Quillan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Quillan
Place de la République

Coat of arms
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 Languedoc-Roussillon
Department Aude
Arrondissement Limoux
Canton Quillan
Government
 • Mayor (2008–2014) Maurice Aragou (PS)
Area
 • Land1 20.97 km2 (8.10 sq mi)
Population (2008)
 • Population2 3,405
 • Population2 Density 160/km2 (420/sq mi)
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.

2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

Quillan is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.

Geography

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 6 km from Espéraza, neighbouring the commune of Ginoles, 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).

History

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.

Population

Historical population
Year Pop.  ±%  
1962 4,424—    
1968 4,847+9.6%
1975 4,968+2.5%
1982 4,459−10.2%
1990 3,818−14.4%
1999 3,542−7.2%
2008 3,405−3.9%

Economy

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.

Culture

During each August there is a week of the Folklore Festival where dancers, musicians and singers from 10 or 12 different countries perform during the day and evening on the town square of Quillan.

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 train services are replaced by 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.

See also

References

    • General view of Quillan

    • Pont Vieux, Quillan

    • Chateau overlooking Quillan

    External links

    Wikimedia Commons has media related to Quillan.

    it means helpful yet it is used as a nickname for gamers

    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike; additional terms may apply for the media files.