Montolieu, Village du Livre
Montolieu
The 'Village of Books' at the foot of the Montagne Noire, where more than a dozen second-hand bookshops and art workshops are scattered along stone lanes.
Montolieu is France's famous 'book village'. Since 1989, when bookseller Michel Braban launched the project, more than a dozen used bookshops and bookbinding and printing studios have moved in. The village also has a museum of book arts and crafts (admission about €5). It is built on a hillside between two gorges, and its stone houses and lanes are ideal for wandering. Most bookshops are more reliably open on weekends. The books are mainly in French. It is about 18 km from Carcassonne and can be visited together with Saissac Castle.
Opening hours
Village open all day; bookshop approx. 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Château de Saissac
- Canal du Midi (Port of Carcassonne)
- Église Saint-Vincent
- Châteaux de Lastours
- Bastide Saint-Louis
- Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Carcassonne
- Pont Vieux
- Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus