Antugnac: Churches, Vineyards and History

Antugnac combines historic religious buildings with a landscape closely associated with winegrowing. Visitors choosing a destination for specific cultural and wine-related attractions will find a range of points of interest, from a fortified Romanesque church to Chapelle Croux and the vineyards of the Blanquette de Limoux appellation.

The church and the history of Chapelle Croux

The church of Antugnac is a fortified Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. During the Wars of Religion, it served as a refuge for the inhabitants. It also has a surrounding wall and a crenellated parapet on surviving masonry. This single building brings together architectural history and a historic defensive function.

Chapelle Croux was completely rebuilt and inaugurated in 1998. A historic Rogation procession led from the village to this chapel, which is also known as Sainte-Croix. While the church is notable for its defensive purpose and fortifications, Chapelle Croux is associated with its reconstruction and the traditional procession.

Hillside setting, valley and vineyards

Antugnac lies in an amphitheatre-like setting on the southern slope of a hill, overlooking a valley through which the Croux flows. The sunny slopes around the village are also associated with Blanquette de Limoux, a sparkling white wine.

The Sentier des Vignes is a specific route through the wine-growing landscape. It passes through vineyards in Antugnac that belong to the Blanquette de Limoux appellation. This distinguishes the route itself from the broader association between the sunny slopes and the wine: the path runs through vineyards, while the description of the slopes highlights their landscape connection to Blanquette.

Wineries and visitor experiences

Domaine Delmas farms 34 hectares of vineyards, which have been farmed organically since 1986. Visitors can taste sparkling and still wines there from Monday to Friday. Tours are available by prior appointment. If the farming method is important to your visit, confirm the current practices in advance.

Altugnac, formerly Château d’Antugnac, offers tours of its winery and barrel cellar. Guided tours are available for individuals and groups. Tastings feature the estate’s cuvées, led by the cellar manager. Check the current visitor arrangements and booking details before planning a tour or tasting.

Other activities

In the Cathar region, Cyril Orliac Fauconnerie offers nature walks where visitors can observe birds of prey; a golden eagle is used during the walks. If you would like to include this activity in your travel plans, check the latest booking details in advance. The activities have different focuses: the Sentier des Vignes passes through vineyards in Antugnac, while the nature walks in the Cathar region offer opportunities to observe birds of prey, with a golden eagle used during the walks.

Discover more destinations: Malves-En-Minervois, Bize-Minervois, Camps-sur-l'Agly, Couiza, Argeliers, Pomas, Comus, Tourreilles.

For the regional travel overview: Aude.