Cuxac Cabardes (Aude)

Cuxac-Cabardes is a picturesque small peaceful medieval mountain village set in a valley in the foot hills of the Black mountains in the Cabardes in Aude, with good amenities a river and a historic church, surrounded by superb scenery and woods with many walks just above the vineyards.

Cuxac Cabardes (Aude) mini guide

Stepped back in time, to where the clock of the Mairie and the church still chime twice hourly and everyone still says bonjour.

Cuxac-Cabardes is a medieval village full of character and charm in the foothills of the black mountain of Aude, at the southern most tip of the Massif Central; know as the hidden village in summer, because it is in a valley surrounded by trees. Situated at the entrance to the chestnut forests, this village reflects ancestral mountain economy. Tradition is still very evident, and charcuterie (curd meats) has a well deserved good reputation.

It is 20km from both Carcassonne and Mazamet just off the D118 at 500 metre above sea level, just above the vineyards, surrounded by wooded hills and forests with many walks. The river ‘Dure’ and ‘Arfeil’ who start in Laprade run through the bottom of the valley on their way down to feed the Canal de Midi, with a shady tree lined walk along its side with the village green a football field, children’s play ground and a Pétange pitch.

The village houses are built of slate, stone (from a disused local quarry), wood (local chestnut) with slate or terracotta roman tiled roofs. The village square with the ‘Mairie’ fountain and shady chestnut trees is at its highest point, there are hidden and twisty lanes between back to back 2 & 3 storied shuttered houses. French men do not do ornamental gardening but nearly every house has its well kept vegetable plot, because the houses are built onto and into the mountain these are situated on the outskirts of the houses and can be some metres away.

The first mention of the village is of the church known then as 'Sainte Cecile sur la Dure' in 828, this fortified church saw many conflicts during the Cathar wars.

Each year the area attracts nature loves, who enjoy the many walks, swimming lakes and the fresh mountain air and the Mediterranean scents.

Guide point	Details
Department:	South of France and the Riviera > Languedoc Roussillon > Aude >
Location:	In a mountain valley 20 km north of Carcassonne
Public Transport:	There is no local transport so a car is essential. Car hire is available from airports. Carcassonne airport has regular Ryanair Flights to UK, Ireland and Brussels. Carcassonne airport 22 km Toulouse is approximately 85km, airport access is good. Scheduled flights come into Toulouse via Paris, Jet 2 flies direct from some UK airports Perpignan airport is approximately 75km. BMI Baby, Fly be, Ryanair and Air France all have services to Perpignan. Beziers 84km, Ryanair and Flybe
Tourist information website:	www.tourisme-cabardes.com/
Tourist information contact email:	ot.cabardes@orange.fr
Tourist information switch board number:	+33 (0)4 68 24 80 80
Tourist information address:	Place Jean Guéhenno, 11170 Montolieu
Quick links to accommodation:	Accommodation near Cuxac Cabardes (Aude) - Hotels in Cuxac Cabardes (Aude) Show accommodation in Aude - Self catering in Aude - Bed and Breakfast in Aude properties with pools in Aude -