Aude Travel Guide (Occitanie/France/Europe)

Introduction to Aude

Aude is a department in Occitanie, France. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the east, Spain to the south, and Andorra to the southwest. The Aude river flows through the department, which is home to a diverse landscape of mountains, vineyards, and beaches. Aude boasts a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its numerous historical sites, lively festivals, and an array of mouth-watering dishes.

List of Places to Visit in Aude

If you are traveling to Aude, there are numerous places to visit, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Carcassonne: This is a fortified medieval city with a rich history and stunning architecture that dates back to the 12th century.
Abbaye de Fontfroide: This is a former Cistercian abbey that is now a museum showcasing the history of the region.
Narbonne Cathedral: This impressive Gothic cathedral dates back to the 13th century and boasts intricate stained glass windows and sculptures.
Château de Puilaurens: This castle is perched atop a rocky outcrop and commands stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Natural Attractions of Aude: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Gorges de Galamus: This stunning natural gorge features a narrow road carved into the rock and a beautiful chapel built into the cliffside.
Lac de la Cavayère: This man-made lake is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and fishing.
Pyrenees Mountains: Aude is home to part of the Pyrenees mountain range, which offers spectacular hiking trails and breathtaking views.
Leucate Beach: This picturesque beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and windsurfing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Aude

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Aude has plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the best routes include:

Sentier Cathare: This 250-kilometer trail follows the path of the Cathar castles and takes you through stunning landscapes.
Plateau de Sault: This is a popular biking route that features beautiful scenery and charming villages.
GR36: This hiking route traverses the region from east to west and offers fantastic views of the Pyrenees mountains.

Best Things to Do in Aude: Activities and Tours

Wine Tasting Tours: Aude is home to many vineyards and wineries, making it a great place to go on a wine tasting tour.
Canal du Midi: Take a boat tour along the Canal du Midi and explore the beautiful countryside from the water.
Festival of Carcassonne: This annual festival takes place in July and features many cultural events, performances, and an impressive fireworks display.

Week-Long Itinerary for Aude

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Aude, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day	Activity
1	Explore Carcassonne and the Cathar castles
2	Visit the ancient abbey at Fontfroide and the Narbonne Cathedral
3	Hike in the Pyrenees mountains and enjoy the scenic views
4	Take a wine tasting tour at one of the many vineyards in the region
5	Spend the day at Leucate Beach and go windsurfing or swimming
6	Visit the Château de Puilaurens and take a boat tour along the Canal du Midi
7	Attend the Festival of Carcassonne and enjoy the cultural events, performances and fireworks

Food and Drink Scene of Aude

Aude is known for its delicious cuisine, which features Mediterranean flavors and local ingredients. Some must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

Cassoulet: This is a hearty stew made with white beans, pork, and sausage.
Truffle omelet: Don’t miss the opportunity to try the aromatic and flavorful truffles.
Oysters: Aude is famous for its fresh oysters that are harvested from nearby coastal waters.
Pastis: This anise-flavored liqueur is the perfect drink to enjoy with your meal.

Local Beverages

Languedoc Wines: Aude is home to many vineyards that produce excellent wine, including Minervois, Corbières, and Fitou.
Blanquette de Limoux: This sparkling wine is considered to be the precursor to Champagne and is a must-try for wine lovers.
Muscat de Rivesaltes: This sweet wine is made from Muscat grapes and makes an excellent dessert wine.

Where to Stay in Aude: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Aude has many accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses include:

DoubleTree by Hilton Carcassonne: This hotel is located in the heart of Carcassonne and features stunning views of the medieval city.
Auberge du Vigneron: This charming guesthouse is located near the vineyards and provides a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
Hostel Smith: This hostel is located in the heart of Narbonne and provides comfortable and affordable accommodation.

What to Buy in Aude: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Truffles: These aromatic mushrooms make a delicious and unique souvenir.
Souvenirs from Carcassonne: The gift shops around the medieval city offer a great selection of souvenirs, including postcards, magnets, and keychains.
Local Wines: Don’t forget to bring home a bottle or two of the delicious Languedoc wines.

Local Culture and Customs of Aude

Aude has a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its festivals, traditions, and the local way of life. The people of Aude are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Aude

The best time to visit Aude is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and mild. The region is also popular during the fall when the vineyards are harvesting their grapes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Aude

Do:

Try the local cuisine and wine.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Visit the historical sites and museums.

Don’t:

litter the countryside.
Ignore the dress code when visiting religious sites.
Over-indulge in the local wine and spirits.

Safety and Health

Safety in Aude

Aude is a safe region, with low levels of violent crime. Visitors are advised to take normal safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Aude

Visitors to Aude should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The region has excellent medical facilities, and visitors can access medical treatment at the local clinics and hospitals.

Getting to Aude: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Aude

Carcassonne Airport: This airport is serviced by Ryanair and provides flights to and from various destinations in Europe.

Bus Stations Near Aude

Narbonne Bus Station: This bus station provides connections to various destinations in France and Spain.

Other Options

Train: Aude is well connected by train, with regular services to and from various destinations in France and Spain.
Car: Visitors can also hire a car to explore the region at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Aude

The best way to get around Aude is by car, as this allows visitors to explore at their own leisure. Alternatively, visitors can use the local buses or trains to get around.

Where to Go Next from Aude: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations and excursions include:

Montpellier: This vibrant city is a two-hour drive from Aude and provides a lively atmosphere and cultural attractions.
Perpignan: This charming city is just a short drive from Aude and offers an array of museums, galleries, and historical buildings.
Barcelona: This vibrant city is a three-hour drive from Aude and boasts stunning architecture, museums, and restaurants.

Conclusion

Aude is a region that offers something for everyone, from history and culture to stunning natural landscapes and delicious food and wine. With so much to see and do, it’s worth planning a trip to this fascinating corner of France.

Bize Minervois

Rennes-le-Château