What to do today in Aude? Would you like to go sightseeing or take the family out? Have you already visited the Château Comtal at the Cité de Carcassonne, the Canal du Midi, the African Reserve, Rennes le Château and Montolieu? If so, the best option is to get off the beaten track and discover an area that’s almost secret, but well known to the locals.
If you’re looking for a new idea for a day out, or a variety of activities in the department between Carcassonne, Perpignan and Narbonne, close to the sea, look no further than the Val de Dagne!
🌸 1. Participate in Julien Martre's Workshops - Boèmia
Start your day at the heart of plants and life with an immersion in the sensitive and inspiring world of Boèmia. During this unusual tour led by Julien, you’ll learn how to recognize, pick and transform the medicinal plants of the Val de Dagne, with total respect for nature.
This workshop combines transmission, love of plants, discovery and aromatherapy. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions about the traditional uses of medicinal plants, discover forgotten techniques and reconnect body and mind with nature. All in an enchanting setting, just a stone’s throw from the most beautiful landscapes in the Aude. Get out your diary and reserve your workshop date in the available slots.
🏛️ 2. Explore Lagrasse Abbey, a listed medieval gem
Continue with a dose of history and beauty at the Abbaye de Lagrasse, a jewel of Benedictine architecture nestled in the heart of the valley. Listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Lagrasse is as much a must-see in the Aude department as the city of Carcassonne. With its ancient stones, peaceful cloister, temporary exhibitions and guided tours, the abbey invites you to step back in time. The site also hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, farmers’ markets and craft workshops. A true concentrate of heritage and spiritual energy.
🍽️ 3. Eat at Aurélien's restaurant in Val de Dagne
At lunchtime, take a seat at Aurélien’s at Vins de Dagne, a popular address for epicureans who love authenticity. Situated in the heart of the village of Montlaur (11220), Aurélien’s restaurant promotes short circuits, seasonal produce and the region’s culinary heritage. On the plate, you’ll find a taste for the simple things sublimated by the chef’s creativity, for a festival of flavors.
Aurélien, a graduate of Master Level Sud De France, also boasts an extensive wine list of over 220 references, carefully selected from his travels and encounters with winegrowers. Beautiful decanters are available to accompany dishes, and customers can even leave with a bottle at a producer’s price.
The restaurant also offers four comfortable and elegant gîtes, perfect for extending the pleasure of a quiet stay in this still-secret part of the Occitanie region.
🍇 4. Taste Domaine de Roquenégade wines
In the afternoon, it’s off to the vineyards! At Domaine de Roquenégade, local Aude grape varieties flourish in sun-drenched soil. The estate, nestled between Carcassonne and Lagrasse, covers some ten hectares of organically farmed land in the heart of the Corbières. The vines benefit from an exceptional terroir, between 200 and 500 meters above sea level, where the Cers wind brings freshness and character to the grapes.
Clay-limestone soils, red and blue marl and oyster sandstone give the wines remarkable complexity. The faults of the Alaric mountain create natural corridors of freshness that contribute to the finesse of the cuvées. The estate is committed to sustainable viticultural practices: hand-picking, agroforestry, natural grassing and sheep grazing.
Visitors are welcomed for warm, commented tastings, where they can discover AOP Corbières, IGP Aude Val de Dagne and Vin de France wines. A great opportunity to discover a living wine heritage, respectful of the environment and deeply rooted in the Occitan terroir.
🌿 5. Walking on the Alaric ridges
Looking for some height? The Montagne d’Alaric is the place for you. This discreet but majestic range offers superb panoramic views over the Languedoc plain, the Corbières and even the Pyrenees on a clear day. Hiking its crests is a must for lovers of wilderness and silence. Depending on your fitness level, you can opt for a family loop or a long traverse. Mediterranean flora reigns supreme, and the scents of thyme, sage and lavender accompany every step. Don’t forget your water bottle, your camera… and keep your eyes wide open.
✍️ 6. Follow Joseph Delteil's cultural trail in Villar-en-Val
Let’s switch gears with a literary walk and a moment dedicated to Art. The Joseph Delteil trail, named after the famous writer and poet born in Val de Dagne, offers a walk punctuated by panels, sculptures and fragments of works. It’s an invitation to see the landscape differently, through the words and imagination of a local boy. A cultural and accessible activity that will appeal to poetry lovers and curious families alike.
A veritable open-air museum, the trail crosses the Villar forest, where the artist Joseph Delteil’s father once made charcoal. The easy, shady walk lasts around two hours and covers 6 km, with a 250-meter gradient. It links several emblematic points, including the Sentier en poésie, the Sentier à la Dame and the Théâtre de Verdure. A must-see from April, during spring and into autumn, to enjoy nature and the light of the Midi.
🐴 7. Go horseback riding with Alizée - La Ferme du Plot
To round off the day in style, there’s nothing like an organized horseback ride with Alizée, a passionate rider and true ambassador for the Val de Dagne. At Ferme du Plot, she offers horseback riding outings in the heart of nature, suitable for all levels. The itinerary winds its way through emblematic sites, wooded ridges, flower-filled clearings and secret paths linking ancient bastides. It’s a sensory and sporting experience, where you reconnect with the rhythm of the horse, the red earth and the immense sky. Perfect for families, couples or lovers of true emotions.
The equestrian farm, founded in 1966 by Michel Niemans, is now run by his daughter Alizée. Between Carcassonne and Narbonne, it welcomes you all year round by reservation, for rides lasting from 1 hour to a full day, or 2 to 6-day itinerant tours, including vineyard visits and tastings. Customized tours, adapted to every level of experience, give you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the Cathar region. An unforgettable way to discover the Val de Dagne in a different way, between natural heritage and local know-how.
Conclusion: A day of nature, culture and know-how in the Val de Dagne
Planning to go out this Saturday? The Val de Dagne is a little-known nugget in the Aude department. Experience the perfect balance between heritage, terroir and plant immersion.
Whether you’re a lover of wine, history or plants, this corner of paradise offers you an authentic and enriching experience. From the narrow streets of Lagrasse to the sensory workshops of Boèmia, from the fragrant crests of the Alaric to the gallops of the Ferme du Plot, each activity lets you feel the soul of the region.
FAQ - Everything you need to know about your day out in the Val de Dagne
When is the best time to discover Val de Dagne?
If you had to choose, September is an ideal time: the light is mild, the roads are quiet, the markets are still in full swing, and there are plenty of exhibitions and events on offer, particularly in emblematic places like Lagrasse or around Fontfroide. But the year: you can come in July for a festival, on a wintry Sunday for a solitary stroll, or at the height of the tourist season to discover the highlights of southern France.
How to get to Val de Dagne
Val de Dagne is located in the heart of the Aude department. From theA61 freeway, take the Carcassonne-Est exit, then follow Montlaur or Lagrasse. The area is well served and easy to find. Be sure to respect the tranquility of the area: here, you drive at the right speed, and take your time.
Other ideas for outings in the Aude?
Yes, of course! As well as the Val de Dagne, theAude is packed with historic villages, fascinating museums (such as the Montolieu book village, the Narbonne museum, or the sites ofSaint-Nazaire cathedral,Saint-Vincent church, or the shores of the Mediterranean. You can also follow
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