Classified among “the most beautiful villages of France”, Lagrasse preserves an exceptional heritage at the heart of the Corbières-Minervois, where numerous craftsmen are still active. From there, you may go to the wild Corbières, by Villerouge-Termènes, with its military fortress, before joining the imposing Cathar castles.
Uniting with the ridge line of the mountains, 800m high, Duilhacsous-Peyrepertuse is one of the most impressive of the “Five sons of Carcassone”: Puylaurens, Aguilar, Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, and Termes. An authentic lesson in open sky military architecture, it was never seized by the Crusaders.
Small villages and deep valleys
In Cucugnan, come and hear the story of the parish priest and enjoy the impressive canyons of Tuchan. The town is next to the Gorges du Verdouble but also from the romanic chapel of Saint-Félix, Saint-Jean-de-Barrou and Fraissé. Not far from this quiet and little commune of Fontjoncouse, there is the pretigious star chef : Gilles Goujon.
High altitude wines
The region of Hautes Corbières benefits from the natural protection of the mountains against climatic whims. The maritime influences very scarcely penetrate. This terroir of altitude, situated between 250 and 500m, is characterized by very slow but complete maturing processes, which allows aromatic expressions. The resulting wines are fresh, particularly delicate; they display a mixture of fruity and mineral flavors (the latter brought by the schist soils).
Fresh and aromatic
The Carignan cultivar dominates, with other varietals such as Grenache noir, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Red wines display a beautiful and dense robe, ranging from cherry to ruby. They offer aromas of red wild fruits. In the mouth, fresh and molten tannins will please your sense of taste. They beautifully pair with delicate dishes such as rabbit with herbs.Durban wines present a different profile. They are well-structured and warm, with spicy hints and scrubland aromas.
Dry landscapes
Dive into the fascinating discovery of vines imbedded in deep canyons! The small road leading to Fontjoncouse will give you such an opportunity. Vineyards are there, almost as a surprise, and testifying to generations of vineyards who managed to tame this dry and mineral land. Other natural testimonies stand by the vines’ side: sweet chestnut tree, white oaks, arbutus, and box trees impose themselves within such inhospitable rocks where they still find the smallest amount of indispensable water.
Author’s recommendation
At the Boysède mill, apiarists preserve old practices based on the deep knowledge of melliferous flora in the Lagrasse area.
This has an impact on the various types of local wine. One of the most famous honeys is that of rosemary – called Narbonne honey – whose reputation dates back to the Roman era.
For more information: + 33 (0)4 68 43 10 10
Safety information
In case or emergency, dial 112
Tips and hints
AOC Corbières producers’ organisation
Le Château
2 bis ch. de l'Allée
11200 BOUTENAC
Phone : + 33 (0)4.68.27.73.00
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Turn-by-turn directions
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Public transport
-Getting there
-Parking
Parking near the starting pointCoordinates
Equipment
Before you leave:
- Make sure that the bike is in perfect mechanical condition, not to mention the tires and brakes
- Make sure that the bike is correctly adjusted to your body shape
- Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended
- Take a repair kit with you
- Remember that the Highway Traffic Act applies to cyclists in all circumstances
- Never drive more than two lanes at a time and pull into a single lane when traffic conditions require.
- Respect other users as you would like them to respect you
- Choose a route adapted to your physical abilities
- Inform your family and friends of your itinerary
- Find out about the weather conditions
- A first aid kit is not essential, but can be very useful
- Be informed and keep the emergency numbers.
- Respect the environment by not throwing your food packaging on the side of the road
- If you have to return at nightfall, make sure you see and also be seen
Statistics
- 40 Waypoints
- 40 Waypoints
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