Capendu: History, Vineyards and Hiking Trails

Capendu brings together specific hiking options, traces of the past and winegrowing. When choosing your hotel, it may help to consider whether you want to focus mainly on trails around the Alaric, a stroll through the old districts, or the history of the town. The following points show the different themes Capendu has to offer as you plan your trip.

Historical Traces in Capendu

The historic village developed as a fortified settlement on a hill around the Château de Capendu. Fort and Palenc are the old built-up districts. A walk along the narrow streets reveals, among other things, the Chapelle Saint-Martin de Surzac, the Lavoir du Chemin des Pauvres and the Moulin de Patane. The former castrum includes choir remains and sections of wall classified as historic monuments.

The chapel of the Château de Capendu is also documented through surviving architectural elements: its choir remains and adjoining sections of old wall were classified as historic monuments by decree on 4 August 1927. The Romanesque cemetery chapel has a nave with two bays and a pointed barrel vault, and a five-sided apse with a hemispherical vault. These details give the architecture a tangible form without requiring an unverified date.

Another historical connection is the Via Aquitania. Its visible remains near Capendu include road paving behind the cooperative winery and large dressed stone blocks at a place called Pertuzac. Locals call this place “vieux village.” Liviana is considered a possible site for the Gallo-Roman settlement remains spread over an area of around 10 hectares; however, the identification still needs to be confirmed by the archaeological authorities.

Hiking Trails and Scenery around the Alaric

Le Chemin de ronde is an easy 8.2-kilometre circular hike that starts and ends at Place de la Mairie in Capendu. The landscape alternates between vineyards and wooded sections characterized by oak and pine trees. Along the way, there are views over the Aude corridor. These are useful points of reference for travellers looking for a hike with a stated distance and a start and finish in town.

The Nature et Patrimoine en Alaric circular trail offers a different landscape: it passes through the Natura 2000 site “Corbières occidentales” and the southern part of Capendu’s communal forest, managed by the ONF. The two trails can therefore be distinguished by their stated focus: Le Chemin de ronde highlights vineyards, oak and pine woodland, and views over the Aude corridor; Nature et Patrimoine en Alaric passes through the designated protected area and a managed communal forest.

At Lac de l'Alaric, there is a botanical nature trail, picnic tables and a fitness trail. The latter connects the lake to Lac de Barbaira via a loop. The lakeside area thus adds other specific ways to spend time outdoors to the hiking trails. As you plan, you can choose between a longer circular hike, a route associated with a protected area and woodland, or the facilities right by the lake.

A Walk and Local Wine Culture

The Légendr app offers an immersive historical tour in Capendu about village life during the Second World War. The tour begins at Place de la Mairie. If you would like to include this stop in your plans, check before your trip whether you can use the app.

Les Vignobles de l'Alaric is a group of winegrowers’ cooperatives with a location in Capendu; its history began in 1976. The Caveau Le Terroir in Capendu offers a wide selection of red, white and rosé wines. This includes wines from the Union and wines from surrounding estates. The wines are available by the bottle, in 5- or 10-litre containers, and directly from the cask. If you are interested in the Caveau, check the latest information about the selection and formats before your visit.

Getting to Le Chemin de ronde

The Départementale Line 1 between Carcassonne and Narbonne and parking in front of Capendu town hall are listed as travel information for Le Chemin de ronde. As timetables can change, check them before you travel. This will help you coordinate your journey to the starting point at Place de la Mairie with your choice of route.

Discover more destinations: Greffeil, Villebazy, Labastide-Danjou, Fontiès-D'aude, Mézerville, Villarzel-Du-Razès, Saint-André-De-Roquelongue, Issel.

For the regional travel overview: Aude.