DERNACUEILLETTE is tucked at the top of a remote valley in the Corbierès,
looking towards Perpignan and the Mediterranean. The population of around
60 clusters round a mediaeval chateau and church, and a small river runs through the village.
THE CORBIÈRE range lies inland of the western Mediterranean coast of France. Dernacueillette is roughly equidistant between CARCASSONE, NARBONNE and PERPIGNAN, each about 35 miles away. At 350m above sea level, the village is elevated by UK standards, but the surrounding limestone hills climb to more than twice this height, providing dramatic views in all directions.
Everyone from pre-historic man to the Romans, the Vandals and the Celts have lived in the area. In mediaeval times the region was ravaged by Simon de Montfort's crusade against the Cathar heresy. An ancient dolmen, called La Table des Morts,
stands just above the village, the pretty town of LAGRASSE, a few miles away, boasts
an impressive Benedictine Abbey, and Dernacueillette is ringed by ruined chateaux like
QUERIBUS, which provide staggering views (most of these castles can be reached in 20 to
30 minutes walk from local car parks). Also nearby is the village of RENNES LE CHATEAU,
made famous by Henry Lincoln and Michael Baient in 'The Holy Blood and Holy Grail' and
by Dan Brown in The Da Vinci Code.
For more information on the area
Comité Regional du Tourisme Languedoc-Roussillon
