With its countless Cathar castles, the region of Aude has a considerable medieval heritage . Spread across the entire territory, it can often be a real headache to make your visit choices. To simplify the organization of your vacations in Carcassonne, Le Moulin de Saint-Anne campsite has listed for you ten medieval sites worth visiting in order of distance from Carcassonne.
Although a majority of the medieval castles of the Aude are located in the south of the department, other Cathar castles around Carcassonne can be visited and will not fail to arouse the curiosity of visitors.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Carcassonne has three main elements in its center: the Château Comtal and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire surrounded by double ramparts. To discover this exceptional site, several types of visits are organized there.
Built at the end of the 15th century, the building once belonged to the monks of the abbey of Lagrasse. It is today accessible in just 15 minutes from Carcassonne, making it the closest with the Château d'Auzias.
The Château Auzias Paretlongue invites you to discover its architectural heritage, but also its vineyard and cellars, which have earned it numerous awards.
Composed in reality of 4 castles (Cabaret, Tour Régine, Quertinheux, and Surdespine), this architectural ensemble built in the 13th century is one of the must-see Cathar sites in the region. In addition to its numerical peculiarity, the site is perfectly suited to hiking in an exceptional setting 25 minutes from Carcassonne.
Not far from the four castles, there is another must-see Cathar castle : the Château de Saissac. And for good reason! It is one of the largest in the region and especially the oldest castle since its construction dates back to the 10th century.
Unlike most of the other monuments, the Château de Rieux-Minervois is not open for visits. However, wine lovers will be able to discover the estate and end their visit with a tasting of wine produced on site.
Discover the Château de Villerouge-Termenès and the history of the Cathars during an audio-guided tour that will not fail to interest you. To complement this visit, the site also offers you a unique culinary experience in Europe thanks to its restaurant offering 15th-century medieval cuisine!
Recognizable by its quadrangular keep about twenty meters high as well as its turrets, the site is a true treasure of medieval Gothic architecture.
Although the ruins of the Château de Durban do not allow it to rank among the most beautiful medieval buildings in Occitania, it nevertheless offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley and the village below.
In addition to the previously listed must-see Cathar castles (Carcassonne, Lastours, and Saissac), other sites located much further south are also worth a visit.
An emblematic site of the Cathar country, the Château de Peyrepertuse is located less than two hours from Carcassonne. It can be visited with the help of documentation provided on site or by booking a guided tour. Its geographical location will also allow you to reach the Château de Quéribus (12 km away).
Whether you come by car, motorcycle, camper van, or caravan, the 4-star campsite Le Moulin de Sainte-Anne near Carcassonne offers you pitches and various rentals for your stay at the campsite in Occitania. Depending on your needs, opt for a chalet, a mobile home, a bungalow, or even a coco sweet for lovers of glamping.
