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).

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.

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.