Quillan
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- This article is about the town. For the fictional territory in the Pendragon series, see Quillan (Pendragon series).
| Commune of Quillan | |
| Location | |
| Longitude | 02° 10' 57" E |
| Latitude | 42° 52' 34" N |
| Administration | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Department | Aude |
| Arrondissement | Limoux |
| Canton | Quillan |
| Mayor | Maurice Aragou (2001-2008) |
| Statistics | |
| Altitude | 261 m–1,122 m (avg. 291 m) |
| Land area¹ | 20.97 km² |
| Population² (1999) |
3,542 |
| - Density (1999) | 168/km² |
| Miscellaneous | |
| INSEE/Postal code | 11304/ 11500 |
| ¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 mi² or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
| ² Population sans doubles comptes: single count of residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel). | |
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Quillan is a small town and commune in the Aude département, in southwestern France.
Quillan is located at the foothills of the Pyrenees, on the road between Carcassonne and Perpignan.
Quillan, at the top of the Haute Valley of the Aude, close to the mountains, is a medium sized town 6km from Espéraza and is popular for white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking on the Aude River (Alet-les-Bains is another good place to go for white water sports).
There are several hotels in Quillan (3 and 4 star) but if you want to stay there in the season book well ahead as there is great pressure on accommodation. There is also a good tourist office and several restaurants to choose from.
Quillan was a significant town on an ancient winding road linking Carcassonne with 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. However, new and easier routes joining Carcassonne to Perpignan via Narbonne for example have contributed to the town's unemployment during more recent years. Quillan looks increasingly to develop its tourism and with some measure of success. The immediate area is rich in geographical and historical interest.
Mr Jean Bourrel, a local businessman who developed a millinery factory in the town, was responsible for the construction of houses, and creation of fashionable hats. Many of these houses have been converted into luxurious holiday homes.
 Pont Vieux, Quillan |
 Chateau overlooking Quillan |
 Place de la Republique, Quillan |
[edit] Transportation
The railway line from Carcassonne runs here stopping in Limoux and Espéraza on the way but the service is limited and many of the trains are actually buses. Leaving Quillan the main road (D117) leads to Perpignan. Down to Barcelona or up to Narbonne and the TGV lines across the South of France.
