Alet-les-Bains Property

First published: 2nd July 2007 by FrenchEntrée

Alet-les-Bains is a beautiful medieval village on the banks of the Aude 36 km south of Carcassonne and, with Rennes-le-Chateau nearby, is very much in Cathar country. The village really is quite charming, with narrow cobbled streets, the ruined Abbey and parts of the medieval ramparts still standing. It is believed that Nostradamus once lived in the village. Locally the village is best known for its water, sourced from natural thermal springs, which has been bottled here for years and is sold in local supermarkets. The village also has a thermal spa opened from May to September, and supposedly Charlemagne once took a dip in its restorative waters! Other amenities include a grocers, a post office, a couple of restaurants/ cafés, a hotel, a campsite, a municipal swimming pool and tennis courts, and a number of outdoor activity companies. There is also the rather incongruous casino on the southern outskirts of the village. The village is often host to several cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Chemin des Artistes (open studios for local artists).

With a population of just under 500 this picturesque village is very much sought after among property buyers.