Roullens: Wine, Walking Trails and Memorial Sites

Roullens lies on a hillside on the slopes of the Malepère; to the east, the view extends across the Aude Valley. Walking trails, wine and memorial sites offer different themes to explore during a stay, from a walk through Mediterranean vegetation to festivals and places of remembrance.

Landscape and walking trails

The L'Arbousier trail passes through Mediterranean vegetation. The plants mentioned along the way include holm oaks, acacias, bay thyme, broom, heather and lavender. As a moderately difficult walking trail, it offers a tangible connection to the Malepère landscape. As recommended for the route, check local conditions before setting out.

The Boucle du Grèbe offers a different point of reference: this circular walking route begins at Place de l’École and heads towards Domaine de Baudrigue and Lac de Taure. Lac de Taure is near Roullens and is private. Directions to the lake do not imply permission to access it; respect its private ownership. The two trails can therefore be distinguished by their stated features: L'Arbousier focuses on vegetation and moderate difficulty, while the Boucle du Grèbe is defined by its starting point and the direction towards the places mentioned.

Wine and festivals

Château de Cointes produces AOP Malepère red and rosé wines, as well as red and white Vins de Pays. The wines therefore differ both in appellation and colour: red is listed in both categories, rosé for the AOP Malepère wines, and white for the Vins de Pays.

The Gorostis family allows visitors to use a path through the vineyards on the grounds of Château de Cointes, heading towards the Chemin de Saint-Jacques. They also recommend stopping at the Caveau to discover the wines and meet the winemaker. If you plan a visit, check in advance whether access is still offered.

Two festivals bring different highlights to the calendar. In June, the Truffe et Terroir en Malepère festival in Roullens celebrates the summer truffle (Tuber aestivum) and AOP Malepère. Jazz and bandas fill the streets with music; the programme also includes free games for children and exhibitions. On 25 July, the feast of Saint James the Greater, patron saint of Roullens, features a communal meal in the streets of the village centre. This recurring festival combines the patron saint’s day with a meal in a public space. If you are travelling for an event, check the dates in advance.

Memorial sites

Commemorations are held every year at Domaine de Baudrigue, a memorial site. The Clairière de Baudrigue in Roullens is also a memorial site; steles there honour the victims of the massacre. The two places represent different forms of remembrance: annual commemorations at the Domaine and steles in the Clairière. For travellers wishing to learn about the remembrance of the massacre, these sites provide specific points of interest without needing to be treated as one and the same.

Discover more destinations: Mas-Des-Cours, Mailhac, Villesiscle, Alzonne, Embres-et-Castelmaure, Bizanet, Tourouzelle, Ouveillan

To the broader travel guide: Aude.