Serres (Aude)

Serres is a southern French village with 47 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Aude department in the Languedoc- Roussillon region.

Location

Serres, on the creek Rialsesse which opens after only one mile in the river Sals, which flows, in turn, in Couiza in the Aude. The village lies at an altitude of about 270 meters above sea level. inst about 50 km ( driving distance ) south of Carcassonne and about 22 kilometers southeast of Limoux. The cantonal capital Couiza is located about six kilometers to the west; the castle worth Arques is only about four miles to the east.

Demographics

Around the middle of the 19th century the place had almost 200 inhabitants. The mechanization of agriculture un the associated loss of jobs caused in the first half of the 20th century for a significant population decline.

Economy

The surroundings of the town is still dominated by agriculture and forestry, with the livestock (cattle and sheep) accounts for the majority of agricultural production.

Attractions

• The Château de Serres is a powerful, blocky -looking but largely unadorned building of the 16th century; at the corners of the building, there are some military bay ( bretèches ), reminiscent of medieval castles. The castle is recognized as a monument historique since 1947. It is privately owned.
• A double-arched segmental arch bridge over the brook Rialsesse which opens shortly thereafter in the Sals. The two arcs are formed as segmental arches, so that a late construction ( 16-17. Century) is assumed.
• The inconspicuous nave and provided with a small bell gable village church could still be of Roman origin.