Guide to the Aude & Property for Sale in Department 11

Aude was the centre 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 to the east. Aude is situated in a Mediterranean climate zone. Autumn is characterised by violent and short storms. The summer is often hot and dry, which is favourable to the cultivation of vines and olive trees. Yet, the department is more contrasted.

A Contrasting Region

In the north, the Montagne Noire and, in the south, the Pays de Sault, have a mountain climate, with temperatures that can be very low in winter.  In the west, the climate is influenced by Aquitaine, with more significant precipitation, while in the east, the climate is purely Mediterranean.

In the Centre, Limouxin, Carcassonnais, and Razès areas, the climate is characterised as intermediate, with significant exposure to winds. The winds are often present in the Aude. It is one of the windiest French departments, with 300 to 350 days of wind per year. This phenomenon is mostly due to the relief north and south, which creates 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 the south-east. These regular winds made it possible to install a park of windmills, like in the area of Avignonet-Lauragais, learn more about the different winds in southern France.

The Walled City of 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.

Charming and Historic Narbonne

Narbonne is a charming city in southern France, boasting a rich 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 kilometres (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.

Towns and Villages in Aude

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 known as the capital of the Corbières and features an excellent Wednesday morning market.

Beaux Villages of the Aude

Lagrasse is listed as a Beaux Village, and is one of the most attractive villages in Occitanie. It stands on the River Orb and features an 8th-century abbey, two very attractive bridges, and an unchanged, compact, and delightful medieval stone village centre. Leucate is an attractive hilltop village, located approximately 30 km south of Narbonne, which has expanded down to the coast, where Leucate Plage is a popular beach resort.

Historic Places and Cathar Sites

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 and Chateaux in Corbières

Wine production is extensive throughout the Aude, and local châteaux and domaines offer free tastings as well as sales of wine and other regional products. With the decline of some local wine production, local government policy now focuses on attracting more tourists to the area. To assist with this, the Corbières area is labelled on maps and road signs as Cathar country.

Key Information about the Aude

• Main City/Prefecture: Carcassonne
• Nearest Airport: Carcassonne Airport (approx. 3 km from the city centre)
• Population: Around 380,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 6,139 sq. kilometres and 2,370 sq. miles
• Landmark: Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 3 million, drawn by its historic sites, wine regions and resorts along the Mediterranean.

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