A 6 km walk starting in Cailhau follows in the footsteps of Achille Laugé: reproductions of his Neo-Impressionist paintings are displayed at the locations where he created them. For anyone looking to combine painting with a walk, this offers a clearly defined reason to visit. The historic sites complement this theme with the village’s medieval layout and religious history.

Art and Local History

The original medieval village centre of La Motte/La Cité includes a 3,850 m² fortified complex surrounding the Castellum. Medieval grain silos have been preserved beneath the route of today’s Rue des Moulins and Rue de l’église. Porta Aquaria, also known as Porte Aiguière, was the only entrance to the fortified village of Cailhau in the Middle Ages. Together, the fortifications, silos and gate offer a glimpse of three aspects of the former village layout: the fortified complex, grain storage and access.

The Church of Saint-Christophe was consecrated in 1088. Notre-Dame des Prés Chapel reopened for worship on 20 July 1902. A traditional pilgrimage and a Mass are held at the chapel once a year, on the Sunday after the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in mid-July. If you want to include this date in your trip, confirm the current date before making plans.

The sites offer different thematic options: the fortifications, gate and silos reveal the medieval village layout, while the church, chapel and pilgrimage tradition offer insight into its religious history. You can choose a cultural and historical focus based on whether you are more interested in architectural history or religious traditions. The dates also refer to different things: the years indicate historical events, while the pilgrimage and Mass follow an annual Sunday schedule in mid-July.

Routes and Practical Information

The Voie Verte provides a second way to reach Cailhau via the Sentier A. Laugé. A 21.5 km section of the Voie Verte runs from Moulin-Neuf to Cailhavel. This distance applies to that specific section; it does not refer to the walk to see Laugé’s painting reproductions. The two details answer different planning questions: one route offers a second way to reach Cailhau, while the other gives the length of a section between Moulin-Neuf and Cailhavel. Before setting out, check the current condition of the Voie Verte and access arrangements.

The Melso Trail leads into the surrounding forests of the Malepère. This adds a woodland route option to the art and local history. Local trail conditions can vary, so check them before setting out.

A’Kotee, a local grocery store and country restaurant, as well as public drinking water and toilets, are located on Place A. Laugé. These facilities can be useful when planning your day. Check locally to see whether the store and facilities are currently available.

Discover more destinations: Roquefort Des Corbières, Belcastel-et-Buc, Fontjoncouse, Rieux-En-Val, Conilhac-Corbières, Alaigne, Caudebronde, Massac.

For the broader travel overview: Aude.