Looking for a place to relax and get away from it all, but be close to some of the most interesting places in Europe? Take a closer look at a town of just over 500 people with a thermal spa, reasonably priced luxury hotel, evocative abbey ruins, and a small but compelling medieval center.
Welcome to Alet-Les-Bains, located in a region called Razés between Limoux and Quillan in the Cathar country. Alet-les-Bains is beautifully situated on the right bank of the Aude river in a small plain surrounded by mountains, 26 km (16 miles) south of Carcassonne on the D118 road and located 7 km (approximately 4 miles) from Rennes le Chateau.
Places to visit in Alet-Les-Bains
In 813, Alet was the seat of an abbey founded by Béra, Viscount of Razés. The ruins you will see are the remains of the 12th century expansion and include Notre Dame Cathedral. The abbey was destroyed in the religious wars surrounding the Cathar purge and has been largely untouched since. The tourist office is next to the abbey ruins and someone can let you wander around, even when it seems like everything is locked up.
The historic village of Alet-Les-Bains includes a charming medieval square with traditional (and beautifully restored) medieval houses, including the one believed to have lived in Nostradamus. There is a small restaurant in the square.
The spa’s spring waters are reputed to be good for treating digestive disorders and metabolic conditions (think obesity, diabetes, gastritis, and colitis). Some say Charlemagne took a dip here because of his digestive problems. Even if you can’t make it to the spa, you can buy Alet mineral water to soothe your colon pain.
While in the area, you will want to visit the best Cathar castles, of course, as well as the city of Carcassonne and Rennes le Chateau.
Accommodation in Alet-Les-Bains
A good option for those wishing to visit Alet-Les-Bains is the elegant but inexpensive Hostellerie de l’Eveche. The Hostellerie de l’Eveche opened in 1951 in the former Episcopal Palace, restored to its state at the time of the bishops. Since then it has undergone several restorations and has an excellent restaurant offering regional cuisine led by chef / owner Christian Limouzy.
Another alternative for those who want to rent a house for a longer period is the rural house (holiday home) located in the center.
