Pennautier is a commune in the Aude department, in the Occitanie region, 4 km northwest of Carcassonne which it borders.
Its territory of 17 km² is crossed by several streams, the main one being the Fresquel, 63 km long and which flows into the Aude at Carcassonne.
Still having cultivated areas which represent more than 70% of the area, Pennautier presents green landscapes mostly covered with vines.
The future commune was already occupied by man during prehistory, then in antiquity, Roman villas were established which were in fact prosperous farms. Fortified in the Middle Ages, the Pennautier belt was dismantled by the Duke of Montmorency in 1591, no doubt due to the presence of Protestant families. But this did not prevent the small seigniory from acquiring a beautiful castle a few decades later which would be nicknamed "the Versailles of Languedoc" and at the same time a royal factory which produced sheets exported to the colonies...
Always famous for its wines, appreciated for its leisure offer, Pennautier is now a small town in the countryside of nearly 2600 inhabitants which deserves a detour before or after a stopover in Carcassonne.
The castle Pennautier was built in 1620: its lord Bernard Reich de Pennautier, then treasurer of the states of Languedoc, very quickly received a distinguished guest. On his way to Perpignan, the young Louis XIII stopped at Pennautier and offered his guest his "travel furniture", a set of tapestries, bed and armchairs still preserved in these places... A few decades later, Pierre Louis Reich, son de Bernard, frequented the court of the Sun King in Versailles and brought back ideas to embellish his castle and boost the economy... In classical or Louis XIII style, with large windows overlooking the courtyard to the north and south, the building is completed in 1670 by two wings housing on the one hand an orangery and on the other a ballroom. The majestic ensemble and the 100 m long façade deserve exteriors worthy of this most noble architecture: a French-style park was thus designed by Le Nôtre... Redesigned and further enlarged in the 19th century, embellished with Italian-style decorations (mosaics) and collections of paintings, the castle was renovated in the 20th century, at the same time as it was entered in the Inventory. Nowadays, this jewel is at the center of a vast and renowned wine estate. The park is open to visitors free of charge every day (except Sundays from November to March). Guided tour of the interiors on Wednesdays and Fridays from June to mid-September (price: 9 euros) or by appointment for groups. Visits with tasting, receptions and organization of events possible. Information on +33 4 68 72 65 29.
Other heritage items of interest are to be observed in the town.
Let us mention megalithic tombs, the Saint-André church and its beautifully crafted bell tower, the remains of an aqueduct supplying a fountain, but also the old mill which stood next to the royal factory dedicated to the manufacture of textiles, founded in 1696, which employed up to 300 workers. It remains the site of the old store, which became the Salle de la Tour, belonging to the town and dedicated to shows or exhibitions. Information on +33 4 68 25 35 79.
On the cultural side, the city has with the Na Loba theater a popular place for its creations or performances for all audiences (information on +33 4 68 11 45 32) while at the media library, events such as readings and meetings are regularly scheduled (contact +33 4 68 11 45 38).
For sports enthusiasts and hikers, then, the streams that cross the town are all exercise grounds appreciated by fishermen: find out about the regulations and suitable sites from the local association on +33 4 68 47 51 91.
In addition, the cycling club offers friendly outings every Sunday: call +33 4 68 47 28 31.
It should be noted the tremendous potential available in terms of hiking: several thematic marked trails are dedicated to territory of the municipality itself (heritage, bridges, banks of the canal, etc.). In addition, a loop can be dedicated to the discovery of the dozen wine estates located in the locality. Larger routes are also possible to reach the nearby city of Carcassonne, its historical treasures, but you can also reach the banks of the Canal du Midi and its towpath several hundred kilometers long! Maps and information on +33 4 68 11 66 00.
Finally, nothing prevents you from joining the outings of the local walking club: inquire on +33 4 68 47 51 91.
The third Sunday of May, garage sale.
The first weekend of July, three-day town festival with gourmet evenings, bandas, concerts, balls, final fireworks display on Sunday evening.
