📍 France

AUDE: CATHAR COUNTRY AND MEDITERRANEAN CULTURE COMPLETE

Medieval ramparts rise magnificent, Mediterranean blue shimmers, Cathar castles crown the summits. Aude is mysterious.

≈ 10
Days
281
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Visit Carcassonne citadel, Lastours Cathar castles, Lagrasse abbey, Narbonne and its Archbishop's Palace, Gruissan and Leucate beaches, mysterious Rennes-le-Château. Taste Limoux blanquette. Aude, between Cathar citadels and Mediterranean.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Carcassonne

fortress city crown majesty

Carcassonne - Photo 1Carcassonne - Photo 2Carcassonne - Photo 3Carcassonne - Photo 4Carcassonne - Photo 5Carcassonne - Photo 6Carcassonne - Photo 7Carcassonne - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval city (UNESCO).
2
Four Cathar castles.
3
Medieval bridge.
🎯

Activities

→
Night show in summer.
→
Lower town.
→
Canal du Midi.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 21min
2
Day

Lastours

castle ruins crown peaks

Lastours - Photo 1Lastours - Photo 2Lastours - Photo 3Lastours - Photo 4Lastours - Photo 5Lastours - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Most Beautiful Villages of France.
2
Saint-Just Cathedral.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike between the castles.
→
Corbières wine tasting.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 43 km
Travel time: 52min
3
Day

Lagrasse

abbaye village glow stone

Lagrasse - Photo 1Lagrasse - Photo 2Lagrasse - Photo 3Lagrasse - Photo 4Lagrasse - Photo 5Lagrasse - Photo 6Lagrasse - Photo 7Lagrasse - Photo 8Lagrasse - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Roman horreum.
2
Canal de la Robine.
3
Market halls.
🎯

Activities

→
Covered market.
→
Nearby beaches (Narbonne-Plage).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 42 km
Travel time: 51min
4
Day

Narbonne

port city anchor coast

Narbonne - Photo 1Narbonne - Photo 2Narbonne - Photo 3Narbonne - Photo 4Narbonne - Photo 5Narbonne - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Circular village.
2
Barberousse Tower.
3
Salt marshes.
4
Cap Leucate.
🎯

Activities

→
Oyster tasting.
→
Kitesurf.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 14 km
Travel time: 17min
5
Day

Gruissan

lagoon resort beach glow

Gruissan - Photo 1Gruissan - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Pond.
2
Aude Gorges.
3
Church and mysteries.
🎯

Activities

→
Rafting.
→
Swimming in the Aude.
→
Panorama over the Pyrenees.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 35min
6
Day

Leucate

beach town crown coast

Leucate - Photo 1Leucate - Photo 2Leucate - Photo 3Leucate - Photo 4Leucate - Photo 5Leucate - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Magdala Tower.
2
Old bridge.
3
Blanquette cellars (sparkling wine).
🎯

Activities

→
Blanquette de Limoux tasting.
→
Carnival (winter).
→
Beach.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 1h48
7
Day

Quillan

canyon gateway valley pass

Quillan - Photo 1Quillan - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Old town.
2
Aude Gorges.
🎯

Activities

→
Rafting.
→
Canoe.
→
Swimming in the Aude.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 26 km
Travel time: 32min
8
Day

Rennes Le Chateau

mystery village glow stone

Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 1Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 2Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 3Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 4Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 5Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 6Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 7Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 8Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 9Rennes Le Chateau - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Church and mysteries.
2
Museum.
3
Magdala Tower.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking.
→
Panorama over the Pyrenees.
9
Day

Limoux

wine tradition sparkling glow

Limoux - Photo 1Limoux - Photo 2Limoux - Photo 3Limoux - Photo 4Limoux - Photo 5Limoux - Photo 6Limoux - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Old bridge.
2
Museum.
3
Blanquette cellars (sparkling wine).
🎯

Activities

→
Blanquette de Limoux tasting.
→
Carnival (winter).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 19 km
Travel time: 23min

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.