Eurosummer 2008 - Alet-les-Bains

And as we near the end of our stay in beautiful southern France, Bob, on one of his treks, discovered this gorgeous little village, Alet-les-Bains, about 1/2 hour drive south of Limoux (Bob did the hike in under 3 hours) Here's a write up of this little village that I found online:

Alet-les-Bains was once a walled city with its own abbey - and later its own bishop and cathedral. In 1197 the abbey and the town were fortified by ramparts and a moat. Now it is little more than a village of just over 500 people but you can still see vestiges of the city walls and ruined Cathedral. There is even a medieval Jewish ghetto.

Alet's centre is unusually well preserved and the ruins of the Cathedral are worth a visit. There are numerous "belles demeures à colombages" - half timbered houses. There is also medieval square featuring traditional medieval houses, including the one where Nostradamus was believed to have lived. There is a small restaurant in the square. You can also still see the ruins of the 12th century cathedral, the 14th century Chapter House, the Episcopal Palace, the Medieval town and many 12th and 14th century Colombage mansions.

The name Alet is not pronounced "Alay" as the unwary generally assume, but "Alette" - apparently a remnant of its earlier name Aleth - the local valley is still called the "val d'aleth".

Again, centuries old village, once the site of an abbey and cathedral, and in it, the perfect place for lunch, outdoors in what was once the orchard and gardens.









Crossing the pont vieux from the highway into the village.



The buildings were incredible - old brick and original timbers

Jen in seventh heaven...

Winding our way through the narrow streets, through the centre courtyards and beyond to the restaurant, almost impossible to find, on the site of the old monastery.

The ruins of the cathedral

All of the little doorways and windows were decorated with flowers and baskets, and old benches. Each house with its own unique identity, and many new doorways (still not quite 6' high..).

And again, the perfect lunch - french cheeses, fresh baguette and beer!

The winter salon, part of the monastery - the floors are dirt and rock, a huge old open pit fireplace, and impeccably clean. Nice and cool!

The doorways are too low for Bob - gorgeous architecture

You can almost hear the bustle of life here hundreds of years ago...

The village centre, with a hotel and stage set up in front for a gathering

And this is where we sat, in the orchard under the trees for a perfect french summer lunch...