Guide to the Aude and Properties in Department 11

Aude was the center of the Cathars, a 10th century dualistic and Gnostic Christian sect. The present department is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution in March 1790. It was created from part of the former province of Languedoc, now Occitanie. Aude is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains. It is part of the current region of Languedoc-Roussillon. Aude (number 11) is surrounded by the departments of Pyrénées-Orientales, Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Tarn, and Hérault, with the Golfe du Lion on the east. Aude is under the influence of a Mediterranean climate. The autumn is characterised by violent and short storms. The summer is often hot and dry which is favorable to the culture of the vine and the olive-trees. Yet, the department is more contrasted.

In the north, the Montagne Noire and, in the south, the Pays de Sault, have a climate of mountain,with temperatures sometimes very low in winter.  In the west, the climate is under Aquitaine influence, with more important precipitations while in the east the climate is purely Mediterranean.

In the Centre, in the Limouxin, Carcassonnais and of Razès areas, the climate is known as intermediary, with important exposures to the winds. The winds are often present in Aude. It is one of the windiest French department, with 300 to 350 days of wind per year. This phenomenon is mostly due to the reliefs north and south which create a kind of corridor.

In the North-West, blows the Cers, called Tramontane in Provence, which is a ground wind. It is a dry, pretty violent wind and cold in winter. At the opposite, blows the Autan, locally called the Marin, which is hot and wet and comes from the sea in south-east. These regular winds made it possible to install park of wind mills like in the area of Avignonet-Lauragais, learn more about the different winds in southern France.

Medieval Carcassonne

Carcassonne is famous for its stunning medieval fortress, the Cité de Carcassonne. This captivating walled city, with its narrow cobbled streets, ancient ramparts, and imposing towers, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with a variety of festivals, events, and performances. Its diverse culinary offerings showcase the best of Languedoc-Roussillon flavours. Visitors can explore charming markets and boutiques, sample delicious local specialities, or simply relax and soak up the city's unique atmosphere.

Historic Narbonne

Narbonne is a charming city in southern France with a cultural and architectural heritage. Highlights include the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur and the ancient Roman Horreum. The city's vibrant markets, lively cultural scene, and diverse culinary offerings make Narbonne a truly enchanting destination. Narbonne is located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the Mediterranean coast. The closest coastal towns to Narbonne are Narbonne-Plage and Gruissan, both of which offer beautiful beaches and a range of water sports and activities.

Others Towns and Villages

Other towns and villages worth visiting include Limoux, Quillan, Lezignan – Corbières, Lagrasse, Sigean and Leucate. Limoux lies in the upper Aude valley, 24 km south of Carcassonne. It is particularly noted for its local wine, Blanquette, a sparkling white wine which is said to have been the forerunner of Champagne. Limoux hosts an extensive and varied market each Friday. Lezignan-Corbières lies on the main road between Carcassonne and Narbonne. It is called the capital of the Corbières and has an excellent Wednesday morning market.

Lagrasse is listed as one of the most attractive villages in France. It stands on the River Orbieu and has an 8th century abbey, two very attractive bridges and an unchanged and very compact and delightful medieval stone village centre. Leucate is an attractive hilltop village, about 30 km south of Narbonne, which has spread down to the coast where Leucate Plage is a popular beach resort.

The Corbières Hills form the central part of the department. This is an area of dissected plateaux and escarpments which form an effective barrier to direct road communication. It is a very attractive and sometimes wild area of steep hills, hidden valleys, woodland and vines, and contains some of the most memorable Cathar sites including Quéribus, Peyrepertuse and Villerouge-Termenès.

Wine Country

Wine production is extensive across Aude, and local chateaux and domaines provide free tastings as well as sales of wine and other local produce. With the decline of some local wine production, local government policy is now to attract more tourists to the area, and to assist with this the Corbières area is now labelled on maps and road signs as Cathar country.

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