Travel Guide Fanjeaux

Situated at an altitude of 360 meters, Fanjeaux is a place full of history. Its Latin name, Fanum Jovis, means "the temple of Jupiter" This name is a tribute to a mysterious temple that would have been located near the church, not far from the "Jupiter pond". Fanjeaux was in turn an oppidum, a Roman temple, a medieval city and a stronghold of Catharism. In fact, it was called "the capital of heresy" in the 13th century. The alignment of its houses overlooking the alleys still shows the presence of ramparts. Fanjeaux was also a great center of the pastel culture, which earned the Lauragais the name of "Pays de Cocagne". Located halfway between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne, Fanjeaux is also a great observation post: in good weather, from the belvedere of Seignadou, you can see six departments, the whole Lauragais plain and the Black Mountain, as well as the Pyrenees chain. A breathtaking view! Also, the village has many treasures: the old convent of the fishermen brothers (14th-15th centuries), the house called "of Saint Dominique" (the one who led the great preaching mission of 1206), the house "of the miracle", the chapel of the old hospital (14th century) ; the parish church (13th century), the remains of the chapel of the Pénitents blancs, the Halles (18th century), the house of Catherine de Médicis (15th century), an exceptional discoidal cross (13th century), the Hôtel de Framont (16th century). A whole heritage to discover!