From the famous City of Carcassonne, that is listed by theWorld
Heritage, to Fanjeaux - the Saint Dominican Mecca. This tour looks
back on the course of history, in the footsteps of those who have
written it - through fire, war & faith.
At
the beginning of the 13th century, Montréal was the spiritual
centre of the Cathars. During the crusade against the Albigeois,
this market town was besieged by Simon de Montfort, recaptured
by Raymond Trencavel then restored to the crown. The superb college
church of Saint Vincent, established in 1318 by Jean Duèze the
future Pope of Avignon, dominates the Lauragais plain. It has
an authentic fortified nave attached to the College chapter &
this was classed as an historic monument in1843. In the 14th century,
the village was very prosperous due to its textile industry of
wool, linen & woad (a blue dye used in ancient times).
In
the Middle Ages, this pretty circular village (which has a neo-gothic
church), served as a staging post between Fanjeaux & Montréal.
PROUILHE
The Notre
Dame monastery was founded by Saint Dominique, the priest of Fanjeaux.
It may be visited.
FANJEAUX
An
important communication crossroads, it was a Roman colony, also
the main site of the Cathars & then an important site for Christians.
This superb village saw the beginning of the Dominican doctrine
in the 13th century. Take advantage of the impressive panoramic
view from the Belvédère du Seignadou where a vision persuaded
Saint Dominique to found his monastery.
n
the footsteps of the Cathars & St. Dominique
ARZENS
At
the beginning of the 13th century, Montréal was the spiritual
centre of the Cathars. During the crusade against the Albigeois,
this market town was besieged by Simon de Montfort, recaptured
by Raymond Trencavel then restored to the crown. The superb college
church of Saint Vincent, established in 1318 by Jean Duèze the
future Pope of Avignon, dominates the Lauragais plain. It has
an authentic fortified nave attached to the College chapter &
this was classed as an historic monument in1843. In the 14th century,
the village was very prosperous due to its textile industry of
wool, linen & woad (a blue dye used in ancient times).
In
the Middle Ages, this pretty circular village (which has a neo-gothic
church), served as a staging post between Fanjeaux & Montréal.
An
important communication crossroads, it was a Roman colony, also
the main site of the Cathars & then an important site for Christians.
This superb village saw the beginning of the Dominican doctrine
in the 13th century. Take advantage of the impressive panoramic
view from the Belvédère du Seignadou where a vision persuaded
Saint Dominique to found his monastery.
