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A guide to moving to

Aude

Browse properties in Aude

The landscape in Aude is diverse and pretty, and the climate is favourable for olive groves and vineyards - so it’s easy to see why this is one of the world’s best wine regions. The hills are adorned with cypress and umbrella pine trees, and each region within the department is distinctive.

To the east, you’ll find the sandy white sands of the Mediterranean, including popular coastal resorts like Gruissan Plage and Port-la-Nouvelle. Head north and you’ll find the Montagne Noire (black mountains), with its streams, rivers and lakes, enchanting forests and magnificent viewpoints. Ski Camurac is on the edge of the department of Aude and is a great choice for beginners.

One of the best things about living in Aude is being able to enjoy a peaceful, authentic French lifestyle, with a lower cost of living than in places like Provence. If you’re thinking about applying for French residency, read on to learn why you should consider living in Aude.

 

Places of Interest in Aude

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Cities are in Aude?

There are many cities in Aude, including Carcassonne, Coursan, Narbonne, Limoux, Sigean and Trebes.

 

Where to Live in Aude

Wondering which region in France is right for you? If you’re considering living in Occitanie, here is an overview of the best places to live in Aude.

 

Bize-Minervois - This small medieval village sits on the River Cesse. With an estimated population of around 1200, the historic cobbled centre is close to Narbonne. Around 30% of the local population is aged 65 or over. You can expect to pay in the region of €220,000 for a spacious 3-bedroom home here. In July, people flock to the village to celebrate the Feast of the Olive Tree, where local merchants show off their best produce. The annual motorcycle freestyle festival also takes place in July. The village carnival is held during the winter and includes dances, processions and a masquerade ball.

 

Carcassonne - Known as the ‘capital’ of Aude, this is one of France’s tourist hotspots and one of the most popular places to live in the department. Renowned for its 12th-century citadel, La Cite, it has an estimated population of around 47,000. 24% of the people living in Carcassonne are aged 65 or over. Carcassonne is just over an hour from Toulouse and Perpignan airports, so it’s a popular choice for English-speaking expats from outside the EU. You can expect to pay in the region of €220,000 for a two-bedroom apartment in the town centre. Every July, Carcassonne hosts a unique festival with 120 performances and concerts, including opera, dance, theatre and classical music. Many of the shows are free to attend.

 

Castelnaudary - Famous for its lake (the Grand Bassin), this town is a popular mooring spot for people sailing along the Canal du Midi. The local population is estimated to be around 12,200 and about 24% of the population is aged 65 or over. You can expect to pay in the region of €160,000 for a four-bedroom house with a pool. Castelnaudary is also famous for its cassoulet, a slow-cooked stew of sausage, pork, duck confit and white beans. Every year in August, the town celebrates this local dish at the Cassoulet Festival. The festival includes music, food markets, processions and a flower parade.

 

Caunes-Minervois - This small historic town with an ancient 8th-century abbey has an estimated population of around 1650. Approximately 33% of the local population is aged 65 or over. Caunes-Minervois tends to be quiet and peaceful during the winter. In the summer months, it bursts to life with a variety of cultural events, including a music festival in the historic abbey. Caunes-Minervois is 23km from Carcassonne city centre, so it’s a popular choice for expats. You can expect to pay in the region of €345,000 for a converted four-bedroom stone barn with a swimming pool.

 

Gruissan - This ancient village is at the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée. Built in view of the 10th-century Barberousse medieval tower, it has a maze of pretty streets and two marinas. The gorgeous seaside resort of Gruissan-Plage is just 3.5 km away. Originally a fishing village, the bustling market town of Gruissan has an estimated population of 5100, with 37% of the population being aged 65 or above. You can expect to pay in the region of €190,000 for a two-bed property in Gruissan. During the summer, the village is very popular with tourists - there are many holiday apartments on the harbour, which offer excellent access to the local beaches and easy access to the city of Narbonne, which is 15 km away.

 

Leucate - This coastal seaside resort boasts five popular tourist attractions - La Franqui beach, the historic village centre, Leucate beach, Port-Leucate and the island of Correggio (which is home to a naturist village). Leucate’s population is estimated to be around 5000, with 42% of residents being aged 65 and over. You can expect to pay in the region of €170,000 for a contemporary 3-bedroom apartment with views of the port. Each year at Easter, La Franqui beach hosts Le Mondial du Vent, which is a major windsurfing competition. This family event includes competitions, shows and entertainment.

 

Peyriac-de-Mer - Just south of Narbonne, this small village is nestled on the Mediterranean salt marshes between Montpellier and Perpignan. The population is estimated to be around 1150, with 30% of the population being aged 65 and over. The village offers plenty of old-world authentic charm and sits at the heart of the Narbonnaise Regional Nature Park. It is notable for its wine-growing activity. You can expect to pay in the region of €150,000 for a traditional 3-bed village home.

 

Quillan - This town is one of the most popular choices for English-speaking expats. It has an estimated population of 5200, and 36% of the people living here are aged 65 or older. Sitting at the base of the Pyrenees mountain range, it’s within easy reach of Carcassonne (53 km) and Perpignan (76 km). Quillan’s unique location means there are different activities to enjoy depending on the season. During the summer months, it’s only an hour’s drive from the gorgeous Mediterranean coastline. In winter, it offers fast access to the ski slopes. If you love getting close to nature and want to live a peaceful lifestyle, Quillan is an excellent choice. You can expect to pay in the region of €95,000 for a modern three-bedroom apartment in Quillan.

 

Cost of Living in Aude

The minimum price you can expect to pay for a property is around 1000€m2, but the average price is around 1500€m2. Some of the most desirable properties can cost more than 2500€m2, particularly if you want to live in the medieval Cite de Carcassonne. Whether you want a traditional French villa or an elegant Maison de Maitres, you’re sure to find a home you’ll love in Aude.

The overall cost of living in France is around 5% higher than in the UK. However, the amount you need to budget for will always depend on your lifestyle preferences. The cost of living in Aude is likely to be much cheaper than in an urban city like Paris. White goods like washing machines, tumble driers, refrigerators and dishwashers tend to be expensive in France. Monthly utility bills are similar to what you would pay in the UK. In areas like Aude, you might want to factor in the cost of air conditioning, as it can get very hot during the summer months.

If you’re thinking about buying a renovation project in Aude, be sure to research the cost of DIY materials. These tend to be much more expensive than in the UK.

If you enjoy eating out, the cost of alcohol is much lower in France than in the UK. This applies in bars, restaurants and supermarkets. Dining out is also cheaper - you can often enjoy a three-course plat du jour with wine for as little as €14.
Fuel and local transport tend to be slightly cheaper than in the UK.

If you’re thinking about retiring to France, you’ll need to consider the currency exchange rate. It’s always best to speak to a currency broker before making any financial commitments or decisions.

 

Weather and Air Quality in Aude

Aude enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with around 300 days of sunshine per year. Spring begins at the end of February when you’ll see velvety yellow mimosa flowers and almond trees in bloom. The weather stays mild until the middle of June when the temperature increases. The summer season is hot and dry - there can be many weeks without any rainfall. The summer season continues until the end of September or early October. During autumn, the weather remains mild. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below zero and snowfall is unusual.

 

History and Culture in Aude

From prehistoric caves to medieval castles, the department of Aude has a rich history. There are many historic towns and villages within the region. Carcassonne is home to a famous 19th-century fortress, Cite de Carcassonne, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient port city of Narbonne is full of Gallo-Roman Heritage and is home to several fascinating museums. The department also has many famous cathar castles and historic abbeys, including Caunes Minervois, Fontfroide and Lagrasse. And if you’re interested in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, be sure to take a trip to the mysterious village of Rennes le Château!

Aude runs a programme of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including:

  • Scenes of Childhood Festival - March - This fortnight-long festival for families includes theatre performances, puppet shows, circus, music, dance, reading and films. Events run in a range of venues, including stages, theatres and libraries.

 

  • Sortie de Case (Box Exit) - April to October - This comedy festival takes place in a variety of libraries, bookstores, cinemas and other cultural locations throughout the department. It includes meet-and-greets with authors, workshops, visual arts and live podcasts.

 

  • Circus Time - November - This ten-day festival includes up to 20 circus performances designed to appeal to all age groups.