Situated in the Occitanie region, between sea and mountains, the Aude is an ideal destination for a successful vacation. Whether you're interested in history, nature, gastronomy or relaxation, there's something for everyone. Are you ready to explore this department with its rich historical and cultural heritage and varied natural sites? Here's our top 19 things to do and visit in Aude, carefully selected by the editors of Le Petit Futé. Follow the guide!
1. The town of Narbonne
Narbonne boasts a rich cultural and archaeological heritage, including medieval masterpieces such as the Palais des Archevêques (construction began in the 12th century), the Abbey of Fontfroide (a Cistercian masterpiece over 1000 years old!) and a number of gems such as the Baltard-style Halles, the Canal de la Robine and its locks, the Pont des Marchands (Merchants' Bridge), which is one of the few bridges in France still inhabited... The cradle of Roman civilization, between sea and garrigue, with its vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, today is a town with a thousand facets. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Narbonne is an ideal destination to discover or rediscover, with family or friends, all year round!
2. Castelnaudary
Castelnaudary is known the world over for its famous gastronomic specialty: cassoulet ! But the surrounding landscape is also well worth a visit: hills as far as the eye can see, a palette of colors that can't be imagined, the remains of castles and ancient pastel and flour mills... Don't miss the Collégiale Saint-Michel, a 13th-century Gothic church worth a visit for its remarkable architecture and colorful stained-glass windows, and the Musée du Lauragais , which presents the history and traditions of the Lauragais region around Castelnaudary. Castelnaudary is crossed by the Canal du Midi, so you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the banks and cruise the canal in a boat.
3. What to visit in the Aude? Cathar sites
Aude, a land of history and legends, is marked by the imprint of the Cathars, a religious movement of the Middle Ages that left many vestiges in the region. Cathar sites are a must-see during a stay in the Aude. These include the famous Cité de Carcassonne, which we'll mention below, and the castles of Lastours, four fortresses perched on a rocky outcrop offering breathtaking views over the Orbiel valley. Château de Peyrepertuse, nestled at an altitude of over 800 metres, is another emblematic Cathar site, as is Château de Quéribus. Finally, the fortress of Montségur, a place of remembrance of the Cathar tragedy, will plunge you into the heart of the history of this religious community that left its mark on the Aude region forever.
4. Carcassonne
Carcassonne, the medieval city of a thousand and one wonders, is a must-see when visiting the Aude region . Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortified town is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France, and will amaze you with its well-preserved architecture and unique atmosphere. Don't miss the Cité Médiévale, with its impressive ramparts, cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. The Château Comtal and its majestic towers will take you back in time, while the Basilique Saint-Nazaire will seduce you with its Gothic architecture and colorful stained-glass windows. Last but not least, the Pont Vieux, which spans the Aude, and the Trivalle district, with its lively alleyways and craft stores, are just some of the treasures to be discovered!
Would you like to spend an unusual night? At the gateway to Carcassonne, you can stay in superb wooden cabins mounted on stilts in the heart of a 115-hectare estate.
5. Take a walk along the Canal du Midi
During your stay in the Aude region, don't miss the opportunity to take a stroll along this historic canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site linking Toulouse to the Mediterranean. There are a number of options available: on foot, by bike, by boat or even by barge, choose the means of transport that suits you best. Along the way, you'll discover enchanting landscapes, picturesque villages and remarkable engineering structures such as locks, canal bridges and tunnels. Not to be missed are Castelnaudary, Lac de Saint-Ferréol, an idyllic setting for swimming and water sports, and Trèbes, a charming stopover with its lively port and colorful houses.
6. What to visit in the Aude? Leucate
Leucate, a lively seaside resort, is a must-see destination in the Aude for lovers of the sea and wide open spaces. Among the sites to discover in Leucate, don't miss the picturesque village of Leucate-Village, perched on a hill and dominated by its windmill. For water sports enthusiasts, Leucate beach , with its 18 kilometers of fine sand, is a veritable paradise. Here you can swim, windsurf, kitesurf or paddle. The protected natural site of the Falaise de Leucate, offering an exceptional panorama of the sea and ponds, is also a place not to be missed.
7. The Sigean African Reserve
This 300-hectare zoological park offers an unusual and unmissable opportunity to meet over 140 animal species ! Set between garrigue and pond, this semi-natural area of over 350 hectares is home to thousands of wild animals, which you can discover in complete safety in your car. The first 7.5 km routewill take you to meet Tibetan bears, white rhinoceroses, giraffes or lions... The second route is on foot (2h to 3h). You'll observe cheetahs, chimpanzees, dromedaries, pink flamingos, storks and pelicans, then head for the vivarium and its impressive reptiles, finishing with the large aviary.
8. What to visit in Aude? Rennes-le-Château
Rennes-le-Château, a mysterious village steeped in history, is a must for lovers of enigmas and legends. Situated in the heart of the Corbières, in the Aude department, this small village became famous thanks to Abbé Saunière, who is said to have discovered a fabulous treasure in the 19th century. Since then, numerous theories and speculations have emerged, fuelling the myth of Rennes-le-Château and attracting curious visitors from all over the world. Be sure to visit the church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, with its enigmatic decor and intriguing statues, as well as Abbé Saunière's estate, home to the Magdala Tower and Villa Bethania. The Musée du Trésor de Rennes-le-Château will plunge you into the history and legends of this extraordinary village.
9. The Cabrespine chasm
Renowned the world over for its mineralogical wealth, the Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine (Europe's largest engineered chasm) offers an unforgettable and enchanting itinerary of limestone columns, draperies and aragonites. During your visit, you'll descend 250 metres underground to discover a fascinating world of stalactites, stalagmites and limestone concretions in astonishing shapes and colors. The underground river, which meanders through the depths of the chasm, adds a touch of magic to this exceptional natural site.
10. What to visit in the Aude? The village of Gruissan
Gruissan is a charming fishing village made famous by Jean-Jacques Beineix's film "37°2 le matin". Among the sites to discover in Gruissan, don't missthe circular village, with its narrow streets and traditional houses with colorful facades, organized around the central square and the church. The marina, with its fishing boats and lively terraces, is also a pleasant place to stroll. Nature lovers will appreciate the unspoilt landscapes of the Etang de Gruissan and La Clape, a mountain massif classified as a "Grand Site de France", offering numerous opportunities for hiking and water sports. When the weather's fine, you'll be able to take part in numerous events such as the Festejades, the Gruissan Beach Rugby, or the famous Wind Challenge (mid-May).
11. Peyrepertuse castle
Perched at an altitude of over 800 meters on a rocky ridge, Château de Peyrepertuse , whose first fortifications date back to the 11th century, offers an exceptional panorama of the Corbières and the Roussillon plain. To reach the castle, you'll have to follow a steep path, which leads you through the remains of ramparts, towers and buildings that bear witness to the eventful history of this emblematic site. Places to discover at Peyrepertuse include the chapel of Sainte-Marie, the master tower and the great enclosure, all of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Peyrepertuse is the most accomplished and best-preserved example of medieval architecture in the Languedoc region.
12. What to visit in the Aude? The village of Lagrasse and its abbey
The former cultural capital of the Corbières region, Lagrasse is a medieval village on the banks of the Orbieu River, with an authentic charm and rich heritage. It's listed as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, and you'll soon see why: its cobbled streets, stone houses and shady squares will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time, and you'll enjoy an unrivalled sense of tranquillity. We recommend a visit to the Abbey Sainte-Marie, a jewel of Romanesque art founded by Charlemagne: a fascinating tour! You can also visit the cloister, gardens and chapter house by asking one of the canons who live on site.
13. Caunes-Minervois
Huddled around its Benedictine abbey, surrounded by the remains of the fortified enclosure, Caunes-Minervois boasts a surprising architectural heritage! Caunes-Minervois is renowned for its Benedictine abbey, a jewel of Romanesque art, and for its red marble quarries, which have been used since Antiquity and whose marble adorns the Trianon at Versailles, the Opéra Garnier and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.... During your visit to Caunes-Minervois, don't miss the Abbey of Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, founded in the 8th century, which houses a cloister, refectory and church with remarkable decorations. The marble quarries near the village are also worth a visit, with their underground galleries and impressive vaults.
14. Fontfroide Abbey
Founded in the 11th century, Fontfroide Abbey is an incredibly well-preserved Cistercian abbey in Narbonne, which reached its apogee in the 12th and 13th centuries/ During your visit to Fontfroide, you can discover the abbey church, with its magnificent stained glass windows and sculpted decorations, the cloister, with its galleries and gardens, and the conventual buildings, which today house a museum and library. Fontfroide Abbey, which has welcomed numerous monks and personalities over the centuries, is also renowned for its exceptional natural setting, with its terraced gardens, fountains and shady walkways.
15. What to visit in Aude? Dinosauria or the Dinosaur Museum
Located 45 kilometers south of Carcassonne, the Musée des Dinosaures is France's first cultural site dedicated to dinosaurs, taking you back in time to the origins of life on Earth. You'll discover a 2,500m2 permanent exhibitiondevoted to dinosaurs and other fossils of reptiles, mammals, invertebrates and plants discovered in the four corners of the planet (20,000 fossils on display). The 12 life-size dinosaur reconstructions, the 18 complete dinosaur skeletons from around the world, and the animated T-rex are truly impressive! The visit is sure to delight young and old alike. Workshops are also on offer, allowing visitors to learn more about the profession of paleontologist and take part in real digs.
16. Camurac
Camurac is a small village of around 100 inhabitants with the authentic charm of a mid-mountain village: it is the only ski resort in the Aude Pyrenees. The ski resort, located 5 km from the village on the Col du Teil, rises to an altitude of 1810 m, and offers a multitude of winter sports, as well as hiking, walking and other outdoor activities in summer and winter. During your visit to Camurac, you can also discover the church of Saint-Christophe, with its bell-wall and wooden porch, the wash-house and the fountain, which bear witness to the daily life of the inhabitants in days gone by.
17. What to visit in the Aude? Sainte-Lucie Regional Nature Reserve
The Sainte-Lucie Regional Nature Reserve is home to some very beautiful landscapes: among them, the vast, wild beach of Vieille Nouvelle, ancient salt pansand the island of Sainte-Lucie , which offers a beautiful view of the lagoons and surrounding massifs. We recommend climbing to the top of the Roc Saint-Antoine for an exceptional panoramic view of Narbonne, Gruissan and its lagoons. The trails (3 and 6 km) will take you to the remains of the salt workers' canteen, the buildings of the winery and a church..
18. Narbonnaise Natural Park
The Parc naturel de la Narbonnaise is one of France's last great preserved natural sites, with almost 300 hiking trails, 350 bird species, 1,400 plant species and, above all, 9,230 hectares of listed sites (Clape, Fontfroide, Gouffre de l'Œil doux). During your visit to the Parc naturel de la Narbonnaise, you'll discover lagoons, ponds, dunes, garrigues, forests and vineyards, offering an exceptional setting for hikes, walks and nature observation. The park is also home to numerous historical and cultural sites (castles, churches and abbeys) that testify to the richness and diversity of the Aude region's heritage.
19. What to visit in the Aude? Alphonse Daudet's Cucugnan
Located in the Corbières, Cucugnan is a village in the Aude region that's well worth a visit. During your visit to Cucugnan, you'll discover the château, which overlooks the village and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, the church of Saint-Julien and Sainte-Basilisse, with its bell tower-wall and frescoes, and the Moulin d'Omer, which bears witness to the village's milling history and tradition. For gourmets, Cucugnan, which inspired Alphonse Daudet's famous tale "Le Curé de Cucugnan", is also renowned for its wines, olives and honeys, for which the region is famous. You can also take advantage of the many footpaths for lovely walks.
What to visit in the Aude with your family?
The Aude is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Occitanie , and offers many activities and places to visit for families. Here's a list of sites that might interest you:
- The Cité de Carcassonne: This medieval castle and ramparts are a must-see in the region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers guided tours suitable for children.
- The Canal du Midi: This waterway, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a great place to take a boat or bike ride. Or simply picnic on its banks.
- Le Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine: This exceptional natural site is the largest underground cave in Europe open to the public. A visit that will amaze young and old alike.
- La Réserve Africaine de Sigean: This semi-natural animal park is home to more than 3,800 animals over 300 hectares. You can explore it by car or on foot.
- Les Châteaux Cathares: These medieval fortresses, perched on rocky outcrops, offer magnificent panoramas and instructive tours.
- Tautavel Prehistory Museum: This museum traces the history of man in Europe back 550,000 years. It offers educational workshops for children.
What are the most beautiful villages to visit in the Aude?
Aude is full of picturesque villages steeped in history. Here are just a few that are well worth a visit:
- Lagrasse: Classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, Lagrasse is renowned for its Benedictine abbey, medieval streets and craft market.
- Minerve: This village perched on a rocky spur is also classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages. It is famous for its Cathar history and spectacular scenery.
- Rennes-le-Château: This mysterious village is associated with numerous legends and theories surrounding the Templar treasure and the mystery of Rennes-le-Château.
- Cucugnan: Made famous by Alphonse Daudet and his mill, this picturesque village offers breathtaking views of the Corbières and the Pyrenees.
- Camon: This small medieval village is remarkable for its well-preserved architecture and Benedictine abbey.
- La Couvertoirade: Located on the Larzac plateau, this Templar and hospitable village is an outstanding example of medieval military and religious architecture.
- Gruissan: Known for its circular village and fishing port, Gruissan also offers beautiful beaches and a protected natural site, the Etang de Gruissan.
Planning a vacation in the Aude? Take the opportunity to discover our dedicated article on the 10 Must-See Festivals in the South of France.
