Culture, nature and gastronomy
After a restful night and a tasty breakfast, set off to discover the historical and cultural riches of the Aude region. Between picturesque walks and captivating visits, explore the region’s must-see sites and let yourself be charmed by its unique heritage.
Day 1
The medieval city of Carcassonne
Visit the Cité Médiévale in Carcassonne. Just before the drawbridge, admire the replica bust of legendary heroine Dame Carcas.
Cross the drawbridge to discover the lices, the space between the two walls. You’re now at the foot of the Tour Narbonnaise, an imposing defensive tower.
Then stroll along rue Cros-Mayrevieille, lined with stores, to the Place du Château, where you’ll see the bust of Jean Pierre Cros-Mayrevieille, the city’s savior.
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Visit the Château Comtal (self-guided or guided), exploring the inner ramparts with panoramic views of Carcassonne, the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire. Don’t miss the castle’s towers, hoardings and museum.
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Finish your panoramic tour on the ramparts, passing through the Place du Théâtre Jean Deschamps, behind the Basilique Saint-Nazaire (free admission), a sublime example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
After the basilica, wander through the picturesque streets of Rue du Plo, Rue du Moulin and Place du Grand Puits.
You’ll be at the foot of the Château Comtal, where you can take a tour of the lices between the ramparts. Head for the Porte d’Aude, another magnificent viewpoint, often used for scenes in films such as Les Visiteurs.
Day 2
Breathtaking experiences
This itinerary in the Aude region takes you to altitude to recharge your batteries.
First stop: the castles of Lastours.
As you discover the Cathar castles, don’t miss a visit to this exceptional site, a veritable historical treasure trove.
Along the way, let yourself be dazzled by the spectacular panoramas that unfold along the way.
Climb the stairs to admire the four castles and explore every nook and cranny of this fascinating site.
Take advantage of the Faunes et Flores trail to discover the botanical wealth of this area steeped in 4,000 years of history.
Just a stone’s throw from the castles of Lastours, plunge underground into the spectacular Gouffre de Cabrespine, one of the ten most beautiful caves in Europe.
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You’ll discover some amazing mineral formations, whose originality lies in its glass bridge, suspended 200 m above the ground. This tour is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
But there’s more to the Gouffre de Cabrespine than just a visit: the more adventurous can continue their adventure with accrogrotte, a vertiginous via ferrata along the cliffs, monkey bridges and underground zip lines.
If you prefer a quieter experience, opt for a canoe trip on the underground river, crossing the immense galleries of the chasm.
To extend your exploration, head for the Limousis cave, one of the largest caves in Europe.
You’ll marvel at its seven majestic chambers and emerald-green lakes. An underground adventure not to be missed!
Day 3
A local experience
By car or by bike, this day is all about the very local. A few kilometers from the campsite, discover the village of Villesèquelande. Le village de l’Arbre, ranked among the most original in the world, is home to a 400-year-old country elm, considered a “remarkable” tree. This unique site is also a center for street art, with a monumental 1000 m² fresco located in the Vignerons de la Voie romaine cooperative cellar.
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You’ll also discover Aude’s only hazelnut producer, offering products under the “Sud de France” label (hazelnuts, oil, spreads), as well as cosmetics under the Secret des Avelines brand.
The village of Villesèquelande offers shops, restaurants and the Maison des Arts et de la Nature, which hosts exhibitions and cultural events. The Canal du Midi, with its elegant stone bridge, adds to the charm of this enchanting setting. Then set off for a stopover of peace and serenity at the Abbaye de Villelongue.
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Immerse yourself in the history of this former Cistercian abbey, founded in 1180 and located just 3 km from the village of Saint-Martin-le-Vieil. The visit concludes with a pleasant stroll through its medieval-inspired garden, nestled in the former monastic enclosure. A place where ancient stones and a romantic atmosphere meet for a moment of calm and contemplation. From the Abbey, a two-hour hike takes you through capitelles, vineyards and undergrowth.
The day’s escapade continues at home, with a visit to the village of Montolieu. The more adventurous will leave their vehicles at the campsite and walk up to the village via the Chapelle Saint Roch.
Once in the village, stroll through the 15 bookshops and bouquinistes to unearth a second-hand book, rare comic or vinyl, and explore the local art galleries and workshops. Visit the Musée des Arts & Métiers du Livre and learn about graphic arts in one of its workshops.
Follow the village’s 46 heritage panels, admire the Saint-André church and stroll around the former Royal Cloth Factory, where you’ll learn about the Retirada, a poignant page in Spanish history. Enjoy a refreshing moment on the banks of the Alzeau river on the Moulins de la Dure hike (6.2 km round trip).
For a breathtaking view, cross the 18th-century bridge or admire the panorama from the Place de l’Espérou. Finally, climb the hill to the chapelle Saint-Roch for a superb view and a bucolic return to the campsite.
Day 4
A feast for the taste buds near Carcassonne
Like many regions of France, the Aude region abounds in gastronomic treasures.
For a visit to the vineyards that couldn’t be more local, make an appointment with Jérémie or Yoanna from Domaine Carmen. Their vineyards are right behind the campsite! They’ll be delighted to show you their trade and their products! You can then extend your discoveries along the Cabardès wine trail.
A visit to the Château de Pennautier is a must. A veritable jewel, combining the elegance of classical architecture, the charm of its romantic park and the art of French living, this 17th-century historic monument promises a moment of wonder. A former family home, it invites you to stroll through its immense grounds, classified as a remarkable garden.
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If you opt for a guided tour (Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am in season), you’ll discover sumptuous interiors, including the King’s bedroom, where Louis XIII once stayed. Don’t miss the chance to taste the estate’s wines in the Château’s cellar, and enjoy a delicious meal at the Table du Château for a total immersion in history and terroir.
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Then discover Aude’s black diamond with a visit to the Maison de la Truffe d’Occitanie in Villeneuve Minervois. Explore the fascinating world of truffles on a fun, interactive tour that reveals their history, cultivation, harvesting, marketing and gastronomic approach.
A natural beach dedicated to board sports (wingfoil, kitesurf, windsurf, kitefoil, paddle…), it offers 3.5 km of sand between the Mediterranean Sea and the pond, to satisfy all tastes!
Set off in search of the “black diamond” through a series of carefully designed theme rooms. Your senses will be stimulated by audioguides, olfactory totems, slide shows and a virtual book with audioguide.
To continue delighting your taste buds, head for Trèbes for a gourmet visit to Chocolaterie Nougalet: Since 1951, this chocolatier and confectioner has opened a unique concept in the region. Next to the sweet store, visit the gallery to discover the artisanal stages of production through 10 themed workshops (chocolate, praline, nougat, caramel, etc.).
Chocolatiers perpetuate traditional recipes with authentic ingredients and artisanal techniques, presented in an immersive way thanks to videos, totems and old machines. After a self-guided or guided tour (reservation required), you can also enjoy a chocolate bar with a tasty drinks menu.
More gourmet delights? Come to Limoux for a sparkling experience!
At Sieur d’Arques, producers of Première Bulle which you can taste at the campsite, come and enjoy a unique experience as you discover the history of the world’s first sparkling wine. Explore the perfect blend of tradition and modernity in the making of these exceptional wines, and finish with a tasting of their cuvées with their captivating aromas and flavors.
To round off the day, a tasting of cassoulet is a must! Don’t hesitate to ask us for the best addresses!
What better way to end the day than with a local meal at La Terrasse? Join us for one of the 4 Telethon meals at your campsite.
Our favorites
Our favorite: Discover Montolieu in a comfortable Buggy with Montol Aventure, departing from the campsite! A trip that ends with a gourmet delight…
More: the melon festival in July in Pezens, the asparagus festival in May in Alzonne, climbing in Caune Minervois, a day trip to Toulouse, climbing the Pic de Nore on foot or by bike.