Quillan

Visit Quillan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Quillan is situated in the South of the Aude department and south of Carcassonne. Set in the centre of a circle of mountains at an altitude of 300 metres, it is probably the scenery and Cathar history that will attract you to this part of the country.

Quillan itself is a pleasant town to explore, and also quite a good size which makes it an excellent base for exploring Cathar country.

Exploring Quillan

Quillan lies on the edge of the River Aude and has various squares in which you can sit and stop for a coffee or lunch.

The Place de la Republique is adjacent to the old bridge over the river. It is a pleasant spot to stop for a coffee and watch more adventurous souls head down the river in their canoes or kayaks.

On the other side of the river is the Chateau. This was built in a very simple square design in the 14th century. Much of it has been taken away as pieces of stone for building the local houses but the base part of the castle remains and looks over the Place de la Republique.

The strangest building in Quillan is the Tourist Information Office which used to be a bath house. It has quite a Moorish feel to it.

The church in Quillan is an attractive one with a tall square tower and a round section all built of stone from the river giving it almost a pebbled finish.

Perhaps the highlight of Quillan though is to cross the old bridge, an attractive stone arched bridge, and look at the long line of riverside dwellings. These are interesting tall narrow houses and you get a backdrop of the Pyrenees foothills behind and the fast-flowing river below. Very nice.

Attractions nearby

Quillan is a popular centre for anyone interested in water sports such as white-water rafting or kayaking. The town is also next to the very scenic Gorges de l'Aude.

Other highlights within easy reach are the cathar castles at Peyrepertuse and Queribus to the east, and the village of Camon to the north-west of Quillan (Camon is officially one of the most beautiful village in France).

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

Tourist classifications for Quillan: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 1*;

Suggested places to visit near Quillan, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Camon 24km; Mosset 27km; Montsegur 29km; Molitg les Bains 30km; Ax-les-Thermes 33km; Eus 34km; Prades 35km; Mirepoix 35km; Villefranche-de-Conflent 35km; Carcassonne 40km; Ille sur Tet 42km; Lagrasse 43km; Mount Canigou 45km; Foix 48km; Montolieu 49km; Castelnou 51km;

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

Quillan tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Fontaine Intermittente de Fontestorbes - site of natural beauty (20km) : Gorges de Galamus - site of natural beauty (25km) : Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols) - religious monument (35km) : Lac du Bouillouses - site of natural beauty (37km) : Abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixa (Codalet) - religious monument (37km) : Eglise de Sainte-Marie (Corneilla-de-Conflent) - religious monument (38km) : Pyrenees Catalanes - regional natural parc (38km) : Orgued d'Ille-sur-Tet - site of natural beauty (42km) :

French version: see Quillan (Francais)