Coursan: Winegrowing, vinegar culture and architectural history

Coursan is still shaped above all by winegrowing, while crop diversification is also beginning. Historic buildings, several fountains and vinegar production add to this picture. If you are looking for a hotel in Coursan, you can use whether winegrowing, local products or architectural history matters to you during your stay as a guide when choosing your destination. For your travel decision, two main areas of interest can be distinguished: local products and winegrowing on the one hand, and churches, bridges and fountains on the other.

Winegrowing, market and vinegar

A notable moment in the local history of winegrowing was the first attempt at winemaking by carbonic maceration, carried out in Coursan in September 1935. The Marché de Coursan takes place on the first Sunday of each month and brings together local producers and traders. Granhota, L'Atelier du Vinaigre, adds another dimension to the local products. The business makes balsamic vinegars, flavoured vinegars and organic vinegars by hand from Languedoc wines. Granhota offers guided tours of its ageing cellar throughout the year.

The timing differs for planning purposes: the market takes place on the first Sunday of each month, while guided cellar tours are offered year-round. Check the market date and the latest visitor information from Granhota before your visit.

Church and bridge

The Church of Notre-Dame de la Rominguère was built in the 12th or 13th century; after the bell tower, the choir is one of its oldest parts. The church houses a carved sarcophagus fragment depicting David in the lion’s den. The massive bell tower is 25 metres high and consists of four tiers of different heights. The bell tower was listed by decree on 13 April 1948.

The Pont de Coursan was opened to traffic in 1706. Four visible arches divide the bridge: one basket-handle arch and three semicircular arches. Openings with triangular cutwaters are located above the piers. The different arch shapes can thus be compared within the same bridge.

Fountains and local features

Coursan’s ferruginous fountain dates back to a borehole drilled in the square in 1865 to a depth of 150 metres, which tapped acidic, alkaline and iron-rich water. The spring supplies about 40 litres per minute at a temperature of 16°C. Coursan also has three original Wallace fountains; the model was created by sculptor Charles Lebourg.

Natural area and visitor information

The municipality of Coursan is part of the Étang de Capestang Natura 2000 site (FR9112016), a special protection area for birds covering 1,370 ha. The Maison de l'Information et du Tourisme serves as a meeting and exchange place as well as a visitor information point, and highlights regional knowledge and skills.

Discover more destinations: Bouriège, Azille, Laurabuc, La Redorte, Seignalens, Villesiscle, Laurac, Ferrals-Les-Corbières

For the broader travel overview: Aude.