Les Corbieres Attractions
The Corbières are a range of hills in southern France, southeast of Carcassonne, which form a transition between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, reaching a height of 1,231m/4,039ft in the Pic de Bugarach, to the east of Quillan. For centuries this was a region of strategic importance as a bulwark of the French kingdom against Spain, its natural strength being reinforced by a string of fortresses - Carcassonne, Puylaurens, Peyrepertuse, Quéribus, Termes and Aguilar. The castles of the early medieval period in this area served as refuges for the Albigensians during the Albigensian war. Since the region is only thinly populated, it is best explored in excursions from Carcassonne, Perpignan or Quillan.
The Mediterranean climate favors the growth of cedars and cypresses as well as firs and oaks.
The Mediterranean climate favors the growth of cedars and cypresses as well as firs and oaks.
Gorges de Galamus
These picturesque gorges - Galamus, carved out of the hills by the river Agly, are up to 300 m/1,000ft deep.
Lagrasse, France
The little village of Lagrasse (pop. 600) has remains of fortifications and the abbey of Ste-Marie d'Orbieu, founded in the eighth century, with a small cloister of the 11th-13th centuries and a larger one of the 18th C which is now a hotel.
Lagrasse Office de Tourisme
6, Boulevard de la Promenade
F-11220 Lagrasse
France
6, Boulevard de la Promenade
F-11220 Lagrasse
France
Les Corbières Castles
The impressive ruins of the five strongholds which reinforced the defenses of Carcassonne, including the castles of St-Martin, Termes and Arques, lie close to N613, which runs through the Corbières region. Along N117 (Quillan-Perpignan), perched on bare rocky crags, can be seen the Albigensian strongholds of Puylaurens (near Axat) and Quéribus (near the village of Maury). North of Maury, beyond Quéribus, is the strikingly impressive Albigensian citadel of Peyrepertuse (the "cleft rock").
Quillan, France
The little town of Quillan in the southwest of the region, with a ruined medieval castle and an 18th C town hall, is a good base from which to explore the Corbières.
