Ventenac-Cabardès

Ventenac- Cabardès is a southern French village with 850 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Aude department in the Languedoc- Roussillon region.

Location

Ventenac- Cabardès lies on the River Fresquel in the ancient cultural landscape of the Cabardès in the southern foothills of the Montagne Noire at an altitude of about 120 meters above sea level. inst and about ten kilometers ( driving distance ) north-west of Carcassonne. The distance to the westerly cantonal capital Alzonne also is about ten kilometers. The remarkable catharism Lastours, approximately 18 kilometers north-east.

Demographics

In the 19th century the place was always between 350 and 450 inhabitants. Despite the phylloxera crisis and the mechanization of agriculture and the consequent loss of jobs, the population has hardly declined in the 20th century. In recent decades it has even risen sharply, due primarily to the in comparison to the nearby city of Carcassonne significantly lower land prices and rents.

Economy

Despite being close to Carcassonne the surroundings of the town is still dominated by agriculture - especially from the winery, which may have been operated in Cabardès in antiquity. Ventenac may market its wines under the quality label Cabardès (AOC ) today.

History

On the history of the place is no information available. The existence of an early medieval church and a medieval castle can, however, close to a far -reaching settlement back.

Attractions

• The hill is crowned by Ventenac of the nearly 20 -meter-high tower ( donjon ) of the medieval, but later largely renewed Castle (Château de l' Abbé ), which is privately owned. Also, because of a later built late Gothic window of the donjon in 1951 was recognized as a monument historique.
• Already in the 10th century there was a church in Ventenac, but nothing of the remains. The present parish church is a simple building in the Gothic style of the 15th century.
• In the vineyards of the area are several built of dry masonry stone huts ( capitelles ), the winemakers served during the grape harvest for weather protection, but primarily as a guard house to ward off unwelcome nocturnal visitors in earlier times.
• In the resort and in the area there are several stone and wrought iron crosses.