Aude

Absolutely, I'd be happy to help you plan your 14-day itinerary in Aude! Aude is a beautiful region in southern France known for its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. Since you mentioned you prefer a circuit, I'll design an itinerary that allows you to explore different parts of Aude each day. Let's get started!

Day 1: Arrival in Carcassonne

• Explore the medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit the Château Comtal and walk along the city walls
• Enjoy a traditional French dinner in one of the local restaurants

Day 2: Narbonne

• Visit the Narbonne Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace
• Explore the Roman Horreum and the Canal de la Robine
• Relax at a café in the historic city center

Day 3: Minerve and the Cathar Castles

• Drive to the picturesque village of Minerve
• Visit the Cathar Cross and learn about the region's history
• Explore the nearby Cathar castles of Lastours

Day 4: Limoux and Rennes-le-Château

• Discover the town of Limoux known for its sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux
• Visit the mysterious village of Rennes-le-Château and its church

Day 5: Lagrasse and Abbey of Fontfroide

• Explore the medieval village of Lagrasse and its Abbey
• Visit the stunning Abbey of Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery

Day 6: Gruissan and the Coast

• Spend the day relaxing on the beaches of Gruissan
• Explore the old town and visit the Gruissan Castle

Day 7: Castelnaudary and the Canal du Midi

• Visit Castelnaudary, known for its cassoulet dish
• Take a boat ride on the Canal du Midi and enjoy the scenic views

Day 8: Quillan and the Pyrenees

• Drive to Quillan, a charming town in the foothills of the Pyrenees
• Explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking

Day 9: Mirepoix and Château de Montségur

• Visit the medieval town of Mirepoix with its half-timbered houses
• Explore the ruins of Château de Montségur, a symbol of the Cathar resistance

Day 10: Bugarach and Rennes-les-Bains

• Discover the mystical peak of Bugarach
• Relax in the thermal baths of Rennes-les-Bains

Day 11: Puivert and Lac de Montbel

• Visit the Château de Puivert and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside
• Relax by Lac de Montbel and go for a swim or a boat ride

Day 12: Fanjeaux and Abbey of Saint-Hilaire

• Explore the hilltop village of Fanjeaux with its panoramic views
• Visit the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire and taste the local Blanquette de Limoux wine

Day 13: Cucugnan and Quéribus Castle

• Discover the village of Cucugnan and its windmill
• Visit the impressive Quéribus Castle perched on a rocky outcrop

Day 14: Return to Carcassonne

• Spend your last day exploring any sites you missed in Carcassonne
• Enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant

I hope this itinerary gives you a good overview of the diverse attractions Aude has to offer. Let me know if you need any more details or if you have any specific preferences!