Aude Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Carcassonne Medieval Castle

Carcassonne, I had hardly heard of it before. When planning the trip and researching, I discovered that Carcassonne has a medieval castle, and I didn't have high expectations for it. Having visited quite a few castles in Europe, I imagined they would all be more or less the same. However, when the Carcassonne Castle came into view, it was somewhat shocking. Atop a rugged rocky mountain, built following the terrain, stood the uneven and towering battlements, thick walls, and sturdy towers. From a distance, Carcassonne Castle looks like something out of a fairy tale, a true medieval castle scene, which can be described as 'stunning' and is sure to leave a lasting impression. It is said to be the most popular tourist attraction in Languedoc. The castle has defensive fortifications, with the town enclosed in the center, surrounded by numerous battlements and 52 stone towers. The towers' unique 'witch hat' shapes are said to have been added by the architect Viollet-le-Duc during the 19th-century restoration. The main gate, the Narbonne Gate, leads to the castle's interior maze-like cobblestone alleys and courtyards, which today are filled with businesses and restaurants serving tourists. For many centuries, the hilltop where the old town is located was occupied by Gauls, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Franks, and Cathars, among others, as a fortress to strengthen the defense. In 1659, when Roussillon was annexed by France, it no longer played an important role as a frontier fortress and gradually fell into decline. The castle features a concentric design, with double walls and defensive towers to withstand the attack of siege engines. At the main gate, the Narbonne Gate, one can still see the drawbridge that would be raised during times of turmoil. The castle's second gate, the Aude Gate, was partially damaged in 1816 and no longer has a drawbridge. Visiting the castle is free, but within the ancient castle is the Count's Castle, which requires a separate ticket for admission. Due to limited time, if one were to visit every attraction, the cost of tickets would be considerable. For trips like mine, driving by car, except for staying more than two days in big cities, it's basically one city per day. Even if there were mines, there wouldn't be enough time, and most cities are just for sightseeing and checking in. Inside the old castle, there is also a church, the Church of Saint-Nazaire, with its stained glass windows and delicate, elegant round patterns, offering a beautiful experience. Outside the old castle, the Old Bridge spans the River Aude, originally built in the 15th century and restored in the 19th century. At the end of the bridge, there is a unique small chapel, which feels a bit special and is worth exploring the story behind it. The Old Bridge leads to the city of Carcassonne, where buildings, small squares, and church relics can also make one linger. Tired, I'll just post pictures, which better illustrate the beauty of Carcassonne.

Visit Carcassonne Castle in winter

Carcassonne stands tall on a rugged rocky hilltop, with uneven and towering battlements, solid walls, and sturdy bastions. Carcassonne Castle, the largest medieval fortress in Europe, has endured over two thousand years of history. It fits most people's perfect imagination of a medieval castle and is an impressive sight. The fortified town is surrounded by two sets of battlements and several stone towers, topped with unique 'witch hat' roofs. The main gate leads to a labyrinth of cobblestone alleys and courtyards inside the castle, which are now mainly lined with shops and restaurants. To walk along the walls, you must purchase a ticket (9.5 euros) to enter the Count's Castle. The Carcassonne Tourist Office operates regular 1.25-hour old town walking tours (adult/child 6/5 euros), but unfortunately, it was the off-season in winter, and I couldn't enter the main castle. An additional surprise was the fantastic Michelin meal I had in the old town, without having to wait or queue.

The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval citadel located in the French city of Carcassonne, in the department of Aude, Occitanie region. It is located on a hill on the right bank of the River Aude, in the south-east part of the city proper. The walls of the city are 13 km long. For travelers visiting Carcassonne Center, Cote Cite is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation.

It is only 5 km from the castle of Peruturde to the ancient city of Carcassonne, which is so famous because it is the representative of the city of Carcassonne. The ancient castle in Carcassonne is known as the largest and most preserved castle in Europe. It has a double wall of inner city and outer city. The inner wall is a Roman-style city block and the outer wall is a Gothic wall. The medieval castle is a solid soup. The shape of the castle often appears in cartoons. Through the suspension bridge, enter the Nabones Bridge Gate, through the ancient street, you can reach the town center, stroll on the stone road in the Middle Ages, or walk around the ancient wall, the deep medieval style can not help but think of the Middle Ages Knight hero. Listen to the locals telling the story of the Romans occupying the castle or other castles, and the beauty and heavenly tranquility of the creation.

The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval citadel located in the French city of Carcassonne, in the department of Aude, Occitanie region. It is located on a hill on the right bank of the River Aude, in the south-east part of the city proper. The walls of the city are 13 km long. For travelers visiting Carcassonne Center, Cote Cite is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation.

In the evening we live in the city of Carcassonne, about two hours from Collioure a medieval fortress city, the capital of the province of Aude. We stayed at the Carcassonne Relais & Chteaux, a castle hotel with a golf course that has a history of more than 300 years. There are two restaurants in the hotel, one of which is a Michelin star, but it is not coincidental that we were out of business on the same day. We can only go to another one. If you can get the Relais & Chteaux certification, the food will not be bad. So we are also eating and enjoying. Actually, the reception place is not big, but it is not the same when shooting with wide angle. Therefore, taking out the camera with the lens is also very important, but also to balance, so there is a lightweight body is best for girls. Each room is a suite, each room is different in decoration and design, but it is a French court style. Whether you are a small public or not, it will be attracted by its temperament.

Drive to Narbonne and go to the most famous buffet restaurant in France, Les Grands buffets, where about 700 to 1,400 people come to eat every day. The data is enough to show its popularity. There is so much delicious food here. The recommended ham is a good ham. It is a good pig that cannot be separated. The combination of free-range and organic feeding makes the pork fat but not greasy, thin and not firewood. The ham made is crystal clear and beautiful, like a piece of art, naturally good taste. This method of pickling is not much different from the traditional Chinese approach. Apply the coarse salt to the whole ham and air dry for about 9 months to make the lean fat full of time. Foie Gras must be an indispensable signature dish in French cuisine. However, it is important to note that "FoieGras" is just a fat liver, and does not specifically refer to the liver of any bird. Generally, some of the low-end duck liver, the high-end is the legendary foie gras, of course, the foie gras is also divided into three or six. The method of making foie gras is very complicated. The surface of the membrane should be removed, and the blood vessels should be removed. Marinate with brandy and put in the oven. After cooling, it is pressed into a shape and cut into thin pieces. It is usually a starter, with a tempting fruity aroma and tenderness. The mouth is instant, with jam and dried fruit, and the aftertaste is endless.

Today, it has been converted into a luxury hotel, mainly for the reception of winery customers. Staying at the palace where the king used to be is definitely an extraordinary experience. Only the hotel does not have formal online sales, relying only on word of mouth between guests. Unlike other general hotels, rooms must be ordered more than four times a night. Once your order is confirmed, the hotel will no longer accept other reservations. The entire castle will be your own private place. Walking into the castle is like walking into a living museum and art palace, full of 17th century royal aristocratic style. Entering the door is a French grand ballroom. A feeling of deja vu appears. Did I come in my dreams? In fact, whether it is the famous Palace of Versailles or the Chambord built by King Franois I, the decoration of the interior of the French King is self-contained and has the same elements. I was deeply impressed by the visit to Chambord twice.

Visit the Napa Valley winery and try it out when you come to Napa Valley.

The winery is very close to the coast, and you can feel the Mediterranean breeze. What is shocking about the vineyard are the stones, which cover the ground. Wine is very sweet, whether it's dry red or dry white. For wine enthusiasts, it's definitely worth taking a look!