Straddling the Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Corbières-Fenouillèdes Regional Nature Park was created on September 4, 2021. Located under the Narbonne-Carcassonne axis, it is bounded to the north by Lagrasse, to the west by Limoux, to the south by Prades and to the east by the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Nature Park. It is an area that is easy to fall in love with, where rich history coexists with wild nature... Yes, but when you are not "from around here", it can be easy to get lost in the 1,780 km² of the park. Don't panic, I live here, I will tell you about my land. Follow the guide!
An exceptional historical territory
It is in Lagrasse that our walk begins, in the very north of the park. The village has a relaxing atmosphere, full of wisdom. The reason? Its thousand-year-old abbey, most certainly. Its status of "most beautiful village in France" as well... In any case, we can't get enough of its small streets that call for a stroll, its covered market and the old houses that open onto craftsmen's workshops. A little further south, in Laroque-de-Fa, you are in the best place to start your journey in Cathar country. Smart tip: First stop by B&C Épicerie, the grocery store in Laroque-de-Fa. Aurélien will offer you the best gourmet products of this territory he loves so much. Even more clever, his "local snacks" will be perfect to take a little bit of greediness with you during your walk.
The history of the Cathars, as fascinating as it was bloody, has impregnated the fibers of our culture to the point of having shaped its identity. Discover our sublime Citadels of Vertigo, these castles anchored in the rock, on the highest peaks of the natural park. Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, Aguilar, Puilaurens... Historical places whose names make the poetic syllables of the Occitan language and identity ring out.
Visit the castle of Termes, which used to arouse passions in the Middle Ages, because it was considered impregnable. Discover Villerouge-Terménès, its unmissable castle where the last perfect Cathar, Guilhem Bélibaste, lived, choosing the stake rather than abjure his faith. The village now houses a medieval restaurant: a real leap in time!
For the historical aspect, but also natural, let's go to the Fenouillèdes part, in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The Caune de l'Arago is known for having introduced the Tautavel Man to the world. An exceptional natural site and a prehistoric heritage to discover at the Tautavel museum.
A wild nature
If you are fond of outdoor activities, you should know that the park is full of rivers and geological formations perfect for adventure. On the border between the Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Gorges de Galamus will strike you by their beauty. This 2 km long (for the tourist part) and 500 m deep canyon is both a place of discovery and a playground for lovers of the great outdoors and extreme sports.
For hikers, the park abounds with paths, each more incredible than the last, as witnessed by the Cathar Trail. From Port-la-Nouvelle to Foix (Ariège), the grandiose landscapes cohabit with the castles of the Cathar history, but also with the spirituality that emanates from the paths. To recover after your hikes, make a detour to Rennes-les-Bains. Lost in the lush nature of the Corbières, the village was created around hot springs and has become a hot spot of thermalism.
A land of legends
As you can see, history and nature live together in harmony in the Corbières-Fenouillèdes. But this is not the only thing we are proud of. The park is also a land of legends.
The treasure of Rennes-le-Château..
Bérenger Saunière arrived in Rennes-le-Château in 1885, discovering a village in a worrying state of decay and abandoned by its inhabitants. In 1891, Saunière embarked on a colossal renovation project and had the Villa Bethany built, a sumptuous house that stood out and raised questions. How could Abbé Saunière, who had no possessions, have carried out such work?
Rumors are rife, and this is how the legend of the Treasure of Rennes le Château was born. Many theories still circulate today about this incredible story, with the discovery of the Templars' treasure at the forefront. Everyone has their own opinion, some have even been inspired to write novels (Hi Dan Brown, we saw you!), some think they have cracked the secret. It is notably my case, but do not insist, I will not tell you anything..
Weird... did you say weird?
The peak of Bugarach, brought to light in 2012, was apparently the spot chosen by the extraterrestrials to save us from the end of the world... But Bugarach is above all a natural site of singular beauty. Its curiosity lies in the fact that it is mounted upside down: the geological strata that one should find at the bottom are found at the top and vice versa... It is not necessary to be very spiritual to realize that indeed, the atmosphere of Bugarach is particular, even strange. A good day hike on the peak will allow you to make your own opinion.
FUTURE INFO
When to visit?
All year round: in the spring to enjoy the fresh air, in the summer for events, in the fall for beautiful photos and in the winter for the experience of the hot springs of Rennes-les-Bains. Please note, however, that accommodation facilities may be limited in winter.
Duration
One week for the proposed itinerary, much longer to discover all the treasures of the territory.
Public
Any public. Couples, families (many activities), nature lovers.
The plus
The sites of the Cathar country.
The grandiosenature.
Hiking trails and outdoor activities.
The good food through the numerous gourmet addresses.
The inhabitants with a heart as big as their park..
Useful
Application Castrum and Cathar Country for your playful visits.
All the news of Corbières Fenouillèdes.
Smart addresses
Pays Touristique Corbières Minervois - More information on the site
B&C Épicerie - More information on the site
In Laroque-de-Fa
Restaurant La Rôtisserie - More information on the site
Rennes le Château Tourist Information Office - More information on the site
Tourist information point of Tautavel - More information on the site
Auberge de Termes - More information on the website
12, La Promenada - 11 330 Termes
Phone : 09 81 46 45 80
Le Nidtable - More information on the site
17, rue de la Gare - 11330 Mouthoumet
Phone : 04 68 44 73 27
Aux Berges du Libre - More information on the site
29, rue de l'Église - 11 330 Félines-Termenès
Phone : 06 32 96 71 74
Gîtes Castelnaut - More information on the site
Chemin du Château
11 330 Laroque-de-Fa
Tel : 06 43 27 57 68
La Maison de la Mitoune - More information on the site
5, Le Barri - 11 330 Villerouge-Termenès
Tel : 06 32 44 21 38
