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The meandering course of the stream of Mattes takes a spectacular parade of the mountains between Alaric and Hull:
Gorges Congoust (named by the Romans co-angustum: constricted passage).
The landscape is vegetation: very dry on the south side of Alaric, much of the wooded slope of the shell covered with thickets of evergreen oak.
The course, framed by limestone cliffs and large boulders, is animated waterfalls and potholes, which punctuate and enliven the watercourse... |
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The ruins of the ancient priory of Illes still seem to guard the entrance and add to the quaintness of this site.
The GR36 crosses the gorge Congoust. On the one hand, can be reached via Lagrasse Holliday.
The other, join Montlaur through the ruins of St. Michel de Nahuze.
Also found near the GR on the side of the road, a cave, already explored by speleologists of the Aude and elsewhere (800 meters of development for 105 meters elevation). During storms, this cave takes water from the entire hill and rejects its overflow into the stream of mattes, making it dangerous to explore...
Aude - D 114
Montlaur
2,5 km from Camplong d'Aude
7,6 km from Lagrasse
11,2 from Capendu
24,1 from Carcassonne
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Opening Gorges du Congoust - Montlaur:
- 01 January to 31 December
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* Public Parking
* Individual
visits |
* Groups accepted
* Group
unguided visits |
Montlaur
Lagrasse
Le Sentier Sculpturel de Mayronnes
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Les Vignerons
de Camplong |
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 250 Hectares classified to 90% by Appellation d’Origine Protégé Corbières, this exceptional land that is rooted on the stony clay-limestone soils from the Alaric Mountain, is offered a southern exposure and are staged to 60-190 meters.
The grape varieties which is exclusively composed of 5 Mediterranean varieties, is sheltered from strong winds by Mount Alaric (610 meters) and in the opposite direction locks the spray coming right from the Mediterranean.
The grape varieties…
CARIGNAN 35 %
SYRAH 30 %
GRENACHE 23 %
MOURVEDRE 8 %
CINSAULT 4 %
The entire vineyard is certified reasoned culture "TERRA VITIS" with traceability of cultural practices verified by an independent, ensuring quality production mode, respecting the environment...
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Château Villemagne |
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Two couples craftsmen winemakers, Paulette and Roger Carbonneau, Sophie and Christophe Hebraud, receive you every day, Sundays and holidays from 9 am to 20h to come taste the wines and aperitifs of the Castle and for children, pure red grape juice Cathar...
We will talk about the history of the region, the remains discovered on this site, vineyards and winemaking. At Chateau Villemagne rooting in the country is our strength. We are proud to continue the work of six generations of winemakers. We also feel responsible for the management of a domain where every vine reveals plowing many vestiges of past millennia ... and strong imprint of the abbey of Lagrasse...
Exhibition of Amphorae and Roman tiles, flint arrowheads, polished axes, coins ... as well as paintings, sculptures and photographs by local artists.
But our greatest passion is working every day in the vineyard and in the cellar...
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Abbaye
Sainte-Marie
de Lagrasse |
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Lagrasse is known for its important Abbey, the Abbaye Sainte Marie de Lagrasse, which is accessed by an ancient and very attractive bridge. The keep or “donjon†is still in good condition, giving an interesting idea of the history of the place. The Church of St Michel is a good example of Gothic architecture in the region, and is worth a visit. Lagrasse also retains the ramparts from the old fortifications, all of which helps to preserve a sense of the original village...
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Le Clos De Mauzac - Located on the edge of the picturesque
village of Camplong, with awesome views of the Alaric mountains, in a street
devoid of traffic. Le Mauzac is also a restaurant but you may stop there just
for a glass of wine. In the heart of the Corbieres- this modern looking
restaurant with old world charm, creates excellent dishes that are packed with
flavour and slightly break the mouth... One of the best new upcoming restaurants
in the Aude...
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Just 15 minutes from Carcassonne, close to the Corbières, M'11 housed in the old cellar aging of the wine cooperative of Monze. A warm environment conducive to culinary events. The cellars Rocbère Corbières Maritimes which merged with the Cave of Monze, have released this building which will also showcase their productions. After the discovery of their treasures, you enter the large room's rustic restaurant with a unique view of the vineyard. A large fireplace for grilling throne in the background. Rudolph, the chef will delight you with the essential cassoulet but caldeirada (specialty style bouillabaisse made ​​with fish and shellfish) or tournedos of duck breast with thyme and chardonnay juice...
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Up in the Corbières hills, which lead to the Pyrenees, the natural border between Spain and France, and no more than a 20-minute drive from the Cité of Carcassonne and equidistant between the villages of Montlaur and Monze and closest to the hamlet of Pradelles-en-Val, there is a most unexpected outpost of Italy.
The farm, which is not that easy to see from the road, has long been called Bourdasso. The property it occupies is the former winemaking facilities and house of the previous owners but the Italian influence is now obvious. The men wear predominantly white with their shirts conspicuously outside their trousers; the main dining room is stylishly simple and clean; and most crucially, and unusually for this part of the world, there is not a mention of cassoulet or confit du canard on the menu. The wine list even carries 10 different Italian red wines...
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How pleasant it is to stroll around Lagrasse! If you take a walk on the promenade, make a stop in this nice brasserie-tearoom with a shaded terrace.
The setting is practical with a fresco of Lagrasse in the 1930s, the terrace is really enhanced by beautiful green plants and shaded by parasols when the sun is too violent.
Restaurant l'Entrepote ( formerly Restaurant l'Affenage) is located in Lagrasse, medieval city of the twelfth century, famous for its abbey and ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.
You will be served a cuisine that is homemade and cooked using fresh produce. The dishes are classic, tasty and without fuss, like the "Lagrassienne" salad (with gésiers, croutons, homemade foie gras: very hearty), the plate of cold meats, the prawns grilled and flambéed with Carthagène, the cassoulet or the grilled duck breast, homemade sauces.
Everyone will find their happiness!
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Before visiting the
Sainte-Marie d'Orbieu abbey, start by strolling through the medieval town, this
charming place where you can admire, among other things, an old 14th-century
covered market with stone pillars, craft stalls. art, as well as a Gothic style
church listed as a Historic Monument. Then discover then, on the opposite bank
"Le Bastion". Fabien and Valentin are long-time friends, accomplices and
complementary. Both benefit from more than 10 years of experience in catering, a
growing reputation, a great know-how and a very good local and international
knowledge of the geographical and economic situation of Lagrasse. Une cuisine créative;
Plates that are sometimes creative or traditional, or take pride of place in local products, short supply chain, product freshness, respect for seasonality and the environment. A restaurant that mixes young vineyards and old bottles, or the gourmet cuisine of Auguste Escoffier mixes modern techniques with the greatest simplicity, as well as the influence of their travels...
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