Travel Guide Fanjeaux

Situated at an altitude of 360 meters, Fanjeaux is a place steeped in history. Its Latin name, Fanum Jovis, means "the temple of Jupiter" The name is a tribute to a mysterious temple said to have been located near the church, not far from the "Jupiter pond". Fanjeaux was in turn an oppidum, a Roman temple, a medieval town and a stronghold of Catharism, in fact it was called "the capital of heresy" in the 13th century. Even today, the alignment of its houses on the alleys shows the presence of ramparts. Fanjeaux was also a major center of woad cultivation, earning the Lauragais the name "Pays de Cocagne". Situated halfway between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne, Fanjeaux is also a formidable vantage point: in fine weather, from the Seignadou belvedere, you can take in six départements, the entire Lauragais plain and the Montagne Noire, as well as the Pyrenees chain, all in a single view. A breathtaking view! The village also boasts a wealth of treasures: the former convent of the fishermen friars (14th-15th centuries), the house known as "Saint Dominique's" (the man who led the great preaching mission of 1206), the "Miracle" house, the chapel of the former 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!