CAMON – ARIÈGE
Officially designated one of France’s most beautiful villages, Camon is enchanting not only for its rose blooms, meandering backstreets, and views of the Pyrenees but also for its medieval homes, abbeys, and stone caves. Camon might very well be one of Ariége’s best-kept secrets, an underrated destination in Cathar country to add to your holidays in France in May.
HOW TO GET THERE
Toulouse is a good base for exploring Occitanie’s mesmerizing villages. No train or bus is serving Camon. You can rent a car and reach Camon in just over an hour. The alternative is to take a train to Pamiers (1 hr) and a taxi from there (35 mins).
HISTORY & CULTURE
Camon is a fortified village in the Ariége district, the last stronghold of the Cathars over 700 years ago before their massacre in the Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229 CE). Ariége is not one of the busiest tourist destinations in France. Its aura of stillness and tranquility adds to the excitement of exploring castles, towers, and hidden valleys. Camon is known as Little Carcassonne, a reference to its fortifications resembling those of the larger fortified city of Carcassonne in the Aude department, famous for its historic trade links to the Mediterranean
and transformation as an imposing fortress by the Western Roman Empire. Camon is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France), a designation enjoyed by the country’s most charming small destinations. Part of that charm belongs to the multitude of rose blooms that adorn the village in May. If you plan your visit during this time, you’ll understand why Camon is also called ‘the town of 100 rose bushes.
TOP THINGS TO DO
One of the best things to do in France is stroll through the streets of its most romantic cities. Camon’s meandering back streets are yet another way to satiate this desire.
Stop by the village center to see the rosebushes gifted to the village by vine growers. The rose bushes are grown at the end of vineyard rows as a warning system against pests, which attack the roses first and alert vine growers to protect their vines. Book a wine tour to sample the local fare from vineyard suppliers. Tour the countryside to discover hundreds of stone shelters, or ‘Cabanes,’ used as shelters by wine growers. Must-visit local sights at
Camon:
- Porte de l’Horloge or Clock Gate.
- Maison Haute is an impressive medieval house from the 16th century.
- Maison des Symboles a medieval house built in 1570 with theological symbols on
its walls.
- Abbaye Château de Camon, a 10th Century Benedictine monastery, is now a Chambres d’hote offering guided tours to some areas of the abbey, including the
bishop’s chamber containing 16th-century frescoes.
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER
Depending on your time, you can visit the Lac de Montbel reservoir about 3 miles (5 km) away. Swim in the stunning turquoise waters against a backdrop of the Pyrenees mountains. There are two beaches here that offer watersports and horse riding.
EAT AND DRINK
Try the 5-course tasting menu at the Abbaye-Château. La Camonette offers simple, home-cooked food and live music in the evenings.
STAY
The L’Abbaye Châateau De Camon is a popular choice. Multiple gites are available for visitors planning a more extended getaway.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The Festival of Roses is held on the third weekend of the month—July and August beckon French visitors on their summer holidays. Skiing is among the best things to do in France. The Pyrenes-Mediterrane is home to many ski resorts, the closest to Camon.
GETTING A ROUND
Camon is small enough to navigate on foot. You may be able to arrange for a private taxi to visit nearby attractions. Still, car rentals in France are the most convenient and time-saving option for exploring smaller destinations.
