Our charming villages
Wander around the charming little villages in the Montagne Noire, each one even more original than the last.
They have witnessed centuries of history, from the Cathar religion to the industrial era, and today they welcome visitors looking to discover their original features and authentic locals.
SAISSAC
Perched much like an eagle’s nest, the medieval village and Château de Saissac overlook the Audoise plain, offering an exceptional view across the Pyrenees.
As you wander around the narrow streets of Saissac, you’ll come across corbelled houses, old-fashioned boutiques, washhouses and fountains… Journey back to the era of Bertrand de Saissac during the Albigensian Crusade. There are ten centuries of history to explore!
In August, the ‘Médiévales de Saissac’ event is a great opportunity to relive this era
LASTOURS
The village of Lastours is a picture of authenticity, featuring rows of typical little Occitan houses, the Orbiel river running through, flanked by a mountain and a Mediterranean landscape that you’ll never tire of admiring. You’ll be transported into another realm, for a change of scenery guaranteed!
Enjoy the shade of an oak tree as you observe this stunning panorama in the late afternoon sun… And make sure you don’t miss the Four Châteaus of Lastours!
PRADELLES-CABARDÈS
Did you know that Pradelles-Cabardès was a centre for ice trading?
In the 19th century, 17 huge ice houses were built to store snow that would be turned into ice. To see them, set off along the loop trail called The Sentier des Glacières(Ice House Trail). You could also choose to go on the Roc du Nouret walk up to the Pic de Nore.
A swim in Birotos lake, or maybe a spot of fishing are both great activities if you’re looking to recharge the batteries.
In visiting Pradelles-Cabardès, you’ll see a beautiful church with an extraordinary Romanesque tower.
ROQUEFÈRE
You’ll love visiting Roquefère. This village has been certified as a ‘Village de Caractère’ (charming village) and awarded 1 flower in the ‘Village Fleuri’ (Village in Bloom) certification and is in a loop of the Rieutort valley, deep in the Montagne Noire.
With its fortified castle that has been classified as a French Historic Monument since 1985, this village also plays host to the ‘Jazz sous les Chataîgniers’ (jazz under the chestnut trees) festival every summer. It’s an idyllic setting for a evening of jazz.
From the highlands of Roquefère, you can admire the wonderful Cubserviès waterfall a 90-metre high waterfall. A breathtaking sight!
CUXAC-CABARDÈS
Did you know that during the 17th century, sheets known as ‘les Draps de la Montagne’ were manufactured in Cuxac-Cabardès? In the workshops within the ‘Manufacture Royale de la Bonde’ factory, weavers worked tirelessly, manufacturing high-quality products! The machines were powered by water from the river Dure.
This central town of the Montagne Noire now has a wide range of activities on offer: go hiking up over the Dure mountainsides, take a stroll along the footpath through the La Bonde wetlands and have some fun with the investigation-game ‘Ombres sur la Sagne’, go horse riding or on a pony ride, and so much more.
At the stunning Laprade-Basse lake, you can take part in the activities at the leisure complex, go fishing or explore the ENS ‘Les Sagnes de Laprade’ trail…
FONTIERS-CABARDÈS
You’ll see, Fontiers-Cabardès is a timeless village.
Legend has it that the main square in the village was designed by André Le Nôtre, gardener to Louis XIV! It is also said that Pierre-Paul Riquet, creator of the Canal du Midi and the Rigole de la Montagne, stayed in the village château during the canal construction works.
You’ll also notice that in Fontiers-Cabardès plants are given pride of place: Fontiers-Cabardès sightseeing trail, a footpath through the wetlands and departure of the hiking trail ‘Entre pierres et forêt’ (stones and forest) all await you. In October, come here for the annual Plants Festival.
VILLARDONNEL
Villardonnel is at the foot of the Montagne Noire. This village boasts a visitor’s trail of old photographs that will lead you on a journey through time.
Villadonnel is a lively place and hosts two of the Montagne Noire’s key events, that are highly original and rooted in local heritage: the Course de Caisse à Savon (soapbox race) and the Montagne Noire chestnut, wine and local products festival.
CAUDEBRONDE
Caudebronde is a typical village where you can truly unwind and recharge your batteries! Wander around the narrow streets, admire the beautiful old-fashioned washhouse, visit the church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens or laze on the banks of the river Dure that crosses through the village. You can also quench your thirst at the 7 springs surrounding the village. Peace and quiet is the order of the day! But don’t count on too much quiet… Caudebronde is also a lively place during the village festivals. You’ll also run into hikers who have come here for the short loop trail ‘Entre Sources et Lauzes’ or the longer loop trail ‘Entre Sources et Lauzes’.
VILLANIÈRE
Make your way to Villanière where you can see one of the first religious monuments of Cabardès, Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Basilisse chapel. The ruins will whisk you back to the Visigoth period. The village’s current church in the centre has an impressive presence.
To explore local heritage but in a more recent setting, you can go and visit the Mémorial des Mineurs. This memorial was built when the biggest gold mine in Europe was closed in 2004, to keep the memory of this era alive and so that visitors can learn about the industrial heritage of the Montagne Noire. Everyone is welcome, free-of-charge and whenever you like.
SALSIGNE
Salsigne is well-known for its industrial mining past. The town was the location of Europe’s biggest gold mine up until 2004. Impressive isn’t it?
Just by wandering around the village, you’ll see signs of this industrial heritage, such as the carts that were essential for transporting the rocks and were either pushed by the workers or pulled by horses!
You can also go to the exhibition room devoted to the history of mining with photos from the past, rocks and facts and anecdotes from the locals.
LACOMBE
Lacombe is in the highlands of the Montagne Noire, just a few metres from the Alzeau inlet, the source of the Rigole de la Montagne, and therefore the Canal du Midi. If you’d like to walk close to the water’s edge, you can walk around Galaube lake.
In one of the town’s little hamlets, there’s a tree that has been certified as ‘remarkable’ for its age and its appearance.
The ‘Escales du Canal du Midi’ events are sometimes held in Lacombe, with farmer’s markets, hikes, etc. To make sure you don’t miss out, check our Events’ Calendar on a regular basis.
MAS-CABARDÈS
Located by the river Orbiel, this little village is full of charm. Mas-Cabardès is an ideal location for nature and heritage lovers. You’ll come across the ruins of a medieval castle there that played a strategic role during the wars of religion, as well as evidence of the textile industry that left its mark on the Montagne Noire. Admire the Croix des Tisserands (weaver’s cross), a sign of the region’s prosperity in the 16th and 17th centuries. Set off to explore the surrounding natural environment with the loop trail ‘La Castagnal Grando’ that departs from the village.
LA TOURETTE-CABARDÈS
You haven’t seen many church bell towers like that one! With its octagonal bell tower, the church of Sainte-Anne is listed as a Historic Monument. It is a treasure of local heritage and has been recently renovated. Come and admire it as you explore the picturesque town of La Tourette-Cabardès.
Local heritage and its protection are top priorities for this town and so you will also be able to come and see the recently restored old-fashioned washhouse.
SAINT-DENIS
Saint-Denis was built in the form of a bastide in the 13th century and there are so many monuments there to see, including the Gothic style church, the washhouse from 1830, the Parrot fountain from the era of Napoleon III, the remarkable market hall from 1888 and the ramparts.
After walking around the village, take a stroll along the Saint-Denis basin, admire the 400-year-old beech trees close to Bès lake or try to find the secret waterfall which is an amazing sight once you find it.
You could also go for a walk along the loop trail ‘Entre lavoirs et fontaines’ (washhouses and fountains), which departs from the centre of the village.
MIRAVAL-CABARDÈS
Miraval is one of the smallest villages in the Montagne Noire, but it carries the traces of a great chapter in local history. This is where you will find the ruins of the castle owned by Raimon de Miraval, the most famous troubadour of Occitan from medieval times. Walk up to the top of the hill to find these traces of the past and you might just hear the breeze through the valley telling you the stories that the master loved to tell. From the village, you can also set off along the loop trail ‘Le Roc du Bougre’.
LES MARTYS
This authentic village is at the peak of the Montagne Noire and looks down almost from the sky. It was however closer to the land that was worked hard by people for 300 years, as Les Martys was a hotspot for the Gallo-Roman metalworking industry, producing 100,000 tonnes of iron, as evidenced by the furnaces that were discovered in the town during archaeological excavation work.
Today, you’ll see houses dotted here and there with wide-open areas of greenery. And we’re relieved because that’s why we’re here: Mother Nature and the many activities on offer! Come and explore the surrounding area along the short loop trail ‘Entre prairies et futaies’ (meadows and mature forests) and the long loop trail ‘Entre prairies et futaies’. You can also go for a walk along the fitness trail, which everyone is free to use all year round.
LABASTIDE-ESPARBAÏRENQUE
Labastide-Esparbaïrenque is the ideal little mountain village to commune with oneself and meditate.
The peaceful atmosphere here will help you find inspiration for your future creations. You might not notice because they are so discreet, but there is a whole community of budding artists who have set up shop here.
Departing from the village, you can walk along the hiking trail ‘Le Tour du Pic de la Madeleine’ which will lead you past the traditional Saint André washhouse and church of the same name, or you can choose to participate in the Camin de la Ceba trail.
FOURNES-CABARDÈS
Some say all roads lead to Rome. Well, Fournes-Cabardès is the exception to this rule! A single route with hairpin bends will lead you to this remote village at the heart of the Montagne Noire.
In the narrow streets lined with stone houses, you’ll find yourself surrounded by complete silence. You won’t see any people, or at least very few, milling about. You’re more likely to run into birds, cats, dogs and all sorts of insects. Peace and quiet guaranteed! Take a detour down a footpath and you might just happen upon a curiosity: a megalith.
FRAÏSSE-CABARDÈS
In the foothills of the Montagne Noire, the village of Fraïsse-Cabardès is home to a parish church devoted to Saint Martin, dating from the 15th century. You can venture inside the church to discover its secrets, as it is always open for anyone curious to find out more.
If you are more interested in nature, you won’t be disappointed with the hiking trail ‘Entre puits et garrigue’ (from well to garrigue) to explore the natural environment in these foothills.
LAPRADE
History is quite discreet in Laprade. The town did however witness a significant event: the Resistance during the Second World War. Many locals from Laprade were members of the Resistance. They hid in the maquis of the Montagne Noire. As you walk around the village, or more specifically if you pass by the cemetery, you’ll see a Commonwealth commemorative plaque that pays tribute to these brave souls.
LES ILHES-CABARDÈS
Les lhes-Cabardès is on the banks of the river Orbiel and has some surprising heritage to show you. Lord Beynaguet de Pannautier’s (1775) manor house boasts a porch that straddles a covered street. You’ll appreciate the unique appearance this gives the main street running through the village. The church of Saint-Hilaire is hiding some wonderful finds for whoever looks in the right place. Departing from Les Ilhes-Cabardès is the loop trail ‘La vallée des oliviers’ (the valley of olive trees).
BROUSSES-ET-VILLARET
Brousses-et-Villaret has plenty of surprises up its sleeve!
You are probably already aware that Brousses paper mill is an unmissable place to visit in the Montagne Noire.
But did you know that if you explore the two little town centres of Brousses-et-Villaret, you’ll come across some small heritage sites such as two churches, crosses, a washhouse, fountains, and an old-fashioned press. And a huge natural rock in the shape of a human head! Original isn’t it?
On Tuesday evenings, you’ll be taken aback by the famous enchanted market of Brousses-et-Villaret. You’ll have a great time here as you browse the local products, arts and crafts, food trucks and enjoy the musical atmosphere.
SAISSAC
Perched much like an eagle’s nest, the medieval village and Château de Saissac overlook the Audoise plain, offering an exceptional view across the Pyrenees.
As you wander around the narrow streets of Saissac, you’ll come across corbelled houses, old-fashioned boutiques, washhouses and fountains… Journey back to the era of Bertrand de Saissac during the Albigensian Crusade. There are ten centuries of history to explore!
In August, the ‘Médiévales de Saissac’ event is a great opportunity to relive this era
LASTOURS
The village of Lastours is a picture of authenticity, featuring rows of typical little Occitan houses, the Orbiel river running through, flanked by a mountain and a Mediterranean landscape that you’ll never tire of admiring. You’ll be transported into another realm, for a change of scenery guaranteed!
Enjoy the shade of an oak tree as you observe this stunning panorama in the late afternoon sun… And make sure you don’t miss the Four Châteaus of Lastours!
PRADELLES-CABARDÈS
Did you know that Pradelles-Cabardès was a centre for ice trading?
In the 19th century, 17 huge ice houses were built to store snow that would be turned into ice. To see them, set off along the loop trail called The Sentier des Glacières (Ice House Trail). You could also choose to go on the Roc du Nouret walk up to the Pic de Nore.
A swim in Birotos lake, or maybe a spot of fishing are both great activities if you’re looking to recharge the batteries.
In visiting Pradelles-Cabardès, you’ll see a beautiful church with an extraordinary Romanesque tower.
ROQUEFÈRE
You’ll love visiting Roquefère. This village has been certified as a ‘Village de Caractère’ (charming village) and awarded 1 flower in the ‘Village Fleuri’ (Village in Bloom) certification and is in a loop of the Rieutort valley, deep in the Montagne Noire.
With its fortified castle that has been classified as a French Historic Monument since 1985, this village also plays host to the ‘Jazz sous les Chataîgniers’ (jazz under the chestnut trees) festival every summer. It’s an idyllic setting for a evening of jazz.
From the highlands of Roquefère, you can admire the wonderful Cubserviès waterfall a 90-metre high waterfall. A breathtaking sight!
CUXAC-CABARDÈS
Did you know that during the 17th century, sheets known as ‘les Draps de la Montagne’ were manufactured in Cuxac-Cabardès? In the workshops within the ‘Manufacture Royale de la Bonde’ factory, weavers worked tirelessly, manufacturing high-quality products! The machines were powered by water from the river Dure.
This central town of the Montagne Noire now has a wide range of activities on offer: go hiking up over the Dure mountainsides, take a stroll along the footpath through the La Bonde wetlands and have some fun with the investigation-game ‘Ombres sur la Sagne’, go horse riding or on a pony ride, and so much more.
At the stunning Laprade-Basse lake, you can take part in the activities at the leisure complex, go fishing or explore the ENS ‘Les Sagnes de Laprade’ trail…
FONTIERS-CABARDÈS
You’ll see, Fontiers-Cabardès is a timeless village.
Legend has it that the main square in the village was designed by André Le Nôtre, gardener to Louis XIV! It is also said that Pierre-Paul Riquet, creator of the Canal du Midi and the Rigole de la Montagne, stayed in the village château during the canal construction works.
You’ll also notice that in Fontiers-Cabardès plants are given pride of place: Fontiers-Cabardès sightseeing trail, a footpath through the wetlands and departure of the hiking trail ‘Entre pierres et forêt’ (stones and forest) all await you. In October, come here for the annual Plants Festival.
VILLARDONNEL
Villardonnel is at the foot of the Montagne Noire. This village boasts a visitor’s trail of old photographs that will lead you on a journey through time.
Villadonnel is a lively place and hosts two of the Montagne Noire’s key events, that are highly original and rooted in local heritage: the Course de Caisse à Savon (soapbox race) and the Montagne Noire chestnut, wine and local products festival.
CAUDEBRONDE
Caudebronde is a typical village where you can truly unwind and recharge your batteries! Wander around the narrow streets, admire the beautiful old-fashioned washhouse, visit the church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens or laze on the banks of the river Dure that crosses through the village. You can also quench your thirst at the 7 springs surrounding the village. Peace and quiet is the order of the day! But don’t count on too much quiet… Caudebronde is also a lively place during the village festivals. You’ll also run into hikers who have come here for the short loop trail ‘Entre Sources et Lauzes’ or the longer loop trail ‘Entre Sources et Lauzes’.
VILLANIÈRE
Make your way to Villanière where you can see one of the first religious monuments of Cabardès, Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Basilisse chapel. The ruins will whisk you back to the Visigoth period. The village’s current church in the centre has an impressive presence.
To explore local heritage but in a more recent setting, you can go and visit the Mémorial des Mineurs. This memorial was built when the biggest gold mine in Europe was closed in 2004, to keep the memory of this era alive and so that visitors can learn about the industrial heritage of the Montagne Noire. Everyone is welcome, free-of-charge and whenever you like.
SALSIGNE
Salsigne is well-known for its industrial mining past. The town was the location of Europe’s biggest gold mine up until 2004. Impressive isn’t it?
Just by wandering around the village, you’ll see signs of this industrial heritage, such as the carts that were essential for transporting the rocks and were either pushed by the workers or pulled by horses!
You can also go to the exhibition room devoted to the history of mining with photos from the past, rocks and facts and anecdotes from the locals.
LACOMBE
Lacombe is in the highlands of the Montagne Noire, just a few metres from the Alzeau inlet, the source of the Rigole de la Montagne, and therefore the Canal du Midi. If you’d like to walk close to the water’s edge, you can walk around Galaube lake.
In one of the town’s little hamlets, there’s a tree that has been certified as ‘remarkable’ for its age and its appearance.
The ‘Escales du Canal du Midi’ events are sometimes held in Lacombe, with farmer’s markets, hikes, etc. To make sure you don’t miss out, check our Events’ Calendar on a regular basis.
MAS-CABARDÈS
Located by the river Orbiel, this little village is full of charm. Mas-Cabardès is an ideal location for nature and heritage lovers. You’ll come across the ruins of a medieval castle there that played a strategic role during the wars of religion, as well as evidence of the textile industry that left its mark on the Montagne Noire. Admire the Croix des Tisserands (weaver’s cross), a sign of the region’s prosperity in the 16th and 17th centuries. Set off to explore the surrounding natural environment with the loop trail ‘La Castagnal Grando’ that departs from the village.
LA TOURETTE-CABARDÈS
You haven’t seen many church bell towers like that one! With its octagonal bell tower, the church of Sainte-Anne is listed as a Historic Monument. It is a treasure of local heritage and has been recently renovated. Come and admire it as you explore the picturesque town of La Tourette-Cabardès.
Local heritage and its protection are top priorities for this town and so you will also be able to come and see the recently restored old-fashioned washhouse.
SAINT-DENIS
Saint-Denis was built in the form of a bastide in the 13th century and there are so many monuments there to see, including the Gothic style church, the washhouse from 1830, the Parrot fountain from the era of Napoleon III, the remarkable market hall from 1888 and the ramparts.
After walking around the village, take a stroll along the Saint-Denis basin, admire the 400-year-old beech trees close to Bès lake or try to find the secret waterfall which is an amazing sight once you find it.
You could also go for a walk along the loop trail ‘Entre lavoirs et fontaines’ (washhouses and fountains), which departs from the centre of the village.
MIRAVAL-CABARDÈS
Miraval is one of the smallest villages in the Montagne Noire, but it carries the traces of a great chapter in local history. This is where you will find the ruins of the castle owned by Raimon de Miraval, the most famous troubadour of Occitan from medieval times. Walk up to the top of the hill to find these traces of the past and you might just hear the breeze through the valley telling you the stories that the master loved to tell. From the village, you can also set off along the loop trail ‘Le Roc du Bougre’.
LES MARTYS
This authentic village is at the peak of the Montagne Noire and looks down almost from the sky. It was however closer to the land that was worked hard by people for 300 years, as Les Martys was a hotspot for the Gallo-Roman metalworking industry, producing 100,000 tonnes of iron, as evidenced by the furnaces that were discovered in the town during archaeological excavation work.
Today, you’ll see houses dotted here and there with wide-open areas of greenery. And we’re relieved because that’s why we’re here: Mother Nature and the many activities on offer! Come and explore the surrounding area along the short loop trail ‘Entre prairies et futaies’ (meadows and mature forests) and the long loop trail ‘Entre prairies et futaies’. You can also go for a walk along the fitness trail, which everyone is free to use all year round.
LABASTIDE-ESPARBAÏRENQUE
Labastide-Esparbaïrenque is the ideal little mountain village to commune with oneself and meditate.
The peaceful atmosphere here will help you find inspiration for your future creations. You might not notice because they are so discreet, but there is a whole community of budding artists who have set up shop here.
Departing from the village, you can walk along the hiking trail ‘Le Tour du Pic de la Madeleine’ which will lead you past the traditional Saint André washhouse and church of the same name, or you can choose to participate in the Camin de la Ceba trail.
FOURNES-CABARDÈS
Some say all roads lead to Rome. Well, Fournes-Cabardès is the exception to this rule! A single route with hairpin bends will lead you to this remote village at the heart of the Montagne Noire.
In the narrow streets lined with stone houses, you’ll find yourself surrounded by complete silence. You won’t see any people, or at least very few, milling about. You’re more likely to run into birds, cats, dogs and all sorts of insects. Peace and quiet guaranteed! Take a detour down a footpath and you might just happen upon a curiosity: a megalith.
FRAÏSSE-CABARDÈS
In the foothills of the Montagne Noire, the village of Fraïsse-Cabardès is home to a parish church devoted to Saint Martin, dating from the 15th century. You can venture inside the church to discover its secrets, as it is always open for anyone curious to find out more.
If you are more interested in nature, you won’t be disappointed with the hiking trail ‘Entre puits et garrigue’ (from well to garrigue) to explore the natural environment in these foothills.
LAPRADE
History is quite discreet in Laprade. The town did however witness a significant event: the Resistance during the Second World War. Many locals from Laprade were members of the Resistance. They hid in the maquis of the Montagne Noire. As you walk around the village, or more specifically if you pass by the cemetery, you’ll see a Commonwealth commemorative plaque that pays tribute to these brave souls.
LES ILHES-CABARDÈS
Les lhes-Cabardès is on the banks of the river Orbiel and has some surprising heritage to show you. Lord Beynaguet de Pannautier’s (1775) manor house boasts a porch that straddles a covered street. You’ll appreciate the unique appearance this gives the main street running through the village. The church of Saint-Hilaire is hiding some wonderful finds for whoever looks in the right place. Departing from Les Ilhes-Cabardès is the loop trail ‘La vallée des oliviers’ (the valley of olive trees).
BROUSSES-ET-VILLARET
Brousses-et-Villaret has plenty of surprises up its sleeve!
You are probably already aware that Brousses paper mill is an unmissable place to visit in the Montagne Noire.
But did you know that if you explore the two little town centres of Brousses-et-Villaret, you’ll come across some small heritage sites such as two churches, crosses, a washhouse, fountains, and an old-fashioned press. And a huge natural rock in the shape of a human head! Original isn’t it?
On Tuesday evenings, you’ll be taken aback by the famous enchanted market of Brousses-et-Villaret. You’ll have a great time here as you browse the local products, arts and crafts, food trucks and enjoy the musical atmosphere.
