Montolieu

Sometimes referred to as "Village of Books", Montolieu contains fifteen bookshops, mostly specializing in second-hand and antiquarian books. Many artists also live and work in Montolieu, with five workshops and galleries of painters and sculptors and three photographers' studios. It also contains a substantial cactus garden, the Cactuseraie d'Escaïre-Figue.In 1989, Michel Braibant, a bookbinder in Carcassonne, initiated the Village of the Book in Montolieu. He created the Association "Montolieu Village du Livre", and founded the Arts and Crafts Museum of the Book.-Starting in 1991, bookshops and craftpersons of the book such as bookbinders and calligraphers set up shop in Montolieu.-A museum is created, le "Musée des Arts et Métiers du Livre"-The Paper Mill in Brousse is restored and reactivated.-Periodical cultural events are organized, such as "The Spring of Books", "Lire en Fête" and "Cuvée spéciale"-Nearly fifty buildings were renovated, and about fifteen beds and breakfast progressively opened up.-In 1992, Montolieu reopened its primary school.

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