Chalabre is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.
It is the capital of the Kercorb is a relatively unspoilt bastide with shady streets and quiet alleyways.
The local industry died out around 70 years ago, although the buildings of many still remain.
The road to Lac de Montbel runs through Chalabre and this brings a steady stream of visitors.
The local land is rich and verdant with fruit growing a speciality. The rivers rarely run dry and the climate is more amenable than the dry weather as you approach the coast.
Jean Danjou, one of the most famous commanders of the French Foreign Legion, was born in Chalabre in 1828. He commanded the legionnaires at the celebrated Battle of Camarón.
A small plaque celebrates the birth of Joseph Raynaud in 1911. He went on to join the local Maquis in the Gers and was executed by the Germans on 7 July 1944.
rides his bike on a tarmac causeway
makes him ten feet tall and drives him anywhere
dreams of rockets and home-run heroes
takes the brakes off on the big hills for a dare
oh when its dark here
there's a voice that will always call you in
but you don't care
you still sleep without thinking
best of luck Mr Gorsky all the world's waiting for you
there's a clock on the wall
and it ticks when you're small
counting for you
good luck Mr Gorsky all the worlds waiting for you
there's a plaque on the wall
that your wife won at school
cleans it for you
making holes in the tall white fences
and a hundred curtains flicker as you pass
think that man must be ninety-seven
built a telescope he focused on the stars
models in boxes never look like the pictures on the front
but that's o.k.