The historic centre of Tuchan retains the remains of the “Fort”; at least in part, the village has preserved its defensive medieval character. The approximately circular urban structure developed in the 11th century around a church and in the following century around a castle.
Anyone planning a stay in Tuchan will want to find a holiday apartment.
History
The history extends far beyond the centre as well: numerous archaeological remains in the municipality attest to settlement since an advanced phase of prehistory, from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. The Tour de l’Horloge, built onto the church, is still preserved. It once served as a prison and was somewhat remodelled in the last century.
Château d’Aguilar was a royal fortress that once defended the border between the kingdoms of France and Aragon. The upper enclosure displays particularly distinctive architectural features for the region. In the 13th century, Château d’Aguilar became one of the five sons of Carcassonne.
Landscape
Mont Tauch lies northwest of Tuchan. It reaches an elevation of almost 950 metres and offers a panorama with views extending as far as the Mediterranean. Its landscape is rugged and characterised by karst and upland plateau formations, depressions, gorges and caves. Disused galleries from former lead, copper and iron mines can be found on the slopes.
At the summit, near a telecommunications tower, stands the Tour des Géographes, also known as “l’Enseigne”. The small brick building dates from the 19th century and bears a cast-iron plaque inscribed “Méridienne de Paris 1871”.
Wine
The Mont Tauch winegrowers’ cooperative was founded in 1913 and has been located in the village of Tuchan for more than a century. Mont Tauch produces AOP wines from Fitou and Corbières using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation and combined with modern oenological techniques.
Mont Tauch wines from Fitou, Corbières and Rivesaltes are available directly at the cooperative’s Caveau in Tuchan. Visitors can discover the winery and vineyards at Mont Tauch.
Hiking Trails
The Tuchan–Duilhac stage of the Sentier Cathare is the third stage; the 23-kilometre route is estimated to take around seven hours of walking and involves 840 metres of elevation gain. Another route to the castle is the cultural circular trail “360° Aguilar – Tuchan”: it starts and ends in Tuchan, leads visitors to discover Château d’Aguilar and offers views of the castle from various perspectives.
Further destinations to choose from: Ferrals-Les-Corbières, Plavilla, Labastide-Danjou, Lairière, Ouveillan, Blomac, Peyriac-Minervois, Saint-Papoul.
