Capendu is a commune in the Aude department, in the Occitanie region, 17 km east of Carcassonne.
Belonging to the Corbières massif, ranging from 59 to 461 m in altitude, its 15 km² territory is mainly rural, made up of crops (60% of its area) and forests (18%).
Crossed by the course of the Aude as well as by a number of streams, the locality was already occupied during prehistory: monumental tombs were thus unearthed dating from - 4000 BC. Then, in Antiquity, Capendu is located on the route of the Via Aquitania which connects Narbonne to Toulouse and Bordeaux.
After the year 1000, a first village established on the domain of Saint-Martin de Surzac was deserted due to troubles, wars and looting in favor of dwellings which developed around the castrum and then the seigniorial castle of Capendu, built on a mound and considered safer because it has a surrounding wall.
Nowadays, the village which has preserved its historic heart built in a circular manner around the castle (now in ruins) has around 1500 inhabitants. Renowned for its wine estates (production of local wines), it highlights its heritage, its environment and its diversified leisure offer near the famous city of Carcassonne...
The commune of Capendu has preserved a heritage of interest with several sites protected as historical monuments. This is the case of the Saint-Martin de Surzac chapel which served the primitive village and which dates from the 12th century. Surrounded by the cemetery, in the Romanesque style, it lost its rank as a parish church when the population moved to the surroundings of the castle which had its own chapel. However, the Saint-Martin chapel was equipped with side chapels in the 14th century and the nave was enlarged in the 16th century. Its current decor dates from the 18th century, as does the balustrade or the basin of the high altar. A recent restoration highlights the Romanesque character of the site.
Next, see the remains of the castle (parts of walls, watchtower) and those of its chapel, of which the five-sided apse remains. There is a sink, two square cupboards, a small niche carved into a pillar and above all a sculpted door dating from the Renaissance. It is surmounted by a basket-handle arch, itself dominated by a horizontal entablature decorated with foliate motifs.
The castle chapel was replaced at the beginning of the 19th century by a new parish church dedicated to Saint-Martin. Only a medieval bell tower has been preserved, soon to have a spire before the First World War. 40 meters high, it is illuminated at night, like the remains of the old church. Inside, the choir and the stained glass windows were restored a few years ago. Several works and objects are classified as a series of paintings evoking Saint Sebastian, a statue of the Virgin and Child, the altar and the altarpiece.
Also worth seeing is the "circulade" (historic heart of the village built in a circular fashion around the seigniorial castle), recently restored, the statue by sculptor René Iché (20th century), "Le sport", installed in the courtyard of the school, but also old washhouses and mills in the town.
From a cultural point of view, since 2008 the locality has been equipped with first-rate equipment housed in the buildings of a former wine estate, "Le Chai". Through a careful architectural rehabilitation, a media library, an exhibition hall and a performance hall are now accessible there. Quality programming attracts a regional audience. All information on +33 4 68 79 37 91.
Associative activities are also offered at the Foyer Laïque. Information on +33 4 68 78 26 37.
In terms of "nature" leisure sports, you will appreciate the covered swimming pool but with a removable roof which allows you to combine swimming and idleness in summer. Price: 1.40 and 2 euros. Contact on +33 4 68 79 00 38.
The Aude and the streams that cross Capendu are a delight for fishermen. Find out about the regulations from the local association on 04 6879 09 60.
The Lac de l'Alaric site is also a beautiful area for fishing. To the south-west of the town, a picnic area, a fitness trail and a 2 km botanical trail lined with plaques and panels helping to appreciate the ecological richness of this humid environment, add to the charm and interest. of the place. Information on +33 4 68 79 15 16.
For hikers, in addition to the possibility of joining the outings of the cycling club (contact on +33 6 32 92 01 89), a marked footpath is available in the town, "le chemin de Ronde", 8 kilometers long, with a hilly route, which allows you to understand the history of the village and the development of the vine. Other larger loops are possible to reach the outskirts of Carcassonne along the Aude or the neighboring massifs. Maps and information on +33 4 68 10 24 30.
In mid-July, summer party with convivial meal, ball and fireworks.
In mid-October, La Folle furieuse foot race with friendly entertainment.
Early November, four-day Saint-Martin celebrations with traditional entertainment, concerts, balls.
