Chateau de Paraza

Just before reaching Paraza, we came to the Repudre Aqueduct, one of the few canal bridges built by engineer Riquet himself. By going over the waters of the Repudre, he avoided possible damage caused by flood waters. Completed in 1676, it was the first canal bridge ever built in France.

The Repudre Aqueduct

The village of Paraza is set on a hill, overlooking the Aude Valley. On a clear day, one can see the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean.

Paraza

Mark and Danielle had arranged a special wine tasting at the Chateau de Paraza, a family-run winery offering wine tastings accompanied with excellent cheeses for groups of 10 or more – our group consisted of 14 people off of two boats.

Paraza Winery

Our wine tasting consisted of a range of wines, including the single grape varieties of Syrah and Grenache; the Cuvess Speciales; the Roman collection; and sparkling wines from Limoux.

We learned that the reference to Champagne is used exclusively for the region of Champagne; therefore, the term or name “sparkling wine” is used when referring to the Limoux region of the eastern foothills of the Pyrenees.

The Chateau adjacent to the winery building, built in the 17^th century and elegantly restored, serves as a luxurious B&B.

The Chateau de Paraza

The Baron of Paraza and Count of Forton stayed here. Pierre-Paul Riquet was also a frequent visitor. The Chateau of Parza served as a base for Riquet during part of the building of the canal.

Over the centuries, olive groves and wheat were cultivated on the property, as well as breeding large herds of sheep. At that time, the canal carried commercial traffic with large amounts of freight by means of barges drawn by horses, or even men on occasion, along the towpath that parallels the canal. Today, many of the towpaths are used as bicycle routes.

In 2005, Annick & Pascal Danglas, and their extended family, purchased and renovated the Paraza estate. With each member contributing their expertise, it continues to be a special tourist stop.

From Paraza, we made our way to Roubia, the next village, for our night's stay and a pleasant dinner in the courtyard of this old hamlet.