Guide to the Aude & Property for Sale in Department 11

Explore the Aude & Properties in the Area

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, short-lived 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.

Aude, a Contrasting Region

In the north, the Montagne Noire, and in the south, the Pays de Sault, have a mountain climate, with winter temperatures that can be very low.  In the west, the climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with more significant precipitation, while in the east, the climate is predominantly 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, the Cers blows, called Tramontane in Provence, which is a ground wind. It is a dry, quite violent wind, and it is 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 wind park, similar to those in the Avignonet-Lauragais area. 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 offering 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 in 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 wine and other regional products for sale. 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 (11)

• 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. Three million people visit its historic sites, wine regions and resorts along the Mediterranean.

Types of Properties for Sale in Aude

In Aude, the property market offers a diverse selection: from traditional village and town houses to bourgeois residences and the more typical Languedoc-style maisons vigneronnes. It also includes modern villas, particularly along the coast or in popular tourist destinations. Buyers will also discover detached houses in various styles (single or two-storey) and buildings in need of renovation.

Common Property Styles in the Department

• Village or Town Houses – Often historic, these properties are characteristic of small towns and may require renovation work.
• Maisons Vigneronnes – Typical of the area, these former winegrowers’ houses often feature large volumes and character.
• Bourgeois or Maisons de Maître – Recognisable by their more refined architecture and larger proportions, often with decorative details and spacious interiors.
• Villas – Newly built homes, whether detached, semi-detached, or terraced, that blend into Aude’s diverse landscapes.
• Contemporary Homes – Designed in a modern style with clean lines and current materials, these are popular in developing areas and new residential zones.
• Coastal and Countryside Villas – Properties with gardens by the sea or in rural areas, often offering sought-after views.
• Buildings and Renovation Projects – Aude’s history offers opportunities to acquire historic properties, such as farmhouses or stone buildings, for restoration as homes or holiday retreats.
• Bed and Breakfasts: Many homes are designed to welcome visitors, offering potential for rental income in this tourist region.

Property Prices in the Aude in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,950 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €2,677  (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Price trends: +2% over the last 12 months, +27% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

House Prices in the Main Towns of the Aude

• Average House Price in Carcassonne: €1,629 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Narbonne: €2,624 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Castelnaudary: €1,881 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Lézignan-Corbières: €1,799 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Limoux: €1,584 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)

Looking for Property to Buy in the Aude?

• Affordable Authenticity: The Aude is 30–50% more affordable than Provence or the Riviera, with historic stone houses, mas farmhouses, and coastal villas, often under €300,000.
• Rental Potential: Carcassonne’s medieval charm and coastal towns, such as Leucate, draw millions of visitors yearly, with properties achieving rental yields of 5–9%, especially near vineyards or beaches.
• Strong Transport Links: Carcassonne Airport, TGV links to Toulouse/Paris (1h/4h), and close to Spain (2h to Barcelona) provide easy access for second-home owners.
• Diverse Climate & Landscapes: From Mediterranean beaches to Cathar Hills, the Aude offers sunshine, wine charm, and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and wine tourism.
• Cultural Lifestyle: A region rich in history and tradition, featuring Cathar castles, weekly markets, and festivals like Carcassonne’s summer fête, blending heritage, gastronomy (cassoulet), and a relaxed lifestyle.

Please browse our selection of properties for sale in Aude listed below, and register to receive alerts for homes that match your search criteria.