Nearby
This area is perfect for day trips to the Cathar Castles and picturesque villages. For trips to the coast, a wildlife park, the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, or one of the famous caves. For strolls along gentle becks, waterfalls or the calm Canal du Midi with its locks. For a day of leisure at one of the mountain lakes or for mountainbiking or horseback trips…
Traversed by the famous and UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi, the legendary town of Carcassonne is one of Europe’s finest fortified towns. From the ramparts of its famous fortifications, you’ll enjoy amazing views over the slopes of the vineyards of Languedoc. Take a stroll through the town’s streets and find yourself back in mediaeval times. You’ll really be getting away from it all here! Make the most of the sunshine of the Aude when you come to the Bastide Saint Louis or the very heart of Carcassonne, and enjoy a glass of something nice on one of the sun-drenched terraces.
There is something for everyone here and the unique thing is, that it is all within your reach. The sun, the wine, the Occitan hospitality and wonderful cuisine are pleasant extra’s.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is divided into two, quite separate parts. La Cité occupies a plateau on the right bank of the Aude. La Bastide Saint-Louis lies on the left bank. The old district of la Trivalle and the famous Old Bridge have been, from that time, the links between their two destinies…
Beaches
In the east the Aude is 50 km Mediterranean coast rich: beautiful beaches, beautiful seaside resorts and a lot of étangs. The textile-free holidaymakers are fully catered for in this region and can choose from a large arsenal of naturist beaches …
Castles
In the Aude there are several fortresses of the Cathars, which are inextricably linked to the history of this region. Everything here reminds you of the grandeur of an era in which the rebellious Cathars defined their territory with their castles…
Museums
Aude offers a range of museums, ranging from ancient art to modern art, contemporary and applied art and discover a region that exudes art, culture, beauty and craftsmanship. Culture lovers will enjoy it here…
Markets & flea markets
In addition to the many daily markets, there are also the flea markets, ‘Vide-greniers’, as they are called here, usually on Sunday morning! Announcements for vide-greniers are posted everywhere along the side of the road…
Abbeys
Aude is known for its rural castles, abbeys and the Cité of Carcassonne. Lovers of abbeys can indulge themselves with the most famous Abbey de Fontfroide close to Narbonne and the Abbey Sante Marie in Lagrasse…
Caves & Gorges
There are a dozen caves in Occitania that you can visit, each with their own characteristics. When you visit a cave it is important to put on good shoes and also bring an extra vest, because it can be slippery and cold in a cave. A cave is a special natural phenomenon. When you visit a cave you really imagine yourself in a different world. The world of stalagmites and stalactites and special rock formations…
Gastronomy
The cassoulet, a white bean stew, candied duck and sausage, is the most famous winter dish from Aude. The cassoulet was originally from the small village of Castelnaudary. But there are many more special regional dishes to mention! Restaurants are plentiful, most cook with regional products!
It will not surprise you that many star restaurants are also located here…
Wines
Visiting wine estates, tastings, walks through the vineyards, wine and harvest festivals, the winemakers of the Aude welcome you to share their art de vivre with you. Whether you like red, white or rosé, the Aude has various wine regions, of which the Corbières and the Minervois are the best known, as well as the Blanquette de Limoux, which is said to have been developed by the monks of St. Hilaire…
