Walled city of Carcassonne, Aude
Aude is situated between the Mediterranean sea to the south, the foothills of the Pyrenees to the west and the foothills of the Massif Central to the north. Almost all of the departement is drained by the River Aude. It is the area with most Cathar castles. Major towns are Carcassonne, Narbonne, Limoux, Quillan, Castelnaudary, Esperaza and Lagrasse.