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The site of Tautavel Cave (also called Caune de l'Arago) is an ancient karst cave in the Tautavel valley of France with over 35 feet of deposits containing over 40 very old stratified occupations, dated between 450,000 and 100,000 years before the present.
Stone tools and faunal remains have been found in abundance.
The oldest layers include several bone and bone fragments of several individuals of the so-called Tautavel Man, called Homo erectus tautavelensis.
Archaeologist Henry de Lumley of the Institut de Paléontologie Humaine has been excavating the cave since 1964 and continues research today....
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Specialities
The Arago cave is one of the largest karstic caves in the southern Corbières region.
The cave is located high up, overlooking the Tautavel Valley, and offering occupants an unparalleled view of the surrounding countryside.
This observation post was ideal for prehistoric hunters, who could watch the movement of game from on high.
In addition, the Verdouble River, flowing at the foot of the cliff, was a watering place where most animals came to drink - thus providing clear advantage to the hunters of Tautavel.
Near the former entrance to the cave, a path provided easy access to another hunting domain; the vast plateau, located above the cave.
Language(s):
 
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Opening Musée de Préhistoire de Tautavel:
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02 january to 30 june - From 10:00 to 12.30 and from 14:00 to 18.00
- 01 july to 31 august - From 10:00 to 19.00
- 01 september to 31 december - From 10:00 to 12.30 and from 14:00 to 18.00
- Closed day(s): 25
december, 01 january
Equipments and Services: |
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* Coach parking
* Multi Languages
* Individual guided tours |
* Shop
* Disabled reception
* Unguided individual visits
* Group guided tours |
Gorges de Gouleyrous
Cucugnan village, one of the most picturesque
villages in all of France...
Tuchan
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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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The cornerstone of organic farming is the soil. Maintaining a healthy, biologically active soil is the main objective for an organic farmer. In the vineyard it means cultivating the soil and planting cover crops, instead of applying herbicides. It means using natural fertilizers, such as composted animal manure, versus chemical fertilizers. Organic growers use no synthetic growth-regulators (such as Alar). As for not using pesticides, the organic alternative is to encourage natural predators of insect pests instead of using poisonous insecticides. Organic farmers promote "biodiversity" and allow plants other than vines to grow in and around the vineyard. Biodiversity helps regulate the vineyard soil by attracting beneficial insects, spiders and predatory mites, as well as provide shelter and food (pollen, nectar and other bugs), and replaces the need for chemical pesticides or insecticides. What cannot be fully controlled through biodiversity can still be managed organically, through the use of naturally occurring plant or mineral extracts, which leave no residues in the soil. In wet climates the main difficulty is raised by the use of copper sulfate against mildew, which leaves over time levels of copper in the soil that need to be monitored....
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Musée de
Préhistoire
de Tautavel |
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Leisure |
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Avenue Léon Jean Grégory
66720 TAUTAVEL |
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Phone +33 4.68.29.07.76
Fax +33 4.68.29.40.09
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contact@450000ans.com
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www.450000ans.com |
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Adults: 8.00 €
Children: 4.00 € |
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Service:
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Rivesaltes is the birthplace of the vin doux naturel, a creation of Arnaud de Villeneuve, the eminent 13th Century physician. It was he who discovered the process of halting the alcoholic fermentation by the addition of spirit to the must, thus giving rise to a new breed of wine. The technique has since been employed in the production of Rivesaltes, and over the ensuing centuries there have been numerous literary references to these fortified wines, which seem to have been highly regarded. Today there are 94 communes eligible to produce these wines, mostly in the Pyrénées-Orientales, although with nine situated in the Aude. The wines start off as principally red or white - although blending of red and white varieties, and subsequent barrel ageing, may influence the wine's true colour and eventual style significantly. Grenache Noir is the lead variety for the red wines, but this may be blended with a number of white varieties, including Grenache Blanc and Gris, Maccabeu and Tourbat...
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Auberge de la Table du Curé |
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At the foot of Cucugnan Mill and Quéribus Castle, the "Auberge de la Table du Curé" provides traditional cooking in a friendly, family atmosphere. Enjoy the tranquillity of our air-conditioned rooms, our terrace and our garden. More desires. At the heart of Cathar country discover the castles of Quéribus, Peyrepertuse and Aguilar and also Galamus Gorges...
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Campsite la Peirière, a green oasis in the heart of the cathare countryside. In the heart of the cathare countryside, between the sea and the mountains, amidst palm trees and other preserved vegetation you will experience the pleasure of this small peaceful corner hidden away in one of the sunniest areas of France. You may want to benefit from the many activities provided in the area such as horse riding, walking, cycling, mountain climbing, parapenting, etc... taste the local food and wine, or visit some of the many historical sites - roman vestiges, cathares castles, museums, the famous old city of Carcassonne, etc... And of course you can always relax beside the swimming pool with a cool refreshing drink and bask in the glorious sunshine.. A dream cocktail for an unforgettable holiday....
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Aguilar Castle stands on a rocky hillock at the foot of the prestigious Haut Fitou vineyard.
In 1210 it was invaded and occupied by Simon de Montfort, whose soldiers took and held the owner Raymond de Termes in prison in Carcassonne. Militarily, the castle lay dormant for the next 30 years, until Raymond's son Olivier de Termes took back the castle in the brief revolt against the young viscount Trencavel against the crusaders. Aguilar became the refuge of faidits, Cathar knights and lords dispossessed of their own strongholds.
Since 1949, it has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
Today it is in poor condition, and can be sited by the public. The design of the castle reflects evolving military thinking of the late Middle Ages. It consists of an inner keep built in the 12th century, surrounded by an outer pentagonal fortification from the 13th century. It is oriented so that its point guards the side most vulnerable to attackers. The keep and the inner hexagonal fortification is flanked at each corner by semi-circular guard towers, each with archery outlooks.
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Hostellerie
du Mont Tauch |
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Hostellerie du Mont Tauch is a welcoming and simple small hotel situated in a pretty house of the early 19th century just at the entrance to the village. The village is close to the Réserve de Sigean, not far from the Gorges de Galamus and famous Cathar Castles. Some rooms have a view of the Pyrennees and the restaurant specialises in local, traditional recipes. In search of "real" of "natural" you wake up with the songs of birds and be amazed by the chains of mountains. There is also private parking....
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At the heart of the Corbières, wedged between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean coast, with stunning views of the castle of Aguilar defeated by the north wind, the Relais offers a genuine food and natural flavors of preserved vegetation.
Camping, Hotel, restaurant and Bar....
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