The department of Aude takes its name from the river with the same name. It’s a department in the Languedoc Roussillon region. The area is often referred to as Cathar-country, named after the people that used to live here. The Cathars built lots of castles and fortresses, to defend themselves. Many of these castles are still here, often placed on top of mountains. The most famous and well preserved Cathar castle is in the capitol of Aude – Carcassonne.
Apart from the mayor Tourist attraction Carcassonne, Aude has a lot to offer. Narbonne is an interesting city with both modern and ancient attractions and lots of festivals in the summer. Outside Narbonne there is various beach resorts like Narbonne Plage. The Canal du Midi runs through the department. The villages along the canal west of Carcassonne are truly romantic, and well worth visiting, for example Trèbes, it is also possible to rent boats and have a canal holiday.