Saint-Martin-Le-Vieil: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Culture and History

The remains of the Abbaye de Villelongue were classified as a historic monument by decree of 14 August 1916. Two towers rise above the village. They are remains of the medieval defensive wall surrounding the fortified castle.

The parish church, dedicated to Saint Martin, is an example of 14th-century Gothic style and was remodelled in the 15th century. Saint-Martin-le-Vieil also has around 35 underground “cruzels” on the southern and northern flanks of the rocky outcrop where the original village is located. These “cruzels” were hollowed out from the 9th century onwards as places of refuge or dwellings.

The castle ruins in Saint-Martin-le-Vieil can be visited; the castle once housed Cathars. The Abbaye de Villelongue also welcomes visitors and hosts cultural events and summer concerts.

The historic ensemble includes the Jardin d’inspiration médiévale. Its design draws on the symbolic design of medieval gardens depicted in illuminated manuscripts. The garden comprises a flowering meadow with landscaped paths, stone benches, and beds of medicinal, aromatic, and culinary plants. The Jardin d’inspiration médiévale is also a large rose made of stones, constructed using local dry-stone walling techniques.

Anyone planning a stay in Saint-Martin-le-Vieil may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.

Landscape and Trails

The Sur les rives du Lampy trail leads from the village down into the Lampy valley and provides access to the river and a recreational lake. A return variant of the trail, approximately 1.2 km long, leads to a very beautiful viewpoint overlooking the village and the Pyrenees.

Accessibility

The area of the Sur les rives du Lampy trail can be reached via the D34 from Alzonne or via the D4 from Bram or Cenne Monesties.

To the main travel overview: Aude.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Sigean, Citou, La Force, Pezens, Ouveillan, Paraza, Labastide-Esparbairenque, Talairan.