guide
An introduction to the highlights of Cathar Country in the Aude: the citadel of Carcassonne, the Château de Peyrepertuse, Caunes-Minervois and its marble quarries, the Canal du Midi at Le Somail. The article also covers local activities, from hiking to the Gouffre de l’œil Doux to touring the vineyards in a 2CV, for planning a campsite stay in this region of Occitanie.
The Cathar Country is a name created by the Aude département to promote tourism in the Corbières. This region is today home to the majority of the vertigo-inducing citadels built in the country during the Middle Ages. This label is now owned by the Conseil général de l’Aude. Located at the heart of Occitanie, remnants of the medieval era are still present throughout Cathar Country. At the time, the region’s inhabitants converted to Catharism, which explains the historical origins of the name. We invite you to learn more about the must-see sights in Cathar Country and the activities on offer in this region of southern France. Several cheap campsites are available to welcome you in the best conditions.
Cathar Country is a destination packed with natural and historic sites that attract a considerable number of visitors throughout the year.
The city of Carcassonne is renowned for its fortified town, considered the largest of its kind in Europe. During your visit, you can enter the walled area through two gates, the Narbonnaise Gate or the Aude Gate. This gives you the chance to walk along more than 3 kilometres of ramparts and 52 towers that encircle the medieval city.
Peyrepertuse is one of the Cathar castles most popular with visitors to the region. This historic monument has been visited by more than 3 million people. Peyrepertuse fortress is part of a list of 14 Cathar castles.
Caunes-Minervois is a village located around twenty minutes from Carcassonne, founded near the Montagne Noire. During your visit, you’ll be guided by numbered trails leading you to the marble quarries.
The Canal du Midi was dug to create a passage between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. Today, several cruises are organised there.
The natural splendour of Cathar Country and the richness of its heritage make for plenty of activities.
The route around the Gouffre de l’œil Doux is one of the most sought-after sites among hikers. Several developed trails in the region make for great hiking all year round.
This one-of-a-kind experience is an adventure that lets you cross the vineyards starting from the villages of la Palme, aboard a 2CV. A guide accompanies you throughout this getaway.
Camurac is a ski resort located at an altitude of around 1,800 metres. In summer, hikers and paragliding enthusiasts make the most of the area.
Cathar Country is a tourist destination that fascinates history and nature lovers alike. For bargain hunters, several campsites at the best prices in the Aude offer affordable deals to help holidaymakers discover this beautiful region.
The medieval city, considered the largest fortified village in Europe, has 52 towers and more than 3 kilometres of ramparts, accessible via the Narbonnaise gate or the Aude gate.
The Peyrepertuse fortress is one of 14 Cathar castles listed in the region.
This village, around twenty minutes from Carcassonne, is known for its marble quarries, accessible via numbered trails.
Yes, several cruises are run from Le Somail on this canal linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean.
