Termenès
Nature and history preserved
Here, everything is in opposition. The winds, the Marin blowing from the sea, and the Cers blowing from the land. The dry heath, the steep slopes and the deep, narrow gorges of the rivers Libre, Sou and Orbieu.
Nature harbours her concealed treasures: at a turn of a path you might spot a royal eagle, a rare lizard or one of the many types of wild orchid.
The tormented history of the men and women of this land is also written on the paths, on the church walls, on the stones of the castles: Auriac, Durfort, Termes, Villerouge Termenès...
Discover...
- Cathar country castles: Termes, Villerouge-Termenès, Arques, Peyrepertuse, Quéribus...
- Walking and horse riding: themed walks "Les Petites Vadrouilles", the long distance GR36, the bridle paths.
- Romanesque Aude: the abbeys of Lagrasse, Fontfroide
- Remarkable natural features: the Orbieu and Galamus gorges, the Bugarach mountain (4000ft).
Events: medieval meals, exhibitions, conferences...
Villerouge-Termenès
The village of Villerouge-Termenès was originally enclosed by ramparts. Preserved in its centre you will find a rectangular castle, property of Bernard de Farges, Bishop of Narbonne during the 14th century. It was to him that fell the dubious honour of ordering the death of the last Cathar priest, Bélibaste.
Termes
Lost in the Mediterranean vegetation of the Corbières, the castle at Termes is only accessible from the south. Its two defensive circuits have been restored to make it accessible to tourists. In 1210 the lord of Termes withstood a four month siege, pitting his catapults against those of Simon de Montfort.
