Understand

The mountain forests surrounding this area teem with captivating individuals who have escaped the hustle and bustle of cities to live simpler lives by open fires, tending to the land, and raising children in healthy and stimulating environments. They dance, they sing, and their stories are like whispers in the wind. Long ago, these mountains were home to the Cathars, a group of people famous for their refusal to renounce their beliefs. Legends say that some of the Cathars, even as they were being burned at the stake, sang out, vowing to return 700 years later. In a way, the current inhabitants of these mountains could be seen as the "new Cathars." The first wave of newcomers arrived in the mid-70s, attracting around 30,000 free-spirited individuals from all corners of the globe. They came to settle and restore the numerous old ruined farms. Recently, there has been a different wave, comprised mostly of retired English individuals who are purchasing second homes as investments. At the same time, there is a noticeable influx of younger seekers, particularly women, yearning for spiritual enlightenment. Despite these changes, the area around Rennes le Chateau remains one of the most sparsely populated regions in all of Europe. For a virtual flyover of Rennes le Chateau and to explore the Hot Springs of Rennes les Bains, you can visit La Mouline at www.lamouline.fr.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

The first popular French dish is Ratatouille, a colorful vegetable stew traditionally made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasoned with herbs such as thyme and basil. This hearty, non-meat dish is typically served alongside grilled meats or fish.

Another famous French dish is Coq au Vin, a braised chicken dish that originated in Burgundy. It involves marinating chicken pieces in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and garlic before slow-cooking them until tender and flavorful. The final dish is often garnished with parsley and served with potatoes, noodles, or bread.

Lastly, the iconic French dish, Croissants, are flaky, buttery pastries made from layers of laminated dough, which are then curved into a crescent shape and traditionally served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Although they are not typically a savory or sweet dish, croissants can be filled with various ingredients like ham and cheese (called a jambon-beurre) or almond paste and sugar (an almond croissant).

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing