To visit





If you enjoy nature walks or discovering charming, authentic villages, then the Aude is the perfect place for your vacation! Boasting an exceptional medieval heritage, Aude boasts a diversity of breathtakingly beautiful monuments.

Here are just a few of my favorites. As soon as you make your reservation, I'll give you a booklet with some great addresses and tips to help you prepare for your stay

The medieval city of Carcassonne



Stroll through the medieval city and visit its ramparts



Welcome to Europe's largest medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. This fascinating destination will transport you back in time: imagine yourself in the cobbled streets, surrounded by imposing ramparts and its 52 majestic towers. Visit the château comtal and admire the panoramic views over the town and surrounding area.
Dreaming of knights or princesses, your children will enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Cité Médiévale de Carcassonne... and so will you!

Tourist Office activities




Carcassonne Tourist Office organizes a variety of activities for young and old. Opt for a classic or special guided tour for children, followed by a medieval workshop to introduce them to the arts of the Middle Ages. Put on a VR headset and immerse yourself in the history of the Cité and the daily life of a medieval family.

The Canal du Midi



A family experience



Built according to the plans of the genius Pierre-Paul Riquet, the Canal du Midi was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1996.


By bike, or with a stroll along the old towpaths, discover the tranquility of the moment and the beauty of nature. Take in the atmosphere on the canal: the boats and strollers you pass, stop to watch the fishermen..

As the water flows



Come aboard a barge and enjoy the unique experience of passing through a lock. Choose the guided cruise departing from the Port of Carcassonne to discover the history of the Canal du Midi. This educational and entertaining experience is ideal for families, and animals are welcome too!

You can even take a picnic cruise during the summer and enjoy a meal while admiring the scenery.

La Bastide Saint Louis



In the heart of Carcassonne




Linked to the Cité by the Pont Vieux, Bastide St Louis, also known as the "lower town", is unique.
Take advantage of Place Carnot, the heart of the town, stroll through the streets and admire the facades of the 18th-century townhouses or the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Climb the steps of the tower of St Vincent's church and enjoy a unique view of the Bastide and the Cité.


Castles and Abbeys



Lastours




The four castles are built on a rocky spur above the village of Lastours, isolated by the deep valleys of the Orbiel and Grésillou rivers. Seen as the guardians of the valleys, like four inseparable brothers, the castles of Lastours create a stunning defensive aspect.

Quéribus




With its perfect integration into its rocky promontory and its complete defensive system, Quéribus is the best example of fortress architecture in the Cathar region. Rising to an altitude of over 700 meters, the castle of Quéribus projects its elegant silhouette and offers a superb panorama stretching from the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees.

Peyrepertuse




The fortress of Peyrepertuse is one of the "5 sons of Carcassonne". It stands on a limestone ridge at an altitude of almost 800 metres.
This gigantic structure is the same size as the city of Carcassonne. Nicknamed the "heavenly Carcassonne", it represents the most important medieval architectural ensemble in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Puilaurens




A bastion par excellence, perched on a rocky spur at 697m, like an eagle's nest in the heart of a coniferous forest, this majestic site is reached by a footpath, offering visitors a dreamlike setting, with its lacy battlements and the legend of the White Lady.

Terms




Discover Termes castle, set on a high rock with impressive vertical walls, emerging from oak and juniper trees in the heart of Cathar country.
One of the most powerful castles in Languedoc, it ruled over the Termenès region, a seigneury comprising some 60 villages.

Saint-Hilaire Abbey




This human-scale monastery is organized around its Gothic cloister and houses the "sarcophagus" of Saint-Sernin, a major work by the Master of Cabestany. Its reading chair is listed as unique in France.
It was here in 1531 that the monks invented the world's first sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux.

Lagrasse Abbey




Imposing and majestic in its green setting, the abbey founded under Charlemagne in 779 was the largest in the département. Since then, it has become one of the department's finest architectural treasures. Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse is one of the most prestigious religious monuments in Occitanie, and bears witness to over 1200 years of history.


Charming villages



Montolieu




Montolieu Village du Livre et des Arts has forged a solid reputation over the past 30 years thanks to its bookshops, book artisans and the Musée des Arts et Métiers du Livre.
Stroll through the flower-lined streets, visit the church of Saint-André and let yourself be carried away by stories and journeys as you leaf through the books, after pushing open the doors of the bookshops.

Caunes-Minervois




The village is built on the banks of the Argent Double river at the foot of the Montagne Noire.
The marble quarries have given Caunes-Minervois an international reputation for its incarnate red marble. Numerous royal and imperial monuments have used it, including Versailles, the Louvre and the Invalides.

Cavayère Lake



Snow sports



Just 5 minutes by car from the medieval town of Carcassonne, the Lac de la Cavayère is a great place for swimming, walking, sports and relaxation.
During the summer season, Lac de la Cavayère offers a wide range of activities, including the Carcassonne water-ski lift, where you can discover wakeboarding, water-skiing, wakeskating and paddleboarding in a soothing, natural environment.
After your session, you can enjoy tapas or a drink and take in the view of the lake.

For thrill-seekers



Would you like to make the most of the fine weather while having a great time with family and friends? Aqua Viva is an inflatable water park with water jumps, a fun activity for young and old. Toboggans, catapults, trampolines, slide mats, climbing wall and obstacle courses... everything you need to have fun for an afternoon or a whole day. You can also take advantage of the catering area.

Get some height



You're in for a safe family thrill. Try the zip line and feel light and free. O2 aventure offers 7 acrobatic courses with 100 workshops and 4 zip lines, something to please adults and children alike!

You can also enjoy the explor games adventure, an interactive experience that takes you back to the 12th century.