Lagrasse

Visit Lagrasse, Languedoc-Roussillon

Lagrasse (included as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France') is about 30 kilometres south-east of Carcassonne, in the Aude department of Languedoc-Roussillon.

In the valley of the River Orbieu, Lagrasse is in the foothills of the Pyrenees in a region renowned for the wine produced in the surrounding hills - this is the Corbieres wine region, the largest wine-producing region in France.

Explore Lagrasse

Lagrasse is an attractive village, and dates from the time the abbey was built - permission for the construction was given by Charlemagne in 783.

The two 'highlights' of the village are perhaps the Abbey and the bridges, although the narrow medieval streets of the village itself are also very attractive, and remains of the town walls can still be seen.

Several beautiful houses can be seen, especially around the central square in Lagrasse. The central square also houses a covered hall, giving the artists even more opportunities to display their works...

The village is now home to numerous pottery workers and artists, attracted by the place itself and the renowned natural light of the region.

To visit the fortress you cross the river by bridge (there are two attractive bridges, one dating from 1303). The fortress is in good condition and still has its 'donjon' (keep/dungeon) tower intact.

When you tire of art galleries and medieval architecture you can sit in the shade of a plane tree and enjoy a pleasant drink as you watch the world (largely other tourists) go by. Then, now recuperated from the hot southern France sun, you should now walk up the road towards Narbonne and see the view of Lagrasse from the hill. Beautiful.

In the summer you can cool off by swimming in the river at Lagrasse. In winter perhaps not!

Attractions nearby

The area around Lagrasse is best known for its historical struggles, such as those suffered by the cathars in the region. This history is perhaps best seen in the magnificent fortified town at Carcassonne, and we also recommend you visit one or two of the cathar castles such as those at Chateau Peyrepertuse and Chateau Quéribus, our personal favourites.

If you plan to visit the Mediterranean coast to the east, Leucate is one of the most popular resorts in the region and just under one hour drive from Lagrasse.

Photos of Lagrasse (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Lagrasse: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Lagrasse, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Minerve 31km; Aigne 31km; Bize-Minervois 33km; Limoux 33km; Narbonne 33km; Rennes-le-Chateau 34km; Fort de Salses 37km; Gruissan 38km; Port-la-Nouvelle 38km; Leucate 39km; Montolieu 41km; Gorges de l'Aude 43km; Quillan 43km; Saint-Chinian 46km; Ille sur Tet 47km; Enserune 47km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Lagrasse

Lagrasse tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye de Fontfroide (Narbonne) - religious monument (22km) : Gorges de Galamus - site of natural beauty (30km) : Gouffre de Cabrespine - site of natural beauty (33km) : Narbonnaise en Méditerranée - regional natural parc (45km) : Eglise de Trinité d'Aregno (Aregno) - religious monument (46km) : Chapelle de Casenoves (Ille-sur-tet) - religious monument (46km) : Orgued d'Ille-sur-Tet - site of natural beauty (47km) : Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols) - religious monument (48km) :

French version: see Lagrasse (Francais)