Looking for a place to relax, yet be close to some of the more interesting sites in Europe? How about a village of just over 500 people with a thermal spa, a luxury hotel that's reasonably priced, evocative abbey ruins, and a small but compelling medieval center?
Welcome to Alet Les Bains, located in a region called Razés between Limoux and Quillan in Cathar Country. Alet Les Bains is beautifully situated on the right bank of the Aude river on a small plain surrounded by mountains, 26 km south of Carcassonne on the D118 roadway. It's 7 km from Rennes le Chateau for you mystery seekers.
Alet Les Bains Sites
In 813, Alet was the seat of an abbey founded by Béra, Viscount of Razés. The ruins you'll see are the remains of 12th century expansion and include XIIthcentury Notre Dame cathedral. The abbey was destroyed in the religious wars surrounding the Cathar purge and pretty much untouched since. The Tourist office is adjacent to the abbey ruins and can let you in to wander around, even when it seems eveything is locked up. (Pictures of the abbey are available; see the links at the bottom of the article.)
The historic village of Alet Les Bains includes a delightful medieval square featuring traditional (and nicely restored) medieval houses, including the one where Nostradamus was believed to have lived. There is a small restaurant in the square.
I've been informed that the spa at Alet Les Bains is now closed. The spring waters are reputed to be good for the treatment of digestive disorders and metabolic afflictions. Think obesity, diabetes, gastritis and colitis. Some say that Charlemagne took a dip here for his digestive ills. Even if you don't manage to get to the spa, you can purchase Alet mineral water to soothe your aching colon.
Lodging in Alet Les Bains
A good choice for those wishing to visit Alet Les Bains is the elegant yet innexpensive Hostellerie de l'Eveche. T he Hostellerie de l'Eveche was opened in 1951 in the old Episcopal Palace, restored to its state at the time of the Bishops. It's undergone several restorations since, and has a fine restaurant featuring regional cuisine run by chef/owner Christian Limouzy.
Another alternative for those wishing to rent a house for a longer period is the centrally located gite (holiday house).
Pictures of Alet Les Bains
For pictures of the medieval architecture of Alet Les Bains, see my photos in the Wanderer's Eye Gallery. Also available are pictures of the Abbey Ruins, one of my favorite series of photographs.
Nearby Alet Les Bains
You'll want to visit the Best Cathar Castles, of course, as well as the city of Carcassonne and Rennes le Chateau. See our Aude Map and Travel Essentials for more ideas.
