Pieusse is situated on a hill overlooking the Aude River and the Razès Valley. To the east of Pieusse, the hills are covered with vineyards that produce Blanquette de Limoux.
When planning a stay in Pieusse, the desire to rent a holiday apartment may be the main consideration.
Wine and Landscape
The 40-hectare Domaine de Fourn vineyard stretches across sunny slopes in a Mediterranean climate. Domaine de Fourn is a family-run winery and offers the four Limoux appellations Blanquette de Limoux, Blanquette de Limoux Méthode Ancestrale, Crémant de Limoux and AOP Limoux Rouge; IGP Pays d’Oc wines in red, rosé and white are also mentioned.
At Domaine de Fourn, visitors can tour a 7-metre-deep underground cellar, taste the winery’s products and enjoy the panorama. A guided wine walk provides insights into the secrets of the vineyard and the wines of Limoux. It includes several culinary breaks with tastings of Pebradou, olives and cured meats, paired with the winery’s vintages.
Culture and History
The former rural Church of Saint-André in Pieusse dates in its main construction phase from the 11th and 12th centuries. It has a single-nave layout without chapels and a semicircular apse with Lombard decoration.
The Oratoire de Pieusse was classified as a historic monument in 1965. It stands at the crossroads of two historic routes: one from Pieusse to Saint-André and Pomas, and another route to a ferry across the Aude. The Oratoire includes a cross decorated with raised shells and bearing the inscription “1652”.
The castrum of Pieusse, which is associated with the Château de Pieusse, was first mentioned in 1119. Between 1222 and 1225, a Cathar council was held in Pieusse to establish a new bishopric of Razès and appoint a new bishop.
The Church of Saint-Genest is a church of Southern Gothic architecture. The present church was built in the 14th century on the site of an older structure dating from 1088. Saint André La Tuilerie displays 1,500 illuminated nativity figures depicting rural life.
Things to Do
The Boucle de Pieusse is a family-friendly hike through the vineyards and starts at the town hall square. The route is listed as 5 kilometres long, with a stated duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Evening Culture
Cavo D Z’Arts is considered a jazz cellar and venue for dinner concerts in Pieusse; at these events, guests can taste a selection of wines from independent local winemakers. The venue is also considered a place for jam sessions, where musicians and music lovers play together on stage.
Other destinations: Lauraguel, Caudebronde, Ouveillan, Sallèles-D'aude, Comus, Saint-Marcel-Sur-Aude, Labastide-Danjou, Tournissan.
