The formidable fortress of Hautpoul sat high on a mountain at the extreme edge of a mass of rocks overlooking the Arnette valley. Founded in 413 by the king of the Visigoths, Ataulphe I, it was then rebuilt in 936 by the founder of the House of Hautpoul, whose lords gave themselves the title of 'Kings of the Black Mountain'. During the crusade against the Cathars, Simon de Montfort took over this village stronghold in 1212, and after four days of siege, he demolished the castle in order to "reduce this heretic den to nothing". Hautpoul is one of the places where, according to legend, the holy grail was temporarily hidden. The village inhabitants who survived settled in the plains, and the town of Mazamet was born.
As we headed toward Mazamet on a lovely October afternoon, the sudden appearance of the village of Hautpoul, high above on the side of the Montagne Noire, was too mysterious not to want a closer look, so we doubled back and drove the winding road to the top.
The hills and surrounding mountains were still very green and heavily forested with sweet chestnut and spruce trees.
At the top of the mountain, the large statue of Mary dominates the area.
Walking through the village we met not a soul and it was rather eerie. Apparently restoration work in recent years has brought life back to the village making it a venue for Summer festivals. There were obviously some permanent residents quietly tucked away in the lovely stone houses, and artisans have workshops and studios......but they were not open on that late Autumn afternoon.
The village laverie where clothing could be washed.
Ancient Sweet Chestnut tree just starting to wear an Autumn gown.
Even the tavern was closed ~ not a drop of anything to quench a thirst!
I loved this shop sign swinging high above the town in the valley.
My favorite village house with the tallest roses ever.France is a large country and has so many lovely historic villages in each distinct area.
I'll share some more later.
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I can't wait for more.........Thanks for sharing your memories.
ReplyDeleteMary, this village is awesome. I do love to see a place of history and read the story about it too. You took some wonderful photos. The pics alone tell a story. Imagine gathering in a public place to do your laundry. The old stone buildings are aged and it makes you wonder exactly how long they have been there. It is interesting that not a soul was around. Kind of strange.
ReplyDeleteMary, come over to my post this AM. It is all about you. Smile.
Love...Jeanne
How nice of you to share this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely village. Thank you for posting such nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteMary, I think you are in love with France. Maybe you should buy that villa over there.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Thank you for the history, Mary. The pictures are fantastic. It must have been rather strange driving through this lovely village and not seeing a soul.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Deborah
Deborah - couldn't drive here, had to park in a tiny area perched precariously on the edge of the mountain, then walk through the hilly village!!
ReplyDeleteThese old stone buildings are so beautiful! You are certainly whetting our appetites for travel across the pond ......
ReplyDeleteI love historic buildings, and those signs were so charming! I would love to be able to travel Europe some day, but there is so much I want to see, it would take a very long time! ~Lori
ReplyDeleteMary, your blog is not updating on Bloglines - I thought you were taking time off or something! Your the second blog that I've found that's not updated that I checked on.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!
Manuela
I am loving this armchair travel. We are planning another trip soon, but I am not going to talk about it just yet...too much other stuff going on.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Manuela - I e-mailed you regarding your comment above.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else who uses Bloglines (whatever that may be - I've no idea!) have a problem not seeing my posts?
Would appreciate any assistance you can give.
Thanks - Mary.
This was an amazing trip! I loved old "ghost towns" of the west where I grew up, but obviously, none wit the history of this! How eerie and wonderful and spooky and calming and and and
ReplyDeleteThanks!
The pictures are gorgeous!!! Thanks so much for sharing. I have yet to visit France and this is the next best thing:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your lovely pictures. They are absolutely breath taking. I would love to go and visit there someday.
ReplyDeleteI also love your blog I try and read it daily. erica
How amazing to walk through such history! I love any story pertaining (sp?) to the grail! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, and read it regularly (or irregularly, but in chunks) -- the statue of Mary: is she dark? Your photo looks rather dark, but it could be lighting. I'm especially interested in black madonnas in Italy & France (and also elsewhere) -- if she is dark, what can you tell me about her?
ReplyDeleteAnn - this statue of Mary wasn't black - looks dark probably due to the late afternoon light and may be somewhat grimy! All I know is what I wrote in this post about my visit to the remains of this lonely 5th century Visigoth stronghold where the statue dominated the mountainside. If you Google the French city of Mazamet, and Hautpoul village, you may find more about this.
ReplyDeleteSorry I can't help more.
Mary.