beautiful villagesChalabreCamonLagrasseSaint-LiziereMirepoix
Mirepoix
This small city located in the Departement of the Arriege on the road
from
Carcassonne to Lourdes was founded by the Celts. After a flood in the
middle ages the city has been reconstructed along the banks of the Hers,
following the model of the middleage cities: rightangled axis throughout
a
rectangular area of 28 blocks. The architectural beauty of Mirepoix
results
from its being a bishopric during the 14th and 15th century, when the
most beautiful houses were built.
In 1364, after much plundering, the ring wall of the city was built, of
which only
the «Porte d'Aval» remains. The main square is surrounded by wooden
arcades,
the roofs resting on solid, square-angled columns. The guildhall (1692)
is
located in this square as well as the «Maison des Consuls». Mirepoix is
proud
of her Gothic Cathedral (end of the 15th century).
For further information please check the Website of Mirepoix
Saint-Liziere
is topped by the breath-taking silhouette of the bishop's seat from the
14th
century. Once it was the religious centre of the Coureans, as proven
by the many churches. The cathredal from the 12th century is located to
the
exterior of the ring wall, having a beautiful brick-wall port, columns
of
marble and a hexagonal tower, frescos from the 12th century, and walls
covered
with wood. The very unusual cloister was built during the 12th
century.Remember
not to miss visiting the 18th century chemist's shop.
Passing the clock tower you will enter a small city with small
picturesquestreets,
a Roman ring wall and old framework buildings from the 15th
and 18th century, where you will be surprised by windows with round
arches
and metal-work doors.
Office de tourisme Tel:+33(0)56196-7777
Lagrasse
Lagrasse is officially one of the most beautiful villages of France,
and is located in the central Corbières, surrounded by hills and vineyards.
It is assumed that in 799 the first abbey was constructed on behalf of
Charlemagne. The Abbaye Saint-Marie d'Orbieu on the banks of the river
Orbieu is one of France's most beautiful abbeys.
During the 12th century the village stretched along both banks of the
river Orbieu, the ancient bridge, connecting the two parts of the village
still exists nowadays. During the 100 years war the village was protected by
fortress walls, which still can be seen today. The plain buildings of
chalk with roofs covered with wooden tiles were built during the 15th century.
Of major importance are the old houses constructed on the fortress walls, as well as the ancient market hall of stone.
For further information please check the website of the Village of Lagrasse
The abbey may be visited from July until September.
Chalabre and Lac Montbel
Chalabre, located at the junction of the rivers Blau and Hers, is
overlooked by the ancient
Château de Mauleon. The shopping street with the poplars is surrounded
by
buildings from the middleage and a picturesque market place with a
covered
market, where each Saturday a small market is held. The church St.
Pierre
from the year 1522 accommodates the statue of St. Elois (14th century).
The
donjon of the castle with the once famous cours d'amour offers a
splendid
view of the Pyrenees. The carvings on thevault stones in the tower show
musicians, the
museum Quercorb exhibits the history of the troubadours. Chalabre is a
perfect starting point for a tour through the Land of Cathars.
Do not miss the latest attraction of Chalabre: Parc de Loisirs
Historique et Participatif: a very attractive and amusing historical
middle-agevillage.
Syndicat d'initiative - cours Colbert - Tel +33-(0)46869-2628
Château Chalabre
Lac Montbel
is an artifical lake created in 1985, and is now one of the favourite
leisure paradises in the Departement of the Aude. The splendid part of
the Pays Cathars has plants and animals that fascinate both visitors and natives.
The lake is a paradise for ornithologists, offering perfect leisure for
sunworshippers, families with children, aquanauts, anglers ... diving, sailing, surfing,
canoeing (canoe station at the river Blau), cayak, swimming ... a
complete variety of sports. The anglers like the variety of fishes (trout, luces,
perch and sheat-fish). The sunworshippers are are happy with 300 sunny
days per year, children take rides with the pedal boats. The lake is located near
the city of Chalabre and offers place for beautiful holidays.
Fur further information please check the Lac Montbel Website
Camon (Ariège)
The cloister of Camon was founded in 778 on the banks of the river Hers;
in 1279 the village,
cloister and the abbey were destroyed by a flood. In 1316
reconstruction started. The village is surrounded by a huge ring wall
with a
right-angled tower and is entered through the vaulted port of the
church,
buildings with roofs from Roman times, surround the
castle. One path runs along the ring wall, where you'll be impressed by
framework facades from the 16th century. The church and its precious
treasures of art are
preserved as ancient monuments.
In the surroundings of Camon one can learn from more than 80 cabanas -
middle-age stone buildings - about the peasants' life during the
middle-ages.
Don't forget: Camon is one of the most beautiful villages of France.
Office du Tourisme, 10 rue Georges d'Armagnac, 09500 Camon | Fon:+33-(0)56168-8826
