The modern région of Languedoc covers only a fraction of the lands where Occitan or the langue d'oc – the language of oc, once dominated. Bas Languedoc covers an area stretching from Agen in the North West through Toulouse and across to Nimes in the North East down through the Camargue and Montpellier to Perpignan in the South. It is a region of outstanding and contrasting natural beauty and steeped in medieval history.

The department of Aude occupies the bottom right of the region of Languedoc and takes its name from the river that runs through the department rising in the Pyrenees where it makes its dramatic descent through the gorges in the high valley (Haute Vallee) after which it meanders across the plains to finally meet the Mediterranean at the ancient roman city of Narbonnne. The departmental administration is based in Carcassonne where within a short walk can be found the magnificent ancient Cité of Carcassonne surrounded by not one but two high ramparts and boasts an incredible 52 towers. Aude is also the land of the romantic Cathar castles which are in abundance from which we have taken our name.

Audes spectacular and varied landscape makes the area ideal for walking. The high mountain paths and meadows, the plains and the coastal nature reserves offer walking at all levels and abilities making it one of the most popular walking areas in France.

One important factor that contributes to the popularity of the area with walkers is the climate. The region benefits from a late autumn, early spring and a short winter. This makes it possible for us to walk virtually all year with just a short break between mid July till early September due to excessive temperatures (around 35/40 deg C).

For all our walking holidays you will be based in high quality three star accommodation located on the banks of the river Aude just south of the famous medieval city of Carcassonne. Your breakfast and evening meals are included in the cost of your holiday as are packed lunches when walking. The cost of your English speaking guide, excursions, collection and drop off at Carcassonne airport and all transportation to and from your walks is also included.

All your walks are marked, tested and graded by the Fédération Française de la Randonne Pédestre (FFRP) who are the only officially recognised walking body in France. The FFRP gives a 1 to 4 grading on all their walks based on level of difficulty, time to complete and are classed as either very easy, easy, moderate or difficult although in this region the difficult grading is more to do with time than physical challenge. All the walks are in Aude within the Languedoc region of South West France. Our walks cater for walkers of all levels of ability.