L'Aude
The Aude Department, spanning from the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees, is home to a great number of prestigious sites and landscapes. Surrounded by spectacular natural settings, in the heart of ancient vineyards, discover the châteaux and abbeys of Cathar Country, the medieval city of Carcassonne, and the coastal lagoons dotting the Regional Natural Park of Narbonne. Stroll in the shade of century-old trees along the Canal du Midi, and get a rush from nature with activities such as mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting and other water sports.
Five reasons to visit Aude
- The Cathar Trail (GR367): from Port-la-Nouvelle on the Mediterranean, to Foix in the Pyrenees, the Cathar Trail is a relaxing hike or mountain bike adventure that combines beautiful scenery with visits to historical Cathar citadels. For fans of trails and epic tales!
- The Canal du Midi Greenway is adapted to cyclists: these 240 km of traffic-free paths were developed along the Canal's old towpath and are safe for solo riders, couples and families.
- The resorts of Gruissan and Leucate along the Aude's Mediterranean coast are blessed by the prevailing winds, and known as some of the world's best windsurf, funboard and kitesurf destinations.
- Aude has six VTT FFC sites (mountain biking trails approved by the French Cycling Federation), in settings ranging from the Mediterranean to the Corbières, the Black Mountains to the Pyrenees. There are more than 70 circuits through all levels of terrain, as much for professional thrill seekers as for families out for the day.
- Thrills: canoeing, kayaking, rafting, white water swimming, canyoning... The Aude Department has a reservoir of white water rushing from the Pyrenees, which flows to the Aude plains and lagoons along the Mediterranean coastline. Beginners or those training for competition can explore narrow passes and gorges via well-researched circuits.