At the heart of the Corbières region, Lagrasse is a must-see. It is officially one of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’. Filled with history, its picturesque cobbled streets and medieval market place offer the chance to discover local artisan crafts, the delightful River Orbieu and Lagrasse’s famous abbey.
Lagrasse, a medieval gem
Driving into the Corbières on gently meandering roads, a landscape of vineyards is gradually joined by pine forests and limestone as the road follows the River Orbieu upstream to arrive at picturesque Lagrasse. Nestled in a verdant river valley, Lagrasse’s photogenic medieval stone bridge straddles the Orbieu, linking the village with Charlemagne’s majestic abbey of Sainte Marie.
In Lagrasse, we take our time
Lagrasse is best explored on foot. Strolling along the medieval lanes and alleyways, there are discoveries aplenty, including the abbey and the medieval heart of the village which has 15 listed historical buildings to find on the village’s self-guided walking route. Look outfor the walking route signage to start your own discovery of the village.
How to get here
- There are three car parks at the entrances to Lagrasse (P1, P2 or P3) which are obligatory for visitors.
- Parking is payable from ten a.m. to six p.m. : 0.70 € per hour or 4 € per day.
- Parking areas P1 and P2 have EV charging points
- Public transport is also available with LIO service . Consult timetable for line 406.
The ideal way to discover Lagrasse is with Carlos, tour guide, cultural expert and local resident.
Lagrasse is the perfect setting for photography enthusiasts, ranked as one of France's Most beautiful villages since twenty eight years. And the numerous restaurants and cafes are also another reason to come and relax in the village.
Saturday, is Market Day
Held at the fourteenth century covered market in the heart of the village, the weekly Saturday morning market showcases local produce, artisan arts and crafts and is a great opportunity to buy delicious food, meet local producers and get a feel for local life in the Corbières.
The local produce shops and wine merchants will also delight gourmets and food lovers. You could visit Cyril Codina in his famous vinegar shop, for example. You will find it very difficult to resist one of his delicious creations!
Artists and Craft stores in Lagrasse
As a place renowned for its arts and crafts, Lagrasse boutiques et artisan workshops can be found all over the village. The medieval city of Lagrasse has been awarded the "Villes et Métiers d'art" label. From handmade leatherware, fashion and jewellery to a stained glass workshop, painting and ceramics, along with remembrances that can be completed with local produce to take home with you.
Swimming in the River Orbieu
During the Summer months, Lagrasse creates a dedicated swimming area in the River Orbieu, complete with its own qualified lifeguard. Perfect for families, it’s a great place for a picnic and a swim in the river's fresh waters while the Abbey and medieval village ramparts frame the scene.
Swimming at the foot of the abbey
Visiting the Abbey of Lagrasse
Impossible to leave without having visited Lagrasse's Abbey de Sainte-Marieis a must-see on your visit. Divided into two after the Revolution, the museum is a collection of historical buildings from the twelfth to the eighteenth centuries, showcasing places and elements of monastic life: the abbatial palace, dormitories, bakery, cloister … The public part of the abbey belongs to the department of Aude and the private partto a community of canons.
Useful information !
The medieval abbey of Lagrasse is part of the Arts de Lire cultural centre.
Situated in the public part of the abbey, it houses an exhibition space and is devoted to the written word, holding seminars and regular events related to the worlds of literature and philosophical thought.
From this dynamic centre, visitors can also explore the abbatial palace, the upper chapel, the cellar, the north transept as well as attend events, conferences and seminars centred around literature, visual media, and the intellectual debate of ideas.
A bar, a bookstore and a shop are also fully integrated into this cultural space.
Heritage Centre
Housed in the former presbytery next to the village’s church of Saint Michel, the Heritage Centre is a useful source of information on the village. Alongside a permanent exhibition of historical artefacts illustrating the history of Lagrasse, this former presbytery also houses a remarkable and unique collection of painted panels and ceilings dating from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries, shining a light on life in Lagrasse during the medieval period. It also is home to the Lagrasse tourist office.
And still more activities!
The surroundings countryside is great for walking and cycling. There are myriad marked paths and tracks in the surrounding hills for you to discover.
