Camon, a fortified medieval village in the heart of Cathar Country

Full of history and charm, the Ariège villages always promise beautiful discoveries. Perched on top of a hill in a setting teeming with nature, the village of Camon well deserves its title of "Most Beautiful Village in France", in Cathar Country. Nicknamed "Little Carcassonne", this small medieval village, surrounded by ramparts, plunges us with delight into a most bucolic medieval atmosphere. A very unique village, an absolute must-see during your stay in Ariège!

A village sheltered by a fortress

The former Camon Abbey became the Camon Priory

Located in the meander formed by the Hers River, in the hollow of a valley dominated by the peak of Saint-Barthélemy and its 2348m altitude, Camon proudly displays its title of " Most Beautiful Village in France ", the only one in the department. Nestled around its former Benedictine abbey, this small town is a true gem that has preserved a precious architectural heritage. Here, time seems to have no hold on this medieval setting with its cinematic charm.

Of Gallo-Roman origin, "cambo dunum" means the fortress of the meander. Legend has it that upon his return from Spain in 778, Charlemagne ordered the construction of a Benedictine abbey and a small church here, which gave rise to the village around it. Vine and grain cultivation then developed to pay the taxes owed to the monks of Lagrasse. Camon became an important stronghold in the Middle Ages.

Throughout history, the village has been devastated several times: first by a catastrophic flood at the end of the 13th century, then a second time pillaged by highwaymen at the end of the 15th century. The ecclesiastical building was lavishly restored in the 16th century by Bishop Philippe de Lévis, who built his apartments on the second floor of the tower known as the castle. This abbey still proudly dominates the village, now a guesthouse and gourmet restaurant. The remains of the church and ramparts are now listed as Historic Monuments. To access the interior of these buildings, the tourist office organizes guided tours lasting 1 hour (reservation recommended).

The rich interior fittings of the Abbaye Château de Camon (Hotel and gourmet restaurant) bear witness to the power of this religious place.

The ramparts are best preserved on the north side: walking along them makes for a lovely stroll around the village. Information panels enhance this pleasant walk surrounded by greenery. Another heritage attraction to observe in the hills around Camon: a thematic trail allows you to discover the 120 dry-stone huts that bear witness to a wine-growing past serving the priory.

In the heart of the village “with a hundred rose bushes”

Exploring this village is not limited to its fortifications. Indeed, entering Camon is discovering a town frozen in time. Everything is there to transport you into an intimate and authentic atmosphere: its cobbled streets, its half-timbered merchant houses, its stone houses with Romanesque tiles, its flowerbeds... and its hundreds of climbing roses on the facades of the houses. You will love strolling through its narrow streets with their medieval charm!

There are several ways to enter the village walls: through the old vaulted door of the church, through small passages in the ramparts, or through the Clock entrance gate with its very well-preserved bell tower. Strolling on foot along the picturesque streets allows you to fully enjoy the village's architecture while admiring the perfect combination of stone and plants. Spring sees Camon adorned with a multitude of roses for our greatest pleasure! A blooming in spring colors honored during the Rose Festival which takes place every year on the third Sunday of May!

Put on your sneakers!

After visiting the village, why not explore the surrounding area on foot? You can relax by the Hers River, overlooked by a historic bridge, or have a picnic in the great outdoors. Don't miss the superb rose garden at the entrance to the village on the river!

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Report and photos produced by Lesley Williamson for the Toulouse Pyrenees Guide