The origins of the abbey of Alet-les-Bains are unknown other than that of a priory in the eighth century. It was likely founded by Béra, viscount of Razés. By the twelfth century, it had much influence and many pilgrims. In 1318, the abbey became a bishopric in order to continue the fight against the Cathars; as it stayed until the French revolution. The diocese had eighty Parishes and spanned from Formiguères to Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet. A wall, with four gates, built in the twelfth century to protect the abbey can still be seen today. In the sixteenth century, during the wars of religion, the Huguenots burnt and destroyed the abbey. In the seventeenth century, Nicolas Pavillon, bishop of Alet who stood up against the government of Louis XIV; could have found the means to repair the abbey, but did not feel that given the poverty of the people in his diocese, it would be acceptable. He did, however, build a bridge that spans Aude, in 1662 and gave an improved system of irrigation, as well as a seminar. The thirty-fifth and last bishop of Alet, Charles de la Cropte de Chanterac, who opened the "Grande route" Limoux-Quillan, also built a new portion of the bishopric, which he attached to the oldest part of the bishopric, which dates from the twelfth century and is now preserved. By climbing a flight of stairs, one would come to the first floor where one can see the beautiful and large synod hall as well as the library. The bishopric and its three hectares of gardens span a large portion of the old abbey. By the separation of church and state, the bishopric became the property of the persons who lived in his estates, which were dispersed around the region. The buildings were used until the beginning of this century. In the 21st century many British people moved to Alet.
Administration
The current mayor is Ghislaine Tafforeau, who entered office in 2014 and whose term expires in 2020. The previous mayor, Jean-Denis Alandry, had been in place since 2001.
Population
Sights
Abbey and cathedral of the seventh century.
Medieval, fortified castle.
Hotels of the twelfth and fourteenth centuries.
Source of thermally heated water, discovered by the Romans over two thousand years ago.
Thermal spa.
Economy
The water of Alet-les-Bains is one of the oldest sold mineral waters in France, first bottled over 120 years ago, it is one of the largest sources in France. The village is very lively and possesses a casino, a thermal spa, several hotels, and several boutiques. Sadly, there is not but one shop, which is a sort of grocery store.
Events and festivals
is a short film festival that occurs every year in the second weekend of August, it features one hundred and fifty short films over the course of three days.
Personalities
Nicolas Pavillon was the bishop of Alet in the seventeenth century.
