HOUSE OF NOSTRADAMUS*** 4-5 people ALET LES BAINS

The accommodation

The family house of NOSTRADAMUS***, on his father’s side, from which the extraordinary epic of “Nostredame” started has been preserved over time thanks to the popular devotion surrounding Nostradamus and the oral tradition which has perpetuated his legendary status over time.

This Spanish family of Jewish faith (Yissaskar Tribe) crossed the Pyrenees in search of the protection of the Christian Church of Occitania and the bishops of Aleth. They settled in the heart of the chosen valley “Vicus Electensis” near the old Benedictine Abbey Nostredame d ‘Aleth or Sainte Marie d’ Aleth in the secular walled city.
The original house with earthen walls and sculpted wood architecture dates back to the 13th century with identifying signs that allowed the Jewish inhabitants to be recognised as related to the Lords of Carcassonne Trencavel.
The house was remodeled in the 15th century when it was extended with repurposed old beams and the commercial area with the old shop on the ground floor was developed. This space overlooks what was the Place du Puits (now Place de la République).
The house was damaged during the Wars of Religion, after the death of Michel de Nostredame, and was restored under the reigns of Henri IV and Louis XIV.
The house itself is truly an authentic Medieval and Renaissance residence of merchants from Occitania. It is built of ochre sandstone from Aleth and half-timbering of timber posts and wattle and dauband has remarkable corbels with massive oak beams carved with strange and symbolic designs.
The house is capped with a sloping roof. On the 1st and 2nd floors the main façade is pierced with windows with small panes, and on the ground floor there is a large bay window serving the old secular shop. The house has been carefully maintained over the centuries by its various owners and in 2020 restoration work was completed to regain its former radiance and add modern comforts.

NOSTRADAMUS' HOUSE*** has always been a place of commerce, culture as well as a residence. It was acquired and used by families who have preserved its exceptional character in the heart of the ancient spiritual capital of the Razès region: Alet les Bains.

Since it was restored in 2020, the interior, which consists of 4 small rooms, has regained its sense of space and colors. Dark oak woodwork once again rubs shoulders with plaster stucco and lime-wash in hues of white, red or ochre.

The decoration reminds us of the different Medieval, Renaissance and Classic periods, combining furniture, paintings and historical objects connected to Nostradamus and the life of the episcopal city.

On the ground floor, what was the original shop, has become the living area with a small kitchen and comfortable seating area.

On the 1st floor are the Bathroom and Bedroom 1.

On the 2nd floor is the Bedroom 2.

This combination makes the house a remarkable place to stay for a unique holiday in Occitania where history buffs, friends or family can have their own space to enjoy the history and culture and all the modern comforts this house has to offer.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Setting

In the Upper Valley of the river Aude, you can discover the winding course of the river which gave its name to the department. This is a region of gorges and dizzyingly high narrow passes; it offers a multitude of layers of varying landscapes from the wine-growing hillsides to the Pyrenean peaks.

South of the town of Limoux, in the heart of an idyllic valley nestles the former administrative and episcopal capital of the Razès region: ALET LES BAINS. Alet has been a place of spiritual influence for 10 centuries and the ancient city never ceases to surprise those seeking treasures, culture and well-being – there is something to enchant scholars, those who are curious or even those who are enlightened.