Aude is a land of sunshine, history, and vineyards, stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the foothills of the Pyrenees. Known as "Cathar Country," it’s home to some of France’s most dramatic castles and fortified cities, along with tranquil countryside and sandy beaches.

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The departmental capital is Carcassonne, a fairy-tale city with towering ramparts and a fully restored medieval citadel that attracts visitors from all over the world. To the south lies Limoux, famous for its sparkling wine (Blanquette de Limoux), and to the west, Castelnaudary, the birthplace of cassoulet. The coastal town of Narbonne, with its Roman ruins and vibrant market, adds a Mediterranean flair.

 

Top sites include the Cité de Carcassonne, the Canal du Midi, and Cathar strongholds like Montségur and Peyrepertuse. Wine routes through the Corbières and Minervois vineyards reveal rustic beauty and superb tasting opportunities, while beach resorts like Gruissan and Leucate offer sea, sun, and seafood.

 

Property in Aude is varied and affordable, ranging from stone village houses and renovated wine domaines, to farmhouses with views of the Pyrenees and apartments in Carcassonne. The mix of history, coast, and countryside makes it a magnet for second-home buyers and lifestyle seekers alike.