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 Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Aude, France including Cathedrale St-Just, Abbaye de Fontfroide, Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, Les Halles de Narbonne, Notre-Dame-des-Auzils, Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne, Tour Barberousse, La Plagette, La Cite Medievale, Monument a la Republique.
Restaurants in Aude
1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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!
4. Les Halles de Narbonne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 907 reviews
Reviewed By davidwnorth - Eastbourne, United Kingdom
The French do markets oh so well. Fish, meat and patisserie all excellent. Good places for lunch and being able to find obscure items for the kitchen cupboard.
5. Notre-Dame-des-Auzils
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By 658marshallb - Ferney-Voltaire, France
Definitely worth a short hike and visit - several parking spots are possible depending on how long you want to walk. On the way you pass some photogenic vineyards and ruins - the road is well marked but rather narrow at times but not dangerous - just watch when you go around bends in the road. The parking closest to the chapel and cemetery handles perhaps 30 cars. It is true that there is some repair work underway on the path up, also on the walls, but it should not hinder most people - but on a hot day, if you are rushing up to get into the chapel before its midday closing time of 1220, the hike, which climbs about 100 meters in altitude, should not to be taken lightly. And beach shoes are definitely not appropriate unless your ankles are in superb shape and you don’t mind walking on irregularly-shaped rocks. But this is all logistics - and once you pass by the moving monuments to sailors lost at sea, and the paintings and models of ships that went down in the sea, you should be pleased that you made the effort to get there. But do check the opening and closing times and dates - while there is a great panoramic view at the chapel level, it is more enjoyable to see it during a visit to the chapel.
6. 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.
7. Tour Barberousse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 566 reviews
Reviewed By jbrums - Snohomish, United States
We had a hard time finding the path to actually get up to the tower. I think we did a complete circle of the town/tower trying to find a way up. When we finally did it was definitely worth the short climb. The views were magnificent. You could see the lagoon, the towns and the mountains in the distance.
8. La Plagette
9. La Cite Medievale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By silverfox1942 - Stourbridge, United Kingdom
We are in our 70,s but really enjoyed the spectacle. It was all in French but acted out so you understood what was going on. It takes place in the old Cite. There was interaction with the audience and the display of sword fighting and horsemanship was enthralling. The youngsters loved it and the cast stayed at the end to have photos with the children. The action was both humorous and exciting. Thoroughly Recommended .
