Capestang
With its tree-lined squares, fountains and alleys, Capestang is a lively village with a typical Mediterranean atmosphere. The village is also located only about twenty kilometers from the sea. Who would suspect when crossing it that its fate was long linked to the harvest of sea salt?
Indeed, the pond which gave it its name "Lou Cap de l'estang": "the head of the pond", made the town's fortune around the 2000th century. Largely dried up today, it is reborn with rain and floods to offer a landscape of preserved wetland classified NATURA XNUMX where different species of birds and pink flamingos come to nest.
Thanks to the salt pans, its fertile land, and its geographical location at the crossroads of trade routes, Capestang experienced its hours of glory in the Middle Ages. What remains of this rich historical past are unique monuments that make Capestang such a unique city, where life is good.
The essentials of
Capestang
The Canal du Midi
An immense challenge taken up by Pierre-Paul Riquet during the reign of Louis XIV in the 240th century, the Canal du Midi connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean from Toulouse to Sète over XNUMX km.
Capestang is located on the large reach and has one of the largest river ports with its 77 rings.
“Stories and anecdotes from yesterday to today”… To find out more about the work, guided tours of the Canal are organized in season.
The Saint-Etienne collegiate church
Like a lighthouse in the middle of the vineyards, the collegiate church is visible from afar. Its enormous proportions intrigue the traveler, and is in itself a summary of the history of the place. A fine example of southern Gothic architecture attributed to Jacques Fauran, architect of the 2nd campaign of St Just Cathedral in Narbonne.
The collegiate church is open for self-guided tours all year round, and for guided tours up to the terraces of the bell tower in season, to admire the incredible view from 43 m high.
The castle of the Archbishops
At the end of the Middle Ages, it was a splendid residence that certain documents do not hesitate to describe as a palace. Its originality lies in its painted ceilings, expressions of scenes of medieval life, the creation of which was an incredible feat in the XNUMXth century and they remain particularly well preserved to this day.
The castle is open to visitors all year round and guided tours take place with a tour guide.
Did you know?
Do you know the particularity of the Saïsse bridge in Capestang?
It is renowned for having the lowest arch on the Canal du Midi.
Indeed with its 3,3 m in the center and less than 5 m wide with a height not exceeding 2,4 m at the ends, it is a small challenge for budding captains who wish to cross it.
Legend has it that boatmen from all walks of life came to measure the bridge before building their boats.
It also seems that some barges fill up with water to lower their air draft and pass the bridge without incident...
Staying at
Capestang
Staying in Capestang is the guarantee of a successful vacation!
Many types of accommodation exist, from the most authentic to the most sophisticated, roaming or long-term, for all budgets, choose from the many possibilities: guest rooms, houses, camping, hotel.
The hiking trails
Amateur or seasoned hikers, a good number of routes are available to you. There is something for all tastes and all levels... Grab your backpacks!
A Country GR of 54 km passes not far from Capestang and offers a parade of breathtaking landscapes.
The path to Santiago de CompostelaIt crosses Capestang and offers pilgrims and walkers a refreshing stopover on the Piedmont Pyrenees route.
You will inevitably appreciate the calm and tranquility of the towpath path which runs along the Canal du Midi. On foot or by bike, at your own pace, don't wait any longer to live the experience!
A green way of 13 km from Capestang covers the plain and the vineyard towards the old Cruzy station, for a family stroll.
Hiking trails “oenorando” hiking trails will allow you to make small loops accessible to everyone around Capestang.
Consult the dedicated pages for more information
Tasting destination
The IGP Pays d'Oc and IGP Coteaux d'Ensérune characterize the Capestang terroir
Since 1987, IGP Pays d'Oc wines have highlighted their Protected Geographical Indication thanks to the qualitative adaptation of their production tools and the vineyard.
What is an IGP?
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designates wines whose characteristics are closely linked to the geographical area in which they are produced.
Nearby events
THE WORKSHOP ON A BALADE – WATERCOLOR TRAVEL DIARY- Quarante
- Le Tuesday October 22, 2024
10-12 a.m.: Montouliers and 14-16 p.m.: Cruzy
Le Tuesday October 29, 2024
Cazedarnes
10-12 a.m.: Montouliers and 14-16 p.m.: Cruzy
Le Tuesday October 29, 2024
Cazedarnes
