The town of Quillan is situated in the south of the Aude department and south of Carcassonne, in a region often referred to in tourist literature as 'cathar country'.
Set in the centre of a circle of mountains at an altitude of 300 metres, it is the scenery and Cathar history that will attract you to this part of the country, and Quillan itself is a pleasant town to explore and also quite a good size which makes it an excellent base for exploring Cathar country.
Explore 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 highlight of Quillan is to cross the old bridge, an attractive stone arched bridge built here in the 12th century to replace an even older wooden 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.
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.
Around the Place de la Republique many of the straights streets still follow the layout that was used when the bastide of Quillan was established in the 13th century.
On the other side of the river you can see the Chateau de Quillan. This was built to a very simple design in the 12th century then extensively fortified in the 14th century to defend against Aragon incursions - at that time Quillan was on the border between France and Spain.
Much of the stone has been taken away and used 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 and 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, and a pieta statue above the entrance.
The church was built in the 14th century in the roman style, but because of a 17th century renovation and a 19th century enlargement to the church, there is not much to see of the original roman structure.
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).
You can find more travel ideas in the Aude guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
Photos of Quillan
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Map of Quillan and places nearby
Visit near Quillan with France This Way reviews
Gorges de l'Aude
The Gorges de l'Aude are a scenic highlight to explore close to Carcassonne
Gorges de l'Aude guide
Rennes-le-Chateau
A small village with lovely views, it is also the legends associating Rennes-le-Chateau with the Holy Grail that attracts many visitors here
Rennes-le-Chateau guide
Rennes-les-Bains
Rennes-les-Bains is a traditional spa town in the Aude countryside
Rennes-les-Bains guide
Chateau de Puilaurens
Castle Puilaurens is a Cathar castle of France in a beautiful mountain location
Chateau de Puilaurens guide
Alet-les-Bains
The abbey ruins are the most imposing monument in Alet-les-Bains but be sure to explore the town to discover the other highlights
Alet-les-Bains guide
Limoux
The small town of Limoux is best visited in late spring to enjoy the Carnival of Limoux, one of the oldest and best known carnivals in France
Limoux guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Aude
Address: Quillan, Limoux, Languedoc-Roussillon, 11500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 42.8742, longitude 2.18253
Plan your visit to Quillan, Aude
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Gorges de la Pierre-Lys: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Fontaine Intermittente de Fontestorbes: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Limoux: recommended detour (21 km)
- Camon: most beautiful village (24 km)
- Gorges de Galamus: site of natural beauty (25 km)
- Gorges de l'Orbieu: site of natural beauty (26 km)
- Mosset: most beautiful village (27 km)
- Eus: most beautiful village (34 km)
- Prades: recommended detour (35 km)
- Villefranche-de-Conflent enceinte / fort (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (35 km)
- Villefranche-de-Conflent: most beautiful village (35 km)
- Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols): religious monument (35 km)
Market days in Quillan, France
Regular market(s) are held in Quillan each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Quillan (Francais)