Top Things to do in Aude
Top Hotels in Aude
- 1. Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne-MGallery
- 2. Hotel Montmorency Cite Medievale
- 3. Hotel du Pont Vieux
- 4. Hotel La Bastide Saint Martin
- 5. Hotel du Chateau "Cite Medievale de Carcassonne
- 6. Hotel du Pont Vieux
- 7. SOWELL Hotels Les Chevaliers
- 8. Hotel Campanile Carcassonne Est - La Cite
- 9. Hotel La Residence
- 10. Ibis Styles Carcassonne La Cite
What to do and see in Aude, Occitanie: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Aude, France including Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, Cathedrale St-Just, Palais des Archeveques, Abbaye de Fontfroide, Eglise Saint-Nazaire, Cathar Castles, Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, Chateau Comtal, Chateau de Peyrepertuse, Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne.
Restaurants in Aude
1. Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption
2. Cathedrale St-Just
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,106 reviews
Reviewed By Hugo929 - Los Angeles, United States
This cathedral joins the one in Siena (Italy) as an example of grandiose but truncated plans. Begun in the 13th century in the prevailing gothic style it has impressive thick columns, beautiful gothic arches and colorful stained glass windows. Built on the site of previous churches, one can find remnants. In the 14th century funds run out, mostly because of a decline of business in Narbonne, so the nave is missing.
3. Palais des Archeveques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By Marijkedol - Limoux, France
There is something about the cathedrales in France. The Cathedrale St Just in Narbonne is very impressive. You cannot help to feel humble and quiet if you wander through this magnificent building. It is right in the centre of Narbonne and it has a lovely garden.
4. Abbaye de Fontfroide
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,112 reviews
Open all year long. Visits, Restaurant, Wines, Concerts...
Reviewed By chaletaria
Beautiful abbey just outside Narbonne (you need transport). In an excellent state of repair and an informative leaflet (although the downloadable PDF is better- available French, English, Spanish). The cloisters are interesting, as are the gardens, but the piece de resistance is the church with its incredible stained glass windows. We came back in the evening to watch the light show (10-midnight). We were concerned that we would just see everything again, but in the evening, but the show was completely different and an excellent evening experience. The beautifully done show in the tour d’honneur/ courtyard (french only) was the highlight, as was a nice light show in the Louis XIV courtyard. Not too expensive (unless you opt for their meal+show, which we didn’t).
5. Eglise Saint-Nazaire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,917 reviews
Reviewed By PJandSJ - Matlock, United Kingdom
This is an imposing church which exudes a sense of deep history. The stained-glass windows at the altar end of the church – the apse – are beautiful, particularly the two rose windows – one at each end of the transept. I sat there for several minutes gazing at their beauty … and returned two days later to have another look. The windows rivalled anything that I’ve seen on visits to various churches around the world.
6. Cathar Castles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 831 reviews
Reviewed By alexanderp982 - Helmsange, Luxembourg
Once you have parked in the village, walked to the entrance and paid the fee (face mask compulsory inside) you then take off your mask for the steepish walk up the hillside paths to reach each of the 4 castle ruins in turn. Allow 2 hours to do the tour. Ticket includes access to viewpoint across the valley which you can then drive to afterwards.
7. Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,819 reviews
Reviewed By shonas804 - Auckland, New Zealand
We absolutely loved visiting here. Imagine a real life medieval town, Harry Potter fans would love this place. I loved everything thing about it .... from the cobbled streets, the amazing turrets, to the fantastic shops, the incredible history and being able who walk around in a living city with so much history. The church had gorgeous stained glass windows. Go here, it is amazing!
8. Chateau Comtal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 905 reviews
Reviewed By Karen7 - London, United Kingdom
This well restored castle costs 9 euros to enter plus 3 for an audio guide which is good for English info on the history and events in the castle even though it's amusingly voiced by an Aussie and Irishman acting as the restorer Violet de Duc. You get to walk around so much of the castle and ramparts. We really enjoyed the night lights show too for 13 euros with films and music played on the castle walls. Helps to be fairly mobile though to navigate the various stone staircases
9. Chateau de Peyrepertuse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Reviewed By SuzInDenver - Denver, United States
It’s a short trek to the rocky top but it totally pays off. There are lots of the castle ruins to explore plus 360 gorgeous views in several spots. Take water and a snack. It was really windy at the top so not the best for a full on picnic. There is an entrance fee, but we thought it was worth it.
10. Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,328 reviews
Carcassonne was settled as early as the 6th century BC and later became an important Roman town. It was fortified in the 4th century and was a strategic site in the Middle Ages. It took on its definitive shape in the 13th century with the king’s decision to construct the distinctive double-walled ramparts and extend the castle. The city was restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century and is a testimony to 1,000 years of military architecture and 2,600 years of history. See a 12-minute film combining 3-D images and close-up footage; walk along the galleries, the fortified walls and the north ramparts; discover the museum of masonry and many other attractions. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > April to September: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. > October to March: from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By azeemcobb
Carcassonne is an old walled medieval city. If you like history and peace and quiet this city is well worth the visit, Very few cars are allowed in the city, so walking and enjoying the shops and sights is quite enjoyable. Spending a day walking the ramparts and looking at all the ancient artifacts and then enjoying the fine food and drink in the evening is most relaxing and enjoyable.
