The Local Area

Welcome to the heart of the Cathar world with Carcassonne as the capital. An area with rich historical importance, located between the sea and mountains. The Cathar presence has left many interesting places to visit, the fortified city of Carcassonne, and abbeys such as Saint Hilaire and Fontfroide.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne has been restored too much of its medieval glory. Narbonne attracts many tourists to its Roman ruins. Other towns and villages worth visiting include Limoux, Quillan, Lezignan – Corbières, Lagrasse, Sigean and Leucate. Limoux lies in the upper Aude valley, 24 km south of Carcassonne. It is particularly noted for its local wine, Blanquette, a sparkling white wine which is said to have been the forerunner of Champagne. Limoux hosts an extensive and varied market each Friday. Quillan lies 27 km further south in the upper Aude valley and is at the head of the branch railway from Carcassonne. Lezignan-Corbières lies on the main road between Carcassonne and Narbonne. It is called the capital of the Corbières and has an excellent Wednesday morning market. Lagrasse is listed as one of the most attractive villages in France. It stands on the River Orbieu and has an 8th century abbey, two very attractive bridges and an unchanged and very compact and delightful medieval stone village centre. Sigean, 18 km south of Narbonne, lies between the A9 Autoroute and the coast and has an African Reserve. Leucate is an attractive hilltop village, about 30 km south of Narbonne, which has spread down to the coast where Leucate Plage is a popular beach resort.

Aude Markets
Most towns have regular market days. The markets are usually a mix of local food and produce and "stuff". The stuff includes clothes, fabric, shoes, utensils, jewellry, you name it.

Here are some of the markets:

Other interests:
The other markets that are terrific are brocantes, puces, and vide-greniers. The brocantes are markets with used things, not really antiques but a lot of very interesting items, some of which look like antiques to my Irish eye. The puces - flea markets and brocantes are scheduled regularly.

The interesting ones are vide-greniers and foires brocantes. "vide-grenier" means empty attic, or empty the attic, it's usually a combination of villagers and dealers and there is an incredible mix of stuff available. A foire brocante is similar, but more dealers and higher prices. You'll see notices for vide-greniers in tabacs and in shop windows. There are also magazines devoted to brocante and they have listings.
So keep a keen eye out for any of them.