The charm of the canal du Midi
Trèbes, 5 minutes to the east of Carcassonne, is the first village you come to when you head for Le Minervois and Narbonne.
Trèbes is, first of all, the canal du Midi and the pretty marina, where you can hire a boat for a few hours or days.
Trèbes is also a charming village, on the banks of the Aude, with narrow streets and the church of Saint-Etienne, home to the 'treasure of Trèbes'.
Our best bits
- Spending time alongside the canal du Midi. There's something for everyone in terms of walking, but you could choose to go by bike, which can be hired on site
- Taking a break in the port and enjoying the tranquillity and the passing boats
- Visiting the old town built around the 14th century church of Saint-Etienne
- Tasting and buying local produce, olives, wine or jam
- Fishing the peaceful lake in Trèbes, not far from the river Aude
The old village and the church of Saint-Etienne
Painted figures dating from the 14th century!
A stop in Trèbes must include a stroll through the narrow streets in the old village. But it's not just to appreciate the Midi's gentle way of life. A treasure is to be found in the heart of the church of Saint-Etienne, built at the beginning of the 14th century on the site of the old church.
Inside this southern Gothic styled building, you will see 'the treasure of Trèbes': 320 oak corbels with painted figures (animal, woman, man...), which support the wooden beams, listed as an Historic Monument. This exceptional iconographic ensemble, dating from the 14th Century, is the most important in the south of France.
The church is open for visits on Sunday mornings, or you can take part in one of the guided tours arranged by the Tourist Information Office.
A walk along the Canal du Midi
Discover the pont Vauban
From the Tourist Information Office, set off on the discovery of a fine heritage linked to the canal du Midi and the crazy history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet. A 15 minute walk along the canal to the north, with the historical centre to your left you will find the aqueduct, designed by the great Vauban in the 17th century, and the pont de la Rode.
Something else you shouldn't miss is the triple lock with its monumental climb of 7 metres. It is located 500 metres along the tow path in the other direction, towards the Moulin and the lock keeper's cottage. There are numerous places to stop for food as you walk.
Between vines and olive trees, in the picturesque hamlets of Millepetit and Millegrand, 4 km from the port, food is served, and there is an equestrian centre and a rowing club.
Free mooring, water available, electricity via the Boat (paying), public toilets at the club house.
On site
All shops and services, 2 supermarkets
Market every Sunday morning in the stadium
Number of residents 5,500
Tourist Information Office: 33 (0)4 68 78 89 50
TEL. TOWN HALL: 33 (0)4 68 78 60 89
WEBSITE: www.ville-trebes.com
How to get there
Trèbes is 7 kilometres east of Carcassonne, From Narbonne, head for Carcassonne on the A61 or D 6113 .
BUS from Carcassonne Line 1: €1.20 for a return ticket - pay the driver - nearest bus stop to the port: Pierre Loti
Taxis
