 Located on an important river crossing, Trèbes was originally known as Tresmals (Three Fords) but in 1110 residents petitioned for the name to be changed to Trèbes (Three Goods) since Tresmals could also be parsed as "Three Evils".In mid-October 2018, Villegailhenc, Conques-sur-Orbiel, and Villardonnel, and Trebes, along with nearby areas along the River Aude, were devastated when the river flooded after intense rain.12 people were killed, including a nun.