Discover the places to absolutely do around our heritage. THE canal du midi, the village The Casses and his Cathar Memorial or againAbbey-Cathedral of St-Papoul are all places to discover during your stay.
Heading for the Canal du Midi
Enjoy the bucolic setting offered by the Canal du Midi and its 245km waterway by taking the towpath, on foot or by bike, or by sailing there by boat. Leaving from Toulouse to Sète, it is one of the major works of the XNUMXth century, listed as a UNESCO heritage site, signed Pierre Paul Riquet. Don't miss the Naurouze threshold, the watershed of the Canal du Midi.
Go for a walk along the canal, or rent a boat to admire the fauna and flora that populate the blue ribbon.
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Enjoy a rejuvenating stroll around the Canal du Midi.
Les Cassès and its Cathar Memorial
Lauragais was the sad historical witness to Catharism. THE Cathar Memorial of Cassès in fact one of the martyr sites recalling all the pyres of Lauragais. Built in 2011 in commemoration of the 800 years of the pyre of Cassès, the site is a must to add to your to do list during your stay.
The village, with its fortified castle, was an important place in the Middle Ages which depended on the County of Toulouse. In 1211, during the famous Albigensian crusade, the city was besieged by Simon de Montfort and his army. Trapped, the garrison negotiated its freedom in exchange for the heretics it welcomed. After converting around fifty of them, the bishops leading this crusade left the fate of the many remaining heretics in the hands of the army who burned them alive.
Subsequently, all the fortifications as well as the castle were razed. The latter will be rebuilt by the Count of Toulouse, and in 1235 the inquisitors were placed there to chase away the last heretics.
Today, as you walk around, you will be able to see the remains of the former monastery of the Poor Clares from the XNUMXth century and the Caunes windmill from the XNUMXth century.
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The abbey-cathedral of Saint-Papoul
Founded in the 34th century, the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Papoul became the seat of a bishopric in the XNUMXth century, with XNUMX bishops succeeding it until the revolution. Site of the Cathar Country, it will charm you with its exteriors: Gothic cloister, garden of the simple. The Romanesque church will surprise you with its essentially baroque interior decor: canopy, altarpiece, canons' stalls, gilded wood lectern.
The old refectory houses a permanent exhibition on the Master of Cabestany, a sculptor from the end of the XNUMXth century, whose characteristic works can be seen in Italy, France and Spain.
If you are with family, remember to ask reception for the booklet specially designed for the visit of the little ones
Download the apps Pays Cathare, guide et Castrum, the Game to discover while having fun all the secrets of the abbey-cathedral and the Aude department on your smartphone.
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To discover
Discover the history ofSaint-Papoul Abbey-Cathedral and its village in circulation.
Discover the themed museums
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