France This Way newsletter : Get paid to write about France

 

France > France regions > Languedoc-Roussillon > Aude > Montolieu

Montolieu

West from Carcassonne, Montolieu and Saissac are in western Languedoc, and Revel is slightly further west, across the border into the Haute-Garonne Department (Midi-Pyrenees region)

When you have tired of the medieval magnificence of Carcassonne, you could head west for a bit of tranquility. The towns of Montolieu, Saissac and Revel all deserve a visit and are along the same road.

Montolieu is a small, pretty village, which prides itself as being a 'village of books and graphic arts', and is a good place to browse through old books - there are perhaps 15 bokshops in the village, as well as a museum on the subject, and the possibility to learn about bookbinding. Stop anyway, even if you aren't interested in books, just for an amble around the village, in an attractive setting on a rocky outcrop between two rivers.

At Saissac the highlight is undoubtedly the chateau, in its fine wooded setting. The Chateau de Saissac is a cathar castle with good views across the Carcassone plains and dating from the 10th century. A significant part of the chateau has been restored in recent years and is now open to the public.

Moving on to Revel, a 14th century bastide town, the original central market hall is still intact (most aren't - see Villereal in Lot et Garonne for another good example), and with a belfry on top. Revel is seen at its best on market day, Saturday. Close to Revel you can also visit Saint-Ferréol - the main reservoir of the Canal du Midi (a UNESCO world heritage site)

Revel and Saissac: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Castle at Saissac, Languedoc Roussillon
photo by pinpin subject to copyright
Chateau de Saissac

Plan a visit to Montolieu, France

 

Hotels Montolieu

Holiday rentals / travel

Property for sale Montolieu

Map of Montolieu, France
Places to visit - Montolieu

Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Montolieu.

Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Montolieu are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)

 

Information and photos

This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Montolieu when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.