A FAMILY HOLIDAY WITH CHILDREN
Unforgettable Family Holidays in the Aude: Beaches, History, Hiking and Sports…
The Aude department in the south of France offers an ideal setting for a family holiday with children and teenagers, combining sunny beaches, a wealth of history, picturesque hiking trails and a variety of sporting activities. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, culture or nature, the Aude promises unforgettable moments for all ages. There’s something for everyone.
Renting a holiday home or a charming gîte is the first step
To discover a holiday destination, it’s important to already feel a bit at home in your holiday rental. It has to be child-friendly, comfortable with good bedding for everyone’s rest and all the comforts you need to lighten your daily chores. This place exists between Narbonne, Carcassonne and Béziers. It is the Domaine de PUYCHENE in Saint Nazaire D’Aude. 30 minutes from the sandy beaches, easy to get to. From our charming gites, you can access long sandy beaches without worrying about traffic jams. No traffic jams on our roads.
The Aude has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
In Gruissan, the Plage des Chalets is very picturesque with its wooden houses on stilts, the beach at Mateille and St Pierre la Mer with its wind surfers, the very long beach at Leucate and its quality paillotes where you can enjoy simple but fresh homemade fish-based cuisine – there’s something for everyone. Children can build sandcastles and swim safely in the supervised areas, while adults can relax in the sun or take part in water sports…
Time travel for young and old
For families with a passion for history and their children, the Aude is a real open book. The city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see. With its two fortified walls and 52 towers, it transports young and old to the heart of the Middle Ages. Roman.
There are also many medieval villages to discover, such as Minerve, which bears witness to the terrible history of the Cathars. Not far from here, the castles of Peyrepertuse, Queribus, Terme, Aguilar, Lastours… offer an insight into the history of the Cathars, with the added bonus of a breathtaking view of the Corbières and Minervois. A magnificent museum built by Norman Foster, the famous British architect, opened its doors in 2022. It contains treasures of Roman history.
Sports activities for all ages
The Aude is also a destination of choice for sporty families. Whether you’re on the water, kayaking in a canoe or stand-up paddle, kite surfing, wind surfing or walking on the Canal du Midi, there are activities for all levels of adventure. Younger visitors will love the accrobranche adventure parks, while cyclists can take advantage of the many safe routes. On the banks of the Canal or amidst the vines and garrigue. Courses for all ages. Just a 2-minute walk from our charming gites, you can hire electric or classic bikes, as well as equipment for the little ones.
Tastes to discover
After so many activities, there’s nothing like discovering the local gastronomy. The markets of the Aude are full of fresh produce: seafood, goat’s cheese, charcuterie and, of course, the region’s famous wines. Most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes and children’s menus. Just a 2-minute walk from our charming estate, you can enjoy a visit to our authentic local Sunday market, where you can discover local produce: cheeses and meat from the village shepherdess, meat and charcuterie from Nenette, Manade de Tournebelle, which raises its cattle on horseback as in the Camargue, A fishmonger with fresh fish from here and abroad, vegetables and fruit from Le Panier de Sophie and lots of other great surprises, including hot dishes made by our local caterers… You can even taste these products on the spot with a glass of local and organic wine.
Lasting memories
Family holidays in the Aude are a great opportunity to create lasting memories. Imagine the laughter of the children running along the beaches, the lively discussions during a mountain hike, the amazed expressions in front of the ramparts of Carcassonne or the moments of complicity shared over a typical meal. Each day brings its own share of discoveries and emotions.
