Taking from Fitou the way through the Corbières, in direction Opoule, from there to Vingau and then continue towards Tautavel, you will pass at a scenic jewel, where the river Agly had dug it's way through the Corbières. An idyll with crystal clear water (bathing is not allowed) and a paradise for climbers and hikers. And when the sun is on the rocks it is an ideal place for sunbathing and / or a picnic, also in December.

Talairan is a small village in the Corbières, only 25 km away from Fitou. On winding, narrow streets leads to this picturesque village. As in almost every village there are also here a weekly market with specialties of local and regional farmers. The area around Talairan is famous for the truffle cultivation and the production of Foies au gras.
Christmas is the time for this specialities.

The producers of Foies au gras have joined and set up quality criterias for animal husbandry and the production. There are countless varieties of Foies au gras. Typically enjoys Foies au gras as an aperitif, at toast and with a glass of Muscat.

The Department Aude has become a major truffle region in the last 10 years, thanks to the good climatic conditions in the region. There is an Appellation d'Origine de l'Aude, which is strictly watches on the cultivation and sale. Every year, during the Advent season, they carries out a public meeting at which you can learn everything about this speciality . Of course you can also enjoy and buy. It is not really cheap, a kilogram of truffles made to the truffle markets already the 800 euros. But it does not take much to give a meal a special note with little pieces of truffles.

Seen today :-)

The Citroën H Van, Type H, H-Type or HY was a light truck (or delivery van) produced by the French car maker Citroën between 1947 and 1981. It was developed as a simple front wheel driven van after World War II. A total of 473,289 were produced in 34 years in factories in France and Belgium. Most of them were sold in France, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Between Fitou and Narbonne, in the picturesque hills of Corbieren, is the church Abbaye de Fontfroide.

1093 the Abbay was founded as a Benedictine monastery and joined few years later the Cistercian Order. During this time the construction of the monastery church started. The Cistercians preferred the solitude and loneliness, but the sites had to have enough of forest (for furniture, utensils and firewood), stones for construction and water. All this was available in Fontfroide, inside the court of the monastry is a very cold source - Fontfroide - which gaves the monastery its name. Until the 14th Century, the monastry expanded to the size we can visit today.

Twice a year a flea market takes place at Fitou, the first at Whitsun, the second at the middle of August. Not only antiques dealers of the region are there, also the inhabitants opens their (wine) cellars and sell what they do not need anymore. These markets are, of course, a touristic attraction. You can make a good bargain there and find some very special or rare things.

The castle of Fitou from the 10. century lies on a rock in the middle of Fitou and offers a wonderful view about the Etang, to the Mediterranean Sea and to the Pyrenees. The rise is not really strenuous and is always worthwhile because of the wonderful view . Regional refreshments are served in the castle's bar and who wants to know a little bit more about the medieval time should visit, the torture museum.