BYÀ0IERRE0AULÀ2IQUETÀTOÀLINKÀTHEÀ!TLANTICÀTOÀTHEÀ-EDITERRANEANÀ3OÀMANYÀ JEWELSÀTOÀBEÀDISCOVEREDÀINÀCHOICEÀSURROUNDINGS 6 Aude, the Cathar country NTRY CARCASSONNE,. THEÀIDEALÀMEDIAEVALÀFORTI˰EDÀTOWN $RI˴INGÀALONGÀTHEÀ CANAL DU MIDI. NARBONNE,. 2,500 years of history Drifting along the CANAL DU MIDI L inking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean by waterway was something that could only be dreamt of until Pierre-Paul Riquet made that dream come true. In the 17th century – where so many engineers had failed – he, the salt-tax collector and science enthusiast, found the solution for joining the two seas. The tantrums of the river that gives the département its name are a handicap for ensuring a regular flow of traffic? Well we’ll do without it, by digging a canal! Impossible to feed this engineering feat when there isn’t a river close enough to the Naurouze watershed, the highest point along the grandiose corridor of plains running between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central? Well, we’ll draw water off from the streams cascading down the slopes of the Montagne Noire and take it to where it’s needed! The works began in 1667 with the laying of the first stone of the Saint-Ferréol dam, a gigantic reservoir whose 64 hectares made it the largest artificial lake in those days. DOWN TO THE MEDITERREAN Completed in 1681, the Canal du Midi is now a listed World Heritage Site. It allows everyone who cruises along it to make the most of the exceptional beauty of the scenery, while admiring the technical sophistication of its engineering works, such as the locks taking you to Castelnaudary. There are twelve of them downstream of this major stopping place (including the quadruple Saint-Roch lock), one after the other taking you to Bram, while everywhere there are bridges, aqueducts (Tréboul, Rebenty, etc.) and spillways (Foucaud). And there you are in Carcassonne harbour, just beside the Bastide S-Louis (lower town). You should stop off here – it’s a must – before continuing to Trèbes along the section of 8 Aude, the Cathar country the canal that required the greatest inventiveness and daring so devilish was the route that had to be tamed. In Puichéric, you’ll discover l’Aiguille, no doubt the most unusual lock with its contemporary sculptures! After Homps, rises up the Répudre canal-bridge, the oldest in Europe. And then in the distance, the branch to the Canal de Jonction, dug in 1787 to connect Riquet’s masterpiece to the Canal de la Robine, another World Heritage Site. The latter takes you into Narbonne, slipping under the Marchands Bridge – one of the last in France that has kept its mediaeval buildings – before going into the town, and then snaking its way between the lakes and lagoons to arrive at Port-la-Nouvelle where it comes out into the Mediterranean. Q Top, Herminis lock in Carcassonne ; above, Tréboul lock, near Castelnaudaryy ; opposite, 4HEÀ-ERCHANTSÀ"RIDGE in Narbonne. Aude, the Cathar country 9 NARBONNE 2,500 years of history I n Narbonne, you just have to dig your garden, or do up your cellar to see 2,500 years of history rise to the surface. The Roman Empire’s eldest daughter, Narbo Martius was the first Roman colony to be founded outside Italy, in 118 BC. Today, if you go down the flight of steps that take you down under the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, you can contemplate a section of the Domitian Way – which used to link Cisalpine Gaul to Top, Saint-Just Cathedral; opposite, the Domitian Way, on THEÀRIGHTÀTHEÀFORTI˰ÀEDÀ TOWNÀOFÀ#ARCASSONNE. 10 Aude, the Cathar country the Roman Hispania – the only one still visible in the heart of a city in southern France. “Observatory and rampart for the Roman people,” according to Cicero, the capital of the Narbonne region also served as Julius Caesar’s rear base in his Gallic Wars. Witnesses of this glorious past: the Horreum, an immense and remarkably wellpreserved underground warehouse, and a multitude of remains gathered together in the lapidary museum and in the archaeology museum housed in the Archbishop’s Palace. Defended by a nearimpregnable keep crowned with bartizans, this impressive architectural ensemble served in its day as the model for the Papal Palace in Avignon. With the “City of Art and History” label, Narbonne tells anyone who takes the time to visit it the story of its cultural and historical influence down through the centuries. Q CARCASSONNE the ideal mediaeval fortified town I ts ramparts seem to have jumped straight out of a mediaeval fairy tale. With its succession of towers, whether round or square, its tangle of roofs and its two crenellated surrounding walls, the citadel fires the imagination and you can easily understand why it was listed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. The legend of Dame Carcas still floats up to the highest point of the castle built by the Viscounts of Trencavel in the 12th century. And there’s another legend, which is at the origin of the basilica of Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Celse – both martyrs in Nero’s times – combining Romanesque and Gothic architectures, and with exceptional stained-glass windows dating back to the end of the 13th century. These jewels of the upper town must not be allowed to overshadow the charms of the Bastide Saint-Louis walled town, laid out on the opposite banks of the river Aude in the 13th century. Its checkerboard street-plan, so typical of mediaeval towns, led to the development of a central crossroads, the current Place Carnot, where lively markets continue to be held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Q Two hundred years ago, Viollet-le-Duc This year in France, we are celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of this architect whose role was decisive in the preservation and embellishment of many mediaeval buildings! Narbonne and Carcassonne are deeply indebted to him: he transformed the former’s Archbishop’s Palace into its City Hall, and also worked on its Saint-Just Cathedral, then he saved the latter’s surrounding wall. In the framework of this bicentenary, an exhibition is being organised in the castle in Carcassonne. It will show original, previously never exhibited material, taken from the restoration worksites, plaster castings made by the architect, etc. Viollet-le-Duc, [trait pour trait], from 12 June to 21 September. Information at the castle. Phone: 0033 (0)4 68 11 70 70 - www.carcassonne.monuments-nationaux.fr Aude, the Cathar country 11 PRACTICAL GUIDE ARTISTESÀPLAYINGÀONÀTHEÀ&RINGEÀ &ORTY˰ÀVEÀDAYSÀOFÀFESTIVITIESÀ THATÀWILLÀBEGINÀWITHÀLes coquelicots des tranchées” (The Poppies of the Trenches), AÀPLAYÀPAYINGÀTRIBUTEÀTOÀ the Great War, in this year of commemorations. Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 59 15 www.festivaldecarcassonne.com FROMÀÀAMÀTOÀÀPMÀ Closed on 1st January, 1st May, 1st and 11th November and 25th December. Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 70 70 www.carcassonne. monuments-nationaux.fr ] &/,,/7 4(% '5)$% In Carcassonne, the national historical monuments center PROPOSESÀGUIDEDÀTOURSÀ and lecture tours every day for all audiences. Open from April to September FROMÀÀAMÀTOÀÀPMÀANDÀ from October to March ] !.$ ,%4 4(% &5. "%'). Classical and pop concerts, theatre, opera, dance, circus! &ROMÀTHÀ*UNEÀTOÀSTÀ!UGUSTÀ THEÀMEDIAEVALÀFORTI˰ÀEDÀ TOWNÀOFÀ#ARCASSONNEÀWILLÀBEÀ WELCOMINGÀWITHINÀITSÀRAMPARTSÀ the latest edition of its FESTIVALÀNOWÀRATEDÀAMONGSTÀ THEÀTENÀBIGGESTÀINÀ&RANCEÀ !NDÀIFÀTHEÀÀPROGRAMMEÀ ISÀANYTHINGÀTOÀGOÀBYÀITSÀ CERTAINLYÀNOTÀGOINGÀTOÀLOSEÀITSÀ RANKINGÀ4OPPINGÀTHEÀBILLÀElton John, The Jacksons, Vanessa Paradis, Etienne Daho, Woodkid, Francis Huster, Gad Elmaleh, Mozart’s Don Giovanni directed by Patrick Poivre d’Arvor & Manon Savary, the Blanca Li dance company, the Pré-O-coupé/ Nikolaus circus artistes, etc. Not to mention the many ] #!2#!33/..% #)49 0!33 You want to follow a guide better to discover the Cité, its surrounding forti˰cations and the Bastide Saint,ouis By day or by night A special o˯ er available until the end of October, the Carcassonne City Pass entitles you to reductions right from your ˰rst guided tour. Tourist O˲ce Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 10 24 30. www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr SOMETHING SPECIAL ] 3)4%3 #(!2'%$ 7)4( ()34/29 For more than eight hundred years they have been keeping watch. Grandiose remains of the Cathar saga, they bear witness to the disappearance of a whole community. These eleven castles, seven abbeys, two museums and one village, grouped together in the ‘Association des Sites du Pays Cathare’, each in their own way tell the story of the mark le˴ by the Cathar religion on this part of Occitanie. An immeasurable cultural wealth that could perhaps one day be listed a World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, they are well worth the visit and are the perfect destination for walks or hikes… Sold for €2 at the entrance to the sites, the “Passport to the Cathar Country sites allows you to bene˰t from a reduction of at least € and free entrances for yearolds, right from the second site visited and then for all the other sites for one year. This year the 2 sites are holding a photography competition on the theme “Between shade and light”. Association des Sites du Pays Cathare 2EGISTRATIONÀANDÀSUBMISSIONÀOFÀTHEÀPHOTOGRAPHSÀBEFOREÀÀ!UGUST Phone: 0033 (0)4 68 11 37 97 - www.payscathare.org 12 Aude, the Cathar country ] 4(% #!4(!2 #/5.429 !.$ &%./5),,ă$%3 4/52)34 42!). ] 34/00).' /&& ). ,% 3/-!), Situated in the heart of the Narbonne region, the hamlet of ,e Somail proposes a picturesQue family port of call for everyone cruising the Canal du Midi. An opportunity to visit the buildings around this former commercial harbour dating back to the days when the canal was being built the chapel, the stone bridge, the cold-room and the inn, where you can still enjoy the “couchée” and make the most of a night’s sleep on dry land when travelling along the canal between Toulouse and Agde. A little trip on an electric boat along the canal should thrill children and adults alike. ,e Somail-,e Grand Narbonne Tourist O˲ce Phone: 0033 (0)4 68 41 55 70 - [email protected] 4HISÀFORMERÀ#OMPAGNIEÀDUÀ -IDIÀRAILWAYÀLINEÀABANDONEDÀINÀ ÀHASÀBEENÀBROUGHTÀBACKÀ to life thanks to a handful of ENTHUSIASTSÀ3ERVINGÀEIGHTÀ stations, the Little Red Train RUNSÀFORÀÀKILOMETRESÀTHROUGHÀ the Mediterranean landscapes of the Pyrenean foothills, ALLOWINGÀTHEÀPASSENGERSÀTOÀ visit the castles of Quéribus ANDÀ0UILAURENSÀETCÀDEPENDINGÀ on the stops chosen. Phone: 0033 (0)4 20 04 00. www.tpcf.fr You can also concoct an entirely made-to-measure stay on www. g i t e s - d e -f r a n c e - a u d e .c o m / chambres-hotes-proches-ducanal-du-midi.html where there is a map allowing you to locate the various gîtes and guest rooms. As for the tickets for visiting the castles, abbeys and museums, you can book them on www.sudfrance. fr/billets.html ]7(%2% 4/ &).$ /54 -/2% Carcassonne Tourist O˲ce 28, rue de Verdun. Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 10 24 30 www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr Castelnaudary,auragais Audois Intercommunal Tourist O˲ce Place de la République. Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 23 05 73 www.castelnaudarytourisme.com .arbonne Tourist O˲ce ÀRUEÀ*EAN*AURĠSÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 65 15 60 www.narbonne-tourisme.com ] &/,,/7).' ). #(!2,%3 42Ą.%43 &//434%03 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL STAYS Six days of holidays and you want to discover the Canal du Midi on your bike without all the logistical hassle? It’s possible thanks to the all-in stays proposed by the Gîtes de France de l’Aude and their commercial partner Sudfrance. fr. On the programme: discovery of the architecture of the canal, castles and abbeys. In the evening a welldeserved rest in a guest house or a hotel. The best carefree way of making the most of your holidays! Heritage and culture enthusiasts will opt for a “Château et demeures de charme” stay. Starting from ˪ˣˡ˞ per person, www.sudfrance.fr/sejours-circuitsvelo.html Starting from ˪˟ˤˣ per person, w w w. s u d f r a n c e . f r/s e j o u r s patrimoine-et-culture.html PRACTICAL GUIDE VISIT WITH THE FAMILY 4HEÀ&OUÀCHANTANTÀWOULDÀ have celebrated his hundredth BIRTHDAYÀINÀÀ4OÀPAYÀ tribute to him, Narbonne, his birthplace, has put in place a SIGNPOSTEDÀROUTEÀACCOMPANIEDÀ BYÀAÀFREEÀLEA˱ÀETÀCONJURINGÀUPÀ memories of his life as you WANDERÀALONGÀTHEÀSTREETSÀWHEREÀ he spent his childhood to the HOUSEÀWHEREÀHEÀWASÀBORN Tourist O˲ce Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 65 15 60 www.narbonne-tourisme.com ] 34!9 #/..%#4%$ $52).' 9/52 6)3)4 9OUREÀVISITINGÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ WITHÀYOURÀSMARTPHONEÀINÀYOURÀ pocket? The Carcassonne 4OURÀAPPÀISÀJUSTÀWHATÀYOUÀ NEEDÀ4HISÀVIRTUALÀGUIDEÀ WILLÀTAKEÀYOUÀAROUNDÀTHEÀ TOWNÀTOÀEXPLOREÀANDÀSEEÀ all the remarkable tourist SITESÀ)NÀJUSTÀONEÀCLICKÀANDÀ in real-time thanks to its GEOLOCALISATIONÀTECHNOLOGYÀ THISÀAPPÀWILLÀALLOWÀYOUÀTOÀ access the list of activities proposed all around you (visits, leisure, sports, etc.), ˰ÀNDÀAÀHOTELÀORÀAÀRESTAURANTÀ NEARBYÀORÀGIVEÀYOURÀOPINIONÀ on the places you have visited. The Carcassonne Chamber of Commerce and )NDUSTRYÀISÀALSOÀWORKINGÀ on the development of a DIGITALÀTOURISTÀAIDÀONÀTHEÀ scale of the département. !˴ÀERÀHAVINGÀINDICATEDÀ your centres of interest, MARKERSÀANDÀALERTSÀWILLÀGIVEÀ YOUÀTHEÀGOODÀADDRESSESÀ on your tour around ,AURAGAISÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ and the Upper Aude Valley. %VERYTHINGÀYOULLÀNEEDÀTOÀ make an à la carte stay! Downloadable from the on-line application stores or on www. carcassonne-tourisme.mobi www.carcassonne.cci.fr Aude, the Cathar country Beyond the SEA &I˴Y KILOMETRES OF ˰NE SANDY BEACHES CLI˯S DUNES LAGOONS ROCKY MOUNTAINS /N THE -EDITERRANEAN RIM THE !UDE COASTLINE ASSERTS ITS RICH IDENTITY AND O˯ERS A WIDE CHOICE OF PLACES TO STOP O˯ WHETHER WILD OR DEVELOPED FOR FAMILY OR SPORTING ACTIVITIES A fter the Notre-Dame-des-Auzils chapel, sparkling under the Mediterranean sun, the path burrows its way between pines, kermes oaks and garrigue scrubland. The Pech Redon – the highest point of the Massif de la Clape – isn’t far now and, already, your gaze takes in the sandy beaches, the silhouette of the Pyrenean crests and the lagoons, whilst nearby, lower down, the ochre buildings of the Gruissan marina come into sight. At a glance, a single picture, the whole 14 Aude, the Cathar country Aude coast in a nutshell, both natural and wild, yet endowed with family seaside resorts, sporty and modern, capable of welcoming thousands of holidaymakers. Around Narbonne, Charles Trenet’s native region, there’s a whole string of them stretching along the coast over fifty kilometres: SaintPierre-la-Mer, Narbonne-Plage, Gruissan, La-Palme, Port-la-Nouvelle, Leucate. All with a Blue Flag certifying the good quality of their water, they are separated by unspoilt natural areas that you can explore on foot, horseback or bicycle… A coastal area spread over 80,000 hectares of dunes, lagoons, sandbars and small limestone mountains, and with the “Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Park” – the only one of its kind on the Languedoc coast – it benefits from Regional Nature Park status. TERNS AND SEAGULLS To the south of the Bages Lagoon, the Sainte-Lucie regional nature reserve – managed by Port-la-Nouvelle district council Aude, the Cathar country 15 The Racine heritage 4HEÀ SCENERYÀ ALONGÀ THEÀ !UDEÀ COASTÀ WASÀ DE˰ÀNITIVELYÀ DRAWNÀ INÀ THEÀ NINETEENÀSIXTIESÀ)NÀTHEÀMIDDLEÀOFÀTHEÀBABYBOOMÀYEARSÀ'ENERALÀDEÀ 'AULLEÀDECIDEDÀTOÀDEVELOPÀTHEÀ,ANGUEDOCÀCOASTÀANDÀHELPÀTHEÀREGIO NALÀECONOMYÀDIVERSIFYÀANDÀATTRACTÀTOURISTSÀFROMÀNORTHERNÀ&RANCEÀANDÀ %UROPEÀ4OÀACHIEVEÀTHISÀHEÀENTRUSTEDÀ0IERREÀ2ACINEÀ ÀDIRECTORÀOFÀ0RIMEÀ -INISTERÀ-ICHELÀ$EBRġSÀCABINETÀ ÀANDÀ/LIVIERÀ'UICHARDÀTHEÀHEADÀOFÀTHEÀ $ATARÀTOWNÀANDÀCOUNTRYÀPLANNINGÀBODYÀ ÀWITHÀTHEÀMISSIONÀOFÀBUILDINGÀ FROMÀSCRATCHÀSEASIDEÀRESORTS ÀKNOWNÀASÀNEWÀTOURISTÀUNITSÀINÀTHOSEÀ DAYSÀ ÀINTERSPERSEDÀWITHÀRECREATIONALÀSPACESÀ)NÀ!UDEÀTHEÀTWOÀMENÀ CHOSEÀTHREEÀSITESÀ0ORT,EUCATEÀ'RUISSANÀANDÀ&LEURYD!UDEÀWHEREÀ THEÀPROJECTÀWASÀABANDONEDÀINÀTHEÀENDÀOWINGÀTOÀTHEÀOILÀCRISISÀANDÀTHENÀ THEÀ HOUSINGÀ CRISISÀ 4HEIRÀ CONSTRUCTIONÀ WASÀ ENTRUSTEDÀ TOÀ FASHIONABLEÀ ARCHITECTSÀWHOÀBUILTÀONÀFORMERÀMARSHLANDSÀSUCHÀASÀINÀ'RUISSANÀORÀONÀ STRIPSÀOFÀSANDÀSEPARATINGÀTHEÀLAGOONSÀFROMÀTHEÀSEAÀSUCHÀASÀINÀ0ORT ,EUCATEÀ)NÀJUSTÀAÀFEWÀYEARSÀMODERNÀANDÀORIGINALÀRESORTSÀSPRANGÀUPÀ MAKINGÀTHEÀ!UDEÀCOASTÀONEÀOFÀ&RANCESÀMOSTÀATTRACTIVEÀSEASIDEÀTOU RISTÀDESTINATIONS 16 Aude, the Cathar country and the Regional Nature Park – is a perfect example of the way tourist crowds and preservation of the environment can go hand in hand. From the peninsula, there’s nothing to spoil the view of the Massif de la Clape, Corbières, and the lagoons and, in the distance, the Canigou mountain. But the real wealth here is to be sought in the flora and fauna that exist in this 800-hectare Reserve, a veritable digest of the different milieus that can be found around the Mediterranean. “We have three different types of scenery: a large beach with dune systems, saltworks that were only closed down in 2005 and a superheated limestone peninsula where you can see a typically Mediterranean biodiversity,” explains Emmanuelle Romet, the reserve’s manager. Whatever the season, as you wander along the two paths that snake their way through the reserve, the spectacle is striking. In the summer, the saltworks are covered with Limoniastrum giving the landscape a mauve hue, while a short-toed lark bursts into song in the shade of the pine trees. In the spring, the migratory birds stop over on the coast. Terns and seagulls then live side by side with the waders that have come here to breed. And even in the winter, when nature seems gently to have fallen asleep, ducks and sandpipers move in to winter in peace and quiet. In all, 28 bird species nest in the reserve. “On Île de Sainte-Lucie, we have an average of 15,000 visitors a month in July and August. The challenge is to manage the presence of these tourists while preserving the environment,” continues Emmanuelle Romet. FROM LA CLAPE TO LEUCATE As you carry on southwards the path suddenly climbs up from La-Franqui – a very popular beach with sailing enthusiasts – to dominate the Mediterranean and then slips in between the vines. Criss-crossed Aude, the Cathar country 17 Gruissan and its 20th century heritage *USTÀGONEÀFORTYÀANDÀALREADYÀITSÀGOTÀITSÀSEALÀ OFÀ APPROVALÀ 'RUISSANÀ WASÀ ALREADYÀ PROUDÀ OFÀ ITSÀMEDIAEVALÀHERITAGEÀWITHÀITSÀTOWERÀATTRI BUTEDÀ TOÀ THEÀ PIRATEÀ "ARBEROUSSEÀ STANDINGÀ OUTÀ INÀ THEÀ HEARTÀ OFÀ THEÀ CIRCULARÀ OLDÀ VILLAGEÀ DATINGÀBACKÀTOÀɾɾTHÀCENTURYÀANDÀOFÀITSÀCINE MATOGRAPHICÀ HERITAGEÀ WITHÀ ITSÀ FAMOUSÀ CHA LETSÀONÀSTILTSÀIMMORTALISEDÀBYÀ*EAN*ACQUESÀ "EINEXSÀ˰ÀLMÀ"ETTYÀ"LUE 4HEÀPERFECTÀARCHITECTURALÀCONSISTENCYÀOFÀTHEÀ RESORTÀ THOUGHTÀ UPÀ BYÀ 2AYMONDÀ 'LEIZEÀ ANDÀ ĄDOUARDÀ(ARTANġÀEARNEDÀITÀTHEÀɿɽTHÀCENTURYÀ HERITAGEÀLABELÀINÀɿɽɾɿÀFORÀPARTÀOFÀITSÀHARBOURÀ ANDÀTHEÀASTONISHINGÀHARBOURÀMASTERSÀO˲ÀÀCEÀ WHICHÀ COULDÀ SOÀ EASILYÀ HAVEÀ COMEÀ FROMÀ THEÀ .ORTHÀ!FRICANÀSIDEÀOFÀTHEÀ-EDITERRANEAN .!2"/..!)3% %. -Ą$)4%22!.Ą% .!452% 0!2+ $ISCOVERÀOUTSTANDINGÀSURROUNDINGSÀWHEREÀTHEÀTEAMSÀWORKÀACTIVELYÀ TOÀPROTECTÀTHEÀLANDSCAPESÀANDÀNATURALÀHERITAGEÀ"ETWEENÀTHEÀSHEERÀ #ORBIĠRESÀMASSIFÀANDÀTHEÀLAGOONSÀONÀTHEÀCOASTÀYOUÀCANÀEXPLOREÀʀʄʀÀ KMÀOFÀPATHSÀINÀTOTALÀFREEDOMÀORÀMAKEÀTHEÀMOSTÀOFÀTHEÀTHEMEDÀTOURSÀ ORGANISEDÀBYÀTHEÀPARKÀ 4OÀ˰ÀNDÀOUTÀMORE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 42 23 70 www.parc-naturel-narbonnaise.fr/visiter/ou_randonner_dans_le_parc 18 Aude, the Cathar country with drystone walls, Leucate cliffs – a superb plateau overhanging the waves – is another choice refuge for migratory birds. Between the beaches of La-Franqui and Leucate, overlooking the lagoons on one side and the confidential creeks on the other, the area (around 300 hectares) has been classified a Natura 2000 zone. On this rocky promontory – the only one on the Aude coast – covered with scrubland, dry lawns and little copses, ospreys love to stop off, just like the honey buzzard, white and black storks, the short-toed eagle, the black kite or Eleonora’s falcon. On land, between the rocks, you can also admire a multitude of rare reptiles and insects. From the Massif de la Clape down to the beaches of Leucate, passing by the BagesSigean, La Palme, Pissevaches and Gruissan lagoons, nature is everywhere on show, shimmering between the blue of the sparkling gulfs and the green of the fragrant pinewoods, passing through mineral ochre shades, offering Technicolor stays. Q PRACTICAL GUIDE TERRACESÀYOUÀCANÀENJOYÀTHEÀ DANCEÀANDÀJAZZÀSHOWSÀSTORY TELLINGÀEVENTSÀANDÀPLAYS Port-la-Nouvelle Tourist O˲ce Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 40 30 30 ]7(%. 34/.%3 30%!+ ]4(% */93 /& !%/,53 /NÀTHEÀ.ARBONNAISE 3URPRENANTEÀ-ġDITERRANġEÀ BEACHESÀTHEÀWINDÀITÀISÀTRUEÀ SOMETIMESÀSENDSÀTHEÀSANDÀ ˱ÀYINGÀBUTÀMOREÀIMPORTANTÀITÀ ATTRACTSÀSPORTSMENÀFROMÀTHEÀ WORLDÀOVERÀWHOÀCOMEÀTOÀDEFYÀ THEÀ4RAMONTANEÀWINDÀOUTÀONÀ THEÀOPENÀSEAÀORÀINÀTHEÀSHALLOWÀ LAGOONSÀ!ÀVERITABLEÀSAILORSÀ PARADISEÀ,EUCATEÀORGANISESÀTHEÀ -ONDIALÀDUÀ6ENTÀEVENTÀEVERYÀ YEARÀ&ROMÀ!PRILÀÀTOÀ-AYÀÀ THEÀELITEÀOFÀTHEÀKITESUR˰ÀNGÀ PADDLINGÀANDÀWINDSUR˰ÀNGÀ WORLDSÀCONFRONTÀEACHÀOTHERÀ O˯ÀSHOREÀORÀINÀTHEÀLAGOONÀ!NDÀ THEÀONLYÀ&RENCHÀLEGÀOFÀTHEÀ7ORLDÀ +ITESUR˰ÀNGÀ#HAMPIONSHIPÀWILLÀ BEÀHELDÀINÀTHEÀ!UDEÀRESORTÀ FROMÀ!PRILÀÀTOÀ-AYÀST &URTHERÀTOÀTHEÀNORTHÀ3AINT 0IERRELA-ERÀWILLÀBEÀHOSTINGÀ THEÀTHÀEDITIONÀOFÀTHEÀ %UROPEANÀ*UNIORÀ&REESTYLEÀ +ITESURFÀ#HAMPIONSHIPÀ FROMÀ!PRILÀÀTOÀ !NOTHERÀKEYÀEVENTÀTHEÀ'RUISSANÀ $ġ˰ÀÀ7INDÀBRINGSÀWINDSURFÀ AMATEURSÀANDÀPROFESSIONALSÀ TOGETHERÀONÀTHEÀSAMEÀSTARTINGÀ LINEÀ7ITHÀMOREÀTHANÀÀ CONTENDERSÀTHISÀGATHERINGÀOFÀ WINDSURFERSÀISÀCONSIDEREDÀTOÀBEÀ ONEÀOFÀTHEÀLARGESTÀWORLDWIDEÀ 4HISÀYEARÀ$ġ˰ÀÀ7INDÀWILLÀLASTÀ ONEÀWEEKÀSTARTINGÀFROMÀ-AYÀ ÀANDÀWILLÀALSOÀWELCOMEÀ KITESURFERSÀWITHÀOPENÀARMS )NÀ0EYRIACDE-ERÀANDÀ3IGEANÀ TWOÀLITTLEÀARCHAEOLOGICALÀ MUSEUMSÀALLOWÀYOUÀTOÀ DISCOVERÀTHEÀPROTOHISTORICALÀ ANDÀ2OMANÀPASTÀOFÀTHEÀ "AGES3IGEANÀLAGOONÀALONGÀ WITHÀUNIQUEÀARCHAEOLOGICALÀ COLLECTIONSÀRESULTINGÀFROMÀDIGSÀ CARRIEDÀOUTÀINÀLOCALÀOPPIDAÀ PARTICULARLYÀTHEÀ0ECH-AHOÀ OPPIDUMÀINÀ3IGEAN Peyriac-de-mer Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 42 68 42 Sigean Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 48 14 81 )NÀTHEÀDISTRICTÀOFÀ0ORTLA .OUVELLEÀOUTÀINÀTHEÀWILDSÀ THEÀ4HġĚTREÀENÀGARRIGUEÀISÀAÀ RAREÀPLACEÀSTEEPEDÀINÀPOETRYÀ 3ITTINGÀONÀTHEÀDRYSTONEÀ VI SI T W ITH TH E FA MI LY ÀBDÀDUÀ0ECH-AYNAUDÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 49 09 00 www.gruissanmediterranee.com ,eucate Tourist O˲ce %SPACEÀ(ENRIDE-ONTFREID Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 40 91 31 www.leucate.net Port-la-Nouvelle Tourist O˲ce ÀPLACEÀ0AUL6ALġRY Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 48 00 51 www.portlanouvelle.com Saint-Pierre-la-Mer Tourist O˲ce "DÀDEÀLAÀ$OUANE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 49 60 89 WWWCOMMUNEˀEURYFR Sigean Tourist O˲ce Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 75 60 50 ]4(% 3%#2%43 /& 4(% -!33)& $% ,! #,!0% !ÀPICTURESQUEÀMARINEÀCEMETERYÀ THEÀCHARMSÀOFÀ,AÀ#LAPEÀANDÀ ATÀTHEÀENDÀOFÀTHEÀTRACKÀAÀ COLLECTIONÀOFÀÀEXVOTOÀ4HATSÀ WHATÀYOULLÀDISCOVERÀIFÀYOUÀCLIMBÀ UPÀTOÀ!UZILSÀCHAPELÀOVERLOOKINGÀ 'RUISSANÀ!ÀSHORTÀDETOURÀTOÀTHEÀ -AISONÀDEÀLAÀ#LAPEÀDEÀ6INASSANÀ WILLÀTHENÀALLOWÀYOUÀTOÀBETTERÀ UNDERSTANDÀTHISÀHIGHLYÀUNUSUALÀ MASSIF ]!15!4)# $%,)'(43 Two lovely cycle paths allow you to discover the coast with all your family. The ˰rst path links Gruissan to Saint-Pierre-la-Mer, while the second one takes you further inland going from Port-la-Nouvelle to Narbonne running alongside the Canal de la 2obine. By sea, there are several boats o˯ering escapades along the coast. In ,eucate, there’s a sailing ship, the ,imnoreia, and ,eucate %vasion Marine, whereas in Gruissan it’s on-board the $urandal that you should embark to go to Port-,a-Nouvelle. And if the fancy takes you, some of these boats also propose gourmet visits to the oyster parks. Gruissan Tourist O˲ce FUNÀWITHÀALLÀTHEÀFAMILYÀ)NÀ THEÀSUMMERÀTHEREÀISÀALSOÀANÀ OUTDOORÀWATERGAMESÀAREA Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 45 25 47 ]")+% /2 "/!4 /54 -/2% 0LACEÀDEÀLAÀ,IBġRATION Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 48 14 81 WWWTOURISMESIGEANFR $é˰ Wind WWWWINDMAGCOMDEʿWIND Mondial du vent www.mondial-du-vent.com Championnat de +itesurf www.snkite.com ]4(%!42% ). 4(% 3#25",!.$3 ]7(%2% 4/ &).$ "ALNEOTHERAPYÀCARDIOTRAININGÀ AREAÀSPORTSÀPOOLÀETCÀ4HREEÀ DI˯ÀERENTÀWORLDSÀONÀNOÀLESSÀ THANÀÀSQMÀTHATSÀWHATÀ THEÀ%SPACEÀ"ALNġOLUDIQUEÀ O˯ÀERSÀYOUÀINÀ'RUISSANÀ -ASSAGESÀBYÀAPPOINTMENTÀ SALTÀBATHSÀRELAXATIONÀPOOLSÀ SAUNAÀ*ACUZZIÀNOTÀTOÀMENTIONÀ WATERÀJETSÀYOUÀCANÀRELAXÀHEREÀ JUSTÀTHEÀTWOÀYOUÀORÀHAVEÀ ] 3/, 9 &)%34! 4HREEÀDAYSÀOFÀFUNÀANDÀMUSICÀ BRASSÀBANDSÀBODEGASÀ THEATREÀANDÀOFÀCOURSEÀ SOMEÀGREATÀFOODÀ4HEÀTHÀ EDITIONÀOFÀTHEÀ3OLÀYÀ˰ÀESTAÀ FESTIVALÀWILLÀBEÀTAKINGÀ PLACEÀFROMÀ-AYÀÀTOÀ ,eucate Tourist O˲ce Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 40 91 31 ON THE WATER’S EDGE, OR NEARLY! With our special coastal stays you can choose the accommodation that suits your temperament best: an ecological B&B in the “Parc Naturel de la Narbonnaise” for lovers of nature, walks and history, or a B&B by the sea to make the most of the seaside activities and liveliness of the coastal villages. To nd out more: www.gites-de-france-aude.com/ gites-nature-et-patrimoine.html and www.gites-de-france-aude. com/gites-en-bord-de-mer.html Aude, the Cathar country 19 Along the CASSOULET ROUTE As legend has it cassoulet, the dish so dear to Occitan cooking, was invented in the middle of the Hundred Years’ War. The English armies were laying siege to Castelnaudary at the time and, to encourage their soldiers, the cooks of Lauragais brought all their reserves together with the idea of making a delicious stew. The consequences were immediate: with their strength restored, the soldiers pushed the enemy back… to the shores of the Channel! 20 Aude, the Cathar country A lthough the story may raise a smile, there can be no doubt that cassoulet has managed to pass down through the centuries and assert itself as an emblematic piece of Lauragais’ culinary heritage. So it is quite natural that it was around Castelnaudary that the Cathar country’s first gourmet route was created in the spring of 2007. One hundred and eighty kilometres long, the “Route du Cassoulet de Castelnaudary” provides the opportunity to discover all the know-how and ingredients needed to make a success Cassoulet, the religion of this mythical dish. Setting out from Castelnaudary, you will criss-cross the Lauragais countryside and its charming villages looking for the Ambassadors of Cassoulet. First, stop off with a grower of haricots lingots (white kidney beans). These beans – the famous recipe’s basic ingredient – are only grown in the Lauragais area. Further west, it is the potters who will open their doors to you and tell you all about the cassole (see box), the earthenware bowl that gives cassoulet its unique flavour. To the south, in the heart of the Piège hills, knock at the door of a poultry farmer and taste the whole range of traditional duck- and goose-based produce. Then head for Carcassonne for an initiation to winetasting in the Malepère and Cabardès cellars. These two AOPs (Protected Designation of Origin) produce wines that will go down perfectly with a cassoulet and with many other Aude specialities too. Lastly, to bring this gour- Carcassonne? Castelnaudary? Toulouse? The paternity of the real cassoulet is hotly debated. Rather than causing an argument between the specialists, Prosper Montagné, a chef from Carcassonne and the creator of the ‘Larousse gastronomique’, suggested THEYÀSHOULDÀWORSHIPÀTHEÀ(OLYÀ4RINITYɾÀ “God the Father, which would be the cassoulet from Castelnaudary; God the Son, that’s the one from Carcassonne, and the Holy Spirit, the one from Toulouse”. The ˰ÀRSTÀ ONEÀ THEÀ ANCESTORÀ THEÀ LEADERÀ ISÀ PRE pared with fresh and salt pork. The one from Carcassonne adds half a leg of mutton and, in season, some partridge. Lastly, in Toulouse, there’s the sausage to crown it all, ANDÀCON˰ÀTÀINSTEADÀOFÀTHEÀPARTRIDGE¡ ͮ,EFESTINOCCITAN0ROSPER-ONTAGNĠ ͮͶͯͶĠDITION!TELIERDU'UĠͮͶͶͶ met tour to an end, what could be better than to stop off in one of the “Route du Cassoulet de Castelnaudary” restaurants. There you will be able to savour an authentic Cassoulet de Castelnaudary, and the most curious amongst you will even be able to take some cookery classes to learn the secrets of this slowly stewed dish. And when you get back to Castelnaudary, don’t forget to go to one of the town’s canning factories to stock up with a few tins of this jewel of Occitan cooking to take back home with you. Q Gourmet festival &ROMÀ !UGUSTÀ ɿʄÀ TOÀ ʀɾÀ ɿɽɾʁÀ YOUÀ MUSTNTÀ MISSÀ THEÀ ɾʂTHÀ EDI tion of the traditional “Fête du Cassoulet” in Castelnaudary. The town pays tribute, as it so rightly should, to the dish on which its reputation is based. Five days of non-stop free street concerts, parades, sporting events, bandas marching bands, JUMBLEÀSALESÀSHOWSÀARTSÀÀCRA˴ÀSÀDISPLAYSÀNOTÀTOÀMENTIONÀTHEÀ food markets. In blue and white, the festival’s colours, make the most of the warm and friendly atmosphere and a delicious cassoulet! 0HONEͭͭͰͰͭͱͳ͵ͯͰͭͲʹͰ WWWFETEDUCASSOULETCOM ] THE NOTS, MASTERS OF THE CASSOLE For three generations now the Nots have been passing down the secret of Jean Gabalda, an Italian potter who set up in Issel, not FARÀFROMÀ#ASTELNAUDARYÀINÀTHEÀɾʁTHÀCENTURYÀ/URÀGRANDFATHERÀTOOKÀ OVERÀFROMÀHISÀBOSSÀINÀɾʆʁʄÀEXPLAINÀ*EAN0IERREÀANDÀ0HILIPPEÀWHOÀ run the pottery these days. “We continue to work the Issel clay, because it is rich in iron and refractory sand, which makes it easier TOÀ˰ÀREÀINÀTHEÀOVENÀ!NÀIDEALÀCLAYÀFORÀFASHIONINGÀTHEÀCASSOLESÀTHATÀ the Nots make, respecting the know-how of the old hands. 7OOD˰ÀREDÀ OVENÀ ANCESTRALÀ METHODSÀ THEÀ WORKÀ OFÀ THEÀ .OTSÀ HASÀ recently been honoured with the “living heritage enterprise” label. 4HESEÀEXPERTÀPOTTERSÀWELCOMEÀVISITORSÀTOÀTHEIRÀWORKSHOPÀSETÀUPÀ on the banks of the Canal du Midi where you can watch them as they skilfully go about their everyday tasks. There, besides their cassoles, they propose a multitude of other kitchen accessories – such as this enamelled earthenware cooking pot that is USEDÀTOÀGENTLYÀCOOKÀPOULTRYÀANDÀVEGETABLESÀBYÀTHEÀ˰ÀRESIDEÀ ÀANDÀ gardenware. 22 Aude, the Cathar country POTERIE NOT .ODMΈEQNLΈ,NMC@XΈSNΈ%QHC@XΈ͓͓͛Έ@LMNNMΈ@MCΈ͕͓͓͙͓͓Έ OLΈ͓͓͘ΈOLΈNMΈ%QHC@XRΈ MCΈ@KRNΈNMΈ2@STQC@XRΈ͓͓͜Έ@L MNNMΈ@MCΈ͕͖͓͙͓͓ΈOLΈ@MCΈ2TMC@XRΈ͕͖͓ΈdΈ͙͓͓ΈOLΈCT QHMFΈSGDΈ.ODMΈ#@XRΈHMΈ OQHKΈ,@XΈ@MCΈ)TMD "KNRDCΈEQNLΈ TFTRSΈ͔͓ΈSNΈ2DOSDLADQΈ͔͓ ͮ͵ͲͮROUTEDE,ABASTIDEͮͮͱͭͭ-AS3AINTES0UELLES Phone: ͓͓Έ͖͖Έ͓͗Έ͙͛Έ͕͖Έ͔͚Έ͓͔ΈΈVVVONSDQHDMNSEQ PRACTICAL GUIDE ]WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE λΈAuberge du Vieux Puits, CastelnaudaryLauragais-Audois Tourist O˲ce Gilles Goujon *** À&ONTJONCOUSE 0HONE WWWAUBERGEDUVIEUXPUITSFR Place de la République 0HONEÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ www.castelnaudarytourisme.com Le Parc, Franck Putelat ** ÀCHEMINÀDESÀANGLAISÀ 11000 Carcassonne 0HONE Pays touristique Corbières-Minervois WWWRESTAURANTLEPARCFRANCKPUTELATFR ]A BLACK DIAMOND IN THE CATHAR COUNTRY Like Périgord, Aude also has its black diamond. Located in the foothills of the Montagne Noire, the villages of Cabrespine, Trassanel and VilleneuveMinervois form the golden triangle FORÀTHEÀ#ATHARÀCOUNTRYÀTRU˳ÀÀEÀ 7INTERÀBLACKÀTRU˳ÀÀEÀORÀSUMMERÀ WHITEÀTRU˳ÀÀEÀTHEÀAREASÀFAVOURABLEÀ climate has made it possible TOÀPLANTÀÀHECTARESÀOFÀTRU˳ÀÀEÀ BEDSÀ4OÀ˰ÀNDÀOUTÀALLÀABOUTÀTHISÀ precious tuber and discover the TRU˳ÀÀEGROWINGÀTRADITIONÀINÀ5PPERÀ Minervois, a visit to the Maison de LAÀ4RU˯ÀEÀDUÀ,ANGUEDOCÀISÀAÀMUSTÀ Maison de la Tru˯e du Languedoc /PENÀEVERYÀDAYÀFROMÀ June to September !VENUEDUJEUDE-AIL 6ILLENEUVE-INERVOIS 0HONE λΈ$omaine d’Auriac, 0HILIPPEÀ$ESCHAMPSÀ Route de St-Hilaire, 11000 Carcassonne 0HONE WWWDOMAINEDAURIACCOM λΈLa Barbacane, Jérôme Ryon * Hôtel de la Cité, Place Auguste-Pierre-Pont, 11000 Carcassonne 0HONE WWWHOTELDELACITECOM λΈLe Puits du Trésor, Jean-Marc Boyer * 2OUTEÀDESÀCHĚTEAUXÀ À,ASTOURS 0HONE WWWLEPUITSDUTRESORCOM λΈL’AmbrosiaÀ$ANIELÀ-INETÀ ,AÀ-ADELEINEÀÀ0EZENS 0HONE WWWAMBROSIAPEZENSCOM WWWMAISONDELATRUʾEDULANGUEDOCCOM νΈλΈLa Bergerie, Haut-Minervois Tourist O˲ce Fabien Galibert * Chemin de Pech-Mary, À!RAGON 0HONE WWWLABERGERIEARAGONCOM WWWTOURISMEHAUTMINERVOISFR ]LAND OF STARS You can not only treat yourself to a cassoulet in Aude, but you can also enjoy all its local produce, transcended by no fewer than 10 chefs singled out in the Guide Michelin. νΈλΈChâteau La Pomarède, Gérald Garcia * À,AÀ0OMARĠDE 0HONE WWWHOSTELLERIELAPOMAREDEFR λΈLa Table Saint-Crescent, Lionel Giraud * ÀAVENUEÀDUÀ'ġNġRALÀ,ECLERCÀ 11100 Narbonne 0HONE WWWLATABLESAINTCRESCENTCOM λΈLe Klim § Ko, !LEXANDREÀ+LIMENKOÀ Chemin du Phare, À,EUCATE 0HONE WWWKLIMENKOFR ν 3GDRDΈQDRS@TQ@MSRΈ@QDΈ LDLADQRΈNEΈSGDΈRoute du Cassoulet de Castelnaudary λΈ1DRS@TQ@MSRΈVHSGΈSGDΈ ?/@XRΈ"@SG@QDΈK@ADK ÀBLDÀ-ARX$ORMOYÀ 11200 Lézignan-Corbières 0HONE WWWTOURISMECORBIERES MINERVOISCOM ONÀTHEÀ2OUTEÀDESÀ#HĚTEAUXÀ at Lagrasse Abbey, you will be able to identify the cafés and restaurants taking part thanks TOÀTHEÀLOGOÀONÀTHEIRÀDOORSÀ$ONTÀ hesitate to ask them questions, they’ll be delighted to tell you all about the know-how of the local growers from whom they buy their produce. Find all the best addresses on and at WWWTOURISMECORBIERESMINERVOISCOM ] THE COUNTRY IN A DISH They may not have any stars, but they are nonetheless no strangers to the taste of good fare and a warm welcome. The restaurant and café owners in Corbières and Minervois propose “l’Assiette de pays”, a set menu combining at least three ITEMSÀOFÀLOCALÀPRODUCEÀ/˴ÀENÀ rewarded by seals of approval such as the Sud de France and/ or Pays Cathare labels, these delicious dishes will go perfectly WITHÀAÀGLASSÀOFÀ)'0À0ROTECTEDÀ 'EOGRAPHICALÀ)NDICATIONÀ!/#ÀWINEÀ #ORBIĠRESÀ-INERVOISÀORÀ&ITOUÀ /NÀTHEÀBANKSÀOFÀTHEÀ#ANALÀDUÀ-IDIÀ “PAYS CATHARE” THE QUALITY LABEL Created more than 20 years ago, this label brings together restaurant and hotel owners, cellarmen, CRA˴ÀSMENÀANDÀGROWERSÀALLÀ proud of the Aude heritage. Look out for this little blue and white logo and make the most of the local knowhow and produce of the soil in the best possible way. LO@XRB@SG@QDBNL A SAVOURY, GOURMET STAY “Arouse your senses, taste the tang of the soil”: the name given to this short stay sets the tone! Three days to discover the good food and the most beautiful landscapes in Aude as you go round meeting the people who make the wine, honey and cheese here, not to mention all the other local specialities. And to top it all, you will spend your nights in guest rooms in the heart of the wine estates. A change of scenery guaranteed! 2S@QSHMFËEQNLË˽˳˲˶ËODQËODQRNM %HMCËNTSËLNQDË@SËVVVRTCEQ@MBDEQRDINTQRR@UDTQRF@RSQNMNLHDGSLK Aude, the Cathar country 23 The VINEYARD with a thousand FACES Aude is a river of wine, drawn by its vintages. The hand of man, paying no heed to the relief, soil or climates, has over the centuries composed a pluralist vineyard. And the wine-lover will enjoy the wines with features so distinct… I t was one of those wine-lovers’ dinners. We were in the Minervois area, comfortably seated with our backs to the wooded slopes of the Montagne Noire. It was the right time for some white wine and fish: if I remember rightly, a still-glistening John Dory from the waters of Port-La-Nouvelle, exquisite in its perfect nakedness. Around the table, rather professional amateurs bickered, as they often do, about the comparative merits of such and such an Appellation. This might seem exotic at a meal in southern 24 Aude, the Cathar country France, but it was a question of Chardonnay, the great variety from Burgundy. A Chardonnay from Limoux, whose colour with its elegant green glints and above all whose nose, somewhere between lime blossom and buttered brioche, evoked more Vézelay Abbey than the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Hilaire in Aude. «Remarkable!» said one, «delicious!» exclaimed another, admiringly. «Very good, yes… But we’ll have to wait a few years to see how it stands the test of time.» The person who had just cast a shadow over the general enthusiasm was one of those Lords of the French Vineyards, a prestigious Meursault owner. The master of the house responded by bringing two bottles up from the cellar, quickly decanted, and holding out a glass to the Meursault man, who concluded with an embarrassed smile: «We’d better not rest on our laurels…» At least ten years old, the bottles in question also came from what was not yet the AOP Limoux. A grandiose Chardonnay, just right, a glorious country Aude, the Cathar country 25 gentleman that had nothing to be ashamed aspect, the wine-growers here are veritable of compared with some other infinitely more gardeners, the landscape’s real architects. expensive wines. You just have to leave the motorway and An anecdote? Yes… but one that illustrates drive down the roads of Aude to realise perfectly not the fact that in Aude we pro- this… and make the most of it! duce the finest wines in the world - even if Setting out from Sigean or Leucate, lose such an attempt at a classifiyourself somewhere along ALTERNATING PINEWOODS cation could be meaningful the D205 or D27 for example, AND CARIGNANS but much more that today you there where the scrawny vines VINEYARDS, THIS LEAN can find bottles there whose of Corbières, as painted by LAND WITH SILKY JUICES greatness and «oenological Brayer, stolen from the garrelevance» turn out to be indisputable. And rigue scrublands, mock the sea from the top that’s the least you could expect in a region of their dry limestone terraces. Near Trèbes, with a geology, a climate and a two-thousand head for Laure-Minervois, taking the D235, year-old tradition, pardon the bombast! discover the alternating pinewoods and Carignans on Aude’s balconies, this lean land with silky juices. Higher up, in the mounFRENCH VINEYARDS tains, on the D118 that wanders off towards IN A NUTSHELL It must be said that here wine is a serious the cold, go and doff your hat to the courage matter. With 67,983 hectares planted with of the wine-growers of Cabardès, admire wine grape varieties spread over 2,815 the plots planted along the contour lines, estates, the departement totals just under juggling between the tang of the Mediter9% of the vines grown in France. And every ranean and that of the Atlantic, between year they produce more than fifty million Syrah and Cabernet. And Roquetaillade, bottles here. But, besides this economic above Limoux… And those Grenache vines 26 Aude, the Cahier du patrimoine Cathar country / Aude pays cathare Aude, the Cathar country 27 Eight «20th Century Heritage» cellars /˴ÀENÀPRAISEDÀFORÀTHEÀQUALITYÀOFÀTHEIRÀWINESÀANDÀTHEIRÀINNOVATIVEÀSTRATEGIESÀ THEÀCOOPERATIVEÀCELLARSÀINÀ!UDEÀCANÀNOWÀALSOÀHIGHLIGHTÀTHEIRÀHISTORICALÀANDÀ ARCHITECTURALÀINTEREST 4HEÀLOVELYÀBUILDINGSÀOFÀTHEÀCELLARSÀINÀ#OURSANÀ,%SPġRANCEÀ&LEURYD!UDEÀ ,ġZIGNAN#ORBIĠRESÀ-ONTLAURÀ/UVEILLANÀ0AZIOLSÀ3AINT.AZAIRED!UDEÀANDÀ 6ILLENEUVELES#ORBIĠRESÀ HAVEÀ THUSÀ OBTAINEDÀ THEÀ NATIONALÀ ¢ɿɽTHÀ #ENTURYÀ (ERITAGE¡ÀLABELÀINÀ.OVEMBERÀɿɽɾʀÀ5NDENIABLYÀANÀADVANTAGEÀFORÀTHEÀDEVELOP MENTÀOFÀTHEÀREGIONSÀWINEÀTOURISMÀSECTOR •AUDE IN 16 «APPELLATIONS» Corbières, Corbières-Boutenac, Fitou, Rivesaltes, Muscat-de-Rivesaltes, Minervois, Minervois-La-Livinière, Languedoc, Languedoc-La-Clape, Languedoc-Quatourze, Limoux, Blanquette-de-Limoux, Crémant-de-Limoux, Blanquette-ancestral method, Malepère, Cabardès. Information at: www.languedoc-wines.com 28 Aude, the Cathar country planted between the dizzy citadels of Qué- common between the mountain coolness of ribus and Peyrepertuse. And these coarse the Upper Valley of the Aude where the aforeMalepère hills, you could almost be in mentioned Chardonnays grow, and the blaToulouse, where the actor Philippe Noiret zing sun of Boutenac? Between the hillsides of took refuge, and looked after his horses, far Bize-Minervois and the Coffre de Pech-Redon, from the cameras. And the delicacy of the in La Clape, and the shady nooks of Lagrasse? Macabeu overlooking the black schist of the Supported by an amazing «geological mess» Col d’Extrême mountain pass, wild, sunburnt born from the meeting between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central, but with a skin so soft, so fine THIS CLIMATIC highlighted by a broad range once transmuted into a natural DIVERSITY MEANS THAT of varieties, this climatic liqueur wine. AUDE IS CAPABLE diversity means that Aude is Landscapes with an appaOF ANYTHING capable of anything. Here you rently «natural» beauty, but in fact shaped by the hand of man! And what can find just about every category of wine a wonder to measure, through these human that exists. From the insolent bubbles of the constructions, the extent to which the wine- Limoux whites to the generous reds of Corgrowers here have managed to adapt the way bières, from the suaveness of the Minervois they work. For one topography, a sometimes to the Gascon vigour of the Côtes-de-la-Maleundulating relief, «tragedies» but also such père. Like a scale model, a summing up of the a variety of climates. Indeed what is there in vineyards of France. Q PORTRAITS $ONTÀ LOOKÀ FORÀ (UGOÀ INÀ THEÀ PHOTOGRAPHÀ HEÀ WASNTÀ THEREÀ WHENÀ OURÀ PHOTOGRAPHERÀ WENTÀ ROUNDÀ "UTÀ HEÀ ANDÀ 0AULÀ AREÀ NONETHELESSÀ INSEPARABLEÀ 4HESEÀ TWOÀ WINEGROWERSÀWITHÀTHEIRÀATYPICALÀPRO˰ÀLES ÀANÀ%NGLISHÀ EXFARMERÀANDÀANÀ!USTRALIANÀEXDANCERÀ ÀDECIDEDÀTOÀ SHAREÀTHEIRÀPASSIONÀFORÀWINEÀANDÀSETTLEÀINÀ0EYRIACDE -ERÀINÀɿɽɽʀÀWe fell in love with this region between the sea and the mountains, close to Spain, at the CROSSROADS BETWEEN SEVERAL DIʾERENT INˀUENCES” THEYÀ SAYÀ %XPLORINGÀ THEÀ SURROUNDINGÀ GARRIGUESÀ THEÀ TWOÀMENÀDISCOVEREDÀISOLATEDÀOLDÀPLOTSÀHence the name “Clos perdus” - the lost vineyard,ÀEXPLAINÀTHEÀ WINEGROWERSÀbecause they were too complicated to work, these vineyards were destined to be grubbed up.À#OMPLICATEDÀNEGLECTEDÀBUTÀOFÀHIGHÀQUALITYÀ WITHÀ THEIRÀ CENTURYOLDÀ #ARIGNANÀ ANDÀ 'RENACHEÀ NOTÀ TOÀMENTIONÀTHEIRÀ-OURVĠDREÀTHESEÀVINEYARDSÀTODAYÀ GIVEÀ WINESÀ OFÀ ANÀ ENTHRALLINGÀ COMPLEXITYÀ ,IKEÀ THEÀ 0RIOUNDOÀ ORÀ -IREÀ LAÀ -ERÀ VINTAGESÀ WHOSEÀ NAMESÀ PERFECTLYÀ ILLUSTRATEÀ THEÀ OSMOSISÀ BETWEENÀ THESEÀ PAUL OLD AND HUGO STEWART ,%3À#,/3À0%2$53ÀIN 0%92)!#ˈ$%ˈ-%2 ATTENTIVEÀ ANDÀ DISCREETÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 41 10 70 or 00 33 (0)6 70 08 00 65 WINEGROWERSÀ ANDÀ THEÀ www.lesclosperdus.com terroirÀ THATÀ WELCOMEDÀ THEMÀ ANDÀ WHICHÀ THEYÀ HONOURÀ TODAYÀ BYÀ PRODUCINGÀ THESEÀJEWELSÀOFÀ,ANGUEDOCÀVINEGROWING Aude, the Cathar country 29 PORTRAITS GILLES AZAM ,%3À(!54%3˹4%22%3 ).2/15%4!),,!$% 'ILLESÀ!ZAMÀWASÀBORNÀINÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ"UTÀ ASÀHEÀONLYÀSTAYEDÀTHEREÀFORÀAÀFEWÀDAYSÀBE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 31 63 72 FOREÀGOINGÀTOÀ2OQUETAILLADEÀAÀLITTLEÀVILLAGEÀ TOÀ THEÀ WESTÀ OFÀ ,IMOUXÀ WEÀ CANÀ CONSIDERÀ THATÀ THATÀ DOESNTÀ REALLYÀ COUNTÀ "ECAUSEÀ THISÀ PAS SIONATEÀWINEGROWERÀFEELSÀ ÀVISCERALLYÀ ÀTHATÀHEÀISÀAÀ NATIVEÀOFÀTHEÀ5PPERÀ!UDEÀ6ALLEYÀWITHÀITSÀCLIMATEÀWITHÀ AÀWELLTEMPEREDÀCHARACTERÀ 4HEREÀ ATÀ ANÀ ALTITUDEÀ BETWEENÀ ʀʂɽÀ ANDÀ ʃɽɽÀ METRESÀ HEÀHASÀPATIENTLYÀRECONSTITUTEDÀHISÀANCESTRALÀHERITAGEÀ MIREN DE LORGERIL -!)3/.À,/2'%2), 3HEÀ WASNTÀ BORNÀ INÀ AÀ VINEYARDÀ BUTÀ SHEÀ SHOWEDÀ ANÀ INTERESTÀ ATÀ AÀ VERYÀ EARLYÀ AGEÀ 7ORKINGÀATÀTHEÀSIDEÀOFÀHERÀHUSBANDÀ.ICO LASÀ -IRENÀ DEÀ ,ORGERILÀ DIRECTSÀ THEÀ TEAMÀ INÀ CHARGEÀ OFÀ DISTRIBUTINGÀ ANDÀ PROMOTINGÀ THEÀ WINESÀ PRODUCEDÀBYÀTHEÀ-AISONÀ,ORGERILÀAÀFAMILYÀCOMPANYÀ FOUNDEDÀINÀɾʃɿɽÀWine is something enthralling, I’m Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 72 65 29 www.lorgeril.com λ This wine-grower has the Pays Cathare label. 30 Aude, the Cathar country BUYINGÀ BACKÀ THEÀ FAMILYÀ HOMEÀ ANDÀ HISÀ GRANDFATHERSÀ VINEYARDSÀ I love these Pyrenean foothills. I love its minerality, its clayey limestone, the coolness of the NIGHTS!LLTHATCONTRIBUTESTOPRESERVINGTHEˀAVOUROF the grapes and maintains the acidity required to ensure the wines are perfectly balanced. It’s an ideal terroir FOR#HARDONNAYS#HENINSAND-AUZACSÀEXPLAINSÀTHISÀ WINEGROWERÀWHOÀPRODUCESÀTHEÀ*OSġPHINEÀVINTAGEÀANÀ !/#À ,IMOUXÀ CRġMANTÀ COMPAREDÀ BYÀ THEÀ EXPERTSÀ WITHÀ THEÀBESTÀCHAMPAGNESÀTo produce my Joséphine, like for my other wines, I don’t add anything, no liqueur, no sugar, and above all I leave it the time it takes to EXPRESSITSELFʿRSTOFALLFORNINEMONTHSINCASKSTHEN IN STACKS FOR ͯͱ MONTHSÀ 0ATIENCEÀ À ONEÀ OFÀ THEÀ KEYÀ WORDSÀINÀ'ILLESÀ!ZAMSÀWORKÀWHICHÀHEÀCOMBINESÀWITHÀ RIGOURÀ I’m an organic wine-grower, but above all a demanding wine-grower. I make a very strict selection on the twelve micro-plots that I farm. Spread all round THE#IRQUEDE2OQUETAILLADETHEYALLOWMETOEXPRESS THEBESTOFEACHOFITSDIʾERENTTERROIRS” 'ILLESÀ!ZAMÀISÀHAPPYÀ(APPYÀTOÀLIVEÀINÀHISÀLITTLEÀCOR NERÀOFÀ!UDEÀJUSTÀASÀHEÀISÀHAPPYÀTOÀMAKEÀWINEÀ!NDÀ HISÀHAPPINESSÀISÀAÀREALÀPIECEÀOFÀLUCKÀFORÀUSÀBECAUSEÀ THATSÀWHATÀYOUÀ˰ÀNDÀWHENEVERÀYOUÀOPENÀONEÀOFÀHISÀ BOTTLES sensitive to what it conveys,À EXPLAINSÀ THEÀ YOUNGÀ WOMANÀ ) ʿND THE WINES OF ,ANGUEDOC ENGAGING ʿRSTLYBECAUSEOFTHEIRFRANKNESSANDALSOOWINGTO THEʿNESSETHATTHEYEXPRESSFORANYONEWHOKNOWS how to listen to them.” Cabardès, Côtes-du-RousSILLON6ILLAGES &AUGğRES ,ANGUEDOC -INERVOIS -INERVOISLA,IVINIğREAND3AINT#HINIANeALL!/#S e THE -AISON ,ORGERIL MAKES THE MOST OF COMPLEX TERROIRSALLWITHVERYDIʾERENTCHARACTERSc7EHAVE SIXESTATESINNINEAPPELLATIONSWHOSECOMMONGOAL is to produce fresh, elegant wines. To achieve that, YOU HAVE TO ʿND PLOTS OF LAND AT AN ALTITUDE OR IN SMALLVALLEYSPERMANENTLYEXPOSEDTOTHE!TLANTIC -EDITERRANEAN AIRSTREAM LIKE THOSE IN #ABARDğS our cradle-appellation.À -IRENÀ DEÀ ,ORGERILÀ SHARESÀ THISÀKNOWLEDGEÀANDÀLOVEÀFORÀTHEÀTERROIRÀBYÀPROPOSINGÀ STAYSÀONÀTHREEÀOFÀTHEÀFAMILYÀESTATESÀWhen I arrived here, I was immediately won over by the landscapes sculpted by the vineyards and the light they attract. It’s this richness that I want to help my visitors to discover. Wine tourism allows you to grasp a terroir, to soak it up and thus better understand our wines.” PRACTICAL GUIDE ]WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE SOMETHING SPECIAL ] VINEYARD WALKS From June to September, the wine-growers of Haut-Minervois open the doors of their estates and châteaux to you. A friendly meeting to better understand the work of these passionate enthusiasts and discover the little stories and great history of wine in Minervois. Fi˴een wine-makers are waiting for you to take you on two-hour walks through the heart of the vineyards, at the end of the morning or of the day. Each one has concocted an original programme: «Mountain Biking» at the Domaine Fontanilles-Haut, in Laure Minervois; «Vineyard and the Fades Dolmen» at Château Pépusque, in Pépieux, etc. And to round o˯ these themed walks, what could be better than a wine-tasting accompanied by a special «wine-grower’s dish»? Careful though, the number of places is limited, so be sure to book! Phone: +33 (0) 4 68 76 34 74 - www.tourisme-haut-minervois.fr ] ̂TO1UES ET CLOCHERS̃ DEFENDS THE LIMOUX HERITAGE 4HERESÀNOÀLONGERÀANYÀNEEDÀ TOÀPRESENTÀTHEÀPRESTIGIOUSÀ #HARDONNAYSÀOFÀ,IMOUXÀ 2ENOWNEDÀONÀTHEÀ&RENCHÀ ANDÀINTERNATIONALÀMARKETSÀ they are produced in one OFÀTHEÀAPPELLATIONSÀFOURÀ AREASÀ-ġDITERRANġENÀ!UTANÀ (AUTE6ALLġEÀANDÀ/CġANIQUEÀ )NÀORDERÀTOÀPROMOTEÀTHESEÀ areas and their riches, the WINEGROWERSÀINÀ3IEURÀD!RQUESÀ HAVEÀFORÀNEARLYÀÀYEARSÀ BEENÀORGANISINGÀ¢4OQUESÀETÀ #LOCHERS¡À#HEFSÀ(ATSÀANDÀ 3TEEPLESÀ4HEÀHIGHLIGHTÀOFÀ THISÀEVENTÀTHEÀAUCTIONÀOFÀTHEÀ BESTÀCASKSÀOFÀ#HARDONNAYÀ 4HEÀSECONDÀLARGESTÀWINEÀSALEÀ A˴ÀERÀTHEÀ"URGUNDYÀSALESÀ THEYÀREGULARLYÀREACHÀPEAKSÀ RECORDSÀLIKEÀTHEÀONEÀBEATENÀ BYÀAÀCASKÀOFÀ(AUTE6ALLġEÀDUÀ #LOCHERÀDEÀLAÀ3ERPENTÀSOLDÀ INÀÀTOÀTHEÀFAMOUSÀCHEFÀ !LAINÀ$UCASSEÀFORÀeÀ %NOUGHÀTOÀBEAUTIFULLYÀRESTOREÀ THEÀCHURCHÀANDÀSTEEPLEÀOFÀ THEÀORGANISINGÀVILLAGE WWWSIEURDARQUESCOM ] VINEYARDS AND DISCOVERIES: THE EXCELLENCE LABEL (ONOUREDÀINÀÀWITHÀTHEÀ 6IGNOBLESÀETÀ$ġCOUVERTESÀ LABELÀTHEÀTOURISTÀDESTINATIONÀ .ARBONNAISEÀ3URPRENANTEÀ -ġDITERRANġEÀDOESÀALLÀITÀCANÀ TOÀHONOURÀTHISÀRECOGNITIONÀANDÀ ISÀCOUNTINGÀONÀWINNINGÀTHISÀ PRESTIGIOUSÀDISTINCTIONÀAGAIN !WARDEDÀFORÀTHREEÀYEARSÀITÀ ISÀTHEÀGUARANTEEÀOFÀAÀMADE TOMEASUREÀWELCOMINGÀFROMÀ THEÀPASSIONATEÀWINEGROWERSÀ RESTAURATEURSÀANDÀHOTELIERSÀ ESTABLISHEDÀINÀTHEÀHEARTÀ OFÀAGEOLDÀVINEYARDS 4HEREÀINÀTHESEÀUNSPOILTÀ LANDSCAPESÀYOUÀWILLÀBEÀ ACCOMMODATEDÀINÀATTRACTIVEÀ GUESTÀROOMSÀANDÀMAKEÀTHEÀ MOSTÀOFÀTHEÀMANYÀSPORTINGÀ CULTURALÀORÀLEISUREÀACTIVITIES See the list of service providers with the label at: tourisme.legrandnarbonne.com AOP Cabardès 0HONEÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ WWWAOPCABARDESFR Vignerons de la Clape 0HONEÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ WWWCLAPENET AOP Corbières 0HONEÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ WWWDECORBIERESCOM AOP Fitou 0HONEÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ WWW˰ÀTOUAOCCOM AOP Limoux 0HONEÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ WWWLIMOUXAOCCOM AOP cru Malepère 0HONEÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ WWWVINSMALEPERECOM AOP cru Minervois 0HONEÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ WWWLEMINERVOISCOM WELCOME TO THE VINEYARDS An immersion in ‘wine culture’ in the middle of the grape harvest, that’s what this atypical stay proposes˟. Housed in a country gîte in a village in the vineyards or directly on a wine estate, make the most of the guided tours through the vines and an introduction to wine tasting given by the owner. The most enthusiastic can even help harvest the grapes... Starting from ˪ˠˤˠ for one week in a gîte for ˢ people. To nd out more: www.gites-de-france-aude.com/gites-accueilau-vignoble.html ˟-with the ‘5ignobles et #Ğcouvertes’ label SOMETHING SPECIAL ] LES GRANDS BUFFETS: A GREAT IDEA The wines of Languedoc have a choice showcase with ‘Les Grands Bu˯ets’ restaurant, in Narbonne. Ambassador for the local wine-growers, the establishment presents everything that’s best in Languedoc-Roussillon with at least 70 references on the wine list. Produced in the best areas, the wines here are all sold by the glass or by the bottle and… at the same price as by the producer! Better still: with the “Leave without paying for the wine” o˯er, if you appreciated the bottle you had with your meal and you decide to buy a case of six (sold at the same price as at the cellar), the bottle you had with your meal will be o˯ered for free. Lastly, and this is the cherry on the cake, the restaurant proposes unlimited traditional cuisine served bu˯et-style. On the menu: foie gras, spiny lobster à l’américaine, not to mention golden pieces of meat spit-roasted in front of you on an impressive grill and, of course, all the great classics of French confectionery for your dessert. And all that for less than €30. Obviously, if you want to enjoy all these pleasures so popular with ever-growing numbers of people, you’ll have to book! /GNMDΈΈΈΈΈΈΈΈΈVVVKDRFQ@MCRATʤΈDSRBNL Aude, the Cathar country 31 A land of ARTS and MEMORIES In this land of history and ever-renewed inventiveness, traditions and know-how are passed down quite simply: from generation to generation, with passion and a resolutely festive spirit. 32 Aude, the Cathar country « Every year in Limoux they hold the longest carnival in the world!» François Feau, co-president of the Limoux Carnival Committee rather proudly claims concerning the exceptional length of the festivities. «Three months! Any higher offers?!» the man enthuses with a smile and a bonhomie so typical of Aude about perpetuating a tradition for so long with his fellow citizens, and a great deal of fun deeply rooted in their hearts, minds and legs! «Each weekend and on Shrove Tuesday, you can watch the ‘bandas’ marching bands parading around in groups of twenty or so, firing the spectator’s enthusiasm, walking beside the ‘goudils’ - participants wearing burlesque masks - but without mixing with them until permitted by the Carnival King on judgement day.» In the land of Blanquette and Crémant sparkling wines, every generation takes part in the Fécos, a dance that is played out to special tunes, some of which date back from time immemorial to the festival’s origins. There are more than a hundred of them, the works of local composers or inspired by operas. It’s also one of the riches of this popular festival, listed an immaterial cultural heritage event by the Ministry of Culture since 2012. The dancers glide by almost religiously lifting their carabène, a sort of reed wand, and throwing EVERY YEAR IN LIMOUX THEY HOLD THE LONGEST CARNIVAL IN THE WORLD! confetti at the onlookers. Highly codified, the immutable saraband seems to have sprung straight out of the past, so scrupulous is the respect shown for the rules. And, there are more than 600 carnival-goers who, from January to March each year, entertain the onlookers, astonished and amused by the pranks of this lively crowd! Limoux Carnival is truly emblematic of those steadfast popular traditions – festive and cultural – that the people of Aude like to celebrate as time and the seasons go by. POPULAR FERVOUR And it’s not in Gruissan that anyone will deny that. Every year on the coast, at the end of June, they celebrate Saint Peter’s day. In this land of seafarers the discovery in the middle of the 17th century of a wooden figurehead amongst the debris from a shipwreck came like a bolt out of Aude, the Cathar country 33 the blue. This bust with a bearded head and two keys to paradise could only represent the saint worshiped in all sea ports! Since then the sculpture has been deeply revered by the people of Gruissan, with a special rite involving the Prud’homie, the fishermen’s organisation, the fishermen themselves, the authorities, the whole village along with all its visitors, mixing fervour, religion and folklore. Every 29 June, the overflowing church welcomes the relic and everyone, in their place, takes part in the service. The ceremony is marked by the tempo of a scottish, an English two-four time dance rather like a polka, supposed to recall the movements and undulations of the swell rocking the fishermen and their boats. Once the service is over, the great organ takes over and the orchestra accompanies the Prud’hommes while the bust of the Saint stays in the church. It will only be 34 Aude, the Cathar country taken back to the Prud’homie after vespers. At the Auzils chapel, you’ll also find this fervent atmosphere and respect for tradition, not once but three times! Built above the Saint-Salvaire grotto, this edifice has been a listed building since 1964. People religiously flock here every Easter Monday to pray for the souls of the fishermen, those lost in a storm in 1797; to thank Our Lady every Whit Monday for having put an end to the cholera epidemic of 1835; and then on the last Sunday of August in preparation for the grape harvest. ANCESTRAL KNOW-HOW This memory of tradition, this passion for those moments of communion inscribed in our genes, is also rendered by the will to transmit, to exchange. Thus, the artistic professions linked to local particularities pass down through the years and fashions. EN ATTENDANT MIEUX Living Occitan! On the roads of Aude, at the time of the Limoux carnival for instance, you will hear the language of the Midi spoken. Still very much alive here, Occitan is present in a rich literature – from the Troubadours through to contemporary creation, not to mention the Félibres writers’ movement – in the festive traditions as well as in the viure – a way of living together. The Institut d’Estudis Occitanes focuses on spreading knowledge of the language and its culture here and now. Phone: ͓͓Έ͖͖Έ͓͗Έ͙͛Έ͕͘Έ͔͜Έ͚͛Έ occitan-aude.over-blog.com Wrought iron-work, pottery, working clay, stone and bronze, so many creations inspired by history and local produce are the very illustration of this. Like the craftsmen who - such as Véronique Le Besnerais, a ceramist based in Embres et Castelmaure in Corbières - have found here a source of inspiration for their art: «Since 1992 when I bought an old sheep barn here, I have been working stoneware and earthenware transforming them into unique pieces led by my inspiration. It comes from a sum of things, a great mixture that makes up my living environment: these magnificent landscapes, this terrific light, the closeness to the sea, the rough scrublands… I love bold objects that have a soul, even though they may be very simple and utilitarian, or that you just leave on a table because you appreciate their appearance and colours. More than typically southern, they are colourful and above all, I hope, joyful!» Joyful, like the state of mind that governs this need to create with your hands, as well as to make colourful shared moments last down through the ages! Q Aude, the Cathar country 35 d’hommes femmes de lettres, la terre audoise célèbre régulièrement la passion n Muse inspiratrice d hommes et f g d mo s et e des l vres. v es g âce à des l eux de mémo re e e endez vous f fes fs basés su des mots grâce et des rendez fest f sur l échange ge e la et a réцex éцex on.omme on omme personne, pe p sonne, le e troubadour oubadou Ha mon de M raval ava p prat a ɍua ɍ t cet ce amou amour cou courto o s ɍ ҌҫҴҳҳ-ҫҵҳҴҎ, ҌҫҵҩҲ-ҫҵҴҬҎ ɍue révèrent éodat Hoché ҌҫҴҳҳ ҫҵҳҴҎ, Hené 8elli ҌҫҵҩҲ ҫҵҴҬҎ ou encore auȬourd huii nne renon et laude Marti. Muse chantante, la langue g occitane au beau verbe a touȬourss i inspiré les poètes, à l image g de (o˘ ousɍuet ҌҫҴҵҳ ҌҫҴҵҳ-ҫҵұҩҎ ҫҵұҩҎ dont la demeure carcassonnaise e devenue auȬourd hui la Maison des Mémoires Maison (o˘ ousɍuet accueille un centre ABOUT BOOKS An open BOOK à son nom. lassée aux Monuments istoriɍues, ɍ la maison a reʾu les plus p grands g noms Ѱ @aul 0ouis ragon, g ndré ide, ali, etc. Pous s ɴ sont pressés Xalérɴ, Max rnst, Magritte, g a chevet du poète blessé lors de la rande uerre. 0 exposition perm au perma anente oпre un regard sur la vie et l œuvre du p poète et sur ses amitiés avec les artistes de son temps. p e monde de la littérature,the ses penseurs p et ses écrivains célèbres également g celebrated incélébrés à 0agrasse g Aude lands regularly celebrate a passion writers sont are also Lagrasse and for words and books, by multiplying the places Montolieu. The former organises three Book Bane à Montolieu. 0a p et première organise g chaɍue ɍ année trois anɍuets ɍ du 0ivre dans le cadre sompsomp p Muse that inspires men and women of letters, This world of literature, its thinkers and famous quets every in rent the sumptuous surroundings tueux de l abbaɴe médiévale. utour d une thématiɍue donnée, ilsyear oп un riche programme g de of the mediaeval abbey. Around a given topic, rencontres littéraires et p philosophiɍues, p ɍ mːlant nourritures spirituelles p et terrestres, g goαt de la p parole Like nobody else, the troubadour Raimon de THEYÀO˯ÀERÀAÀRICHÀPROGRAMMEÀOFÀLITERARYÀANDÀPHILO of remembrance and festive events. et du vin des orbières. Montolieu, s enorgueillit ɍuinze bouɍuinistes etanddearthly un musée des Miraval practicedelle, that courtly lovegrevered by desophical encounters, mixing spiritual $ġODATÀ2OCHġÀɾʅʄʄɾʆʄʅÀ2ENġÀ.ELLIÀɾʆɽʃɾʆʅɿÀ a taste for theȬustiс spoken word rts et Métiers du 0ivre p pour une p population p de moins de ҫnourishments, ҩҩҩ habitants, antand p pleinement today,҄. by Anne and Claude Sin- theenс wine n, of Corbières. Montolieu,moulin it boasts à p son surnom de ҃ Xillage g du or, livre l Brenon rousses et Marti. Xillaret, c est As unforancien papier p r ging Muse, the vibrant langue d’oc has always ˰À˴ÀEENÀSECONDHANDÀBOOKSELLERSÀANDÀAÀ"OOKÀ4RADEÀ ɍui témoigne ɍ g de cet intérːt pour pINSPIREDÀTHEÀPOETSÀLIKEÀ*OģÀ"OUSQUETÀɾʅʆʄɾʆʂɽÀ la chose écrite et d une histoire p papetière p très f fructueuse au `X$$ ssiècle. èc e ern ècle. ernier e n e er mou moul moulin n en ac act activité v té é su sur la a va vallée ée de the la a Maison u e ɾɽɽɽÀ ure e et du 0anguedoc, il l fédère fédè e auȬou auȬourd auȬourd’hui d hu whose home in Carcassonne – now INHABITANTSÀ FULLYÀ JUSTIFYINGÀ THEÀ APPELLA Joë-Bousquet – houses Book”.des Finally, in es éne g es p pou e ouve , p pedesp péMémoires-Maison ue e ansme e des savo tion f fa“Village e e ofp the odu p pap p Brousses e s f fa s ma n and Arts Museum for a population of fewer than elle ss’enorgueillit elle, enorgueillit g de ɍuinze bouɍuinistes d d’un un musée rts etinterest Métiers du 0ivre house has welcomed theet greatest names: Paul des witness to this for the written word and pour une population p p de moins de ҫ Valéry, ҩҩҩ Ȭustiс ant pleinement son surnom dewas҃so Xillage du Max habitants, Ernst, Magritte, Louis Aragon, Andrép the history of the paper industry, that rich a centre bearing his name. A listed building, the and Villaret there’s an old paper mill that bears Gide, Dali, enс etc. They cameun to the bedside of INÀTHEÀɾʄTHÀCENTURYÀ4HEÀLASTÀMILLÀSTILLÀWORKINGÀINÀ livre ҄. l rousses et Xillaret, n, all c est ancien moulin à p papier p ɍui témoigne ɍ g de cet intérːt the poet wounded during the Great War. The per- the Dure Valley and in all of Languedoc, today it pour la chose écrite et d une histoire p p papetière p très f fructueuse au `X$$ $ siècle. ernier moulin en n act v té sur la vallée de la work activité ure du 0a l auȬourd auȬourd’hui hui perpetuate hu les énerg énergies g pass es p pour retrouver, p perpétuer p et of Joëet Bousquet, on hisil friendships with the and on a certain know-how like transmettre des savoir f faire artists et p produit papiers p f faits main.that p pour retrouver, p perpétuer et transmettre e of his day. des p required to make paper byphand. manent exhibition throws light on the life and brings together all the energy needed to restore, des savoir-faire savo r f fa re et p produ produide de vre ҄. l rousses et X Xillaret, llaret, enсn, enсn, c c’est est un ancien anc en moulin moul n à p pap papier p er ɍui témo ɍu témoigne gne de cet intérːt nté ːt pour pou la a chose éc écrite te et d d’une une h histoire sto e papet papetière è e ttrès ès f fructueuse uctueuse au ` `X$$ pou e ouve , pe pé ue e ansme e des savo PRACTICAL GUIDE ]CENTRE JOĆ˹BOUS1UET ET SON TEMPS Maison des Mémoires-Maison Joë-Bousquet, Carcassonne Open from Tuesday to Saturday, free. 53, rue de Verdun Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 72 50 83 ]LA MAISON DU BAN1UET ET DES GÉNÉRATIONS, IN LAGRASSE Public Abbey 4, rive gauche Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 32 63 89 www.lamaisondubanquet.fr 36 Aude, the Cathar country fa e e p odu des pap e s fa s ma n ]MONTOLIEU, BOOK VILLAGE Guided tour of the Book Trade and Arts Museum EVERYÀ˰ÀRSTÀ3UNDAYÀOFÀTHEÀ month from 2 to 3 pm. Price: €4. 39, rue de la Mairie Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 24 80 04 www.montolieu-livre.fr pou ]LE MOULIN À PAPIER DE BROUSSES ET VILLARET In 2014, “Love poems” exhibition until 29 June, as well as the paper mill’s twentieth birthday. Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 26 67 43 www.moulinapapier.com on n nge g e ge o s huii ]WHERE TO FIND In the heart of Corbières, Véronique soaks up the local atmosphere to create unique pieces. Earthenware or stoneware utilitarian and DECORATIVEÀOBJECTS ÀNEVERÀ NEUTRALÀ ÀTHEYÀALLÀHAVEÀAÀJOYFULÀ character, aiming to satisfy the eye and the senses. By appointment Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 45 68 37 or 00 33 (0)6 07 86 95 76 urss ise e tre aul sés la sse p de ole le des entt ierr $$ hui n une d du rːt en n et tre e er SOMETHING SPECIAL ]GRUISSAN PILGRIMAGE St Peter’s Day ˰shermen’s pilgrimage and pilgrimages to AuZils chapel. Gruissan Tourist O˲ce /GNMDΈΈΈΈΈΈΈ ] LIMOUX CARNIVAL MAISON BOR 2015 edition: from 11 January to 22 March. Bandas parade at 11 am, 4.30 and 10 pm, on their designated day. Limoux Tourist Department Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 31 11 82 Founded in 1936, in Limoux, the Bor confectioner’s shop tempts gourmets with its succulent range of nougats, touron almond cake and chocolates. It’s all the fault of Monsieur Bor and his successors – Charles de Oliveira today – creators of delicacies as renowned as the Tap de Limos, a chocolate shaped like a Blanquette cork, coated with a smooth ganache with raisins macerated in an old Marc of Blanquette de Limoux. 15, avenue Fabre-d’Églantine Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 31 02 15 www.nougat-bor.com ARTS & CRAFTS λ JULIENNE DANIAUX 4HEÀ˰ÀRSTÀWOMANÀINÀ&RANCEÀ to get her glassmaker’s CAP VOCATIONALÀTRAININGÀCERTI˰ÀCATEÀ Julienne Daniaux set up with her sister Irène in 2003 in the village of Montolieu to create the Diversion workshop. Tableware, ornamental ware, perfume bottles, BLOWNGLASSÀOBJETSÀDART Manufacture Royale Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 24 70 17 λ VÉRONI1UE LE BESNERAIS Ceramist set up since 1992 in the peaceful village of Embres et Castelmaure, λ LIONEL POSTAL Creative potter whose inspiration is boundless, working in Caunes-Minervois, Lionel Postal invents DISHESÀOILÀJARSÀBASINSÀ ANDÀORNAMENTALÀOBJECTSÀ as the fancy takes him. Thanks to their originality and colours, these utilitarian OBJECTSÀWILLÀBRINGÀAÀLITTLEÀ extra to everyday life in your kitchen or home! 1, rue Joseph Sicard Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 78 48 53 www.postpot.fr OUT MORE Carcassonne Tourist O˲ce 28, rue de Verdun Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 10 24 30 www.tourismecarcassonne.fr Gruissan Tourist O˲ce Boulevard du PechMaynaud Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 49 09 00 www.gruissanmediterranee.com Limoux Tourist Department avenue du Pont-de-France Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 31 11 82 www.limoux.fr using his trade’s traditional techniques in Carcassonne. 44, rue de la Barbacane Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 71 60 60 www.pierbiau.com λΈThese professionals all have the “Pays Cathare” label (voir page 23À ] MARKETPLACE λ JEAN˹FRANĂOIS MONNIN Sculptor, stone and marble mason in Pézens, THISÀCRA˴ÀSMANÀNOTÀONLYÀ restores our heritage, but also creates and maintains more conventional building elements: doors, windows, pillars, vaults, fountains, monumental sculptures. La Madeleine – RN 113 Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 24 96 29 λΈPIERRE In the heart of the .ARBONNAISEÀENÀ Méditerrannée’ Regional .ATUREÀ0ARKÀINÀTHEÀDISTRICTÀ of Villesèque-des-Corbières, this bistro-terroir celebrates the seasonal produce of Languedoc-Roussillon. 7ITHÀRE˰ÀNEMENTÀANDÀ gourmandise, Eric Delalande (ex-Ravanel, Michelin 2-star chef in !RLESÀTREATSÀHISÀGUESTSÀ with propositions that’ll get your mouth watering JUSTÀREADINGÀTHEÀMENUÀÀÀÀ Avenue de la mairie Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 70 09 13 www.bistroplacedesmarches.com BIAU Bronze and wood no longer have any secrets for this bronzesmith who makes OBJECTSÀLIGHTINGÀAPPLIANCESÀ gold work and furniture Aude, the Cathar country 37 When NATURE is simply sensational Here, a succession of hills covered with garrigue scrubland; there, a vertiginous canyon overshadowed by the Pyrenean mountain tops… A mosaic of landscapes each o˯ering a made-to-measure playground, on water, in the air or along the paths and trekking trails. 38 Aude, the Cathar country T hree hundred metres of cliffs towering it can be pretty hair-raising right from the over your heads. A dizzy eight-kilo- very start!” metre pass, and, flying over the tumultuous From Limoux to just upstream of Axat, the torrents of the River Aude, a dipper dives River Aude is a unique playground for rafhead first searching for little fish. The scene ting, hydrospeed, canoeing and kayaking is set, here we are between Quillan and enthusiasts. A peaceful stretch of water ideal Axat, in the Pierre-Lys gorge, the majestic for all the family, rapids, sudden changes of surroundings in which Emmanuel Bou- slope, tricky stretches that are so difficult trelle works. With his colleague Mathieu that only professionals and “head cases” Veyssière, this specialist of can try them, there’s something the upper reaches of the river ̂ THE PRESENCE OF for everyone, however expehas set up his small business rienced they may be. Along the RARE SPECIES SUCH upstream of the gorge some banks, more than ten companies AS THE PYRENEAN ten years ago. Since then and associations each year sell DESMAN ARE PROOF they have been exploring the around 40,000 outings. Their OF THE 1UALITY River Aude, and from time to key asset? A tumultuous river, time its tributary the Rebenty OF THE NATURAL not to mention breathtaking scewhich weaves its way towards SURROUNDINGS ̃ nery and wild, unspoilt nature. the Sault region. “We have a A passionate ornithologist, and 7-kilometre open stretch and a more spor- a river technician too, Emmanuel Boutrelle ting one easily running for 14 kilometres,” never tires of spying “a yellow wagtail, a explains Emmanuel. “Just as you enter the pair of vultures” such as this colony nesting Saint-Georges gorge, you arrive at a lovely on the slopes of the nearby Pic de Bugarach. ‘portefeuille’ (two juxtaposed slabs, in “here, there are species whose presence canoeists’ jargon), here this a class 4 river, just goes to show how well preserved their Aude, the Cathar country 39 natural surroundings are,” he continues, mentioning the Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), a mammal nicknamed the “trumpet rat” owing to its strange snout, that he has already “glimpsed twice”, or some pairs of particularly voracious otters. NATURA 2000 Still wild and incredibly natural, the upper valley is a reflection of the rest of the Aude département. With 182 species observed, this département is home to the largest number of nesting birds in France. It also counts 36 natural sites, the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée nature park – and no less than 40 % of its surface area is classified as a Natura 2000 zone. It’s in these exceptional surroundings, in the middle of varied landscapes, tiered down from an altitude of 2,400 metres to the shores of the Mediterranean, that a whole outdoor sports-based economy flourishes. In the Corbières, far from the bustle of the coast, the choice of activities on offer is im- 40 Aude, the Cathar country GR 36 A journey through wonderland A multitude of wonders, a succession of castles perched on their rocky outcrops, landscapes WITHÀCLI˯ÀSÀCRESTSÀPLATEAUXÀORÀTHEÀPINEÀFORESTSÀ scrublands and dwarf oaks. Crossing the déparTEMENTÀFROMÀNORTHÀTOÀSOUTHÀTHEÀ'2ÀʀʃÀAÀSEE mingly never-ending path linking Switzerland to Gibraltar, plunges into the area’s wild beauty. At each stage, FROMÀTHEÀ0ICÀDEÀ.OREÀɾɿɾɽÀMÀTOÀTHEÀGATESÀOFÀ&ENOUILLĠDESÀYOULLÀ be lost in wonder. There’s everything there: biodiversity, the witnesses of history that are the dizzy citadels of Villerouge-TerMENĠSÀ4ERMESÀ1UġRIBUSÀANDÀ0EYREPERTUSEÀGRANDIOSEÀSITESÀSUCHÀ ASÀ'ALAMUSÀ'ORGEÀTHEÀCHARMINGÀVILLAGESÀOFÀ#ORBIĠRESÀTHEÀLANDS capes and cool wine cellars. In short, an ideal route – a variant of which will take you to Mount Tauch – for discovering the wonders of Aude, with your family, even with young children. Icing on the cake, a remarkable topoguide has just been published. It details each stage precisely, while also giving precious EXPLANATIONSÀONÀLOCALÀHISTORYÀANDÀONÀTHEÀPLANTÀANDÀANIMALÀSPE cies that you will be able to see, the specialities you will be able to savour, and the sites not to be missed. The GR ʀʃ topoguide, ʅɽ pages, is available in bookshops or on the French Hiking Federation’s website (Fédération franğaise de randonnée). www.ffrandonnee.fr mense. On the water, in the airs or with your hiking boots on, you will discover a rugged mountainscape, dotted with vineyards or covered with scrubland. “We have 600 kilometres of hiking paths, 240 km of mountain-biking trails, and little roads with hardly a soul in sight ideal for cycle touring, not to mention the supervised swimming spots, such as the waterfalls at the foot of Peyrepertuse Castle, in the Verdouble gorge,” enthuses Anne Marserou, Director of Tourism for the Corbières-Minervois region. Between nature and heritage, from grandiose sites to wine cellars, passing by its famous towering citadels, the Corbières area is a paradise for roaming. The region is crossed from north to south by the GR 36 hiking trail (see box) and from east to west by the Cathar Trail, a recently accredited GR hiking trail. “The Loop in the Heart of Cor- Aude, the Cathar country 41 bières, setting out from the wine cooperatives, is a 124-km long tour of the area that you can cover on foot – athletically, or more peacefully to appreciate the breathtaking views – accompanied by pack-donkeys, or on a mountain bike,” adds Anne Marserou. The area also has some lovely surprises in PRACTICAL GUIDE ] THE MYSTERIES OF THE FOREST In the Upper Valley of the Aude, and in the Sault area too, a deep-rooted tradition of forestry endures. Grown for the construction or energy sectors, the woods ALSOÀO˯ÀERÀIDEALÀRECREATIONALÀ spaces for a family ramble. So, an ‘interpretation path’ runs through, Callong forest, ONÀTHEÀHEIGHTSÀOFÀ1UILLANÀ allowing you enjoyably to discover the local forestry industry and see how the forest environment functions. 1uillan Tourist O˲ce Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 07 78 www.quillan.fr 42 Aude, the Cathar country ] PIC DE BUGARACH It hit the headlines worldwide at the end of 2012. An interpretation of a Mayan calendar led some people to believe it would be one of the only places that would survive the end of the world… As, happily, the apocalypse didn’t actually happen, peace and quiet has been restored to the site, along with the interest of its scenery. The mountain is criss-crossed with underground galleries, and the climb to the top, although strenuous, is WELLÀWORTHÀTHEÀE˯ÀORT Pays de CouiZa Tourist O˲ce Phone: 00 33 (4) 68 69 69 85 www.paysdecouiza. com/fr/accueil store for the thrill-seeker. Didier Astre, an open-air adventure sports specialist, makes the most of the region’s potential. With him, and with many other guides too, you can discover the joys of rock-climbing near Termes, fly over exceptional sites in a small plane taking off from Lézignan-Corbières aerodrome, or the Cathar Country castles with a paraglider, and much more besides. There are also some beautiful canyons in the area. At the foot of Termes Castle, Didier takes his clients to confront the torrents at Terminet, a superb little canyon for beginners with playful stretches, with its leaps and slides. There are so many lovely ways to discover this part of Corbières, whether before you go for a swim, when the low sun illuminates the pink limestone, or when you at last extract yourself from the water and there are still hours ahead of you for making the most of this region’s lovingly preserved treasures.Q ]WHERE TO FIND In Fontjoncouse, there are donkeys gambolling over nearly seven hectares of scrubland. They are there just waiting to meet you or to carry your baggage by the hour, day or for a whole weekend. Make the most of them to set out on a tour of “la ronde au cyur des Corbières”. Mas du Mont-Mija Phone: 00 33 (0)6 81 45 63 09 www.asineriedescorbieres.com The family walks are signposted on the way out of the villages. The latest one, the geologists walk in Albas – a theme-based path marked out with notice boards describing the site’s geological history – allows you to better understand the formation of the astonishing syncline. You can get these two 100-page topoguides at the 0AYSÀ4OURISTIQUEÀ#ORBIĠRESÀ Pays Touristique Corbières-Minervois À"DÀ-ARX$ORMOYÀ À,ġZIGNAN#ORBIĠRES Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 27 88 10 www.tourisme-corbieresminervois.com ]THE CORBIăRES DONKEY FARM ] EXPLORATION HIKES IN CORBIăRES˹ MINERVOIS PRACTICAL GUIDE VI SI T W ITH TH E FA MI LY OUT MORE Service Tourisme des Pyrénées audoises Square André-Tricoire, À1UILLAN Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 07 78 www.pyreneesaudoises.com Pays Haute-Vallée de l’Aude Place d’Alcántara À,IMOUX Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 58 38 www.payshva.org Minervois counter. You can also download hiking fact sheets from www.tourismecorbieres-minervois.com. ] RENNES˹LE˹ CHþTEAU Many are the adventurers WHOÀSTILLÀDREAMÀOFÀ˰ÀNDINGÀ &ATHERÀ3AUNIĠRESÀFAMOUSÀ treasure. Treasure or not, Rennes-le-Château, its Magdala Tower and its DEVILÀSEEÀOPPOSITEÀAREÀ undeniably well worth the visit. 0HONEÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ www.rennes-le-chateau.fr Aude, the Cathar country 43 PRACTICAL GUIDE SOMETHING SPECIAL ] BENEFICIAL WATERS AT RENNES˹LES˹BAINS On the banks of the Sals a small river that springs up at Fontaine salée and then wends its way between rocky walls the therapeutic virtues of the water have been known since ancient times. Rennes-les-Bains is a family spa resort bene˰ting from the slightly mineralised sulphate-, magnesium- and iron-bearing waters that spring from the ground at a temperature of between 33 gC and 44 gC. Ideal for treating rheumatism and the a˴er-e˯ects osteoarticular trauma! Of course, you can also pro˰t from all these bene˰cial e˯ects at the time of a simple get-˰t stay interspersed with treatments, each more agreeable than the last one. Hammam, JacuZZi, body-building room, the Rennes-les-Bains spa resort also proposes numerous amenities for visitors simply passing through. At the gateway to Corbières, the resort a small family-friendly a˯air that focuses particularly on the quality of the reception it a˯ords is also the ideal starting point for a multitude of walks and hikes in the enchanting surroundings of the hinterland. Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 74 71 00 – www.renneslesbains.com ] PEYREPERTUSE AND 1UÉRIBUS, SENTINELS OF CORBIăRES Watch out for the gusty Tramontane wind during the visit to these two eagle’s nests! Perched on rocky spurs at an altitude of more than 700 metres, Peyrepertuse ANDÀ1UġRIBUSÀFACEÀEACHÀOTHERÀ STANDINGÀJUSTÀ˰ÀVEÀKILOMETRESÀ apart. Historical landmarks, Cathars took shelter in them, these spectacular citadels O˯ÀERÀAÀREMARKABLEÀVIEWÀOFÀ THEÀ#ORBIĠRESÀMOUNTAINSÀANDÀ of the Roussillon plain to the south. Panoramic views of the sea, the Pyrenees, the scrublands and vineyards, the choice is yours! 1uéribus Castle Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 45 03 69 www.cucugnan.fr Peyrepertuse Castle Phone: 00 33 (0)4 82 53 24 07 www.chateau-peyrepertuse.com Find out more at : Association des sites du Pays Cathare www.payscathare.org www.lesentiercathare.com ] A SELECTION OF SPORTING ADDRESSES λΈRoc Aqua, white-water and mountain sports, Cailla Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 53 97 λΈAlet eau vive, Alet-les-Bains Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 69 92 67 λΈEmbarquement immédiat, Saint-Martin-Lys Phone: 00 33 (0)6 87 37 24 74 λΈLa Forge, 1uillan Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 23 79 λΈPyrène Ra˴ing, Axat Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 52 76 λΈRodeo Ra˴, Belvianes et Cavirac Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 98 86 λΈSud Ra˴ing, Axat Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 53 73 λΈEauriZon, Termes Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 49 99 82 Parapente au départ de Peyrepertuse Phone: 00 33 (0)6 76 75 18 91 VTT, Saint-André-de-Roquelongue Phone: 00 33 (0)6 81 45 63 09 Chutextrem, LéZignan-Corbières Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 49 99 82 λΈAll these professionals have been awarded the “Pays Cathare” label (see page 23) STAYS IN THE WILDS Angling enthusiasts should head for the lakes and rivers, where they will be able to stay in one of the ˧ˡ gîte B&Bs situated less than ˣ˞˞ metres away from a shing spot. As for sports lovers more interested in history they should choose a ˢ-day “1ando +ibertĞ” stay on the “Sentier Cathare”. Following in the footsteps of the Cathar “Bonshommes”, they will discover impressive sites in an exceptional natural dĞcor. Starting from ˪ˠˤˣ per person. Find out more on www.gites-de-france-aude.com/gites-pour-amateurs-de-peche. html and www.sudfrance.fr/sejours-randonnees.html 44 Aude, the Cathar country Riding: L’Ątrier du Lauragais, Castelnaudary Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 23 28 47 Ferme équestre Cheval cathare, Cucugnan (GR 367) Phone: 00 33 (0)6 84 33 74 37 Chevaux aux vents, Davejan (GR 36) Phone: 00 33 (0)6 10 93 18 50 Les ˰ls de NatcheZ, Termes (GR 36) Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 70 05 92 All you need to prepare your TRIP! WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE LAURAGAIS AREA Ø'*×!ÿ*Ú+ɓ%!&Ú*.'!+ Syndicat Mixte du Pays Lauragais Pays Touristique Corbières-Minervois ÀCHEMINÀDEÀL/BġLISQUE À-ONTFERRAND Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 60 56 54 www.payslauragais.com ÀBDÀ-ARX$ORMOY À,ġZIGNAN#ORBIĠRES Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 27 57 57 www.tourisme-corbieresminervois.com Association du Pays Carcassonnais NARBONNE AREA, ASTONISHING MEDITERRANEAN À2UEÀ*EAN"RINGERÀ À#ARCASSONNE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 26 73 79 www.payscarcassonnais. com Le Grand Narbonne Syndicat Mixte de la Vallée de l’Aude et des Pyrénées Audoises ÀBDÀ&RġDġRIC-ISTRAL À.ARBONNE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 58 14 58 www.legrandnarbonne.com 0LACEÀ!LCANTARA À,IMOUX Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 58 38 www.payshva.org CARCASSONNE AREA UPPER VALLEY HOW TO GET HERE BY CAR ΗÀA61 Deux-Mers Motorway: À ΗÀTOÀ0ARISÀANDÀ,ILLEÀ%UROPE ΗÀFROMÀ0ARISÀANDÀ,ILLEÀ%UROPE EXITSÀATÀ#ASTELNAUDARYÀ EXITÀÀ"RAMÀEXITÀ #ARCASSONNEÀ/UESTÀEXITÀ #ARCASSONNEÀ%STÀEXITÀ ,ġZIGNAN#ORBIĠRESÀEXITÀ .ARBONNEÀ3UDÀEXITÀ AVE high-speed train "ARCELONEÀ À0ERPIGNANÀ À.ARBONNEÀ À#ARCASSONNEÀ À 4OULOUSEÀ logitravel.com ΗÀA9 “La Languedocienne” Motorway:À%XITSÀATÀ .ARBONNEÀ%STÀEXITÀ .ARBONNEÀ3UDÀEXITÀ 3IGEAN0ORTÀLAÀ.OUVELLE EXITÀÀ&ITOUÀ À ,EUCATEÀEXITÀ ΗÀD6113 secondary road:À 4OULOUSEÀ À#ARCASSONNEÀ À .ARBONNE D6009 secondary road: "ġZIERSÀ À.ARBONNEÀ À0ERPIGNAN D613 secondary road: !NDORREÀ À!XLES4HERMESÀ À "ELCAIREÀ À1UILLAN Secondary road 118: -AZAMETÀ À#ARCASSONNE BY TRAIN Main Railway Stations ΗÀ#ASTELNAUDARY ΗÀ#ARCASSONNE ΗÀ,ġZIGNAN#ORBIĠRES ΗÀ.ARBONNE TGV Méditerranée high-speed train Main Lines ΗÀ"ORDEAUX ΗÀ4OULOUSE ΗÀ-ARSEILLE ΗÀ.ICE TER Regional Express Trains ΗÀ4%2À4OULOUSEÀ À-ONTPELLIER ΗÀ4%2ÀÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À,IMOUXÀ À1UILLANÀBYÀTRAINÀORÀCOACH ÀDEPARTURESÀAÀDAYÀ À˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À,IVERPOOLÀLINEÀ %NGLANDÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À"OURNEMOUTHÀ LINEÀ%NGLAND À˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À'LASGOWÀLINE 3COTLANDÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À"RUSSELSÀ #HARLEROIÀLINEÀ"ELGIUMÀ À˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À%INDHOVENÀLINEÀ .ETHERLANDSÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À$UBLINÀLINE )RELANDÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À#ORKÀLINE )RELANDÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À0ORTOÀLINE 0ORTUGALÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À"ILLUNDÀ $ENMARKÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK Information and booking: 36 35 Timetables: 0892 335 335 www.voyages-sncf.fr À BY AIR International Sud de France – Carcassonne Airport ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À,ONDONÀ Contacts : Airport 2OUTEÀDEÀ-ONTRġAL À#ARCASSONNE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 71 96 46 www.aeroport-carcassonne.com Ryanair Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 71 96 65 www.ryanair.com 3TANSTEDÀLINEÀ%NGLAND À˱ÀIGHTSÀAÀWEEK ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ À.OTTINGHAMÀ %ASTÀ-IDLANDSÀLINEÀ%NGLAND Toulouse-Blagnac Airport ÀKMÀFROMÀ#ARCASSONNE ΗÀΗÀÀDESTINATIONSÀINÀ&RANCE À˱ÀIGHTSÀFROMÀ'REATÀ"RITAIN À˱ÀIGHTSÀFROMÀ'ERMANYÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀ FROMÀ3PAINÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀFROM )TALYÀÀ˱ÀIGHTÀFROMÀ"ELGIUM À˱ÀIGHTÀFROMÀTHEÀ.ETHERLANDS ΗÀ-OREÀTHANÀÀSEASONALÀ CHARTERÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀALLÀROUNDÀ%UROPEÀ PLUSÀ2USSIAÀANDÀ#ANADA !IRÀ4RANSAT ContactÀ: "0À À"LAGNACÀCEDEX Phone: 0825 380 000 CALLÀFROMÀ&RANCE Phone: 00 33 (0)1 70 46 74 74 CALLÀFROMÀOUTSIDEÀ&RANCE www.toulouse.aeroport.fr Montpellier Méditerranée Airport ÀKMÀFROMÀ.ARBONNE ΗÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀINSIDEÀ&RANCEÀ ÀÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀFROMÀ'REATÀ"RITAINÀ ÀÀ˱ÀIGHTÀFROMÀ'ERMANYÀ ÀÀ˱ÀIGHTÀFROMÀ"ELGIUMÀ ÀÀ˱ÀIGHTÀFROMÀTHEÀ.ETHERLANDS ΗÀ3EASONALÀ˱ÀIGHTSÀTOÀ&RANCEÀ 'REATÀ"RITAINÀANDÀ$ENMARK Contact : #3À À-AUGUIOÀ#EDEX Phone: 00 33 (0)4 67 20 85 00 www.montpellier.aeroport.fr DISCOVERY GUIDE You’re a lover of culture, old stones or festive traditions? You’re looking for an original idea for your weekend? This practical guide is just what you need! FAMILY OUTINGS ]DINOSAURIA, AN IMMERSION IN THE AGE OF THE DINOSAURS Go back 70 million years in time, and set out to discover these fascinating animals that lived then in the Upper Aude Valley. In this great palaeontology museum – the biggest in France outside the Paris region – tremble at the sight of the dinosaur skeletons from all round the globe, observe the researchers as they work to free and clean the fossils found there, and wonder about the great debates gripping the scienti˰c community today. Dinosauria also sets out to please its young visitors, who can follow Eva, the museum’s dinosaur mascot, through all her adventures! This visit can be combined with a visit to the Bellevue excavation site, the richest source of dinosaurs in France, 3 km from the museum. Open all year round, except in December. Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 74 02 08 - www.dinosauria.org ]LES FESTEJADES DE GRUISSAN 4HERESÀNOÀNEEDÀTOÀCHANGEÀ AÀRECIPEÀTHATÀWORKS &ORÀTHEÀTHÀEDITIONÀOFÀTHEÀ &ESTEJADESÀTHEÀBANDASÀANDÀ BATUCADASÀMARCHINGÀBANDSÀ ANDÀOTHERÀFESTIVEÀCONCERTSÀ AREÀBACKÀONÀTHEÀSTREETSÀOFÀ 'RUISSANÀFORÀTHREEÀDAYSÀOFÀ FRENZIEDÀFESTIVITIESÀUNDERÀ THEÀCOLOURSÀOFÀ/CCITANIE 3EEÀYOUÀTHEREÀONÀ&RIDAYÀÀ *UNEÀFORÀTHEÀOPENINGÀOFÀTHEÀ FESTIVALÀAROUNDÀAÀFREEÀCONCERTÀ WITHÀTHEÀ&ATALSÀ0ICARDS From 6 to 8 June. Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 49 09 00 www.gruissan-mediterranee. com/festejades À !UDEÀTHEÀ#ATHARÀCOUNTRY ]A RESTAURANT FOR THE EMBRES˹ ET˹CASTELMAURE CELLARS &AMEDÀFORÀITSÀCREATIVENESSÀ ANDÀTHEÀQUALITYÀOFÀITSÀ WINESÀTHISÀSMALLÀ#ORBIĠRESÀ COOPERATIVEÀHASÀADDEDÀ ANOTHERÀSTRINGÀTOÀITSÀBOWÀ 3TARTINGÀFROMÀ*UNEÀÀ ITÀWILLÀHOUSEÀAÀRESTAURANTÀ THATÀCAPTURESÀTHEÀSPIRITÀOFÀ THEÀTIMESÀAPPROPRIATELYÀ CALLEDÀ,AÀ#OOPġRATIVE !NÀESTABLISHMENTÀRUNÀ BYÀ)SABELLEÀ"RUNETÀANDÀ 6INCENTÀ0OUSSONÀTWOÀ WINEÀENTHUSIASTSÀWHOÀWILLÀ PROPOSEÀAUTHENTICÀLOCALÀ BISTROTÀCOOKINGÀ!LLÀTHATSÀ NEEDEDÀTOÀTITILLATEÀTHEÀTASTEÀ BUDSÀAWAITINGÀTHEÀCOMPLETEÀ OPENINGÀOFÀTHEÀRESTAURANTÀ SCHEDULEDÀFORÀÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 45 91 83 www.lacooperativecastelmaure. com ]SERENITY OF THE ABBEYS %XPLOREÀTHEÀJEWELSÀOFÀ!UDEÀ CULTUREÀVISITÀONEÀOFÀTHEÀ DġPARTEMENTSÀEIGHTÀABBEYSÀ SCATTEREDÀAROUNDÀBETWEENÀ THEÀ2AZĠSÀ,AURAGUAISÀ #ARCASSONNEÀ-INERVOISÀ #ORBIĠRESÀANDÀ.ARBONNEÀ AREASÀ%ACHÀHASÀITSÀOWNÀ SPECI˰ÀCÀCHARMSÀANDÀSECRETSÀ 7ELLÀWORTHÀDISCOVERINGÀDURINGÀ YOURÀPEREGRINATIONSÀTHEÀ MAGNI˰ÀCENTÀTERRACEDÀGARDENSÀ ATÀ&ONTFROIDEÀ!BBEYÀ-AĦTREÀ DEÀ#ABESTANYSÀFAMOUSÀ SCULPTURESÀATÀ3AINT0APOULÀ !BBEYÀORÀTHEÀWILDÀGREENERYÀ AROUNDÀ6ILLELONGUEÀ!BBEY )NFORMATIONÀFROMÀTHEÀ !SSOCIATIONÀDESÀ3ITESÀ DUÀ0AYSÀ#ATHARE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 37 97 www.payscathare.org ]QUARRIES THAT WON’T LEAVE YOU WITH A HEART OF STONE.... ]‘HOSTELLERIE DES CORBIÈRES’ RESTAURANT What do the Versailles Trianon, the Garnier opera house, the Saint-Sernin basilica in Toulouse, the Great Mosque in Cordoba, Saint-Peter’s in Rome all have in common? The red marble of the Caunes-Minervois quarries that decorates these buildings. To ˰nd out more about how this famous red rock is quarried you can visit the Villerambert or Terralbes quarries, still being worked; hike to the historic “Roy” quarry or follow the ‘Monumental Sculptures’ route in the heart of the village of Caunes-Minervois. Information and booking at the Haut-Minervois Tourist O˲ce. Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 76 34 74 - www.tourisme-hautminervois.fr ]LES VINS DU PALAIS ]THE ÎLE SAINT MARTIN SALTWORKS 2ECENTLYÀTAKENÀOVERÀBYÀ -ARKÀ2OBBINSÀANDÀ*EAN,UCÀ -ARCOÀTHEÀ6INSÀDUÀ0ALAISÀ CELLARSÀINÀ.ARBONNEÀHAVEÀJUSTÀ CELEBRATEDÀTHEIRÀ˰ÀRSTÀBIRTHDAY 4HEÀENTHUSIASTICÀTEAMÀHIGHLIGHTSÀ NOTÀONLYÀTHEÀBESTÀVINTAGESÀOFÀ ,ANGUEDOC2OUSSILLONÀBUTÀALSOÀ PROPOSESÀ"ORDEAUXÀ"URGUNDYÀ ANDÀ!LSACEÀAPPELLATIONSÀNOTÀ TOÀMENTIONÀAÀWIDERÀOPENINGÀ ONÀTOÀTHEÀWORLDÀWITHÀAÀ SELECTIONÀOFÀ)TALIANÀ,EBANESEÀ (UNGARIANÀANDÀ#ALIFORNIANÀ WINESÀETCÀ!ÀREGIONALÀ PRODUCEÀANDÀTABLEWAREÀ À ANDÀWINEÀSERVICEÀ ÀSECTIONÀ COMPLETESÀTHEÀÀANDÀMOREÀ REFERENCESÀONÀTHEÀCATALOGUE Rond-Point de la Liberté 11100 Narbonne Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 45 67 85 www.lesvinsdupalais.com 9OUREÀPASSINGÀTHROUGHÀTHEÀ "ASSES#ORBIĠRESÀAREAÀANDÀAREÀ LOOKINGÀFORÀAÀGOODÀPLACEÀTOÀENJOYÀ AÀGOURMETÀLUNCHÀORÀDINNER 4HISÀRESTAURANTÀSITUATEDÀINÀTHEÀ MEDIAEVALÀVILLAGEÀOFÀ,AGRASSEÀ ISÀJUSTÀTHEÀPLACEÀFORÀYOU )NÀTHEÀKITCHENÀ*ULIENÀ/RACZÀ AÀDYNAMICÀYOUNGÀCHEFÀWHOÀ WONÀHISÀSPURSÀATÀTHEÀ(ĬTELÀ DEÀ#RILLONÀINÀ0ARISÀWHEREÀHEÀ WORKEDÀFORÀFOURÀYEARSÀ(EÀWILLÀ ALLOWÀYOUÀTOÀDISCOVERÀDISHESÀ COMBININGÀTRADITIONÀANDÀPRESENT DAYÀTASTESÀMADEÀFROMÀFRESHÀ LOCALÀPRODUCEÀ,ETÀYOURSELFÀBEÀ TEMPTEDÀBYÀAÀMILLEFEUILLEÀOFÀ #HAMOISESÀGOATCHEESEÀANDÀ TAPENADEÀMADEÀFROMÀCHEESEÀ PRODUCEDÀONÀAÀNEARBYÀFARMÀORÀ AÀ#ATALANSTYLEÀCREAMÀ˱ÀAMBġEÀ BEFOREÀYOURÀEYESÀWITHÀTHEÀ˱ÀAVOURÀ OFÀTHEÀDAYÀ"ECAUSEÀONEÀOFÀTHEÀ DISTINCTIVEÀFEATURESÀOFÀTHISÀ KITCHENÀISÀITSÀEVERCHANGINGÀ MENUÀEVOLVINGÀWITHÀTHEÀSEASONSÀ ÀANÀEXCELLENTÀREASONÀTOÀDISCOVERÀ THISÀRESTAURANTÀTHATÀALSOÀ PROPOSESÀAÀMAGNI˰ÀCENTÀVIEWÀOFÀ THEÀ#ORBIĠRESÀAREAÀ)TSÀALSOÀWELLÀ WORTHÀLINGERINGÀAÀWHILEÀHEREÀTOÀ MAKEÀTHEÀMOSTÀOFÀTHEÀROOMSÀATÀ THEÀ(OSTELLERIEÀACCOMMODATIONÀ WITHÀTHEÀ,OGISÀDEÀ&RANCEÀLABEL Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 43 15 22 www.hostellerie-descorbieres.com www.logis-aude.fr "ETWEENÀTHEÀOLDÀVILLAGEÀOFÀ'RUISSANÀANDÀTHEÀ-EDITERRANEANÀ SEAÀSTRETCHÀOUTÀTHEÀSALTPANSÀOFÀTHESEÀCENTURIESOLDÀSALTWORKSÀ (EIRÀTOÀANÀANCESTRALÀKNOWHOWÀHANDEDÀDOWNÀSINCEÀ2OMANÀ TIMESÀSALTÀ ÀTHATÀESSENTIALÀRAWÀMATERIALÀBORNÀFROMÀTHEÀMEETINGÀ BETWEENÀTHEÀSEAÀSUNÀANDÀWINDÀ ÀISÀSTILLÀPRODUCEDÀHEREÀ)NÀ MAGNIFICENTÀUNSPOILTÀSURROUNDINGSÀWITHÀAÀSTUPEFYINGÀPALETTEÀ OFÀCOLOURSÀTHEÀVISITORÀENTERSÀINTOÀTHEÀWORLDÀOFÀSALTÀANDÀSALT WORKERSÀTHANKSÀTOÀANÀECOMUSEUMÀANDÀGUIDEDÀTOURSÀACROSSÀ THEÀSALTÀFLATS /NÀTHEÀACTUALÀSITEÀ,AÀ#AMBUSEÀDUÀ3AUNIERÀRESTAURANTÀ PROPOSESÀFISHÀANDÀMEATSÀCOOKEDÀINÀSALTÀCRYSTALSÀACCOMPANIEDÀ BYÀLOCALÀWINESÀ$URINGÀTHEÀSUMMERÀSEASONÀTHEÀĉLEÀ3AINT -ARTINÀSALTWORKSÀSPRINGÀTOÀLIFEÀAROUNDÀTRADITIONALÀEVENINGSÀ ONÀ3ATURDAYSÀANDÀAÀSALTÀFESTIVALÀONÀTHÀ*ULY 7HILSTÀTHEÀ0IC3ELÀGALLERYÀEXHIBITSÀPHOTOGRAPHSÀTAKENÀBYÀ LOVERSÀOFÀNATUREÀANDÀTHEÀSUPERBÀ'RUISSANÀSCENERY Phone: 00 33 (0)9 54 35 47 56 www.lesalindegruissan.fr !UDEÀTHEÀ#ATHARÀCOUNTRYÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ DISCOVERY GUIDE SOMETHING SPECIAL DISCOVERY GUIDE ]THE LAST OF THE CATHAR PERFECTS /NÀTHEÀ,AGRASSEÀROADÀTHEREÀ AREÀTWOÀVILLAGESÀTHATÀAREÀ INTIMATELYÀLINKEDÀTOÀTHEÀ HISTORYÀOFÀ#ATHARISM TermesÀFIRSTLYÀWHOSEÀ CASTLEÀWASÀTHEÀPROPERTYÀINÀ THEÀTHÀCENTURYÀOFÀONEÀOFÀ THEÀMOSTÀPOWERFULÀVASSALSÀ OFÀ4RENCAVELÀ2AIMONDÀDEÀ 4ERMESÀ(EÀSIDEDÀWITHÀTHEÀ #ATHARÀHERESYÀANDÀFOUGHTÀ AGAINSTÀTHEÀCRUSADE #ONSIDEREDÀIMPREGNABLEÀ HISÀCASTLEÀWASÀTHEÀSITEÀOFÀ ONEÀOFÀTHEÀMOSTÀFAMOUSÀ EPISODESÀOFÀRESISTANCEÀ FACEDÀBYÀTHEÀCRUSADERS !SÀFORÀTHEÀVILLAGEÀOFÀ Villerouge-TermenèsÀITÀ CONTRIBUTEDÀTOÀTHEÀULTIMATEÀ CHAPTERÀOFÀ#ATHARISMÀ 'UILHEMÀ"ġLIBASTEÀTHEÀLASTÀ /CCITANÀ#ATHARÀ0ERFECTÀWASÀ BURNTÀALIVEÀTHEREÀINÀÀ !SÀONLYÀ0ERFECTSÀCANÀPASSÀ ONÀTHEÀRELIGIONÀHISÀDEATHÀ MARKEDÀTHEÀENDÀOFÀTHEÀ#ATHARÀ HERESYÀ7HENÀYOUÀVISITÀDOÀ NOTÀMISSÀTHEÀAUDIOVISUALÀ TOURÀOFÀTHEÀCASTLEÀTOÀFINDÀ OUTÀALLÀABOUTÀTHEÀLIVESÀOFÀ THEÀ#ATHARÀBONSHOMMESÀ ANDÀ0ERFECTSÀ!NDÀSTOPÀOFFÀ ATÀTHEÀMEDIAEVALÀROTISSERIEÀ FORÀAÀBANQUETÀJUSTÀLIKEÀ INÀTHEÀ-IDDLEÀ!GES 4HEÀ%SPACEÀ,IBERTġÀHASÀ AÀSPECIALÀOFFERÀDEDICATEDÀ TOÀFAMILIESÀUNLIMITEDÀ ACCESSÀTOÀTHEÀWATERSPORTSÀ SPACESÀFORÀAÀWHOLEÀDAYÀ VALIDÀFORÀÀADULTSÀANDÀÀ CHILDRENÀFORÀJUSTÀeÀFROMÀ 3EPTEMBERÀTOÀ*UNEÀANDÀ eÀINÀ*ULYÀANDÀ!UGUST Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 42 17 89 www.espaceliberte.com GÎTES IN THE WILDS Termes Castle Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 70 09 20 www.chateau-termes.com Villerouge-Termenès Castle Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 70 09 11 chateauvillerouge. wix.com/termenes Mediaeval rotisserie $ANSÀLENCEINTEÀDUÀCHĚTEAUÀ Villerouge-Termenès Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 70 00 10 restaurant-medieval.com Association des Sites du Pays Cathare www.payscathare.org lesentiercathare.com ]IN NARBONNE, THE ESPACE LIBERTÉ 7ATERSPORTSÀICESKATINGÀ ANDÀBOWLINGÀCOMPLEXÀ AÀHOSTÀOFÀDIFFERENTÀ INFRASTRUCTURESÀFORÀAÀSINGLEÀ SPORTSÀANDÀLEISUREÀCENTRE #OMEÀANDÀTRYÀOUTÀANÀ AQUABIKEÀORÀGOÀICEKARTINGÀ SLIPÀDOWNÀTHEÀGIANTÀ OUTDOORÀSLIDEÀORÀENJOYÀAÀ SPOTÀOFÀTENPINÀBOWLING #HILDRENÀANDÀADULTSÀALIKEÀ DUOSÀORÀGROUPSÀFAMILIESÀANDÀ FRIENDSÀTHERESÀSOMETHINGÀ HEREÀFORÀEVERYONE Waking up in the absolute calm or to the song of the cicadas, glimpsing out of the window hillsides of vineyards and garrigue… That’s what the ˤ˞ gîtes in the wilds propose, all with the Gîtes de France label. In the mountains, by the seaside or in the country, they are dotted all round the département and all have one thing in common: a garden and a living room with an unobstructed view of the surrounding nature. 0HONEͭͭͰͰͭͱͳ͵ͮͮͱͭʹͭ www.gites-de-france-aude. com/gites-en-pleine-nature. html FAMILY VISITS ]AMPHORALIS, EMPEROR AUGUSTUS’S POTTERS An experimental archaeological centre, the Amphoralis museum, situated in Sallèles-d’Aude, is also a place of discovery and events. The visit of this Gallo-Roman village, discovered at the time of the archaeological digs that have been carried out in the district since 1976, allows you to see the activities and day-to-day life of the potters in Emperor Augustus’s times. You can see no less than 14 kilns on this site that was active for more than 300 years, from 30 BC until the 3rd century AD. As you come out of the cra˴smen’s workshop, a path takes you to the reconstitution of a village, where you can wander around a garden where hundreds of plants grow, that would have grown there in Gallo-Roman times. Information and programme of events: Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 46 89 48 http://culture.legrandnarbonne.com À !UDEÀTHEÀ#ATHARÀCOUNTRY DISOVERY GUIDE BEST ADDRESSES In an exceptional location and unspoilt surroundings, these two lodgings with their attentive service won’t fail to keep their promise! ]LES CABANES DANS LES BOIS 7HOÀHASÀNEVERÀDREAMTÀOFÀ SPENDINGÀAÀNIGHTÀINÀTHEÀTREE TOPSÀLULLEDÀBYÀTHEÀSOUNDSÀ OFÀNOCTURNALÀANIMALÀLIFEÀANDÀ THEÀRIVERÀDOWNÀBELOWÀ/NÀ THEÀ&OURTOUÀFARMÀESTATEÀ INÀ6ILLALIERÀNOTÀFARÀFROMÀ #ARCASSONNEÀTHEYÀDOÀALLÀTHEYÀ CANÀTOÀMAKEÀTHISÀCHILDHOODÀ DREAMÀCOMEÀTRUEÀ)MAGINEÀ CABINSÀENTIRELYÀMADEÀOFÀ TIMBERÀONÀSTILTSÀORÀHANGINGÀ DIRECTLYÀFROMÀTHEÀTREESÀWITHÀ AÀPANORAMICÀTERRACEÀSEVERALÀ METRESÀFROMÀTHEÀGROUNDÀANDÀ WITHÀALLÀTHEÀMODERNÀCOMFORTÀ 4HERESÀNOÀMISTAKINGÀITÀYOUVEÀ ARRIVEDÀATÀTHEÀ#ABANESÀDANSÀ LESÀBOISÀ/NÀYOURÀOWNÀJUSTÀ THEÀTWOÀOFÀYOUÀORÀWITHÀTHEÀ WHOLEÀFAMILYÀMAKEÀTHEÀMOSTÀ OFÀANÀAMAZINGÀANDÀUNUSUALÀ EXPERIENCEÀINÀTHEÀHEARTÀOFÀ AÀHECTAREÀESTATE 3EVERALÀCABINSÀWITHÀAÀGROUND ˱ÀOORÀENTRANCEÀBUTÀWITHÀAÀ PANORAMICÀTERRACEÀÀMETRESÀ FROMÀTHEÀGROUNDÀAREÀALSOÀ AVAILABLEÀFORÀWELCOMINGÀPEOPLEÀ WITHÀREDUCEDÀMOBILITY !ÀCHOICEÀLOCATIONÀOUTÀINÀ THEÀWILDSÀYETÀCLOSEÀTOÀTHEÀ TOURISTÀSITESÀOFÀ!UDEÀANDÀ THEÀ4OULOUSEÀAREA !ÀWIDEÀRANGEÀOFÀACTIVITIESÀ AREÀALSOÀPROPOSEDÀDEPARTINGÀ DIRECTLYÀFROMÀTHEÀESTATEÀ HIKESÀBIKEÀORÀHORSEÀRIDESÀ ANDÀFORÀTHEÀMOREÀINTREPIDLYÀ MINDEDÀDISCOVERÀTHEÀ#ITYÀ OFÀ#ARCASSONNEÀINÀAÀHOTAIRÀ BALLOONÀORÀTAKEÀAÀHELICOPTERÀ ˱ÀIGHTÀOVERÀTHEÀSURROUNDINGÀ REGIONÀ!NDÀIFÀYOUÀDONTÀWANTÀTOÀ LEAVEÀTHEÀBUCOLICÀSURROUNDINGSÀ OFÀTHEÀESTATEÀYOUÀCANÀENJOYÀAÀ BREAKÀBYÀTHEÀSWIMMINGÀPOOLÀORÀ ANÀATHLETICÀWALKÀONÀTHEÀESTATESÀ HEALTHÀTRAILÀORÀTAKEÀTHEÀCHILDRENÀ OUTÀONÀAÀVASTÀTREASUREÀHUNT Cabins open from mid-May 2014. Phone: 00 33 (0)9 70 75 99 00 www.lescabanesdanslesbois.fr ]LE DOMAINE DE L’ESPINET !ÀTHREESTARÀTOURISTÀRESIDENCEÀ THISÀESTATEÀWITHOUTÀTHEÀ SLIGHTESTÀDOUBTÀDESERVESÀ EVERYÀSUPERLATIVEÀ.ESTLINGÀINÀ LUSHÀGREENÀSURROUNDINGSÀTHISÀ HECTAREÀFORMERÀWINEÀESTATEÀ PROPOSESÀROOMSÀSTUDIOSÀANDÀ VILLASÀWITHÀPRIVATEÀTERRACESÀANDÀ GARDENSÀWITHÀUNOBSTRUCTEDÀ VIEWSÀOFÀTHEÀ0YRENEESÀ5NSPOILTÀ SURROUNDINGSÀTOÀBEÀEXPLOREDÀASÀ THEÀFANCYÀTAKESÀYOUÀTHEMEDÀ WEEKENDSÀSHORTÀSTAYSÀORÀ SUMMERÀHOLIDAYSÀORÀATÀTHEÀ TIMEÀOFÀLEISURELYÀGROUPÀVISITÀ ORÀOFÀAÀCOMPANYÀSEMINAR ,%SPINETÀISÀALSOÀAÀGOURMETÀ DESTINATIONÀ!UÀ"RANTALOUÀ AÀRESTAURANTÀWITHÀTHEÀ0AYSÀ #ATHAREÀLABELÀTHEÀMASTERÀ RESTAURATEURÀ!LBERTÀ"ATTLEÀ PROPOSESÀCOOKINGÀWITHÀAÀ -EDITERRANEANÀINSPIRATIONÀ ANDÀLOCALÀPRODUCEÀWITHÀAÀ RE˰ÀNEDÀPRESENTATION !SÀFORÀITSÀACTIVITIESÀTHEÀESTATEÀ PROPOSESÀAÀRANGEÀOFÀFACILITIESÀ WITHÀAÀ7ELLBEINGÀ#ENTREÀIDEALÀ FORÀAÀMOMENTSÀRELAXATIONÀANDÀ SEVERALÀSWIMMINGÀSPOTSÀ ÀTWOÀ POOLSÀANDÀAÀLAKEÀTOOÀ!LSOÀONÀ THEÀPROGRAMMEÀMOREÀATHLETICÀ ACTIVITIESÀSUCHÀASÀQUADÀRIDESÀ AÀGAMEÀOFÀTENNISÀORÀPġTANQUEÀ NOTÀTOÀMENTIONÀAÀTREETOPÀTRAIL 3ITUATEDÀINÀTHEÀHEARTÀOFÀTHEÀ 5PPERÀ6ALLEYÀL%SPINETÀISÀALSOÀ THEÀIDEALÀSTARTINGÀPOINTÀFORÀ SPORTINGÀANDÀCULTURALÀOUTINGSÀ 7HATÀWITHÀAÀVISITÀTOÀTHEÀVILLAGEÀ OFÀ2ENNESLE#HĚTEAUÀORÀAÀHIKEÀ UPÀTOÀTHEÀ0ICÀDEÀ"UGARACHÀAÀ RAMBLEÀALONGÀTHEÀ'2ÀÀTRAILÀORÀ THEÀ3ENTIERÀ#ATHAREÀRECENTLYÀ DESIGNATEDÀTHEÀ'2ÀÀORÀ WATERÀSPORTSÀINÀTHEÀTURBULENTÀ WATERSÀOFÀTHEÀNEARBYÀCANYONSÀ YOURÀONLYÀPREDICAMENTÀ MAKINGÀYOURÀCHOICEÀ Open all year round. Phone: 00 33 (0)6 68 20 88 88 www.lespinet.com/fr !UDEÀTHEÀ#ATHARÀCOUNTRYÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ DIARY CULTURE ]IN THE ROMANESQUE ABBEYS OF AUDE Η .OTÀSOÀCLASSICALÀ&UGUEÀ &ESTIVALÀ4UESDAYÀÀ*ULYÀÀÀ PMÀINÀ3AINTÀ0OLYCARPEÀÀABBEY &RIDAYÀÀ*ULYÀÀÀPMÀINÀ #AUNESÀ-INERVOISÀÀABBEYÀ CHEVETÀ3ATURDAYÀÀ*ULYÀÀ PMÀINÀ3AINTÀ(ILAIREÀÀABBEYÀ CLOISTERÀ4HURSDAYÀÀ/CTOBERÀÀ INÀ#ASTELNAUDARYÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 74 37 www.artsvivants11.fr ]CANAL DU MIDI Η #ONVIVENCIAÀ&ESTIVAL 7ORLDÀ-USIC À*UNEÀTOÀÀ*ULY Phone: 00 33 (0)5 62 19 06 06 www.festivalconvivencia.net ]CARCASSONNE ΗÀCarcassonne Festival À MUSICÀTHEATREÀDANCE ETCÀÀ*UNEÀTOÀSTÀ!UGUST ΗÀ‘Embrasement’ ˰reworks in the Mediaeval City, À*ULY Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 115 915 www.festivaldecarcassonne.fr Η Temporary exhibitions In the ‘Joë Bousquet et son temps’ centre Max Ernst – Georges Ribemont-Dessaignes, The soldier’s ballad, in the company of Joë Bousquet À*UNEÀTOÀÀ.OVEMBER Paul Pugnaud – Joë Bousquet, two poets, one publisher: Rougerie À$ECEMBERÀÀTOÀ À-ARCHÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 72 50 83 ]CAUNES˹MINERVOIS ΗÀSculpture and marble festivalÀÀANDÀÀ*UNE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 78 03 88 www.lesmarbrieresdecaunes.fr ΗÀ‘The Classical Fridays’ Festival, ÀÀÀ*ULYÀÀANDÀÀ!UGUST Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 76 34 74 www.tourisme-haut-minervois.fr ]CONILHAC˹CORBIÈRES ΗÀJazz Festival /CTOBERÀTOÀ.OVEMBERÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 27 71 99 www.jazzconilhac.fr ]CUCUGNAN Η Great Mediaeval Festival in Peyrepertuse, 12 and 13 August Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 45 40 55 www.chateau-peyrepertuse.com ]FONTFROIDE Η Music and History Festival, À ÀTOÀÀ*ULY Η Orchids at the Abbey, ÀTOÀÀ/CTOBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 45 11 08 www.fontfroide.com ]FLEURY˹D’AUDE˾SAINT˹ PIERRE Η Percussion Festival, ÀTOÀÀ*UNE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 46 61 31 WWWCOMMUNEˀEURYFR ]GRUISSAN Η Les Festejades ÀTOÀÀ*UNE Η Hace calor À*UNE Η Fishermens’ Festival ÀANDÀÀ*UNE Η Festival 37,2g (Betty Blue) ÀTOÀÀ*ULY Η Gruissan Mediaeval Festival ÀANDÀÀ3EPTEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 49 09 00 www.gruissan-mediterranee. com ]LAGRASSE Η The Book Banquet Spring Banquet:À GreeceÀÀ-AYÀTOÀÀ*UNEÀ Summer Banquet:ÀWho is ‘us’ today? Questions around ‘being together’,ÀÀTOÀÀ!UGUSTÀ and Autumn Banquet:Àthe contemporary novel factoryÀ ÀTOÀÀ/CTOBER Η The ‘Abracadagrasses’ Festival ÀTOÀÀ*ULY Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 43 11 56 www.lagrasse.fr www.lamaisondubanquet.fr ]LASTOURS Η Cabaret Mediaeval Camp, ÀANDÀÀ!UGUST Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 77 56 02 www.payscathare.org ]LIMOUX ]CARCASSONNE Η NAVA FestivalÀ INÀ*ULY!UGUST Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 31 85 08 Η ‘Bulles sonores’ FestivalÀ INÀ*ULY!UGUST Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 31 85 26 Η Carnival (201), À*ANUARYÀTOÀÀ-ARCHÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 31 11 82 www.limoux.fr Η Toques et Clochers (201) wine-growing and heritage. Cave Saint-Joseph, À-ARCH, Cave du Sieur-D’Arques, À-ARCH www.limoux.fr ΗÀTour de France Departure,À ÀJULYÀ ]MAYRONNES Η Dé˰ Kite (Kitesurf), ÀTOÀÀ-AY Η Dé˰ Wind (Windsurf)À À-AYÀTOÀÀ*UNE WWWDEʿWINDCOM Η Stage on the Sailing Tour of France, ÀANDÀÀ*ULY www.gruissan-mediterranee.com ÀThe Sculpture Path À!PRILÀTOÀÀ3EPTEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 43 12 37 ]NARBONNE Η Tempo d’été (summer tempo) *UNEÀTOÀ3EPTEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 65 15 60 www.narbonne-tourisme.com ]OUVEILLAN Η Fontcalvy Festival )NÀTHEÀSUMMER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 33 73 00 www.festival-fontcalvy.com ]PORT˹LEUCATE Η Voix d’étoiles (Star Voices) )NTERNATIONALÀ&ESTIVALÀOFÀ !NIMATEDÀ#INEMAÀ6OICES )NÀ/CTOBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 40 91 31 www.tourisme-leucate.fr Η Falconry show, À*ULYÀTOÀÀ!UGUST À !UDEÀTHEÀ#ATHARÀCOUNTRY Η Salt Market, JulyÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 69 82 94 ]CUCUGNAN Η Cathar Country Trail À-AYÀ les3vents.free.fr ] ESCUEILLENS Η 13th Razès Hike Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 31 11 82 ] GRUISSAN ]FLEURY˹D’AUDE˾SAINT˹ PIERRE Η European Junior Kitesurf Cup, 17 to 21 AprilÀ www.snkite.com ]LEUCATE Η Mondial du Vent - Wind World Cup, À!PRILÀTOÀÀ-AY www.mondialduvent.com ]PUIVERT Η Summer Youth Workshops ÀTOÀÀ*ULYÀANDÀÀTOÀ À!UGUSTÀ 1UERCORBÀ-USEUM Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 80 98 www.quercorb.com/musee ]AUDE PYRENEES Η International Folklore Festival À*ULYÀTOÀÀ!UGUST Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 04 91 www.pyreneesaudoises.com www.festival-folklore.com ]SALLÈLES˹D’AUDE Η Potters’ Market )NÀ!UGUST Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 46 89 48 www.sallelesdaude.fr ΗÀ‘Storytelling at Quéribus Castle’ festival, ÀTOÀÀ*ULYÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 45 03 69 ]DUILHAC˹SOUS˹ PEYREPERTUSE ]CUBIÈRES˹SUR˹CINOBLE SPORTS ] ARGELIERS Η Roc Minervois Mountain Bike tourÀÀ3EPTEMBERÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)6 47 67 90 81 ]QUILLAN Η La Carach Bike À-AY Phone: 00 33 (0)6 71 98 04 81 Η International Cycling Gala 4HURSDAYÀÀ!UGUST Η ‘3 Quilles’ mountain bike tour À/CTOBERÀ www.pyreneesaudoises.com ]SAINT˹LAURENT˹DE˹LA˹ CABRERISSE Η La Ronde au cyur des Corbières (tour around the heart of Corbières), À-AY Phone: 00 33 (0)6 76 65 45 04 ]LÉZIGNAN˹CORBIÈRES ]TALAIRAN Η La Cap Nore ÀANDÀÀ*UNEÀ www.capnore.com Η Promaude, Regional Produce FestivalÀÀTOÀÀ*UNE Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 41 40 09 www.wmaker.net/promaude Η Young Wines Festival À/CTOBER www.tourisme-corbieresminervois.com Η Tru˳e Market À$ECEMBERÀ ÀANDÀÀ*ANUARYÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 79 www.aude.chambagri.fr ]AIGUES˹VIVES Η Apple, Wine and Rice Festival À/CTOBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 79 29 20 ]BELPECH Η Chestnut, Wine and Lamb Festival ÀANDÀÀ.OVEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 79 et 00 33 (0)4 68 26 52 41 www.aude.chambagri.fr ]BELVIS ]BIZE˹MINERVOIS Η Olive Tree Festival À*ULY Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 46 10 29 ]CABRESPINE Η Tru˳e Market À*ULY www.aude.chambagri.fr ]CARCASSONNE Η Wine Festival ÀTOÀÀ/CTOBER Η Fatted Foods Fair À$ECEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 10 56 00 www.agglocarcassonnais.fr ]CASTELNAUDARY Η Cassoulet Festival Gourmet Market, ÀANDÀÀ!UGUST Η Fatted Foods Fair À$ECEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 23 05 73 www.castelnaudary-tourisme. com www.aude.chambagri.fr ]CITOU Η Sweet Onion Festival À3EPTEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 25 46 12 www.aude.chambagri.fr ]ESPEZEL Η Aude Département Stockbreeding Fair ÀANDÀÀ/CTOBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 30 34 ]LAURE˹MINERVOIS Η Springtime in Laure Minervois À-AY www.aude.chambagri.fr Η Cherry Festival À-AY Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 42 and 00 33 (0)4 68 76 34 74 www.aude.chambagri.fr – www.hautminervois.com ]VILLARDONNEL Η Fatted Foods Fair ÀANDÀÀ$ECEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 79 www.aude.chambagri.fr Η Pays de Sault Potato Festival À3EPTEMBER www.aude.chambagri.fr ]TRAUSSE˹MINERVOIS ]LIMOUX Η Toques et clochers ÀANDÀÀ-ARCHÀÀ Η Vine and Local Produce Festival, À!UGUST Η Fatted Foods Fair À.OVEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 31 11 82 and 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 79 www.limoux.fr www.aude.chambagri.fr ]VILLENEUVE˹ MINERVOIS Η Tru˳e Market À$ECEMBERÀ À*ANUARYÀANDÀÀ&EBRUARYÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 79 www.aude.chambagri.fr ΗÀ#ARCASSONNEÀ#ITġÀÀ TOÀÀ!PRILÀAMÀTOÀPM ΗÀ,AURAGUELÀ3UNDAYÀÀ -AYÀPMÀTOÀMIDNIGHT ΗÀ#APENDUÀ3ATURDAYÀÀ *ULYÀPMÀTOÀMIDNIGHT ΗÀ&ANJEAUXÀÀ*ULYÀ AMÀTOÀPM ΗÀ#ASCASTELÀÀ*ULYÀ PMÀTOÀPM ΗÀ!XATÀÀ!UGUSTÀ PMÀTOÀPM ΗÀ(OMPSÀÀ!UGUSTÀ PMÀTOÀMIDNIGHT ΗÀ!ZILLEÀÀ!UGUSTÀ PMÀTOÀPM ΗÀ#ABRESPINEÀÀ !UGUSTÀPMÀTOÀPM Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 42 www.aude.chambagri.fr INFO + All the events on www.audetourisme.com ]MISSÈGRE Η Cattle and Local Produce Fair À!UGUST Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 79 www.aude.chambagri.fr www.routard.com ]MOUSSOULENS Η Ampélofolies 4RU˳ ÀÀEÀANDÀ7INEÀ&ESTIVAL À*ANUARYÀ Η Tru˳e Market À$ECEMBERÀ ANDÀÀ*ANUARYÀ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 24 80 80 www.tourisme-cabardes.fr http://ampelofolies.over-blog. com C’est vrai, le luxe d’une chambre d’hôtel se juge à son nombre d’étoiles. Le Routard, l’indispensable de vos voyages. ]PEZENS Η Melon Festival 0AYSÀ#ATHARÀ-ELONÀANDÀ/THERÀ $ELICACIES À*ULY Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 79 www.aude.chambagri.fr ]RIEUX˹MINERVOIS Η Fatted Foods Fair À$ECEMBER Phone: 00 33 (0)4 68 11 79 79 www.aude.chambagri.fr - Photo : Don Smith/Getty LOCAL PRODUCE ]LOCAL GROWERS’ MARKETS ]ROULLENS Η Tru˳e Market À*UNE www.aude.chambagri.fr !UDEÀTHEÀ#ATHARÀCOUNTRYÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀÀ DIARY ]VILLEGLY
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