Ladern-sur-Lauquet lies on the Lauquet. Three themes provide clear guidance when choosing a destination: the former Rieunette Abbey, walks through varied landscapes and places, and Le Buffoli at the end of August. You can plan your stay around historic architecture, a walk or the date of the local festival. These attractions stand alongside one another and do not all have to fit into the same day’s itinerary.
Rieunette Abbey and church architecture
The abbey church, dating from the late 12th century, is all that remains of the original Rieunette Abbey. It was classified as a historic monument by decree on 29 August 1950. The Vallon des Rieunettes and the abbey in Ladern-sur-Lauquet are also listed as registered sites; the corresponding register entry is dated 1 October 1997. Rieunette thus brings together a medieval building and specific heritage designations.
Another architectural landmark is the Church of Saint-Genest in Ladern-sur-Lauquet. It dates primarily from the 14th century. Five bays are separated by four pointed arches, which divide the sequence of bays. Compared with the abbey church, this building has a different architectural emphasis: alongside its date, its structure is defined by the sequence of bays and pointed arches. Those interested in churches can include these two distinct buildings and their individual features in their travel plans.
Two walks, different highlights
The Boucle de Ladern is an 18-kilometre walk. It passes through forests of boxwood and holm oak and offers the chance to discover the Cistercian Abbey of Rieunette and the village of Greffeil. The landscape, abbey and village are the route’s stated points of interest. The 18-kilometre distance is a useful reference when deciding whether this walk fits into your itinerary.
The Boucle de Verzeille passes through Ladern-sur-Lauquet. Along the route, a rock topped by an iron cross offers a viewpoint over the village. The two walks can be distinguished by their stated highlights: forest, abbey and Greffeil on the one hand, and views over Ladern on the other. This can help you choose which route best suits your walking plans. Check current trail conditions and the condition of the viewpoint before setting out.
Le Buffoli at the end of August
Le Buffoli takes place every year at the end of August, on the Tuesday evening of the local festival. If you want this event to determine your stay, check the exact festival evening before planning your trip. The tradition includes a farandole accompanied by a brass band, lasting about an hour. The farandole is said to bring together more than 400 people. Its approximate duration helps you place this part of the festival within the evening; it should not be confused with the duration of the entire event.
The abbey is also associated with a culinary aspect: a report dated 19 September 2020 mentioned a shop where the sisters sold food they had made themselves under the Couleur ciel brand. If you are interested in these products, check their current availability before visiting.
Plan your stay around what brings you here
When looking for a holiday rental, your reason for travelling can help you choose your dates: will you plan around the festival evening, or are churches and walks your main focus? For choosing a walk, the 18-kilometre Boucle de Ladern and the viewpoint on the Boucle de Verzeille offer two specific, distinct points of reference. If architecture is your main interest, you can focus on the abbey church and Saint-Genest.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Martin-Lalande, Cailhavel, Belcaire, Coustouge, Villesiscle, Verdun-En-Lauragais, Malviès, Argens-Minervois
For the broader travel overview: Aude.
