Quillan

Quillan
Place de la République
Coat of arms
Quillan
Location within Occitanie region  Quillan
Coordinates: 42°52′34″N 2°10′57″E / 42.8761°N 2.1825°E / 42.8761; 2.1825Coordinates: 42°52′34″N 2°10′57″E / 42.8761°N 2.1825°E / 42.8761; 2.1825
Country	France
Region	Occitanie
Department	Aude
Arrondissement	Limoux
Canton	Quillan
Government
• Mayor (2008–2014)	Maurice Aragou (PS)
Area1	34.63 km2 (13.37 sq mi)
Population (2013)2	3,434
• Density	99/km2 (260/sq mi)
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
INSEE/Postal code	11304 / 11500
Elevation	261–1,122 m (856–3,681 ft) (avg. 291 m or 955 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. 2Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Quillan is a commune in the Aude department in southern France. On 1 January 2016, the former commune of Brenac was merged into Quillan.

Quillan is located at the foothills of the Pyrenees, on the road between Carcassonne and Perpignan. The River Aude runs through it. At the base of the mountains, swathes of sunflowers and grapes saddle the roads and green fields meet white-capped peaks. The location is thought of as one of the most spectacular in France, which is one of the reasons for the increase in tourism and migration to the area. Peyrepertuse, Montsegur, Puilauren, Queribus, Roquefixade and other ancient Cathar sites are within easy reach. The beaches of the Mediterranean are little more than an hour away. In the other direction, the awe of Carcassonne is 45 minutes drive, while the majesty and sophistication of Toulouse is one and a half hours away. Quillan is a medium-sized town 6 km from Espéraza, neighbouring the commune of Ginoles, and is popular for white water rafting, canoeing, fishing and kayaking on the Aude River and other outdoor activities including cycling, rambling and running.

Historically, Quillan was a significant stopping point on the ancient and winding road between Carcassonne to Perpignan. The River Aude traditionally carried timber and other local products to Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi. The town was particularly noted for hat making, and then later, the production of formica. Times have changed however, and with the construction of the payage joining Carcassonne to Perpignan via Narbonne, the town has moved away from production towards eco-tourism, tourism and outdoor pursuits such as rambling, biking, kayaking, rafting, walking to name a few. The surrounding area is rich in geographical and historical interest including many Cathar castles within striking distance. Quillan now is a centre of travel and tourism in this beautiful region of France.

The town and surrounding villages are largely agricultural, producing milk, grapes, wine [including the famous Blanquette de Limoux], wheat, sunflowers, eggs and meat from poultry and cows. in the last few years, tourism has taken off and during the warmer months many tourists flock to Quillan and its surrounds for the outdoor activities, cultural events and restaurants. There are many BnBs and rentals, some of which are of high quality.