Discover Bram

Bram brings together a circular historic village, the Canal du Midi amid the surrounding landscape, and leisure activities at Lac de Buzerens. The Parc des Essars is also part of the townscape: this wooded area offers a public place to walk all year round. You can plan your stay around a range of interests, from history and architecture to walks and seasonal activities on the water.

A Circular Village with a History

Bram’s circular village is considered the largest and best-preserved circular village in Europe. Its concentric streets bear witness to several centuries of history and give the townscape its distinctive layout. Anyone interested in the development of historic settlements will find a striking contrast here to the open landscapes along the canal and around the lake.

At the center of the concentric settlement stands a church documented since the early 13th century. In 1211, it was given to the Abbey of Prouilhe. The townscape also includes a pentagonal apse and a square bell tower; both are dated to the late 13th century and are classified as Monuments historiques. The Halles Claude Nougaro add another architectural feature: this octagonal building is an example of Art Nouveau, a style that was widespread in 1907.

At the Rond-point de la Retirada, a work of art and a memorial mark the former site of a refugee camp. Bram’s historical heritage thus encompasses not only the layout of the town and its buildings, but also a place of remembrance.

The Canal du Midi and Activities on the Water

The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, winds through the landscape around Bram, its waterways lined with green plane trees. At the Port Fluvial de Bram, a combined cycle and pedestrian path connects the port with the town center and makes the historic center easier to reach. Locaboat Holidays rents boats at the Port Fluvial for a week or a weekend.

Lac de Buzerens lies north of the town. You can reach it via Rue des Fleurs or the northeastern bypass. The lake is a leisure and water sports center; Téléski Nautique de Bram offers wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and water skiing. For the latest information about activities, check with the operator before making plans.

Since summer 2019, Lac de Buzerens has had a supervised swimming area around a pontoon installed by the municipality. It is open daily in July and August from 2 to 6 p.m. Swimming is therefore limited to a clearly defined period; check whether the seasonal service is operating before your trip.

Walks in the Parc des Essars

The Parc des Essars is a wooded area of more than two hectares in the heart of Bram. It is open all year round as a public place to walk. Unlike the seasonal swimming area, the park offers a different kind of outdoor experience: walking is the main focus here, while activities at Lac de Buzerens center more on water sports and summer swimming.

Discover more destinations: Lacombe, Moux, Roullens, Embres-et-Castelmaure, Moussoulens, Laure-Minervois, Bouisse, Roquefort Des Corbières

For the overall travel guide: Aude.