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In the center of the village of Villerouge, in the Langedouc region of France, is the ancient castle of Termenes. The Villerouge-Termenes castle is known as the home of the last known Cathar Prefect Guilhem Belibasate, who was burned at the stake during the Catholic crusades of the 13th century. The Albigensian Crusades, as they are known, were ordered by Pope Innocent III.
During those crusades, thousands of Cathars were burned at the stake. In the city of Beziers alone, thousands were killed. History records the infamous words of Arnaud Amaury, when asked whether to kill both Catholics and Cathars, responded: "Kill them all; God will recognize his own". He later reported to Pope Innocent III that "neither age, nor sex, nor status had been spared, and nearly twenty thousand people perished."
This should be a lesson to everyone regarding the dangers of religious fanaticism... |
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Specialities
At about 50 km south-east of Carcassonne, the Villerouge-Termènes chateau is the High Corbières Mediterranean gateway. Its imposing mass in the centre of the village speaks volumes as to its importance in regional medieval politics. The first records, show that from the 12th Century until the revolution it was under the ownership of the powerful archbishopric of Narbonne. However, during this time the chateau was actually subject to several occupations.
In 1107, Pope Pascal II confirmed possession of the chateau to the hands of archbishop Richard, despite the fact that the chateau was and had been occupied by Pierre de Peyrepertuse since 1070, who had given it to Pierre Olivier de Termes as part of the dowry when Pierre Olivier married his daughter. It wasn’t until 1110 that the Termes family agreed to return the chateau to the archbishopric - but by 1227 the chateau was under control of the dreaded Simon de Montfort (leader of the Crusades against the Cathars).
The village is intimately linked to Catharism: it was here that the last Cathar parfait (priest), Guilhem Bélibaste, was burnt at the stake, formally putting and end to the Cathar religion. The village is also close to the beautiful abbeys of Lagrasse and Frontfroide.
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Opening Château Villerouge-Termenès:
- 01 march to 31 march - From 10:00 to 17:00
- Closed day(s): Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday
- 01 april to 30 june - From 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00
- Closed day(s): Sunday - Saturday
- 01 july to 31 august - From 10:00 to 19:30
- 01 september to 15 october - From 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00
- Closed day(s): Sunday - Saturday
- 01 september to 15 october - From 10:00 to 18:00
- Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday
- 16 october to 22 october - From 10:00 to 17:00
- Closed day(s): Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday
- 22 october to 03 november - From 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00
- 04 november to 15 december - 10.00 to 17:00
- Closed day(s): Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday
Equipments and Services:
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* Shop
* Pedagogical visits
* Individual guided tours
* Restaurant
* Group guided tours |
* Shop
* Pedagogical visits
* Individual guided tours
* Restaurant |
Château de Termes
Lagrasse
Gorges du Termenet
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The Corbières is one of the wildest areas of France with one of the lowest population densities. It is picturesque with wine growing areas alternating with garigue and mountainous countryside. It is located mainly in the Aude département and partly in the Pyrénées-Orientales département. The River Aude borders the Corbières to the west and north. To the south is the River Agly and to the east the the Mediterranean Sea. The name Corbières comes from "cor" a pre-Celtic word meaning "rock" and "berre" from the River Berre which runs through Durban. The eastern part of the Corbières with its Etangs, borders the the Mediterranean Sea and is called the Corbières maritimes. It has its own distinctive climate and characteristic vegetation known as thermomediterranean vegetation...
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There are thousands of grape varieties contributing to a vast array of different wine styles with each variety having its own distinct flavours and characteristics. Varieties can be made uniquely to make a wine, in whch case the wine is known as a varietal, or collectively with other varities, when the wine is known as a blend. The soils and ‘terroirs’ in the Aude area are very varied, from Schist, Sandstone, Marl, Gravel, Pebbles, Limestone, to Granit and Alluvial soil; thus making many marvelous and different styles of wine. Also in this massive area are many different grape varieties, the reds include Carignon, Cinsault, Granache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The whites, Chardonnay, Granache blanc, Picpoul, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermantino, Mauzac, Chenin and Clairette...
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If you love excellent food and wine, then there can be no finer restaurant in the South of France as Auberge du Vieux Puits. This 3 star Michelin restaurant is run by the celebrated French chef, Gilles Goujon. I can not recommend this restaurant highly enough. The food, the service, the wine, the cheese . . . all were excellent. Nobody has given Gilles Goujon anything for free. On the contrary. In a bucolic atmosphere far from the mundane noise, in an austere building –sold by the tiny Town Hall– he has been progressively restoring for a decade, he has been able to captivate plenty of customers and reach the top of the French guides: 5 hats in Gault Millau and 3 stars in Michelin. We can say we are before a self-made man who had to fight and sweat blood to reach fame; a fame very few chefs deserve so clearly....
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Welcome to the restaurant La Talariane located in Talairan. We are welcome you in the green heart of the Corbières and the entrance of the Cathar country. We invite you to have a good time while enjoying our specialties and regional dishes: scrambled eggs with truffle essence and parmesan, crisps ham, cream of vegetables in season with his ice cream with olive oil , cassoulet terrine, gardianne bull, paella royale, specialties around the beef (rib bone and rib)... Discover a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and a beautiful setting and a shaded terrace....
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Hôtel Restaurant
La Fargo |
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Halfway between Narbonne and Carcassonne near the village of St-Pierre-des-Champs and its château stands a beautiful, distinctive building nestled against the garrigue, surrounded by hills, gardens and orchards cradled by the Orbieu River and swaying to the pace of birdsong. In this haven of peace and greenery, the bright, personalised, spacious rooms with a contemporary South-East Asian-style décor, are an open invitation to a world of serenity. Indoors, in a décor of light stone walls, La Fargo features an extensive dining room with lounge, bar, fireplace and piano. The conformably-spaced round tables create a warm, relaxed atmosphere....
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Labeled as restaurant Café de Pays with a breathtaking view of the medieval castle of Villerouge Terménès. Bichère Maryse welcome you and cook just around local products. For those addicted to tobacco that circulate in the Hautes Corbières, there should be fueling this bar / restaurant which also tobacco. Unless you enjoy your stay in the wilderness in the Aude to stop smoking, which would be a good idea....
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L'Auberge du Terroir
"Chez Divine" |
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Auberge dining is what we search for in Rural France: discover Chez Divine, Auberge du Terroir which epitomises this quest. Situated in the tiny square of Mouthoumet, you could be excused for passing by assuming the blue shuttered building to be someone’s home. With a side entrance, the menu board is flanked by two beautifully manicured box shrubs – the only contemporary styling to be found here. Chez Divine’s interior evokes the same cosy ambiance - a waitress will soon direct you to a waiting table laid with a huge, brightly coloured ceramic jug full of icy water next to a basket of fresh bread. Relax and pass leisurely moments studying the surprisingly extensive menu: an á la carte section listing salads and grills followed by expansive complete menu options of regional dishes, cheese and homemade desserts....
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The authentically restored décor, along with the fare from
its kitchens, will carry you back in time to the 14th century. Everything here
combines to make you feel a part of the Middle Age: The exceptional furniture ,
the apparel of the Château’s noblemen and their footservants , the utensils and
the tableware, which includes not only dishes but decorative items too, have all
been recreated on the basis of archeological evidence and documentary sources
from the region . And when your trencher is put before you, it will reveal the
surprising flavours and culinary refinements of a bygone era...
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