HISTORY

The Capestang region was occupied by man very early on. Archeology bears witness to this : paleolithic tools, 54 roman villas, the Domitian way, the Visigoth tombs. In the Middle-Ages, the fortunes of this area were made from the saltpans, fishing and agriculture. Many centuries ago, the village grew to become a town with a proud collegiate church and a château, the Archbishop of Narbonne.

PLACES OF INTEREST SITE

• St Etienne's Collegiate Church (Historic Monument) is a surprisingly powerful building and a fine example of 14 th C Southern Gothic  architecture. It was never finished however, the nave and transept were in fact just begun and the remains of the earlier Romanesque church can still be seen to the west.

• The Château (Historic Monument) has a truly remarkable main hall with a splendid 15thC painted ceiling that is regrettably not yet open to the public for safety reasons.

• The Canal du Midi, half way up the hill, dominates the village. The long vault of plane trees on its banks is a deliciously cool oasis in summer.

ACTIVITIES

Rugby, Foot, Handball, French bowling pitch, tennis courts, signposted walks, boats for hire, guided visits to the village and the bell tower.

LOCAL PRODUCE

This reputed wine-farming area (Vins du Pays des Coteaux d'Ensérune) runs from the hills to the lake with its Camargue like scenery.

FESTIVALS AND EVENT

April

Second-hand goods sales and a variety of entertainment.

June

National Music Day rt Scèn'Arts in the streets

July

The Round Basin Fête, Second-hand goods sales

August

Local Fair days, Second-hand goods sales

October

grape harvest celebrates, Day of Hope

December

Christmas Market, Evening Saint Sylvestrer

Contact Office of Tourisme of Capestang

Phone : 04.67.93.34.23

E-mail : ot-capestang@wanadoo.fr