Aude

Aude is a département in south-central France named after the Aude River.

History

The Roman road Via Domitia crossed Aude in classical times.

Aude was the center of the Cathars, a 10th-century Gnostic Christian sect.

The present department was one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from part of the former province of Languedoc.

Geography

Aude is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains.

It is part of the current region of Languedoc-Roussillon. It is surrounded by the departments of Pyrénées-Orientales, Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Tarn, and Hérault, with the Golfe du Lion on the east.

Tourism

Carcassonne has been restored to much of its medieval glory. Narbonne attracts many tourists to its Roman ruins.

Miscellaneous topics

List of the communes of the Aude département

External links

• Conseil Général website (in French)
• Prefecture website (in French)
• The Aude département and Languedoc-Roussillon région
• Esperaza Site
• Chambres D'Hotes in the Aude
• Accommodation and guide to Carcassonne