Summary
Getting There
Visiting Rennes le Chateau is straightforward. It is situated in the Aude department of the Languedoc-Roussillon region near the Aude River, just south of Carcassonne. The closest village is Couiza, with the village of Esperanza lying to the south, providing lodging and services, along with an enjoyable Sunday market.
- By Car: From Carcassonne, take the D118 towards Limoux until reaching Couiza, then continue on the D52 to Rennes le Chateau.
- By Train: A train or bus from the station at Carcassonne can take you to the Couiza-Montazels station. Taxis are usually available in Couiza to complete your journey to Rennes le Chateau.
- Taxi Hoste: 04 68 74 25 36. Walking from Couiza to Rennes le Chateau is also a feasible option.
Tourism Offices in Rennes le Chateau
SYNDICAT D’INITIATIVE Rennes le Chateau
Grande Rue des Thermes
Telephone: 04.68.69.88.04
Fax: 04.68.69.88.04
The Berenger Sauniere Center
The major site, known as the Berenger Sauniere Center, is located in the northwest quarter of Rennes le Chateau. Open from 10 am to 7 pm from May 1 to September 15, with shorter hours during the off-season, this site is a must-visit. After seeing the church, you can purchase a ticket that grants access to the Presbytery where Sauniere resided, the Villa Bethania, the Magdala Tower, and the beautiful gardens. English annotations are available throughout the site, and a visit typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Additionally, there is a bookstore in town, known as the Atelier Empreinte, offering a variety of literature on Rennes le Chateau, including some titles in English (Tel: 04 68 74 26 71).
Recommended Lodging
The Château des Ducs de Joyeuses in Couiza features an exquisite hotel setting within a chateau dating back to 1540-1550, now offering modern amenities including wireless internet access.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, the nearby Maison Riviere Bed and Breakfast provides remarkable value.
For those who enjoy the countryside, HomeAway lists various vacation rentals in the Limoux area. Lodging near Couiza is convenient for exploring Rennes le Chateau.
Other Sites in the Vicinity
Rennes le Chateau is located in the heart of Cathar Country, making it an ideal starting point for visiting several traditional castles. The nearby town of Limoux, located just north, is renowned for its Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine, alongside numerous fine dining options and tasting rooms. We recommend Maison de la Blanquette (Tel: 04 68 31 01 63) for exceptional dining experiences. Don’t miss out on the Piano Museum in Limoux, which showcases a splendid collection of pianos from the 19th century to the present. Additionally, the village of Esperanza, located south of Rennes le Chateau, features a unique hat and dinosaur museum.
