CHEMIN D'EN BASTIDE

Facing Montagne Noire, the ancient Saint Felix castle has dominated the edge of Lauragais plateau for more than seven centuries.Overlooking the plain, this castle has been destroyed, rebuilt, modified and enlarged over the centuries according to the wishes of its successive owners. You can enter the courtyard, terraces and ground floors of the castle. Let's see the superb mosaic room, the old kitchen in the dungeon, the guard tower, the lounges. One of them houses our Tourist Information Centre. Here, superb Louis XVI stucco adorns the panelling above the doors and the mirrors. Each salon has its own type of parquet flooring. The rooms are open to the public from April (from the Cocagne festival onwards) until the end of September. Afterwards, enjoy the panoramic view over the countryside (photos highly recommended) and stroll around the castle in the manner of the nobles. You can visit some parts of the castle during our Tourist Information Centre opening hours. Guided tours available by prior arrangement for groups.

In the heart of the village, the medieval market hall shines with its beams and belfry crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Don't miss the weekly Friday market.In the centre of the castelnau, the hall was built in the 13th century. In 1557, the common house was built above the hall and was accessed through the tower that contains a beautiful stone staircase. It was erected to commemorate the erection of Saint-Félix as a barony by King Henri II (the date of foundation is engraved on the frontispiece of the front door with the city's coat of arms). In 1862, the population of Saint-Félix and the surrounding area was decimated by a cholera epidemic. The town decided to offer an ex-voto to the Virgin Mary in gratitude for her protection. This 3m-high bronze statue was installed on the belfry in the heart of the village. At her feet, a plaque with a Latin inscription says ‘they established me as the guardian of your city’.

Panorama on Lauragais plain, Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees.Located on the belvedere, it offers a view of the imposing Mount Bugarach, the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire. In the background are the peaks of Canigou. The colours of the panorama change with the seasons, work in the fields and light. The point of view not to be missed for any passionate photographer!