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.
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.
In Bages, about ten fishermen pursue the fishing tradition; nevertheless the wine culture also has an important place in the local life. Coming from Narbonne, the view is directed towards the houses and the church of the village which tower above the Étang on a cliff. On the left side, nets dry between boats and summerhouses; on the right, opened garage doors and wine cellars let suspect boat engines and fishing nets. Rising streets and stairs lead to a central square, the gate with the sundial leads you directly to the heart of the village. Thanks to the nearness of the city Narbonne, the village remains lively throughout the year. Three restaurants and two art galleries create an additional charm for the visitor.
The wine festival in Fitou always takes place on the first weekend in August. Booths are set up in the whole village. You can mostly buy specialities from the region. The winegrowers open their Caves (wine cellars) for wine tasting during the day.
In the evening, there are common dinners in the open air and a laser show impressed visitors as well as locals.