Discover Capendu through its history as a fortified village, visible traces of old routes, and hiking trails through vineyards and woodland. In the village, narrow streets lead to historic buildings; beyond it, circular trails each offer a different focus. There are also facilities at Lac de l'Alaric and the story of a winegrowers’ cooperative whose origins date back to 1976.

Traces of the fortified settlement

The historic village developed as a fortified settlement on a hill around the Château de Capendu. Fort and Palenc form the old built-up areas. A walk through the narrow streets takes you to places such as the Chapelle Saint-Martin de Surzac, the Lavoir du Chemin des Pauvres and the Moulin de Patane. The remains of the choir and walls of the former castrum are also classified as historic monuments.

The Via Aquitania has also left visible traces, including road fortifications behind the cooperative winery and large, hewn stone blocks at Pertuzac. Locals call Pertuzac “vieux village”. The choir and adjoining sections of old wall survive from the chapel of the Château de Capendu; they were classified as historic monuments by decree of 4 August 1927.

The Romanesque cemetery chapel has a two-bay nave with a pointed barrel vault and a five-sided apse with a hemispherical vault. Gallo-Roman traces are also part of the village’s history: the possible site of Liviana includes settlement remains covering around ten hectares. The archaeological authorities have yet to confirm whether the site is indeed Liviana.

For a different way to explore the village’s history, Capendu offers Légendr, an immersive historical tour through village life during the Second World War. It starts at Place de la Mairie. Check whether access to the app is available before your trip.

Hiking between vineyards and woodland

Le Chemin de ronde is an easy, 8.2-kilometre circular trail that starts and ends at Place de la Mairie. It runs through vineyards and wooded areas characterised by oak and pine trees, with views across the Aude corridor. If you’re looking for a route with a clearly stated distance and difficulty level, these details can help you plan.

The Nature et Patrimoine en Alaric circular trail offers a different landscape: it runs through the “Corbières occidentales” Natura 2000 site and the southern part of Capendu’s communal forest, managed by the ONF. The two trails therefore highlight different features: Le Chemin de ronde offers a specified distance, difficulty level and views, while the other route takes in the protected area and communal forest.

At Lac de l'Alaric, there is a botanical trail and picnic tables. A fitness trail links the lake to Lac de Barbaira via a loop. This adds an option by the water without requiring you to take another hiking tour.

Wine and practical information

Les Vignobles de l'Alaric is a group of winegrowers’ cooperatives with a location in Capendu; its history began in 1976. At Caveau Le Terroir, you’ll find a wide selection of red, white and rosé wines, including wines from the Union and surrounding estates. They are available by the bottle, in 5- or 10-litre wine containers, and directly from the barrel. If you’re looking for a particular variety or format, check the current selection before your visit.

For Le Chemin de ronde, the Départementale 1 road between Carcassonne and Narbonne and parking in front of Capendu town hall are listed as travel options. Check the current timetable and parking situation before setting off. This will help you plan your arrival at the starting point at Place de la Mairie.

Discover more destinations: Moussan, Roquefort-De-Sault, Montseret, Belvèze-Du-Razès, Cailhau, Ladern-sur-Lauquet, Bouriège, Greffeil.

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